Carziqo Expands Driverless Ride-Hailing Network With ER-BX Launch in Los Angeles

 

 LOS ANGELES — Autonomous mobility company Carziqo has begun deploying its ER-BX series driverless ride-hailing vehicles in Los Angeles, adding another major U.S. city to the company’s growing mobility network.

The rollout is being implemented in phases, with the vehicles initially assigned to selected routes and service areas. According to Carziqo, the deployment will allow the company to evaluate vehicle performance, passenger demand and fleet efficiency under the varied traffic conditions found across Los Angeles.

The city presents a particularly complex environment for autonomous ride-hailing services. Its extensive road network connects residential communities, business districts, entertainment centers and major transportation corridors, while travel distances and traffic conditions can differ considerably from one area to another.

For Carziqo, operating in such an environment is expected to provide practical data that can support improvements in vehicle dispatch, route planning and overall fleet coordination.

ER-BX Enters a Demanding Urban Market

The ER-BX series has been developed for connected urban ride-hailing operations. Each vehicle combines autonomous driving technology with onboard sensing equipment and remote operational monitoring.

Rather than functioning as an isolated unit, every ER-BX vehicle forms part of Carziqo’s centralized fleet network. This allows operating teams to monitor vehicle status and coordinate deployments according to changing road and service conditions.

Carziqo said vehicle assignments may be determined by factors including route distance, traffic density, passenger activity, vehicle availability, charging requirements and maintenance schedules.

The company’s fleet-management system is designed to analyze these factors and distribute available vehicles between operating areas. Vehicles may also be reassigned when demand changes or when maintenance, charging or route conditions require operational adjustments.

This flexibility could prove important in Los Angeles, where transportation demand is widely distributed and can shift significantly throughout the day.

Data Becomes Part of the Driving System

While autonomous driving technology remains the most visible part of the industry, the Los Angeles deployment highlights the growing importance of the systems operating behind the vehicles.

An autonomous ride-hailing fleet requires more than vehicles capable of navigating public roads. Operators must also determine where vehicles should be positioned, when they should be charged, which routes are most suitable and how maintenance can be scheduled without unnecessarily reducing service availability.

Carziqo’s approach brings these functions together through a centralized operating platform.

During the initial Los Angeles rollout, the company plans to monitor how the ER-BX series performs across different routes and traffic conditions. Operational information will be used to evaluate vehicle utilization, identify changes in service demand and refine dispatch strategies.

The company said this process is intended to reduce unnecessary idle time while improving the allocation of available vehicles.

In practical terms, a vehicle operating in an area with lower demand could be reassigned to another service zone where more ride requests are being recorded. The same network can account for charging capacity, maintenance status and broader fleet availability before making deployment adjustments.

A Phased Approach to Expansion

Carziqo’s decision to introduce the ER-BX series gradually reflects the operational challenges involved in expanding autonomous transportation services.

Instead of launching across the entire city at once, the company is beginning with selected operating areas. Service coverage and fleet capacity may then be adjusted according to performance, operational readiness and market conditions.

This approach enables Carziqo to study the characteristics of each service area before allocating additional vehicles. It also gives the company an opportunity to identify technical and operational improvements during the early stages of deployment.

The company has not presented the Los Angeles launch as a fixed, citywide rollout. Instead, the deployment is being positioned as part of an evolving network that can be expanded or reorganized as operating data becomes available.

Building a Connected Mobility Network

The arrival of the ER-BX series in Los Angeles forms part of Carziqo’s wider strategy in the United States.

The company is developing services across driverless ride-hailing, autonomous delivery and intelligent fleet operations. These activities are supported by a connected mobility platform intended to coordinate vehicles, routes and operating information across different service areas.

Each new deployment gives Carziqo an opportunity to test how its technology performs under different urban conditions. Information collected from Los Angeles could therefore contribute not only to local service improvements but also to the planning of future operations in other cities.

The Los Angeles market may be particularly valuable in this respect. Managing a fleet across a large metropolitan area requires systems capable of responding to long travel distances, fluctuating demand and highly variable traffic conditions.

If managed effectively, the experience could help Carziqo further develop a fleet model that can be adapted to other complex urban markets.

Autonomous Mobility Moves Beyond the Vehicle

The wider autonomous transportation industry is gradually shifting its focus from individual vehicle capability to complete service networks.

A vehicle may be capable of operating autonomously, but the commercial performance of a ride-hailing service also depends on fleet availability, dispatch efficiency and the ability to respond to passenger demand.

