From EastWest WAIS to wise choices: Credit card habits to strengthen your finances

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Practical lessons on turning credit into a tool for financial well-being

Despite wider access to financial services, many Filipinos still struggle with financial literacy and resilience. According to the 2025 National Strategy for Financial Inclusion (NSFI) Annual Report, while 85% of Filipino households now have financial accounts, only 74% demonstrate basic financial literacy, and just 30% have enough savings to withstand financial shocks.

These figures show that access alone is not enough. Filipinos also need practical financial education that helps them use financial products confidently and responsibly.

EastWest is responding to this need through EastWest WAIS (Wise Approach to Income and Savings), its financial empowerment platform under the Bank's sustainability agenda. Designed to turn financial education into practical, everyday guidance, WAIS helps employees, educators, and communities build stronger money habits through discussions on saving, budgeting, responsible borrowing, and credit management.

One recent session, Credit Card 101, focused on helping participants better understand how credit cards work and how they can be used as tools for building financial wellness rather than sources of financial stress.

"Credit cards are a very powerful tool," said Oscar Navidad, Head of Credit Card Direct Sales at EastWest. "But it depends on how we use it. We have a choice in using it for the better or for the worse."

Pay in full whenever possible

One of the session's key takeaways was understanding the true cost of carrying unpaid balances. While credit cards offer convenience and flexibility, interest charges can quickly accumulate when balances are not paid in full.

"The revolving interest will only kick in if we have unpaid balances," Navidad explained. "If you pay your balance in full on or before the due date, there is no interest."

Don't treat credit limit as extra income

Navidad also emphasized the importance of managing credit utilization, or the percentage of available credit being used. As a general rule, keeping utilization below 30% can help consumers maintain healthier spending habits and build a stronger credit profile.

Let rewards follow your spending

Cashback, discounts, and rewards points can add value, but they should not become the reason for spending. "Don't chase the rewards. When the rewards come to you because that's your lifestyle, use the rewards well," Navidad advised.

Instead, consumers should choose credit cards that match their regular spending habits and financial needs.

Build a credit record that works for you

Responsible card use can help build a positive credit history, an important factor when applying for loans in the future.

"It's important that you're able to prudently use the credit line extended to you," Navidad said. "It will not only affect your credit card but all your other loans as well."

The session reinforced a simple message: financial wellness is not about avoiding credit, but about knowing how to use it wisely.

Through WAIS, EastWest brings this guidance closer to the people and communities it serves, supporting better everyday decisions and long-term financial well-being and empowerment.

"True financial well-being comes from understanding how to use financial tools wisely. WAIS teaches more than saving money—it also forms habits that build wealth and protects the wealth and assets you acquired in your financial wellness journey that ultimately leads to responsible spending, which in turn leads to a sustainable lifestyle i.e. mindful consumption, less resource-intensive," said Dave Devilles, EastWest Head of Sustainability.

To learn more about EastWest's sustainability initiatives and financial literacy programs, visit https://www.eastwestbanker.com/sustainability.

vivo Club kicks off campus tour at NU

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Bringing together young talent and a shared passion for self-expression, vivo Club kicked off its campus tour with National University Dance Company (NUDC): The Dawgpound, held on September 13 at NU Nazareth School’s St. Candida Hall.

Supported by vivo Philippines, the event celebrated NUDC’s fourth anniversary with a dynamic community of dancers, choreographers, and student creatives from different institutions.

For vivo Club, the celebration marked an important milestone as its Gen V fellows and core team brought their first campus tour to life, taking an active role in preparing for the event and engaging with fellow students throughout the day.

Celebrating talent and community

The celebration featured three competition categories that showcased different forms of dance and performance: The Yard, a 1 vs. 1 Open Styles Battle; The Den, a Solo, Duo, or Trio Choreography Showcase; and The Pack, an 8–12 member Mini Crew Competition.

The competitions brought together emerging dancers and crews, culminating in an evening that celebrated individuality, collaboration, and performance.

AJA emerged as champion of The Yard, with SLHENDERMAN as finalist. In The Den, Ash took first place, followed by Ellin Imperial and Duttyvybazz. Meanwhile, Undefined Crew claimed the top spot in The Pack, followed by Full Artist’e Dance Company and Outlaws Alliance Dance Crew.

Undefined Crew also received the vivo Club Choice Award, recognizing the group for standing out through its performance and presence during the competition.

Building connections beyond the stage

While dance took center stage, vivo club created opportunities for students to discover and connect with the community. Interactive activities throughout the event helped the Gen V fellows engage directly with students.

