Cebuana Lhuillier Celebrates Excellence and Outstanding Performance at the 2026 Brillo Awards

For years, the Brillo Awards have stood as Cebuana Lhuillier’s highest distinction, honoring the loyalty, achievements, and contributions of Ka Cebuanas who have helped shape the organization. This year, under the theme “Spotlight is Yours,” the tradition takes on a renewed focus, putting the people behind the company’s success center stage and recognizing the journeys, accomplishments, and contributions that continue to move Cebuana Lhuillier forward.

“What we’re celebrating goes beyond tenure or achievement. We honor the difference our KaCebuanas continue to make in the lives of others. No amount of setbacks have stopped them from showing up, because they understand that behind these transactions are millions of Filipinos who place their trust in us and rely on Cebuana Lhuillier every day," said Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier.

Among the most meaningful tributes were the service milestones of KaCebuanas who have dedicated decades to the company, including this year’s 35-year awardees. Having witnessed Cebuana Lhuillier’s evolution firsthand, these long-serving employees embody the commitment, growth, and malasakit that have shaped the company over the years.

One of the awardees, Marietta Cabaron Baguio, reflected on the milestone: “Being with Cebuana Lhuillier is a deeply cherished achievement. I’m grateful for the years of growth, the people who have been part of the journey, and the opportunity to continue serving with passion and dedication.”

The Brillo Awards also applauded KaCebuanas and teams whose performance continues to raise the bar across the organization, with honors spanning key areas such as Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Brokers Inc. (CLIB) Best in Overall Insurance Performance and Best in Customer Reach, Top Branch of the Year Cross-Sell Champions, Cebuana Lhuillier Rural Bank (CLRB) Microsavings Top Performing Branch, Best Branch for Cebuana Lhuillier Jewelry Premium, CX Excellence Award, and Money Mover of the Year.

The evening’s top performance honors went to CLH Datu Saber-Marawi as Branch of the Year, Area 502 as Area of the Year, and Region 5B as Region of the Year. The awards highlighted the teams’ strong performance, commitment, and collective drive to deliver results for their customers and communities. Peter Cabauatan, Regional Manager of Region 5B, enthused, "We are grateful for this recognition and for the opportunity to celebrate what our team has accomplished. More than an award, it reminds us of the impact we can make for our clients and communities and motivates us to keep moving forward with purpose.”

Beyond performance and service milestones, Brillo also honors individuals who embody Cebuana Lhuillier's values and spirit through its special awards. The Edna Lhuillier Heart of Ka-Cebuana Award recognizes individuals whose compassion, generosity, and genuine care for others make a meaningful difference to their colleagues and communities. The Felix Contapay Award cites exceptional dedication and contributions that leave a lasting mark on the company. The Anselmo Hernandez Award acknowledges courage, determination, and the willingness to rise to challenges in service of others. Meanwhile, the Ambassador’s Cup Award salutes outstanding individuals who exemplify leadership, commitment, and the values that Cebuana Lhuillier stands for.

“As we pay tribute to our team members through the Brillo platform, we reinforce the principles that make our company an exceptional home for talent,” said Jo-Ann Tacorda, First Vice President and Group Head for Corporate Services of Cebuana Lhuillier. “These honors represent a powerful expression of our employer brand, one that nurtures advancement and inspires standard-setting performance across all divisions.”

With each Brillo celebration, Cebuana Lhuillier reinforces a culture where dedication is valued, initiative is encouraged, and people are empowered to make a difference. As the company looks ahead, the stories honored this year serve as a reminder that its strongest legacy is built by the KaCebuanas who continue to raise the standard, lead with purpose, and shape what comes next.

Indian Yoga School PH Expands Senior Yoga Program as More Older Adults Embrace Active Aging

  

The growth of Indian Yoga School PH’s senior classes comes as the Philippines’ population continues to age. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority’s 2024 Census of Population, approximately 11.42 million Filipinos are aged 60 and above, representing 10.2 percent of the household population. Through adapted yoga sessions focused on accessible movement, balance, strength, and participation, Indian Yoga School PH is creating an environment where older adults can remain physically and socially active regardless of their starting ability.

TAYTAY, RIZAL – When the children of an elderly couple enrolled their parents at Indian Yoga School PH, their goal was relatively simple: they wanted Mom and Dad to have something to do.

They were not expecting yoga to become something their parents would eagerly look forward to.

During one of the grandmother’s first sessions, she required continuous assistance while walking and moving around the studio. After several guided sessions, her instructors and family began noticing changes in what she was able to do independently.

She can now sit herself up without assistance, participates more confidently during class, and is consistently excited to return for her next session. The couple has also progressed to walking back to their nearby home after attending class.

Their experience has become one of the stories emerging from Indian Yoga School PH’s growing senior community as the school welcomes more students aged 60 and above.

While the observed changes cannot be attributed solely to yoga and should not be interpreted as medical outcomes, the couple’s experience illustrates something increasingly important as the Philippines’ population ages: giving older adults accessible opportunities to move, participate, and remain engaged.

Older adults practice guided floor-based movements.

