How one man’s stress and burnout led to Manila’s first social biohacking hub

His transformation forms the foundation of Longevity Labs—a space designed to help others achieve the same. At its core is the Superhuman Protocol, a three-step system focusing on magnetism, oxygen and light. Jacob explains: “If you go back to when we were cavemen or cavewomen, we were always barefoot... those negative ions basically come in and actually recharge your cells.” The protocol utilises Pulse Electromagnetic Field Therapy, oxygen therapy and 360-degree red light therapy to replicate essential environmental inputs in a precise, 45-minute sequence. “You’re allowing your body to revert to an alkaline state and enabling your cells not only to heal but also to recharge and regenerate.”

However, the Lab is about more than just machines. “We’re creating a community,” Jacob states. “Perhaps instead of heading out on a Friday night, you come here with friends, sit in the sauna and take a cold plunge together.” This is what he calls social contrast therapy—and it’s central to his philosophy. “There’s nothing quite like that intimacy of being with others, getting to know them—that’s part of health.”

Longevity Labs will feature a 40-seat sauna, four group cold plunges, a biohacking centre, a movement studio and a café—all supported by curated, science-backed equipment. “We’re not just about recovery,” he says. “Yes, if you have a hard run or a big race, come to us, and we’ll take care of you, but our aim is to introduce this as a daily practice.”

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Though Jacob is based in Singapore, Manila is a deliberate choice. “I’m Filipino as well,” he notes. “My family is in Manila. I’ve always felt that the Philippines was still emerging in health and wellness... So I thought, why not the Philippines?” He praises the country’s energy: “It is such a vibrant culture, and people are always receptive to new ideas.”

From day one, Longevity Labs has been shaped by Jacob’s own experimentation. “Biohacking is self-experimentation, and that’s exactly what I did to overcome how I was feeling.” He works closely with international consultants, including biohacker Ben Greenfield, and plans to offer diagnostics along with feel-based protocols: “Of course, you can do the baseline diagnostic testing, but it’s just like how I did it—it was based on how I feel.”

And his vision extends beyond one flagship. “I’d love to have two or three Longevity Labs across the country,” Jacob shares. “We’re currently under construction—but I would love to establish one in the south, perhaps in Makati or maybe heading north.”

The long-term aim? To transform our understanding of health—from a reactive approach to a daily, intuitive and social practice. “You can thrive at any stage of life if you focus on cellular health and detoxification,” he says. “Our focus is on prevention. You don’t do this only after health issues arise; you should be doing it every day.”

When asked for a habit he recommends to beginners, he responds without hesitation: “The one thing that helped me most was thermogenesis—either in the sauna or cold plunge—because it rapidly reduces inflammation and lowers your risk of illness... Plus, it makes you feel good because it releases dopamine into your system.”

With Longevity Labs, Jacob offers more than just a space. He’s sharing a movement and a message: “We can’t avoid stress, but we can build resilience. We can feel good—not someday, but every day.”

Well said and well done. After all, the goal isn’t merely to live longer. It’s to live better.

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