Manulife launches “Define the Relationship,” a digital short directed by Antoinette Jadaone

Manila ― The Philippine arm of global life insurer Manulife Philippines has recently launched its newest digital film, “Define the Relationship,” a tale about two people who did not let relationship labels define them, directed by award-winning filmmaker Antoinette Jadaone. 

The film, which also features a song by performer and songwriter Moira Dela Torre, “We and Us,” tells the story of two friends who have developed deeper feelings for each other over time, but whose relationship status remains a mystery to those around them. Throughout their journey together, the couple seemed to have ticked the proverbial boxes – public display of affection, present during each other’s milestones, and supportive of each other through life’s ups and downs. So, Define the Relationship begs the question: What kind of future awaits a commitment that is not bound by labels?

"In the midst of life’s uncertainties, it has become more important to us to be secure about the things that truly matter. Through this film, directed by the very talented Antoinette Jadaone, we offer a fresh, romantic take on how young Filipinos today are more confident and empowered to take charge of their future, especially in finding and choosing to love on their own terms,” shared Melissa Henson, Chief Marketing Officer, Manulife Philippines. “When a couple takes bold and necessary steps to protect each other and build a future together, we are reminded that it may be all the certainty they need.”

In Manulife’s latest study, “Know Your Ys and Zs: A Closer Look at the Financial and Mental Well-Being of Filipino Millennials and Gen Zs,” these generations recognize the role of financial preparedness to build a secure future and achieve financial peace of mind. In fact, 92% of Gen Zs consider buying insurance in the next 1-2 years, and 79% of millennials have become investment-savvy and are looking to grow their money. Such behavioral shift can show how the pandemic has sped up many Filipinos’ “adulting” process, as financial protection plays a key role in helping secure their future. 

"We at Manulife are always focused on helping our customers protect themselves and their loved ones, no matter their relationship status or where they are in their life journey. As their behaviors and priorities evolve, we also grow with them – helping ease their worries, addressing their unique needs, and genuinely committing to make their every day better," Henson added.  

Define the Relationship is currently streaming on Manulife Philippines’ Facebook page and YouTube channel. 

For more information about Manulife’s products and services, visit manulife.com/ph. 

About Manulife Philippines

The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company opened its doors for business in the Philippines in 1907. Since then, Manulife's Philippine Branch and later The Manufacturers Life Insurance Co. (Phils.), Inc. (Manulife Philippines) has grown to become one of the country's leading life insurance companies. Manulife Philippines is a wholly owned domestic subsidiary of Manulife Financial Corporation, among the world's largest life insurance companies by market capitalization. Learn more about Manulife Philippines by visiting their website manulife.com/ph and following them on Facebook (facebook.com/ManulifePH), Instagram (@manulifeph), and LinkedIn (Manulife Philippines).

About Manulife Investment Management

Manulife Investment Management is the global wealth and asset management segment of Manulife Financial Corporation. We draw on more than a century of financial stewardship and the full resources of our parent company to serve individuals, institutions, and retirement plan members worldwide. Headquartered in Toronto, our leading capabilities in public and private markets are strengthened by an investment footprint that spans 18 geographies. We complement these capabilities by providing access to a network of unaffiliated asset managers from around the world. We’re committed to investing responsibly across our businesses. We develop innovative global frameworks for sustainable investing, collaboratively engage with companies in our securities portfolios, and maintain a high standard of stewardship where we own and operate assets, and we believe in supporting financial well-being through our workplace retirement plans. Today, plan sponsors around the world rely on our retirement plan administration and investment expertise to help their employees plan for, save for, and live a better retirement.

As of June 30, 2021, Manulife Investment Management’s assets under management and administration, including assets managed for Manulife’s other segments, totaled CAD $1.0 trillion (US $834 billion). Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit manulifeim.com. 

About Manulife

Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Anchored in our ambition to be the number one choice for customers, we operate as Manulife across Canada and Asia, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, providing financial advice, insurance and health solutions for individuals, groups and businesses. Through Manulife Wealth & Asset Management, we offer global investment solutions, financial advice, and retirement plan services to individuals, institutions, and retirement plan members worldwide. At the end of 2025, we had more than 37,000 employees, over 106,000 agents, and thousands of distribution partners, serving over 37 million customers with operations across 25 markets globally. We trade as ‘MFC’ on the Toronto, New York, and Philippine stock exchanges, and under ‘945’ on the Hong Kong stock exchange. Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit manulife.com.