A Growing Need for Active Aging in the Philippines

The Philippines is gradually becoming an older country.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority’s 2024 Census of Population, approximately 11.42 million Filipinos are now aged 60 and above. Senior citizens represent 10.2 percent of the country’s household population, compared with 8.5 percent in 2020.

As that population grows, conversations around aging are increasingly expanding beyond longevity to include mobility, functional independence, social participation, and quality of life.

Regular physical activity plays an important role in that conversation.

The World Health Organization recommends that older adults remain physically active and include activities that emphasize functional balance and strength as part of their weekly routines. These activities can contribute to maintaining physical function and reducing the risk of falls and fall-related injuries.

Yoga can incorporate several elements relevant to active aging, including controlled movement, balance, flexibility, breathing, and strength. Importantly for older practitioners, many movements can also be adapted according to an individual’s existing physical ability.

Senior participants follow instructor-led exercises.

Yoga That Meets Seniors Where They Are

At Indian Yoga School PH, joining a yoga class does not require a senior student to already be flexible, strong, or independently mobile.

The school’s approach to its older practitioners begins with what each student can safely and comfortably do.

Movements may be modified according to mobility, balance, strength, and confidence. For some participants, the starting point may look very different from what people typically imagine when they think of yoga.

The goal is not to achieve complicated poses.

Instead, instructors focus on helping students participate in controlled, appropriate movement while gradually becoming more comfortable using their bodies.

“With our senior students, it isn’t about how deeply they can stretch or whether they can perform a particular pose. We meet them where they are. What has been especially meaningful for us is seeing them become more confident in movement and, just as importantly, genuinely excited to come back to class.”

That excitement has become particularly noticeable among the elderly couple.

What their children initially intended as an activity to occupy their parents’ time has become part of their regular routine.

The grandmother, who once needed consistent assistance while walking during her first sessions, now arrives eager to participate and show her instructors what she can do.

From a Couple to a Growing Senior Community

The couple is no longer an isolated example at Indian Yoga School PH.

As more families learn that the school can accommodate older adults, its group of senior practitioners has continued to grow.

The development has also changed what a yoga community can look like inside the school.

Students of different ages and physical capabilities can participate in a practice traditionally associated with flexibility and athleticism, while instructors adapt sessions around the abilities of the people actually in the room.

For senior students, the benefits of attending class can extend beyond the physical activity itself.

Regular sessions provide structure to the week, an opportunity to leave the house, interaction with instructors and fellow students, and something new to learn and anticipate.

For families, these seemingly small changes can carry significant meaning.

An aging parent sitting up without help, walking farther than before, participating in an activity with their spouse, or simply becoming excited about leaving the house can represent meaningful changes in everyday life.

Senior participants practice gentle movement exercises.

Changing the Perception of Who Can Practice Yoga

Indian Yoga School PH hopes its growing senior community can also challenge one of the most persistent misconceptions surrounding yoga: that people need to be young, flexible, or physically fit before they can begin.

For older adults in particular, that perception can become a barrier to trying new forms of movement.

The experience of the school’s senior students demonstrates a different starting point.

Some may arrive already active. Others may require assistance with everyday movement. What matters is that the practice is adapted to the individual rather than asking the individual to adapt to a predetermined level of yoga.

The school encourages older adults and their families to consider existing medical conditions, mobility limitations, and individual circumstances before beginning any new physical activity program and to consult an appropriate healthcare professional when necessary.

Movement, Independence, and Something to Look Forward To

The growing senior program at Indian Yoga School PH ultimately reflects a broader definition of active aging.

Progress does not always mean performing increasingly difficult exercises.

For an older adult, progress might mean sitting up independently. It might mean feeling steadier while moving. It might mean being able to walk home with a spouse after class.

And sometimes, it simply means waking up excited because today is yoga day.

For one elderly couple, what began because their children wanted to give them “something to do” has become a shared routine they now look forward to.

For Indian Yoga School PH, their story has also become part of something larger: a growing community showing that starting yoga does not have to come with an age limit.

Take the next step in your yoga journey with classes designed for every level of practice.

About Indian Yoga School PH

Indian Yoga School PH is a yoga education and wellness institution based in Taytay, Rizal, dedicated to making authentic Indian yoga accessible in the Philippines. Founded through the partnership of Filipina entrepreneur Anj Volante and Indian yoga teacher and therapist Yogi Kirtti Anand, the school offers traditional Hatha Yoga, Yoga Therapy, meditation, pranayama, and internationally inspired teacher training programs. Its mission is to provide a welcoming space where students of all experience levels can learn yoga through authentic lineage, proper alignment, and holistic well-being.

Cebuana Lhuillier, NDRRMC Champion Community Resilience with Nationwide Disaster Preparedness Day

 

Cebuana Lhuillier has partnered with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), through the Office of the Civil Defence (OCD) to launch a nationwide disaster preparedness initiative that brings emergency preparedness education and affordable financial protection to flood-prone communities across the country. Timed with the height of the rainy season, the program reinforces the importance of helping Filipino families prepare before disasters strike.