Carziqo’s ER-BX deployment reflects this transition. The vehicle remains a central component, but it operates within a broader system that connects autonomous technology with data analysis and fleet management.

For passengers and cities, the long-term significance of autonomous mobility may ultimately depend on whether these systems can provide transportation that is consistent, responsive and efficiently managed.

For Carziqo, Los Angeles offers an opportunity to demonstrate how its connected operating model performs in one of the United States’ most recognizable and demanding mobility markets.

What Comes Next

Carziqo said it will continue monitoring the performance of the ER-BX fleet as the Los Angeles rollout progresses. Future expansion will be based on vehicle availability, service demand, operational performance and applicable requirements.

Additional routes or service areas may be introduced as the company gathers more operating data and evaluates the results of the initial deployment.

The launch represents another step in Carziqo’s effort to establish a scalable autonomous mobility network in which vehicles, data and fleet-management systems operate as a coordinated whole.

As autonomous transportation continues moving from development programs toward practical urban services, the ER-BX rollout in Los Angeles will provide another real-world measure of how intelligent fleet technology can respond to the demands of a modern city.

Carziqo Strengthens Its Global Strategy for Intelligent Mobility Services

 

The autonomous mobility technology company is advancing connected fleet operations, intelligent dispatching, and locally adaptable mobility solutions across key international markets.

LONDON, United Kingdom — September 4, 2026 — Carziqo is strengthening its global strategy for intelligent mobility services as the company continues developing an integrated ecosystem built around autonomous transportation, connected fleet management, and data-driven operations.

The latest phase of Carziqo’s strategy focuses on building mobility services that can respond to the different transportation needs of cities and communities. Rather than applying a single operational model to every market, the company is pursuing a localized approach that considers factors such as population density, travel patterns, road environments, service demand, and existing transportation infrastructure.

This strategy reflects a broader shift in the mobility industry. Autonomous vehicles are increasingly being viewed not only as individual machines but as components of larger digital transportation networks. Within these networks, vehicles, dispatching systems, operational teams, maintenance resources, and real-time data must work together continuously.

Carziqo is positioning its intelligent mobility ecosystem around this connected model.

Building a more coordinated mobility network

At the center of Carziqo’s strategy is the development of an operational framework capable of coordinating vehicles across different routes, service zones, and levels of demand.

Through intelligent dispatching and real-time fleet monitoring, mobility resources can be allocated according to changing conditions. Vehicles may be directed toward areas experiencing higher demand, while route-planning systems can help reduce unnecessary travel and improve overall fleet utilization.

The company’s approach also emphasizes the importance of operational visibility. Data collected from vehicles and supporting systems can assist technical teams in monitoring performance, scheduling maintenance, identifying service requirements, and improving future deployment decisions.

This creates a continuous cycle in which operational experience contributes to system improvement.

“Intelligent mobility is not defined by a vehicle operating independently. It is created when vehicles, data, infrastructure, and operational teams function as one coordinated ecosystem,” Carziqo said in a company statement. “Our global strategy is focused on building that ecosystem carefully and adapting it to the realities of each market.”

A strategy designed for different cities

Transportation challenges vary significantly between locations. A densely populated metropolitan center may require frequent short-distance services, while a rapidly expanding urban area may need wider route coverage and more flexible vehicle deployment.

Carziqo’s strategy is designed to accommodate these differences.

The company is evaluating how multiple categories of intelligent mobility services can work together, including autonomous ride-hailing, connected fleet operations, mobility support systems, and technology-assisted transportation services.

Its broader operational planning considers several factors:

Passenger demand across different service areasRoute length and average journey timeVehicle availability and fleet utilizationTraffic conditions and peak travel periodsMaintenance and technical-support requirementsRemote operational assistanceLocal infrastructure and regulatory conditions

By analyzing these factors, Carziqo aims to build mobility networks that are more responsive to real-world demand instead of relying on fixed assumptions.

Expanding through controlled and measured development

As interest in autonomous mobility continues to grow, companies across the industry face the challenge of balancing innovation with operational reliability.

Carziqo said its international development strategy will continue to emphasize controlled deployment, performance monitoring, and gradual expansion. The company intends to use information gathered during each stage of operations to guide subsequent decisions involving fleet configuration, service coverage, and technical support.

This measured approach is particularly important as intelligent mobility systems enter cities with different road conditions and transportation requirements.

Instead of measuring progress solely by the number of vehicles introduced, Carziqo is placing greater attention on how efficiently its systems coordinate those vehicles and how reliably they support daily mobility operations.

