VIA GRAPHIC PLUS | MANILA, Philippines—For Anne Curtis and Erwan Heussaff, the habits that shape a good life are not learned all at once but built in the small everyday moments at home. In partnership with Manulife Philippines, the couple is sharing how they are guiding their daughter, Dahlia, through two lessons meant to stay with her for years: from eating well to managing money wisely.
Healthy choices, one baon at a time
Inside Dahlia’s lunchbox is a small lesson in balance. There is something fresh, something filling, and a little something fun: fruit or vegetables for vitamins, rice or bread for energy, protein to help her grow, and a treat to make her smile.
For Erwan, that perspective matters most when it is introduced early. “With Manulife as our family’s health and wellness partner, we know how important balance is. Listen to your body and treat it well. It’s time to move today, because it’s never too early to start taking care of your health for the long run,” said Erwan in the video posted on his and Manulife Philippines’ social media pages.
Money lessons made simple
Anne and Erwan also believe that a good life isn’t just defined by eating healthy. Anne’s latest video shows that at the age of six, Dahlia is being raised to be a “Peso Smart” kid, and the lessons are as ordinary as the coins she sorts into three small piles—one to save, one to spend, and one to give. In their household, prices are talked about openly, never hidden. A toy she wants becomes a lesson in patience: she can wait and save for it, or earn it through chores beyond her usual ones. Bit by bit, everyday moments at home become a child’s first steps in learning to make responsible financial decisions.
“You don’t need to wait for kids to learn about money in school. You can teach them young, and in your home,” Anne says. “I’ve been preparing for Dahlia’s future since before she was born, because the earlier you start, the more ready you are for life’s twists and turns. People are living longer now, and that is a gift—but it also means planning further ahead. Teaching her to save today is really about giving her the freedom to enjoy a long life on her own terms.”
Small steps that last a lifetime
Behind Anne and Erwan’s lessons with Dahlia is a belief that well-being, whether in health or in finances, is rarely the result of one big decision. It grows from steady choices repeated over time. A balanced meal today powers a healthier adult tomorrow. A few coins set aside now evolve into a habit of financial preparedness in the long term.
This is the idea at the heart of ManulifeMOVE, Manulife’s holistic health and wellness program designed to help customers take charge of their well-being and enjoy a better, longer life. Through the Manulife App, it brings together practical health insights, exclusive perks from trusted partners across preventive care, treatment, and recovery—all backed by comprehensive health plans that protect families from early diagnosis to recovery. It reflects how Manulife sees its role: as a lifelong partner supporting Filipinos through every life stage.
“At Manulife, we believe better health and financial confidence are built through the everyday choices families make. Anne and Erwan show how healthy habits and smart money decisions can start at home, in simple moments that children can carry with them as they grow,” said Joy Concepcion, Chief Marketing Officer, Manulife Philippines.
Concepcion added, “We want to empower Filipino families to take those first meaningful steps early, giving them the confidence to prepare for the future and develop habits that lead to better health and financial resilience. Anchored by the Manulife Longevity Institute, we are deepening our understanding of longevity and translating these insights into solutions that equip Filipinos to live longer, healthier, and more financially secure lives.”
To learn more about ManulifeMOVE and Manulife’s suite of health and life protection plans, visit manulife.com/ph or speak with a Manulife financial advisor.