The event also allowed students to experience vivo’s latest technology in a setting rooted in their interests and everyday experiences. The vivo X300 FE was featured at the vivo CLUB booth, while the vivo X300 Ultra powered the event photobooth, capturing moments that attendees could take home.

Where passion becomes a community

For the Gen V fellows, NUDC’s fourth anniversary was their first major opportunity to represent vivo Club and translate their own creativity, skills, and passion into an experience for their peers.

Their involvement reflects the spirit behind vivo Club: creating meaningful spaces where young people can connect through the things they care about, while giving them opportunities to take an active role in shaping the communities they belong to.

As vivo Club continues its campus tour, its first stop with NU marks a promising beginning, bringing technology, creativity, and youth culture together to create experiences that extend beyond the screen and into the community.

Follow vivo Club on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to stay updated on future campus tours. Students can also register as a member via the vivo website.

SM Investments makes case for long-term thinking amid rapid change

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SM Investments Corporation, the parent company of the SM Group, underscored the need for businesses to look beyond short-term economic cycles and identify the changes that matter at the 24th MAP International CEO Conference, held under the theme “In the Age of Flux: Scaling the Next Inflection Points.”

The conference examined how companies are responding to rapid change, from artificial intelligence to shifting consumer demand, and how leaders can distinguish lasting shifts from market noise.

In his welcome address, SM Investments President and Chief Executive Officer Frederic C. DyBuncio said nearly seven decades of operating in the Philippines have taught the group to take a long-term view.

“At SM, nearly seven decades in the Philippines have taught us to look beyond the cycle. We have seen periods of uncertainty, disruption and rapid change. Through them, one thing has remained constant: the long-term potential of the Philippines and the aspirations of the Filipino people,” Mr. DyBuncio said.

He pointed to the growth of regional markets as one change creating opportunities for businesses.

“That potential is increasingly visible beyond Metro Manila. As incomes rise and aspirations evolve, opportunities are opening across the regions. For businesses, this means looking beyond where growth has traditionally been concentrated and investing where the next generation of demand is emerging,” he said.

Discussions at the conference also explored how technology is changing the way companies understand and respond to change. Artificial intelligence and data can help businesses identify patterns more quickly, but more information does not necessarily make the decisions for them. Leaders still have to decide what matters, where to invest and when to act.

Across the SM Group, this long-term approach can be seen in the continued growth of its retail, banking, property and portfolio businesses, including their expansion beyond traditional economic centers. These businesses fund their own growth, allowing SM Investments as the parent company to benefit from their growth and the dividends they generate.

This structure gives SM Investments a distinctive position as a parent company, with established businesses that can invest and grow independently while contributing dividends to the parent over time.

The underlying approach remains straightforward: understand where demand is going, invest with discipline and stay close to the customers the businesses serve.

GCash lending arm Fuse marks 10 years of safe, accessible borrowing for Filipinos

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As predatory lending persists in the Philippines, Fuse Financing, Inc., the lending arm of GCash, continues to provide Filipinos with safe, transparent, and accessible borrowing options with fair terms

Barriers to formal credit, including a lack of valid IDs, formal documentation, and collateral, continue to restrict millions of Filipinos from securing fair and vital financial support. According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), traditional financial institutions rely heavily on these requirements to evaluate creditworthiness, leaving only 16% of Filipino adults able to secure formal loans from banks and other regulated lenders. Rising financial pressure drives vulnerable Filipinos toward informal, predatory lenders to make ends meet, trapping them in cycles of extreme interest rates and abusive collection practices. Addressing these remains critical to driving broader financial inclusion across the country.

Celebrating a decade of helping Filipinos build financial security, Fuse Financing has transformed the country's lending landscape by giving millions of underserved borrowers access to dignified lending. By leveraging technology and innovation, Fuse continues to bridge the credit gap through accessible loan products such as GLoan, GCredit, and GGives that offer transparent and fair terms, without the need for collateral.

Over the past 10 years, Fuse has helped everyday Filipinos to navigate emergencies and fuel personal growth.

Supplementing daily budget

Personal loans are the most common lifeline for Filipino borrowers, who turn to them mainly to manage everyday living costs, medical expenses, and schooling fees, according to the BSP.. Such is the case for 54-year-old Marissa of Tondo, Manila and 48-year-old Irene of Alaminos, Pangasinan.

Marissa, a former house help, is grateful that borrowing money can now be done in a few taps on her phone. "Salamat sa GCash at may GLoan dahil kapag kailangan namin ng dagdag na pera, may mahihiraman kami agad. Malaking tulong ito sa pang-araw-araw, lalo na sa pambili ng pagkain, pambayad ng bills, at iba pang kailangan ng pamilya." she said. (“I’m thankful for GCash because GLoan is a great help to us whenever we need extra money. I’ve also used it before for our everyday needs, such as buying food and paying bills. It’s truly a big help in our lives.”)