The company believes long-term competitiveness in autonomous transportation will depend on more than vehicle technology. It will also require strong fleet-management capabilities, dependable operational systems, scalable digital infrastructure, and the ability to adjust quickly as cities evolve.

Data as the foundation of intelligent mobility

Real-time data is becoming one of the most important resources in modern transportation.

For an intelligent fleet, data can provide insight into vehicle location, route progress, service demand, operational status, maintenance schedules, and system performance. When these data points are brought together, operators can make faster and more informed decisions.

Carziqo’s developing ecosystem is intended to transform operational data into practical action. This may include adjusting vehicle distribution, improving route assignments, reducing idle periods, coordinating technical assistance, and preparing fleets for future demand.

The company also sees data as an essential part of long-term planning. Patterns observed over time can help identify where services are most needed, which routes are performing efficiently, and how mobility resources should be expanded.

Connecting technology with local mobility needs

While Carziqo’s strategy is global, the company says implementation must remain locally relevant.

Mobility systems must ultimately serve people and communities, and their effectiveness depends on how well they respond to everyday transportation needs. This requires cooperation among technology providers, operational partners, local teams, and other stakeholders involved in the mobility ecosystem.

Carziqo’s international strategy therefore combines a common technological foundation with market-specific operational planning. Core systems may support fleet coordination and data analysis across multiple regions, while individual service models can be adjusted according to local conditions.

This balance between global technology and local adaptability is expected to remain a central part of the company’s development.

Preparing for the next stage of mobility

The global transportation sector is moving toward a future in which autonomous systems, electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, and connected infrastructure increasingly operate together.

Carziqo believes this convergence will create new opportunities to improve transportation efficiency, expand access to mobility services, and support more sustainable urban development.

As part of its next stage, the company plans to continue improving its intelligent dispatching capabilities, fleet-monitoring systems, route-management technology, and operational-support network. It will also assess opportunities for additional mobility services in markets where demand, infrastructure, and operating conditions are aligned with its development strategy.

Carziqo’s strengthened global direction represents an effort to build more than a collection of autonomous vehicles. The company is working toward a connected mobility framework in which technology, operational intelligence, and local market knowledge support one another.

As cities search for more efficient and adaptable transportation solutions, Carziqo’s strategy places the company within a rapidly evolving global conversation about how people and goods will move in the years ahead.

About Carziqo

Carziqo is an autonomous mobility technology company focused on intelligent driving systems, smart fleet operations, driverless ride-hailing, and connected mobility services. Through data-driven coordination, real-time monitoring, and technology-supported operations, the company is developing an adaptable mobility ecosystem designed to meet the evolving transportation needs of cities and communities worldwide.

 

SHIPZY Philippines Enters the Logistics Market With a Vision Beyond Delivery

SHIPZY Philippines is not simply launching another delivery service. It is introducing a connected logistics model designed to help Filipino businesses manage more of their logistics through one technology-enabled partner.

The Filipino-founded logistics company brings international experience and technology together to make moving goods simpler for businesses across the country.

Filipino businesses often have to piece together warehousing, fulfillment, transportation, and delivery through different providers. SHIPZY was built to bring those moving parts together through one technology-enabled logistics platform—giving businesses a simpler way to store, fulfill, move, and track their goods.

“We saw that businesses often spend too much time coordinating different parts of their logistics. We wanted to use technology to bring those pieces together, so they can spend less time managing shipments and more time growing their business.” — Rain Ibajo, SHIPZY PH CEO and CTO

SHIPZY is entering the country's logistics industry with an ambition that goes beyond traditional delivery.

Founded by a team composed mostly of Filipinas with professional experience across different countries and industries, SHIPZY was built on the belief that technology can make logistics easier to manage, more efficient, and more accessible to Filipino businesses. The founders brought their international experience home with a clear goal: to combine global perspectives with a local understanding of how Filipino businesses operate and build a more connected way to move goods.

Across the country, businesses move different kinds of products in different ways. A farmer may need to get produce from the farm to a buyer. A supplier may need to move products between cities. An SME may need additional space to store inventory and fulfill growing orders. A larger company may require trucks or inter-island transportation.

Despite these different needs, businesses can encounter the same challenges—working with multiple logistics providers, coordinating manually, limited visibility, and processes that become harder to manage as operations grow.

SHIPZY is taking a broader approach by bringing more of the services businesses need together in one place, supported by technology.

