GCash unlocks exclusive deals and digital convenience for Bacolod’s MassKara Festival 2026

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Enjoy the Masskara festivities, and discover exclusive GCash promos from October 16-18, 2026!

Bacolod City once again comes alive with the sights, sounds, and festive spirit of MassKara Festival as GCash joins locals and visitors in one of the city’s most anticipated celebrations. From October 16 to 18, 2026, festival‑goers can discover exclusive merchant offers, alongside activities and surprises across key areas of the festival.

Beyond the parades, music, and colorful festivities, MassKara brings together communities, consumers, and local businesses. As digital payments become increasingly part of everyday transactions, GCash is making it easier for festival-goers to pay, explore local merchants, and enjoy more of what Bacolod has to offer. Through merchant partnerships and activities across key areas, GCash hopes to give more reasons to explore and celebrate MassKara.

Unlocking exclusive GCash deals & promos at Masskara

Festival-goers can enjoy exclusive deals from participating merchants when they pay with GCash. These offers give visitors more ways to discover local businesses while getting added value from purchases made throughout the celebration.

Activities will also take place across Lacson Street and the Public Plaza, where festival programs will run from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Visitors can look forward to freebies, surprises, and other experiences throughout the festivities, including the MassKara Crawl, which encourages customers to explore participating merchants along the way.

“MassKara is deeply rooted in the community, and the festival experience is shaped by the many people and businesses that make it come alive. By being present in areas where people gather, we make digital payments and merchant offers part of a more convenient and enjoyable experience for locals and visitors alike,” said Maria Tania Padilla, VP and Regional Business Unit.

A festival itinerary will also give visitors a preview of activities and offers they can discover, making it easier to plan their time and experience more of MassKara.

Bringing digital convenience into the celebration

Festivals bring people together to eat, shop, explore, and celebrate, creating opportunities for local businesses to connect with more customers. For participating merchants, the MassKara festivities provide another way to engage with consumers during one of Bacolod’s busiest celebrations, while festival-goers can discover new experiences and local favorites throughout the city.

As Bacolod celebrates MassKara Festival, GCash brings residents and tourists more ways to enjoy the festivities with exciting offers, exclusive deals, and freebies.

Here’s how you can join the fun with GCash:

• Arriving at Bacolod-Silay Airport or BREDCO Port? Download and register for the GCash app, then buy load to enjoy freebies.

• Visit MassKara bazaars at Masskanameats and Merkado Lacson to get freebies

• Explore the MassKara crawl and participating partner merchants for exclusive promos

• Drop by GCash booths at Lacson Street Public Plaza and Megaworld for more festival activities

• Get your GCash Visa Card at 888 Chinatown Square.

For Bacolodnons, these activities enrich a celebration that has long been part of the city’s identity. By bringing offers and experiences closer to where people gather, GCash helps festival‑goers make the most of MassKara while giving local businesses greater opportunities to connect with the community.

For more information, please visit www.gcash.com.

Home Credit Builds Futures Beyond Classrooms, Transforming Lives and Strengthening Community Resilience in Typhoon-hit Catanduanes

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Together with All Hands & Hearts and Happy Hearts Czech, Home Credit contributed to building futures beyond classrooms by strengthening education, resilience, and opportunities for underserved communities

Employees of Home Credit Philippines work together to revitalize learning spaces at Salvacion Elementary School as part of the company's community outreach initiatives

For more than a decade, Home Credit Philippines has been helping Filipinos move closer to a more rewarding life through accessible financial solutions while creating meaningful impact beyond financing through initiatives that advance education, support communities, and foster long-term resilience.

Bringing this commitment to life, Home Credit partnered with All Hands & Hearts (AH&H) and Happy Hearts Czech—whose instrumental support helped build and facilitate this partnership—to transform Salvacion Elementary School in Catanduanes into a safer, more resilient learning environment while equipping the wider community with the learning infrastructure, skills, and support needed to thrive for years to come. This six-month initiative, which culminated in July 2026, reflects Home Credit's commitment to building futures beyond classrooms and creating sustainable opportunities for the typhoon-affected school and community of Salvacion.