The Tondo resident previously obtained a loan amounting to P20,000 via GLoan, the flagship cash loan product of Fuse, which helped her in paying for medications and dialysis treatment. She also secured credit to buy groceries and settle monthly dues.

For Irene, a barangay health worker, GLoan and GGives enable her to pay for her child's tuition and pay bills on time, as well as cover their family's grocery expenses.

"Mas pinipili ko po ang manghiram sa GCash kaysa sa tradisyonal na lending dahil mas mabilis, mas magaan, at mas maayos ang proseso," she said. (I prefer borrowing through GCash rather than traditional lenders because the process is faster, easier, and more convenient.)

GLoan enables eligible users to borrow cash through the GCash app to help pay for expenses such as emergencies, bills, school fees, or business needs. GGives, meanwhile, allows eligible users to buy now and pay in installments, making it easier to afford bigger purchases such as gadgets, appliances, travel, and other everyday needs.

Humane approach to borrowing: zero-tolerance policy against harassment and abusive practices

While online lending has expanded access to credit, regulators warn that dishonest and unregulated operators continue to exploit vulnerable borrowers. Some illegal platforms charge monthly interest rates as high as 40 percent and resort to severe harassment, including contacting borrowers' family and friends to publicly shame them and coerce payments.

Bernadette Romariate, a 25-year-old borrower in Pangasinan, said that GLoan provides the necessary terms and conditions for the benefit of the borrowers.

"Meron kasi yung terms and conditions doon sa [GLoan]. Kung babasahin, may nakalagay doon na due date. So, it's your responsibility kung kailan mo siya babayaran," she explained. (The terms and conditions are clearly stated in GLoan. If you read them, you'll see the due date indicated there. So it's your responsibility to make sure you pay the loan on time.)

For Fuse, it ensures that it adopts a fair, humane, and respectful approach to collections, treating it as a form of customer support rather than punishment.

“We enforce a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and abusive practices, while ensuring that all collection activities comply with Securities and Exchange Commission regulations and ethical standards,” Fuse Financing president and CEO Tony Isidro said.

Through this approach, Fuse aims to help borrowers manage financial difficulties while building trust in the formal lending system.

Borrowing with dignity

All these efforts are in line with the mission of empowering Filipinos to borrow with dignity.

Sheila Gomez of Iloilo City lamented the social stigma often associated with borrowing, particularly the discomfort of having to ask family or friends for financial help. GLoan provided her with a private and dignified way to access credit without relying on others.

And it paid off. She used the funds to support her journey through law school, easing the financial burden and allowing her to focus on her studies. Now a lawyer, Sheila said she continues to use GCash to manage her finances.

"Loans don't have to be a bad thing. When you borrow with a clear purpose — like investing in your education — it can actually be one of the smartest decisions you make," she concluded.

For more information on loan products, visit gcash.com.

Where Strength Meets Purpose: Century Tuna Crowns Its 20th Superbods Champions

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Century Tuna Superbods Grand Winners Austin Dizon and Vienne Luna with Runners-Up MJ Ordillano and Jas Paguio

Century Tuna has officially named Austin Dizon and Vienne Luna as the Grand Winners of the 20th Century Tuna Superbods this 2026, rising above a remarkable lineup of 40 inspiring finalists.

Century Tuna Male Superbod Grand Winner Austin Dizon is recognized for his advocacy for accessible quality nutrition. Meanwhile, Female Superbod Grand Winner Vienne Luna proudly celebrates Project H.E.R. - Health, Empowerment, and Resilience.

Austin and Vienne each took home the grand prize of ₱1,000,000. Securing the podium, MJ Ordillano and Jas Paguio were named the Century Tuna Superbods Runners-Up, receiving ₱250,000 each.

Celebrating its 20th milestone year, the premier fitness and wellness platform spotlighted authentic human stories, personal growth, and passion-driven advocacies—ranging from accessible nutrition to inclusive physical training and mental strength. Through this historic season, Century Tuna and its contenders proved that while physical conditioning earns a spot on stage, true purpose is what keeps them there.

Century Tuna Brand Ambassadors Alice Dixson, Anne Curtis, and Atasha Muhlach

Held at the grand stage of Solaire Resort Quezon City, the high-energy event brought together top industry icons and fitness advocates. Century Tuna brand ambassadors Anne Curtis, Alice Dixson, and Atasha Muhlach graced the occasion, championing the finalists as they shared their real-life wellness journeys on stage. The powerhouse trio commanded the stage with a show-stopping entrance, making a bold statement of beauty with strength, celebrating the confidence and empowerment of the Superbod Era.