One Platform, End-to-End Logistics Journey

Logistics is often associated with the final delivery, but getting a product to its destination involves much more.

Businesses may need warehousing, inventory management, packing, transportation, delivery, and shipment tracking—sometimes through several providers. As operations expand, keeping these moving parts organized can become a challenge in itself.

SHIPZY brings these capabilities together through a broader logistics offering that includes warehousing and inventory management, pick-and-pack fulfillment, parcel and same-day delivery, vehicle booking, inter-island transportation, and specialized logistics solutions.

Its first logistics hub in Silang, Cavite serves as the starting point for SHIPZY's planned expansion into Metro Manila and key provinces across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Its transportation services range from motorcycle deliveries to larger vehicles and trucks, giving businesses flexible options based on what they need to move and where it needs to go.

For example, a retailer can store inventory at SHIPZY's hub, have orders picked and packed, book transportation, and monitor delivery status through the platform. By connecting these services, SHIPZY gives businesses a clearer view of their logistics activities without having to manage every step separately.

The idea is simple: connect more of the logistics journey so businesses can spend less time coordinating and more time running their operations.

Technology Made Simple

Technology is an important part of SHIPZY's approach. For the company, it is meant to make the day-to-day side of logistics easier to manage rather than add another layer of complexity.

SHIPZY is building an integrated logistics platform that brings together the different people involved in a shipment.

Businesses, drivers, and customers can access dedicated portals designed to provide better visibility across logistics activities. For businesses, this can mean managing inventory, arranging fulfillment, booking transportation, and monitoring deliveries through one system.

Technology also plays a role behind the scenes. SHIPZY uses systems for warehouse management, order management, and business account management to streamline its logistics operations. AI is also being integrated into internal processes to make workflows more efficient and support a more connected logistics experience.

“Technology connects the different parts of logistics, while AI helps us make the entire process smarter and more efficient.” — Jam Tolibas, SHIPZY PH CIO

The goal is simple: make shipment management less complicated and give businesses a better view of where things stand at every step.

That approach is particularly relevant in the Philippines, where moving goods can involve long distances, multiple modes of transportation, and an archipelago spread across thousands of islands.

Logistics for Businesses of All Sizes

SHIPZY's services are designed to support businesses at different stages, from farmers and individual entrepreneurs to SMEs, suppliers, retailers, and corporate and enterprise organizations.

A small business may need reliable delivery or additional storage without investing in its own logistics infrastructure. As operations grow, those needs can expand to include fulfillment, warehousing, transportation, or more specialized logistics support. Larger organizations may require vehicle and truck bookings, inter-island transportation, distribution support, or specialized logistics projects.

Instead of coordinating with several providers for different parts of the process, businesses can work with one logistics partner for more of the services they need:

Book. Store. Pick and pack. Ship. Track.

SHIPZY's growing network of business relationships reflects the range of logistics requirements it is positioning itself to serve—from distribution and retail to automotive and events.

Among its engagements is support for the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) during the 2026 ASEAN Championship–Hyundai Cup, where the Philippine Men’s National Football Team competed against fellow ASEAN national teams. SHIPZY supported the PFF’s logistics requirements over a 10-day period, applying its capabilities in a setting where coordination, timing, and the reliable movement of goods were essential.

The company is also building relationships with businesses including Flowerstore.ph, and Toyota Silang, as it continues to expand its operations and serve logistics needs across different sectors.

Building for What Comes Next

SHIPZY knows it is entering a Philippine logistics market with established players and increasingly sophisticated customer expectations.

Rather than position itself as another delivery company, SHIPZY wants to become a logistics partner that businesses can rely on as their operations expand.

Starting with its first hub in Silang, Cavite, SHIPZY is building its operations and expanding its capabilities as it works toward a wider logistics network across the Philippines.

“Behind every shipment is a business, a customer, or a community counting on us. When Filipino businesses succeed and grow, we believe we grow with them.” — Rovi Camarce, SHIPZY PH President and CFO

For SHIPZY, the ambition goes beyond moving goods from one place to another. It is about helping Filipino businesses grow by removing the complexity from logistics, so they can spend more time focusing on what matters most.

SHIPZY PH. Moving what matters.

About Shipzy Philippines

SHIPZY Philippines is an all-in-one logistics platform built by Filipinos for Filipino businesses, bringing together warehousing, fulfillment, transportation, delivery, and technology to simplify the movement of goods. With a larger ambition of helping Filipino businesses grow by removing logistics complexity, SHIPZY aims to make logistics more seamless, efficient, and accessible, so businesses can focus on what matters most.