For years, recurring typhoons left the school vulnerable to damage, disrupting learning, and affecting both students and teachers. Through Home Credit's support, four disaster-resilient classrooms were built, five classrooms were repaired, and critical facilities including sanitation infrastructure, a water filtration and drinking station, electrical upgrades, furniture, and a new playground were provided. These improvements now benefit 115 students and nine school staff members, creating a safer and more conducive environment for learning.

But for Home Credit, building futures means going beyond infrastructure. Recognizing that resilient communities are built through empowerment, the company also supported a range of programs designed to strengthen disaster preparedness, well-being, and self-reliance of the community.

Through the initiative,

• · 393 students, teachers, and community members received disaster preparedness training
• · 126 beneficiaries participated in child protection programs
• · 78 community members attended menstrual hygiene management workshops
• · 4 women completed female mason training, equipping them with valuable skills that can support future livelihood opportunities and local recovery efforts.

"At Home Credit, we believe that true empowerment begins with creating opportunities for people to learn, grow, and build better lives," said Jana Pechouckova, Senior Vice President of Home Credit Philippines. "Through this partnership with All Hands & Hearts, we are investing not only in safer classrooms but also in stronger, more resilient communities. When children have access to quality learning environments and communities are equipped to face future challenges, we create opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom."

Students at Salvacion Elementary School settle into their newly renovated classroom, designed to provide a safer and more inspiring learning environment.

The partnership also lays the foundation for long-term community development. With improved facilities and renewed confidence within the community, Salvacion Elementary School is planning to expand access to learning by offering educational opportunities for adults who were unable to complete their formal education, creating new pathways for personal and economic growth.

"Recovery is not just about rebuilding infrastructures; it's about restoring opportunities and strengthening communities for the future," said Kez Burrows, Program Director at All Hands & Hearts. "Home Credit's support enabled us to deliver meaningful and lasting impact in Salvacion, helping create safer learning spaces while empowering community members with the knowledge and skills needed to build resilience for the coming times."

The initiative forms part of Home Credit's broader commitment to creating positive social impact through purpose-driven partnerships that address real community needs. By working alongside organizations such as All Hands & Hearts, the company will continue to help communities recover, grow stronger, and unlock opportunities for future generations.

"The success of this partnership reinforces our belief that lasting change happens when organizations come together around a shared purpose," Pechouckova added. "As we look ahead, Home Credit remains committed to pursuing more partnerships that empower communities, strengthen resilience, and create opportunities for Filipinos across the country.”

The Ber Months Moneymaxxing Guide: Your Cheat Sheet for Getting Holiday-Ready

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The Ber months are officially here, which means your calendar, and probably your expenses, are about to get a lot busier. With more things competing for your budget, a little planning now can help you enjoy the season without feeling like all your expenses are hitting at once.

The move? Moneymaxx your way through the Ber months: start preparing early, make your money work harder, and get more value from the spending you’re already planning to do.

Here’s your guide to getting your money holiday-ready with Maya.

1. Start building your holiday fund now

You don’t need to suddenly stop eating out, cancel every weekend plan, or swear off online shopping until December just to have money for Christmas.

Instead of waiting for one big paycheck to cover everything, you can slowly build your holiday fund in Maya Personal Goals, where you can create up to five separate savings goals and earn up to 8% interest p.a., making it easier to organize your budget for gifts, travel, celebrations, or whatever else is on your holiday list.

Your Christmas budget gets built little by little, and earns while you save, while the rest of your money can still go toward actually enjoying the Ber months.

2. Make the money you’ve already set aside work harder

Your holiday fund doesn’t have to sit around doing nothing until you’re ready to spend it.

With Maya Savings, you can earn up to 15% interest p.a., credited daily, giving the money you’ve already set aside a chance to keep growing while you count down to the holiday break.

After all, Moneymaxxing isn’t just about spending smarter. It’s also about making your money work harder even when you’re not using it yet.

3. Decide what you want back from all that holiday spending

Once the holiday spending starts, ask yourself another question before reaching for a card: What do I want this purchase to give me back?

If cashback is your priority, the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card lets cardholders earn up to 5% cashback at Landers, 2% on dining, and 1% on most other purchases.

If you’re already thinking about where you want to go in 2027, the Maya Black Credit Card lets cardholders earn Maya Miles on their spending, including up to 10x Maya Miles at Maya Black Preferred merchants. Maya Miles can then be redeemed for travel and other lifestyle rewards.

