SEC approval of global stock trading sandbox paves way for GStocks Global launch

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The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has paved the way for Filipinos to invest in some of the world’s biggest companies after it approved the regulatory sandbox for local players like GCash to offer global stock investments.

(L-R) GCash chief regulatory officer Atty. Cef Sison, wealth management general manager Arjun Varma and vice president and new businesses group head Winsley Bangit with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) chairperson and CEO Atty. Emilio Aquino, commissioner Atty. McJill Bryant Fernandez, commissioner Atty. Javey Paul D. Francisco, and Philippine Fintech Innovations Office director Atty. Paolo Ong.

This initiative marks a pioneering step toward making global investing more accessible and seamless for Filipinos, while upholding strong safeguards and regulatory oversight to protect users.

While many Filipinos are eager to invest in global companies, they often face challenges such as complicated account setups, foreign currency requirements, and unfamiliar platforms. These barriers can make global investing seem daunting and out of reach. GStocks Global aims to break down these obstacles by providing a simple, secure, and locally regulated way for users to invest in global stocks using Philippine Pesos, right within the app.

This move also supports the broader mission of GCash to democratize investing by lowering the long-standing barriers that have kept global markets out of reach for most Filipinos.

“We’re proud to be working closely with the SEC to ensure this offering meets the highest standards of safety and compliance. The sandbox allows us to test and learn while putting user protection at the core. For the first time, Filipinos can access global stock markets through a platform they already trust—GCash,” said GCash vice president and head of new businesses Winsley Bangit.

With the sandbox in place, GCash, through a partnership with EasyEquities, will enable users to buy and sell shares of select global companies using Philippine Pesos, with no need for a US Dollar account or separate platform.

“This offering will initially be in a test phase within a sandbox environment and will only be available to select, eligible users. This phased rollout allows GCash and its partners to ensure quality and gather valuable feedback while ensuring regulatory safeguards remain in place,” said Bangit.

The offering marks the first time Filipinos can explore global investing in a way that is both convenient and fully integrated within a local fintech platform. This initiative also reinforces GCash’s commitment to ‘Finance for All’, ensuring that more Filipinos can participate in global markets with tools that are simple, safe, and designed with local needs in mind.

As it continues its evolution as the country’s leading finance app, GCash extends the boundaries of what everyday users can achieve with just a few taps and brings global wealth-building within reach. For more information, please visit www.gcash.com.

The Gen Z Smart Money Move: What Young Filipinos Choose in Smartphones

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Here is why a reliable after-sales service program is wise in the long run, according to Samsung

For many Gen Z Filipinos, purchasing a mobile device is an exciting milestone. A smartphone serves as their all-in-one tool for on-the-go productivity, content creation, and everyday entertainment. While performance and quality are key factors in their decision-making when it comes to purchasing a smartphone, today’s Gen Z also values a seamless product experience and strong post-purchase support. They’re looking for a device that not only performs well but also stands the test of time.

With their increasingly digital-first lifestyles, durability is also a top priority. That’s why, beyond a reliable device, a dependable customer service is equally essential—offering peace of mind that help is there when they need it most.

Easy, simple, and quality after-sales care

We’ve all had to reach out to customer service for various reasons – to rebook flights, to return a product, to refund purchases, and more. This is why reliable customer service is something that we all expect from the brands we trust. The same goes for mobile devices – for Gen Zs, convenience is a key factor in their purchases. Thus, filing a service request should be quick and easy.

For Samsung users, customer service support is available through various platforms such as customer care hotlines (PLDT 1-800-10-7267864, Globe 1-800-8-7267864, and Standard 8422-2111) from Mon-Fri, 9 am to 6 pm, Samsung’s 24/7 Live Chat, or through Viber (search Samsung Customer Service). Samsung Members can also reach out through the Samsung Members app. Users can check for more information through Samsung’s self-help guides.

Aside from providing excellent after-sales service, Samsung also continues to innovate to provide users with devices that are built to last with long-lasting performance. Galaxy devices benefit from up to 7 generations of OS updates and upgrade support, along with up to 7 years of security updates. Coupled with Samsung Care+, Gen Z customers can plan for the unplanned with enhanced coverage and enjoy using their devices worry-free for years to come.