Most "salary advance" apps in the Philippines aren't earned wage access. GetPaid's new guide shows HR teams how to tell the difference — before it costs them.

 With consumer debt near ₱2.9 trillion and losing a frontline hire running ₱75,000–₱150,000 once you count recruitment and lost productivity, choosing the wrong "advance" benefit isn't a small mistake. GetPaid's new Philippine EWA guide breaks down exactly what to check before signing with any provider.

 Ask five HR managers what "salary advance" means and you'll get five different answers — and at least two of them will be describing a loan, not a benefit. GetPaid, the Philippines' standalone earned wage access (EWA) platform, just published the guide built to fix that: Earned Wage Access in the Philippines: The Complete Guide.

Here's the part that should worry every HR and finance team currently comparing vendors: some products marketed as "0% interest EWA" are structured as credit against future paychecks, not access to wages already earned. That distinction determines whether a benefit reduces financial stress on your floor — or quietly recreates the same debt cycle it was meant to prevent, with your company now playing lender.

The guide covers:

Debit vs. credit — the one-line test that tells you which product you're actually looking at
A full market comparison — GetPaid, Paywatch, AgadPay, Tendo, SAVii/GoTyme, Sprout's ReadyWage, and BPI, side by side, no marketing gloss
What happens when someone leaves mid-cycle — the question that trips up loan-structured "advances" every time
Why configurability, not just 0% interest, is the real differentiator — because a BPO floor and a corporate office shouldn't run on the same fixed policy

What we built GetPaid around is giving HR the controls to actually run this their way — access limits, pay cycles, who absorbs the fee, set per team and changeable without a renegotiation. That's what tells you a provider actually built for HR, versus one that built for a headline.

Read the full guide: getpaid.ph/post-ewa-philippines-guide
See how it fits your workforce: Book a 20-minute demo

About GetPaid
GetPaid gives Philippine employees 0% interest access to wages they've already earned, and gives HR teams the controls — access limits, pay cycles, fee structure — to run it their way instead of a vendor's default. Standalone, no HRIS required. getpaid.ph

About GetPaid Philippines

It's payday, any day. A financial wellbeing platform helping Filipino businesses reduce financial stress in the workplace.

I Ate Two Pizzas Alone, Then Starved Myself for Two Days. It Led Me to Build a Weight-Loss Company

 

Filipino founder Joachim Del Castillo turned years of bingeing, restriction and punishing exercise into Obra Health, an affordable personalized GLP-1 service offering clinician-guided semaglutide and tirzepatide treatment.

“Some nights, I ate two boxes of pizza alone. Then I would run until I believed I had burned it all off, or refuse to eat for the next two days.

“I lived like this for years.

“It is one of the reasons I built Obra Health.”

From the age of 18 to 26, Filipino founder Joachim Del Castillo repeatedly found himself trapped in a cycle of bingeing, guilt and punishment.

Other nights, it was three or four packs of pancit canton. Once he started eating, it could feel impossible to stop. Afterwards, he believed he had to pay for it through extreme exercise or restriction.

“It was not discipline,” Del Castillo said. “I thought every meal had to be earned and every mistake had to be repaid.”

Now, at 26, he is launching Obra Health, a Philippine healthcare service offering personalized, clinician-led GLP-1 weight-loss treatment for eligible adults.

The company was created around a simple belief:

Filipinos should not have to choose between weight-loss care they cannot afford and products they cannot trust.

It was never as simple as “try harder”

Del Castillo tried exercising harder, eating less and starting over.

Again and again.

“My problem was not that I did not care enough,” he said. “I cared so much that I was punishing myself.”

He also saw how difficult healthy routines could be for ordinary working Filipinos.

His parents could leave home at 7 a.m. and return at 8 p.m. after work, traffic and commuting. By the time they arrived home, there was little time or energy left for exercise, meal planning or medical appointments.

The standard advice sounded simple: eat better, exercise more and be disciplined.

Real life was not.

“It is easy to tell someone to make time for their health,” Del Castillo said. “But when work and traffic take almost your entire day, where is that time supposed to come from?”

The choice should not be expensive care or questionable products

When Del Castillo studied the Philippine weight-loss market, he found people being pushed toward two difficult options.

Clinician-led GLP-1 programs could be too expensive to continue month after month. Cheaper products were widely available through social media and online sellers, but some came with unclear sourcing, limited medical oversight or labels stating that they were intended only for research.

People looking for help were effectively being asked to choose between price and trust.