4. Make your holiday spending anywhere in the Philippines count

Holiday spending happens everywhere: from the mall where you’re buying gifts and the restaurant hosting your barkada reunion to the neighborhood shop where you’re picking up something at the last minute.

With the Maya Card, you can earn 1% cashback on eligible purchases anywhere in the Philippines, giving you a simple way to get something back from the holiday spending you were already planning to do.

5. When the purchase is big, Make it Mini

Maybe your phone finally needs replacing. Maybe you’re buying an appliance for the house before relatives arrive. Or maybe you’ve found the big-ticket Christmas gift you’ve been planning for.

A bigger expense doesn’t automatically have to take one big bite out of your month’s cash flow. When the purchase is big, make it mini with Maya Mini Payments. Eligible purchases can be converted into 3, 6, 9, or 12 monthly payments, giving you more flexibility to manage the expense alongside everything else on your holiday list.

Before converting a purchase, look at the months ahead and choose a repayment plan you can comfortably accommodate.

Moneymaxx beyond the holidays

The holidays may be one of the busiest spending seasons of the year, but Moneymaxxing isn’t about having a perfectly planned Christmas or cutting out everything you enjoy.

It’s about being more intentional with the money you already have: save earlier, make it work harder, get more from the spending you’re already doing, and manage bigger expenses on your terms.

To know more, visit maya.ph or mayabank.ph, and follow @makeyourmoneymaya on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay updated. Approval and offer are subject to credit evaluation. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. www.bsp.gov.ph. For 24/7 assistance, visit the Help Center in the Maya app or call us from 8 AM to 7 PM daily at +632 8845-7788.

Breaking the debt cycle from predatory lenders: Cebuana entrepreneurs rely on GLoan Negosyo to grow their business

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For many Filipino entrepreneurs, the biggest hurdle isn’t the idea, it’s the capital to make it happen. At the Wais Tindera Caravan in Cebu, three women shared how access to financing helped them build businesses and support their families.

Through GCash, the Philippines’ leading finance superapp and largest cashless ecosystem, and its lending solutions from Fuse Financing Inc., these entrepreneurs are gaining access to credit that fits how they earn and spend.

A nail salon breaking free from high-pressure informal lending

Dyan, 35, does nails for a living in Barangay Suba, Cebu City, often traveling to clients for home service calls. Supplies run out fast in this business, and before GLoan Negosyo, keeping up meant borrowing from informal lenders who expected payment every single day. For someone whose income depends on how many clients she sees, that pressure never lets up.

GLoan Negosyo changed the rhythm. She now restocks on her own terms, without the daily scramble to repay.

"Dati araw-araw ako nagbabayad sa mga pinagkakautangan ko, kaya mas maganda 'yong GLoan kasi makakaipon ka pa bago magbayad. ‘Yong inutang ko, pambayad ko ng mga gamit ko sa paglilinis ng nails ng mga customer. Wala akong masasabi sa GLoan, nakakatulong talaga siya, lalo na kapag wala kang pera at gusto mong gamitin pang-negosyo, low interest pa siya," Dyan said. (Before, I paid daily on my debts, so GLoan is better because I can save up first before paying. What I borrowed went to my nail supplies for my customers. GLoan helps a lot, especially when you have no money and need capital for your business, and the interest is low too.)

GCash is with Dyan everywhere her work takes her. Clients pay her on the spot using GCash, cash-in and cash-out transactions and prepaid load sales also bring in a little extra on the side. And through GSave, Dyan is quietly building an emergency fund, money she can't accidentally spend the way she might with cash in her pocket.

Building a sari-sari store from the ground up

In 2024, Jill, 28, and her partner opened a sari-sari store with nothing but GLoan Negosyo to support them. A ₱15,000 loan gave them the starting capital they needed to open their business. Since then, Jill has relied on GLoan five more times to restock whenever her sales slow down, turning a quick fix into a steady and reliable system for keeping her shelves full.

