Living longer may be a welcome prospect, but it also comes with a practical challenge: preparing early for the health and financial demands that can come with a longer life.
That was the focus of The Art of Longevity, an event hosted by Manulife China Bank Life Assurance Corporation (MCBL) that brought together more than 100 customers, financial sales associates, bank partners, and health and wealth experts.
The gathering put prevention, early detection, and financial preparedness at the center of discussions on longevity, reflecting a growing need for Filipinos to think beyond simply adding years to their lives and consider how they can remain healthy and financially secure along the way.
“Living longer is a gift, but it also requires more intentional planning,” said Amy Gochuico, MCBL president and chief executive officer. She emphasized the importance of bringing health, protection, and financial planning together so people can take action earlier and better prepare for the future.
Early Detection Takes The Spotlight
Cancer emerged as one of the key health concerns discussed during the event, particularly the importance of detecting and managing the disease before it reaches advanced stages.
MCBL cited findings from a recent Manulife Philippines study showing that cancer ranks among the diseases most feared by Filipinos, even as many continue to postpone screening. It also pointed to a 2023 report from the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, which found that only one percent of Filipino women undergo cancer screening.
Breast cancer remains a particular concern, with 65 percent of cases in the Philippines reportedly being diagnosed only at an advanced stage.
Against this backdrop, MCBL brought in healthcare partners Ayala Health Holdings Inc. (AC Health), Healthway Cancer Care Hospital, and Guardant Health to discuss how cancer risks can accumulate over time and why earlier detection can make a difference.
The discussions also highlighted advances in testing and coordinated healthcare that could help patients identify potential risks sooner and navigate treatment more effectively.
A notable part of the event was MCBL’s recently launched partnership with Guardant Health, which gives eligible customers access to the Shield™ Multi-Cancer Detection laboratory-developed test.
Looking Beyond Healthcare
The event also broadened the conversation from disease prevention to the financial realities of living longer.
As people face longer retirements and changing economic conditions, MCBL emphasized the need to prepare financially through a combination of protection, savings, and wealth-building strategies.
The company’s bancassurance model combines Manulife’s insurance expertise with Chinabank’s banking and wealth-management capabilities, with the goal of helping customers align financial protection with longer-term life goals.
For MCBL, the message behind The Art of Longevity is ultimately about acting before major health or financial challenges arise—not simply responding to them when they do.
The initiative is aligned with ManulifeMOVE, the company’s holistic health program, as well as the Manulife Longevity Institute, which focuses on research, innovation, advocacy, and partnerships aimed at helping people live longer, healthier, and more financially secure lives.
As life expectancy continues to evolve, the event underscored a simple but increasingly important idea: longevity planning is not something to leave for later. The earlier people begin preparing for their health and financial futures, the more options they may have as those years unfold.
(MAIN PHOTO from L-R: Gerry Susmerano (Retail Banking Business Co-Segment Head, Chinabank); Dr. Hidelisa Bondoc(Longevity Medicine Physician); Paul Kalogirou (Head of Client Portfolio Management, APAC, Manulife Investment Management); Amy Gochuico (President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife China Bank Life); Dr. Conrado
Gabriel C. Lorenzo, III (Chair, Medical Advisory Council & Head, Department of Medical Oncology, Healthway Cancer Care Hospital); Divya Mehta (VP of Commercial, Guardant Health); Dr. Manuel Francisco Roxas (President and Chief Executive Officer, Healthway Cancer Care Hospital); and Patrick Cheng (Chief Financial Officer, Chinabank).