Obra Health was built to close that gap.

The company is built to compete as the most affordable clinician-led GLP-1 service in the Philippines while still providing a complete patient experience.

What personalized GLP-1 treatment means

Obra patients begin with an online health assessment. A qualified clinician reviews their health history, goals, current medications and potential risk factors.

When GLP-1 treatment is medically appropriate, personalized options may include compounded semaglutide or compounded tirzepatide.

The clinician determines:

Whether GLP-1 treatment is appropriate

Which medication may be suitable

The patient’s starting dose

How the treatment should be adjusted over time

Whether additional information, laboratory tests or consultation is needed

Treatment decisions remain with the clinician. A prescription is never guaranteed, and not everyone will be eligible.

When prescribed, medication is compounded and dispensed through a pharmacy licensed by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration.

Patients also receive their required supplies, delivery coordination, refill assistance and continued support from an Obra care team.

Current GLP-1 plans, prices and eligibility information are available at www.obra.health

The founder is also an Obra patient

Del Castillo has gone through Obra’s patient process himself, including the health assessment, independent clinician review, pharmacy preparation and care-team support.

His eligibility, medication and dosing plan are determined by a clinician through the same process used for other patients.

“I am not asking people to use a service I would not use myself,” Del Castillo said. “I experience Obra from both sides. I see the work behind the company, but I also know what it feels like to wait for instructions, receive the package, ask questions and depend on the care team.”

Being a patient has influenced decisions across the service, from the clarity of the assessment and treatment instructions to packaging, delivery updates and support.

“There is no special founder version of Obra,” he said. “I go through the same process we are building for every patient. That keeps us honest about what feels clear, what feels confusing and what needs to be better.”

Del Castillo’s comments relate to Obra’s service and patient experience. They are not evidence that a particular medication will work for everyone or a guarantee of a medical outcome.

Affordable should not mean uncertain

Obra is competing on price, but Del Castillo says affordability cannot come at the expense of medication quality.

The pharmacy behind the service uses pharmaceutical-grade active pharmaceutical ingredients rather than materials sold only for research purposes.

Obra has also engaged SGS Philippines to conduct local independent testing of selected samples instead of relying solely on documents provided by an overseas supplier.

Depending on the testing stage and sample, assessments may include:

- Potency

- Purity

- Sterility

- Endotoxin

- pH

Obra plans to publish plain-language explanations and available quality documents online so patients can better understand where their medication comes from and how its quality has been assessed.

SGS provides independent laboratory services and does not endorse Obra Health or its treatments.

“Patients should not have to trust a seller because the packaging looks professional or because someone posted a certificate online,” Del Castillo said.

“They deserve to know who reviewed their case, which pharmacy prepared their medication and what quality checks were performed.”

Nearly one in two Filipino adults is now overweight or obese

Obra is launching as weight-related health concerns continue to increase across the country.

According to the National Nutrition Council, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Filipino adults increased from 39.8% in 2023 to 44.5% in 2025, nearly one in every two adults.

Del Castillo believes the country needs a more useful conversation about weight: one that replaces shame with support and recognizes how work, commuting, cost and access affect people’s health.

Obra does not present GLP-1 medication as an effortless cure or a replacement for appropriate medical care. Its weight-management service also does not treat or replace specialized care for eating disorders.

For Del Castillo, Obra is the service he wishes had existed when he was trapped in his own cycle.

“I know what it feels like to want help but feel stuck between shame, unaffordable care and something you cannot fully trust,” he said.

“I built Obra because personalized GLP-1 treatment and legitimate weight-loss care should not be something only wealthy Filipinos can afford.”

Current plans, prices and eligibility information are available at www.obra.health.

This article is for general information only and does not provide medical advice. Semaglutide and tirzepatide are prescription medications. Treatment requires an individual clinical assessment, and a prescription is not guaranteed. Compounded medications are not the same as branded products.

About ObraRx Inc.

Obra Health is a Philippine healthcare service making personalized, clinician-led GLP-1 weight-loss treatment more affordable.

Eligible adults can complete an online health assessment and receive an independent clinical review. When treatment is medically appropriate, options may include compounded semaglutide or compounded tirzepatide, prescribed according to the individual patient’s health information and clinical needs.

Prescribed medication is compounded and dispensed through a Philippine FDA-licensed pharmacy, with supplies, delivery coordination, refill assistance and care-team support.

Obra Health is built around affordable access, personalized treatment, independent medical judgment, licensed pharmacy preparation and transparent medication-quality information.

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.