"Ginamit ko ang GLoan para lumago ang negosyo, pinambili ko ng mga paninda ko po tulad ng mga sabon, shampoo, at canned goods. Masaya po ako dahil maliit lang ang interest, hindi mabigat sa bulsa dahil hindi siya araw-araw binabayaran, talagang makakaipon ka para makapagbayad buwan-buwan. Nakatulong po talaga dahil kung wala akong puhunan, ito 'yong nagagamit ko," Jill said. (I used GLoan to grow my business, buying stock like soap, shampoo, and canned goods. I'm happy because the interest is small and easy on the pocket since I don't pay daily, I can really save up to pay monthly. It really helped, because when I have no capital, this is what I use.)

Jill's store also takes GCash payments, a small edge over the cash-only stores nearby. The monthly repayment schedule also offers much-needed breathing room compared to the daily pressure of informal lenders, allowing her business to stay steady even during slow periods.

A small side hustle funding a big dream

Carmen, 42, runs a small fish vending business in Barangay Suba—the kind of daily work that keeps a household going. To grow her business, she buys fish by the banyera (tub) and resells them to fellow vendors and fisherfolk, making sure no day goes to waste.

When additional capital was needed to keep her fish trade moving, GCash provided the crucial push. Introduced to the app by her cousin, Carmen turned to GLoan to supplement her existing capital, allowing her to purchase more inventory and keep her business afloat without the slow, restrictive processes of traditional financial institutions.

"Ibig sabihin, idinagdag ko lang hanggang sa lumaki. Extra na pera para maikot 'yung tinda. Nakatulong din sa iba at sa mga bata. Dahil may negosyo ka na, nakakatulong ka pa kaysa naman ma-standby ka lang," Carmen said. (I added the loan to my capital so it could grow—extra money to keep the trade moving. It also helped others and the kids. Because you have a business, you get to help out instead of just staying idle.)

Carmen isn't stopping there. She plans to maintain a good credit standing, explore GCash’s savings features, and use digital bill payments to make running her business and managing her household even easier.

Three stories, one lesson

Dyan, Jill, and Carmen didn't just get a loan; they got a chance to build something, and the confidence to keep growing. Financing gave them room to start a business, restock a shelf, expand an idea, or simply get through a hard month without losing ground.

Their stories point to something bigger happening across the Philippines, especially as more Filipinos turn a small business into their main livelihood with the help of accessible financing. GCash and Fuse Financing want to be part of that story even more, so more entrepreneurs can grow and seize new opportunities to build the future they dream for their families.

To know more about GCash and its lending solutions, please visit www.gcash.com.

GCash wins Philippine Quill Awards for sustainability and digital safety campaigns

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Driven by its commitment to inclusion, innovation, and social impact, GCash took home two Merit awards and one Excellence distinction at the prestigious 2026 Philippine Quill Awards.

The recognitions highlight the company’s tangible impact on Filipinos: from mobilizing 12,000 runners for climate action to reaching over 1.5 million people with engaging scam awareness campaigns on social media.

From left: GCash public affairs and CSR manager Mabel Niala, VP for corporate communications & public affairs Gilda Maquilan and external affairs manager Jerome Lantin

Turning everyday transactions into real trees

Transforming Everyday Digital Behaviors into Environmental Impact: Through GForest, routine actions like sending money, paying bills, and making transactions allow users to collect energy points to plant virtual trees. In turn, GCash, its partners and local communities plant real trees on the ground, helping restore critical ecosystems while supporting sustainable local livelihoods.

Cutting through scam tactics before they cause harm

GCash was also honored with a Merit Award in the Communication Skills Division (Audio/Visual) for its campaign against SMS spoofing scams. Faced with rising threats from International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catcher technology, the company turned a complex fraud tactic into a simple, memorable rule: “Basta may link, ‘wag mong i‑click! "Animated, bite‑sized videos made scam awareness instinctive, reaching more than 1.5 million users organically and driving a 22.6% engagement rate—over four times the industry benchmark.

A digital ecomovement brought to life by 12,000 runners and 128,000 trees

“Driving Collective Climate Action Through GForest and EcoRun.” was awarded the Excellence in Communication Management (CSR). This initiative bridged digital engagement with real-world impact. The initiative mobilized 12,000 race participants to fund mangrove restoration and plant 76,000 trees and mangroves nationwide. Supported by corporate sponsorships that contributed an additional 52,000 trees, the project reached a total of 128,000 trees, demonstrating how digital mobilization can scale into tangible environmental outcomes alongside NGOs, universities, and merchant partners.