Extra peace-of-mind with Samsung Care+

As mobile phones are essentially partners to one’s lifestyle, young Filipinos need to have the assurance that their device remains safe everywhere they go, especially when they have an active lifestyle.

Accidents can happen at any time that can significantly disrupt daily routines, making everyday tasks more challenging and potentially costly. Thus, Samsung highlights the importance of after-service care, ensuring users can protect their devices from everyday mishaps and maintain seamless functionality.

This is why Samsung created Samsung Care+, a worry-free total device protection service that provides worldwide coverage for unlimited repairs for accidental and liquid damage and one (1) device replacement per year for up to 2 years.

Available to both new and existing users, Samsung Care+ can be availed in a variety of ways: by including along with a purchase of a Galaxy device, adding after purchasing the device within 30 days, or visiting the nearest Samsung Authorized Stores nationwide. Customers can also avail of Samsung Care+ online through samsung.com.

Samsung Care+ is covered by an extensive network of Authorized Samsung Service Centers nationwide, which means that users are sure to get quality service from Samsung experts and authentic Samsung parts as quickly and efficiently as possible, wherever they are.

To learn more or to purchase Samsung Care+ for your Galaxy device, visit https://shop.samsung.com/ph/samsung-care-standalone or visit Samsung.com/ph to stay updated on the latest Samsung products.

You can also find the link to this story in the Samsung PH Newsroom: https://news.samsung.com/ph/the-gen-z-smart-money-move-what-young-filipinos-choose-in-smartphones

HONOR Welcomes Julia Barretto and Joshua Garcia as its First Brand Ambassadors

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Dynamic Duo Julia Barretto and Joshua Garcia Join HONOR Family to Redefine AI Innovation

HONOR Philippines Brand Marketing Manager Joepy Libo-on, Country Manager Sean Yuan, CEO of HONOR Southeast Asian Business Development George Zheng, Vice President Stephen Cheng, GTM Director Steven Yan with their first ambassadors Julia Barretto and Joshua Garcia

HONOR Philippines proudly announces Julia Barretto and Joshua Garcia as the first brand ambassadors for the groundbreaking HONOR 400 5G. This exciting partnership highlights HONOR’s commitment to blending innovation and style, perfectly represented by two of the country’s most influential stars.

A Perfect Match for Innovation

Julia Barretto and Joshua Garcia, known for their remarkable talent and chemistry, embody the versatility and cutting-edge features of the HONOR 400 5G. Their dynamic presence reflects the brand’s mission to bring next-level AI-powered technology to the fingertips of Filipinos.

“We are thrilled to have Julia and Joshua as the faces of HONOR 400 5G. Their energy, creativity, and authenticity align perfectly with our vision of making advanced technology accessible and relevant to everyone. Together, we aim to inspire a new generation of tech-savvy individuals to explore the endless possibilities with HONOR.” Said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines

A Partnership Built on Excellence

As ambassadors, Julia and Joshua will showcase how the HONOR 400 5G elevates everyday experiences, from creating moving memories with its AI-enhanced cameras to staying connected with its industry-leading 5G capabilities. Fans can look forward to exclusive content, campaigns, and exciting events featuring the pair, celebrating this new era of AI innovation.

Stay Connected with Julia and Joshua

Catch Julia Barretto and Joshua Garcia in upcoming HONOR 400 5G campaigns on HONOR Philippines’ social media channels.

Pricing and Availability

Available in stunning color options—Midnight Black, Tidal Blue and Desert Gold—the HONOR 400 5G is now available for pre-order across the Philippines for only Php 22,999 (24GB + 512GB)! Every pre-order from June 17 to 27, 2025 comes with FREE exclusive items worth ₱9,397, including a JBL Go 4 speaker, HONOR Choice Earbuds Clips, and a Jisulife Pro 1 (available only when you claim on June 28). Plus, pre-order customers get the chance to win a Rolex GMT Master II worth ₱600,000 or a Hermès Lindy Mini Bag worth ₱420,000!

Order now at any HONOR Experience and Partner Stores, and online via Lazada https://bit.ly/Laz_H400_PR, Shopee https://bit.ly/Shop_H400_PR, and TikTok Shop https://bit.ly/TikTok_H400_PR.