Century Tuna Brand Ambassador Alice Dixson, guest celebrity judge Luis Manzano,

and Century Tuna Brand Ambassador Anne Curtis

Century Tuna Superbods 2014 Grand Winner Mauro Lumba and guest celebrity judge Marian Rivera

Evaluating the contenders on stage presence, authentic charisma, and their commitment to uplifting others through health were esteemed leaders and personalities across wellness, entertainment, and business. The powerhouse panel of judges included iconic actress Marian Rivera and multi-hyphenate actor-host Luis Manzano, Century Tuna ambassadors Anne Curtis and Alice Dixson, and Century Tuna Superbods 2014 Grand Winner, Muay Thai and HYROX athlete Mauro Lumba. They were joined by Century Pacific Food Inc. Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Mr. Greg Banzon, alongside Vice President, General Manager, and Group Business Head Mr. Carlo Endaya.

Century Pacific Food Inc. Vice President, General Manager, and Group Business Head Carlo Endaya, PC&V Communications Inc. President and Chief Creative Officer Carol San Pedro, and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Greg Banzon

Guiding the momentous occasion as event hosts were radio DJ Sam YG and television host Bianca Gonzalez, keeping the energy high throughout the evening.

The Top 40 Superbod finalists commanded the spotlight through sequential runway presentations—showcasing their strength and versatility in activewear, lifestyle wear, and swimwear, before narrowing down to the Top 16 for the decisive Question and Answer round.

Prior to the main event, the contenders underwent comprehensive physical challenges, advocacy workshops, and community engagements designed to prepare them to serve as relatable motivators for the public.

Special awards were presented to standout candidates throughout the night:

● Century Tuna Super Bowl Game Changer

o Male: Ricardo de Jesus

o Female: Diane Querrer

● Century Tuna Nuggets Supermom

o Rov Mizuse

● Century Tuna Nuggets Superdad

o Jaco Benin

● Vita Coco Most Refreshingly Real Award

o Male: Nunoy van den Burgh

o Female: Jas Paguio

● Fitness Breakthrough Award

o Male: Ameer Ahid

o Female: Maan Marquez

● Jojo Bragais Power Walk Award

o Male: MJ Ordillano

o Female: Vienne Luna

● Superbod Ultimate Transformation

o Male: Rafael Tan

o Female: Janica Reloxe

● Fan Choice Award

o Male: Austin Dizon

o Female: Aleiah Torres

● Bench Active Lifestyle Icon

o Male: Austin Dizon

o Female: Anna Lakrini

● Kilos Superbod Synergy

o Jaco Benin, Anna Lakrini

o Josh Florendo, Cianne Dominguez

● Digital Champ Award

o Male: Lorenzo Isip

o Female: Vienne Luna

● Ageless Award

o Male: Jay Gonzaga

o Female: Gee Canlas

● Solaire Wellness Icon Award

o Male: Prince de Guzman

o Female: Cianne Dominguez

● Media Choice Award

o Male: Prince de Guzman

o Female: Cianne Dominguez

● Beyond the Bod (Advocacy Champion)

o Male: Ricardo de Jesus

o Female: Thalia Joaquin

Century Tuna Superbods 2026 Male Grand Winner Austin Dizon

Century Tuna Superbods 2026 Female Grand Winner Vienne Luna

Century Tuna Superbods 2026 Grand Winners with guest celebrity judges, Century Tuna brand ambassadors, and Century Pacific Food Inc. executives

Century Tuna Superbods 2026 Grand Winners and Runners-Up with guest celebrity judges, Century Tuna brand ambassadors, and Century Pacific Food Inc. executives

From left to right: Hosts Sam YG and Bianca Gonzalez

Top 40 Superbod Finalists

"For 20 years, Century Tuna Superbods has stood as a national platform where health meets real purpose," said Mr. Carlo Endaya, Vice President, General Manager, and Group Business Head of Century Pacific Food Inc. "Tonight, our finalists showed the entire country that stepping into your Superbod Era isn't just about physical fitness—it's about leading with heart, lifting up others through your causes, and inspiring everyday Filipinos to pursue their own goals."

The curtains may have fallen on Finals Night, but the Superbod Era is only just beginning. Equipped with passion, purpose, and real-life advocacies, these Superbods stand ready to lead by example—proving that a healthier, more empowered life belongs to every body.

For more information on Century Tuna Superbods, please visit https://centurytuna.ph/ or watch out for updates on Century Tuna’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/centurytuna.