Sun Life expands Hoops + Health program, donates basketball equipment to 130 schools

Joy Castillo, Sun Life Grepa Financial, Inc. Chief Operating Officer and Sun Life Foundation President; Dr. Cipriano Bisco Jr., Taguig Integrated School Principal; Carla Gonzalez-Chong, Sun Life Philippines Chief Client Experience and Marketing Officer; and Tina Wong, Beyond Sport Asia Consultant

MANILA, PH – June 2025 – Sun Life Philippines recently announced the expansion of its successful Hoops + Health program, reinforcing its commitment to fostering healthy and active lifestyles among the Filipinos. Building on the positive impact of last year’s Hoops + Health program, Sun Life will donate basketball equipment and gear to 130 schools across Metro Manila. This is aligned with Sun Life’s 130^th anniversary in the Philippines.

The Hoops + Health program, in collaboration with global sport-for-social-change organization Beyond Sport, drives towards Sun Life’s advocacy to help Filipinos live healthier lives. Recognizing the immense popularity of basketball in the Philippines and its potential to encourage physical activity, Sun Life is contributing to the grassroots development of sports by providing schools with the necessary tools to empower their students to move.

This year, the program is intensifying its efforts to promote youth active lifestyles. It aims to engage 120 youth, aged 7 to 16, over more than 200 training hours through six-months of free weekly basketball sessions. The delivery locations have expanded from just Laguna in 2024 to Laguna, Pasig City, and Mandaluyong City in 2025. The 130 schools were identified in coordination with the Sun Life Foundation and AHA! Behavioral Design. In addition, the initiative recently ran virtual coach workshops with 51 Filipino basketball coaches to support them in educating an estimated 3,460 young people about health and wellness.

Meanwhile, the donation package for each school will include a variety of basketball essentials, such as basketballs, hoops, nets, and other training equipment. This donation aims to remove barriers to participation and ensure that the community has access to the resources they need to engage in sports.

“We are thrilled to continue the Hoops + Health program as this embodies our mission to be a partner in the Filipinos’ journey towards a healthier life,” said Carla Gonzalez-Chong, Chief Client Experience and Marketing Officer of Sun Life Philippines. “Last year, we saw firsthand the enthusiasm and positive impact this initiative had on young people. By equipping more schools with quality basketball gear, we aim to inspire even more youth to embrace an active lifestyle, learn valuable life skills through sports, and build a healthier future for themselves.”

Visit www.sunlife.com.ph to learn more about Sun Life. To stay updated, follow Sun Life Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Comments

SM City Zamboanga: Architecture Inspired by Vinta, Weaving, and the Art of the South

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines, March 2026 - SM Supermalls unveils SM City Zamboanga, its 90th mall in the Philippines, designed as an architectural expression of the culture and artistry of the Zamboanga Peninsula. The mall translates the city’s rich visual traditions into a contemporary lifestyle space where design reflects identity, heritage, and movement. Located along Mayor Vitaliano Agan Avenue in Camino Nuevo, the four level development spans about 61,000 square meters. The building rises with a modern silhouette that introduces a new architectural landmark for the city while drawing inspiration from the artistic traditions that define Zamboanga. The design narrative begins with one of the region’s most iconic symbols, the vinta. Known for its vividly colored sails, the traditional boat represents the maritime culture of the Zamboanga Peninsula and nearby island communities. Its geometric patterns and bold color combinations have become a visual signature of the region. Insi...

SM Lanang's Christmas Centerpiece won my ❤️

Among all the the Christmas Centerpiece launches that happens in the past few days and weeks, SM Lanang have captured my attention. They had the most beautiful execution of Christmas installation this year. My favorite part about it is the hanging Christmas trees that is perfectly done. Lala, the Giant Installation is also ready to shop this coming Christmas.

All SM Malls Unite for Cebu: A Nationwide Call to Hope and Empowerment

All SM malls across the country light up in green to symbolize hope and unity for communities in Cebu affected by Typhoon Tino—reflecting the Filipino spirit of bayanihan and compassion during times of adversity. In the aftermath of Typhoon Tino , SM Supermalls, through SM Foundation and SM Cares , has launched a nationwide campaign titled “All SM Malls Unite for Cebu,” mobilizing support and solidarity to uplift communities affected by the disaster. With the campaign’s message, “HOPE calls for an empowered community,” SM invites Filipinos across the country to extend compassion and generosity—uniting to bring grace, hope, and strength to those in need. SM City Cebu’s Christmas centerpiece glows as part of the “All SM Malls Unite for Cebu” campaign. The lighting ceremony, held on November 13, brings together SM employees, partners, and local stakeholders to express solidarity with those impacted by the recent typhoon. Lighting the Way for Cebu The initiative was launched duri...

A Dozen Delicious Reasons to Dine at SMDC

Looking for your next food trip? These dining spots inside SMDC properties are lowkey, amazing and worth a visit whether you live nearby or are just dropping in. From Japanese beef bowls to Tagaytay cafés with a view, these places offer more than good eats. They bring flavor, vibe, and convenience to everyday dining. Here’s where to eat when hunger strikes: 1. Liminvl Coffee – SMDC Strip at Wind Residences, Tagaytay Liminvl Coffee at SMDC Strip at Wind offers approachable specialty brews in a cozy, home-like space where residents, office workers, and coffee lovers gather; their best-seller is the Apricot Latte, a smooth espresso topped with apricot-infused foam, while favorites like the Americoco, Mushroom Melt, Fish & Chips, and hand-brewed pour-overs keep guests coming back, with seasonal coffee mocktails, an expanded food menu, and upcoming workshops making it a true community hub. Price Range per Head: 400-700 Link: https://www.instagram.com/liminvlcoffee?igsh=MWRhYmVpcHlpbnB5N...

Stay, are you ready?

Few more days ago, Stray Kids is back for their dominATE world tour at Philippine Arena, Bulacan. Aside from your ticket and energy, here are some of your go to essentials. Stray Kids Official Lightstick will make your concert experience more memorable. Ofcourse, don't forget to bring extra batteries for it. Your bias photo card. Show your love by bringing your fave bias photocard. A personalized banner will also be a good idea. Power bank/s will save you from dead phone during performances. Better make sure you have extras too just incase. Here are some more recommendations in attending concert at Philippine Arena. 1. Better to book Bus Service. Going out of the area will definitely be traffic so better to ride a bus service instead. 2. Bring some candies or small biscuits. Although there are some food tenants in the area. Its still better to have some gums or candies to make you alive. 3. Don't over pack. It will be a long wait ...

Seen in PH

Search This Blog