Maria Katrina Paras

Article (news)

AXA at Rave Studio

<p>As we step into a brand-new year, it’s the perfect time to reset not just our goals, but how we take care of ourselves. Prioritizing both mental and physical health should be more than just a trend, but a lifestyle choice rooted in intention and foresight. </p><p>For 2026, the real flex for this generation is preventive healthcare, backed by trusted, top-tier protection that prepares you for life’s unexpected challenges. It’s no longer just about reacting when something goes wrong. It’s about staying ahead of it. From fitness classes and outdoor hobbies to mental wellness rituals and mindful routines, the real goal is to redefine what it means to live well. To go beyond just being active or productive but having a preventive mindset that protects your health, your income, and your future.</p><div> </div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1768315322401WELLNESS BANNERS.jpeg" style="width:700px;display:block" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">AXA’s Ride for Wellness at Rave Studio</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>In the Philippines, however, preventive healthcare still comes with misconceptions, especially when it comes to insurance. Many people rely on what is just provided like company benefits and leave the rest to short-term solutions or out-of-pocket care, without fully considering how quickly medical costs can escalate. This often stems from a deeply ingrained family-first mindset. Filipinos work tirelessly to provide for loved ones, sometimes at the expense of their own health, assuming they can “deal with it later.”</p><p>According to <strong>Tony Castillo, Product Category Head for Critical Illness (CI) &amp; Health, AXA Philippines</strong>,<strong> </strong>this mindset is slowly changing. “Millennials and Gen Zs make up about 60% of our Health customers,” he shares, pointing to a growing awareness that protecting one’s health early is not a luxury, but a responsibility—to oneself and to one’s family. </p><p>Understanding protection starts with knowing the tools available to you. Health coverage isn’t one-size-fits-all, and different plans serve different purposes.</p><p>HMO plans are typically designed for everyday medical needs: doctor consultations, basic diagnostics, and limited inpatient care. They’re useful for routine health concerns and are often provided by employers. But when it comes to preventive healthcare, a company HMO might not be enough. With most plans capped at around PHP 250,000, one serious diagnosis requiring multiple tests and treatment can drain that in an instant.</p><p>Health insurance, therefore, steps in when medical needs become critical. It helps cover hospitalization, surgeries, and major treatments, especially when HMO limits are quickly exhausted. Payments can be made cashless directly to the hospital, or through reimbursement, easing the financial burden during critical moments. </p><p>Meanwhile, critical illness insurance works differently. Once you’re diagnosed with a covered illness such as cancer, heart attack, or stroke, it provides a lump-sum cash benefit. This payout goes straight to you and can be used however you need—whether for treatment, recovery, income replacement, or everyday expenses while you focus on getting better.</p><p>Together, these layers create a more holistic safety net that aligns with a preventive approach rather than a reactive one. Health risks don’t discriminate by age, and being young doesn’t make anyone immune to unexpected medical events.</p><div> </div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1768315584944Axa 3.jpg.jpg" style="width:700px;display:block" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Sweating Every Beat with Indoor Cycling at Rave Studio Presented by AXA</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>AXA: More than health insurance, it&#x27;s an integrative part of life</strong></div><p>As a worldwide leader in insurance, AXA serves as Filipinos’ long-term partner in well-being. Through solutions such as Global Health Access and Health Care Access, AXA helps complement existing HMO coverage by offering broader protection and access to quality care, locally and globally—making preventive healthcare more accessible for young professionals and growing families alike.</p><div> </div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1768315411360WELLNESS BANNERS.jpeg" style="width:700px;display:block" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Paul Cuyugan, Product Manager of AXA Philippines</span></span></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust:100%">&quot;At AXA, the health and well-being of our employees, stakeholders, and customers are always a priority,&quot; Tony emphasized. They are focused on preventive care, from vitamins and health screenings to 24/7 teleconsultations and mental health coverage, ensuring holistic well-being. </span></div><p>That same philosophy extends inward. AXA integrates preventive care into its own workplace culture, going beyond standard employee benefits. &quot;Within the company, we also practice what we promote,&quot; Tony added, significantly dedicating wellness programs beyond just the standard APE and HMO coverage through &quot;<strong>Healthy You Days</strong>&quot;—a full week of learning sessions and activities that promote holistic well-being. They also have their recent initiative, empowering employees to become certified Mental Health First Aiders, equipping them with training to support colleagues who may need immediate emotional or mental health assistance.</p><p>As we step into the new year, let’s put our wellbeing and our futures ahead of us. Investing in our health is a win-win. It’s one of the best investments you can make for yourself and your loved ones. In this season of new beginnings, it’s a special gift that lasts longer, protects you, and keeps you prepared for what might come.</p><p>With AXA, know you can protect your time, your goals, and the people who depend on you. Learn more and find the right plan for you at AXA’s <a href="https://www.axa.com.ph/products/health-and-critical-illness?cmId=form-talk-to-an-advisor&amp;utm_source=facebook&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=health-pr-health-ao_spin_MetroStyle_article-2026&amp;utm_content=conv--MetroStyleArticle-1152026" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">website</a>.</p><div> </div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1768315815703Axa 4.jpg.jpg" style="width:700px;display:block;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Guests Who Joined AXA’s Ride for Wellness at Rave Studio</span></span></span></div><div> </div>

<p>Here at Metro, we truly value making small changes that lead to big results! This month, we're zeroing in on wellness practices we can incorporate into our routines to help us feel better inside and out.</p>

Here at Metro, we truly value making small changes that lead to big results! This month, we're zeroing in on wellness practices we can incorporate into our routines to help us feel better inside and out.

New Year, Better You: Why Staying Healthy Is The True Flex

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New Year, Better You: Why Staying Healthy Is The True Flex

AXA Philippines

Published Jan 03, 2026 09:00 PM PHT

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Updated Jan 14, 2026 04:10 PM PHT

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2026

Wellness

AXA Philippines

AXA Rave Studio

AXA Health Insurance

AXA Global Health Access

AXA Health Care Access

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