To know more about HONOR 400 5G, head on to: https://bit.ly/Web_H400_PR. For more exciting announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph) and TikTok (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

Puregold taps GCash anew to drive digital payment adoption for MSMEs

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Major retail chain Puregold has again partnered with GCash to expand the use of digital payments by sari-sari store owners at the 2025 Tindahan ni Aling Puring (TNAP) Convention, the country’s largest trade event for sari-sari store owners and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

GCash for business general manager Jong Layug, officially leads the opening of the 2025 TNAP Convention.

The three-day event drew tens of thousands of participants, most of whom still rely on physical cash to manage and run their small businesses. While digital adoption has grown in recent years, cash remains the dominant mode of payment among sari-sari store owners when purchasing inventory.

GCash offered TNAP attendees a range of promotions and incentives to encourage merchants to shift to digital transactions. These include pre-convention campaigns, real-time cashback, and exclusive product discounts for users who pay with GCash at partner booths. The leading finance super app also set up an on-site activation booth in collaboration with Puregold, showcasing how digital tools can help store owners streamline payments, manage capital, and track purchases.

GCash for business general manager Jong Layug stated that the initiative is part of the company’s broader strategy to integrate digital financial services into traditional retail channels and foster digital habits among small-scale entrepreneurs.

“GCash is committed to helping Filipino MSMEs grow by giving them access to safe, convenient, and rewarding digital payment options. At TNAP, we’re bringing this mission to life by making every digital transaction count, whether through savings, rewards, or efficiency,” Layug said.

The partnership comes as Puregold seeks to deepen its role in the country’s digital transition. The retail giant, whose TNAP program is designed to support its extensive sari-sari store network, has been working to improve payment infrastructure at its stores and trade events to reduce friction in B2B transactions.

“Puregold has always believed in the power of MSMEs. By partnering with GCash, we are equipping our TNAP members with tools to thrive in a digital economy,” said Puregold president Vincent Co.

The participation of GCash in TNAP 2025 marks a continued push to embed financial technology into grassroots enterprises, positioning digital tools as drivers of growth and efficiency in the informal economy.

Tired of your phone dying mid-game? Meet vivo Y29

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You’re deep into ranked mode on Mobile Legends. It’s already 17 minutes in, both teams are locked in an epic clash, and your team’s shot at Mythical Glory is within reach. Just when you’re about to launch your ultimate skill, (boom!) your phone battery hits critical low. Lag starts. Panic follows. Just like that, your squad is wiped out.

If this sounds all too familiar, the new vivo Y29 is here to change the game.

Power through the grind

With a 6500mAh BlueVolt battery, the vivo Y29 offers the largest battery capacity in its price range, giving you hours of uninterrupted gameplay.

The Y29 keeps you in zone whether you’re on an intense push in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, dominating team fights in Call of Duty Mobile, or simply passing time with casual games like Candy Crush, 8 Ball Pool, Roblox, or Subway Surfers.

When it’s finally time to recharge, the 44W FlashCharge support lets you juice up fast. A few minutes of charging gives you enough power to get back into action, which is perfect for gamers who live a fast-paced life.

Hear every move, feel every moment

Battery isn’t the only thing that matters. With hi-res dual stereo speakers and volume that goes up to 400%, you won’t miss a single ultimate, footstep, or match-winning moment.

Imagine playing PUBG Mobile or Free Fire during a barkada tournament. Every gunshot, pin drop, and footstep is loud, clear, and immersive, helping you react faster and dominate the field.

Made for Filipino gamers

Mobile gaming is both a pastime and a lifestyle in the Philippines. From students playing MLBB in between classes, to delivery riders taking a quick break with a round of Hill Climb Racing, or moms unwinding with Match 3D and Tile Master at night, the vivo Y29 is built for every kind of Pinoy gamer. The vivo Y29 stays strong, match after match.

The price is even more impressive for a phone that delivers nonstop casual gaming. The vivo Y29 is now available for only Php 8,999. Grab yours today at vivo concept stores and kiosks nationwide, or shop online via the vivo e-store. Learn more about vivo Y29 by visiting the vivo website.

Game longer. Hear louder. Win bigger. Level up with the vivo Y29 today.