Implemented in collaboration with local government units and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (MDRRMOs), the caravan will roll out in Marikina City, Cebu City, and Cagayan de Oro. Through expert-led disaster preparedness seminars and the distribution of Emergency Go-Bags to 100 families at every stop, the initiative equips communities with the knowledge and resources they need to better prepare for emergencies.

"The nationwide Disaster Preparedness Day reflects our commitment to making disaster preparedness and financial protection accessible to every Filipino family," said Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier. "By combining education, community engagement, and insurance we are giving families both the knowledge and the safety net they need to face emergencies with confidence."

Each participating family will receive a Cebuana Lhuillier Emergency Go-Bag containing bottled water, canned food, flashlights, whistles, first aid kits, and other essential survival items to help strengthen household preparedness.

Through the Disaster Preparedness Day, Cebuana Lhuillier and the NDRRMC are helping build a culture of preparedness by bringing disaster readiness and financial protection closer to the communities that need them most. By combining practical preparedness with accessible microinsurance, the initiative empowers Filipino families not only to face disasters with greater confidence but also to recover and rebuild more quickly when they occur.

Do Long Opens a New Bridal Chapter with The Prime at Vietnam Wedding Week 2026

 

Ho Chi Minh City, August 2026 – At Vietnam Wedding Week 2026, DO LONG BRIDAL introduced The Prime, bringing a design language associated with glamour, confidence and visual impact into a new conversation: bridal fashion.

Presented as part of Bridal Fashion Show 2026, the collection marked an important moment in Do Long’s exploration of the wedding wardrobe. Rather than simply adapting occasionwear for a bridal context, The Prime approached the bride as a protagonist with her own sense of presence.

Within The Love City, the collection added another perspective to a seven-show programme that moved across very different definitions of contemporary wedding fashion.

A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS ON THE BRIDAL RUNWAY

For a designer with an established relationship to glamour and high-impact dressing, entering bridal fashion presents a particular challenge. A wedding gown belongs to an occasion that is both deeply personal and highly visible.

The garment must hold meaning for the person wearing it, while also defining how she enters the room, appears in photographs and remembers the day years later.

The Prime approached this tension directly, translating a recognisable sense of drama into a bridal proposition built around confidence and presence.

THE PRIME – GLAMOUR, CORSETS AND THE POWER OF PRESENCE

The collection's visual language is shaped by figure-enhancing silhouettes, corsetry and intricate embellishment. These elements create garments that do not retreat into the background.

The body becomes part of the design conversation, with construction used to emphasise shape and create a strong visual line. Embellishment adds another layer of theatricality, allowing each look to carry the polished glamour associated with the DO LONG design universe.

The result is bridal fashion that treats the wedding day as a moment of arrival.

WHEN THE DO LONG WOMAN BECOMES A BRIDE

The move into bridal fashion does not require the designer to abandon an existing aesthetic. Instead, The Prime explores what happens when that aesthetic enters a new emotional context.

Confidence, sensuality and individuality remain central. The difference is that these qualities are now connected to a wedding day and the personal significance that comes with it.

The Do Long bride is therefore not presented as a separate character. She carries the same sense of self-awareness, but expresses it at a different moment in her story.

BEYOND THE TRADITIONAL IMAGE OF BRIDAL BEAUTY

For generations, bridal fashion has often been associated with softness, delicacy and restraint. Those qualities remain meaningful to many brides, but they no longer define the entire category.

The Prime offers another possibility. Its bride can be sensual, sharp, glamorous and unapologetically visible. She does not need to reduce her personality in order to fit a traditional image of the wedding day.

This approach reflects a broader shift within contemporary bridal fashion, where individual identity increasingly matters as much as convention.

FROM FASHION SPECTACLE TO ONE OF LIFE’S MOST PERSONAL MOMENTS

A high-impact runway collection and a wedding dress may appear to belong to different worlds, but both are connected to moments of transformation. One is designed to create an immediate visual experience; the other becomes part of a personal milestone.

The challenge is to allow spectacle and intimacy to coexist. The Prime approaches this through a strong sense of presence, suggesting that glamour itself can become a form of personal expression.

In this way, the collection does not separate the emotional significance of a wedding from the desire to make an unforgettable entrance.

THE PRIME FINDS ITS STAGE IN THE LOVE CITY

Vietnam Wedding Week 2026, developed through the collaboration of YEAH1 and LIVEN Technology, brought together seven designers and brands whose approaches ranged from cultural storytelling and refined romance to couture glamour, modern menswear and sensuality.

Within that landscape, DO LONG BRIDAL occupied a clear position. The Prime spoke to a bride looking for a strong visual signature and a gown that places her confidently at the centre of her own celebration.

With Italian Atelier Asia-Pacific and CjC Marketing Agency supporting Vietnam Wedding Week 2026 as Promotional Partners, the event also formed part of a wider communications and industry outreach effort connecting fashion with the broader wedding ecosystem.

For Do Long, The Prime therefore represented more than another runway presentation. It opened a new bridal chapter while adding another definition of what the contemporary bride can be: visible, self-assured and entirely present in her moment.