The real measure of impact

Taken together, these campaigns show how communication can move beyond awareness to inspire measurable change.

“For us, these recognitions are not just about winning awards—they are about proving that communication can drive real, positive change in people’s lives,” said GCash vice president for corporate sustainability and communication Michelle Fernandez. “Whether it’s protecting families from scams or mobilizing communities for climate action, we see every campaign as part of a larger responsibility to make digital innovation meaningful for Filipinos.”

These recognitions reflect the role of communications in shaping everyday behavior, from encouraging safer choices and greater awareness of risks to promoting more responsible practices that benefit both people and the environment.

For more information, please visit www.gcash.com.

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.

GCash makes investing in Arthaland follow-on offering more accessible with GStocks PH

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Filipinos can look forward to easily participating in Arthaland Corporation’s (ALCO) upcoming Series G and H preferred share offering, giving investors an opportunity to invest in the sustainable property developer directly through GStocks PH, offered by broker AB Capital Securities Inc. in the GCash app. The shares are priced at PHP 500 each, with Series G (ALCPG) offering a dividend rate of 7.3260% per annum and Series H (ALCPH) offering 7.8105% per annum, subject to the terms and conditions of the issue. Preferred shares typically pay fixed dividends and give holders priority over common shareholders in receiving dividends. The offer period for ALCO’s share sale will run from September 14 to September 18.

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Through GStocks PH powered by AB Capital Securities Inc., fully-verified GCash users can now seamlessly subscribe to Arthaland Corporation’s (ALCO) Series G and H preferred shares right from their smartphones

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The offering expands retail investors’ access to additional ways to earn potential income, while helping address challenges that have traditionally made stock investing less convenient. In the past, retail investors often needed a separate bank account to begin trading in the stock market and had to coordinate with a physical broker to participate in share issuances, including follow-on offerings.

The fully-digital IPO/FOO subscription feature of GStocks PH, offered by AB Capital Securities Inc., provides retail investors a more seamless and transparent investment experience during share sales like initial public offerings and follow-on offerings. With the built-in subscription meter and real-time allocation of the broker’s tranche, investors can check the availability of broker-allotted shares on GStocks PH and confirm their share allocations at the moment of subscription rather than waiting for the close of the offer period.

Should the broker’s initial tranche be fully taken up and the offering become oversubscribed on GStocks PH, retail investors can still place orders and receive their allocation results after the offer period.

“Financial inclusion is not only about more financial services. It is about creating a simpler, more rewarding experience that keeps Filipinos’ needs in mind. By digitizing financial services and making investing more convenient, we make it easier for Filipinos to participate and take greater control of their financial journeys,” emphasized Winsley Bangit, group head of new businesses at Mynt.

Fully-verified GCash users can strengthen their investment journey by opening the GCash app, going to Invest, and selecting GStocks PH. The platform offers instant onboarding to new users, and free fund transfers to and from the GCash wallet with no bank account needed.

By expanding digital access to securities offerings, GStocks PH continues to help broaden participation in the capital markets and provide Filipinos with more convenient ways to earn and grow their hard earned money.

GoTyme Bank Brings Apple Pay to its Debit Card Customers in the Philippines

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GoTyme Bank today brings Apple Pay to its debit card customers in the Philippines. Apple Pay is an easy, secure, and private way to pay in-store, in-app, and online.

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An easier and more secure way to pay with iPhone, 

Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac

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To pay in-store, customers simply double-click the side button, authenticate, and hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near a payment terminal to make a contactless payment. Every Apple Pay purchase is secure because it is authenticated with Face ID, Touch ID, or device passcode, as well as a one-time unique dynamic security code. Apple Pay is accepted in grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, coffee shops, retail stores, and many more places that accept contactless payments.

”At GoTyme Bank, we're constantly looking for ways to make banking more seamless for our customers. Bringing Apple Pay to GoTyme Bank customers in the Philippines gives them an easy and secure way to pay wherever they shop," said Nate Clarke, CEO of GoTyme Bank.

This news marks another milestone in GoTyme Bank's mission towards bringing the best global banking experiences to Filipinos. Through continuous innovation and a strong focus on customer experience, GoTyme Bank continues to create more convenient and rewarding ways for customers to pay.

Customers can also use Apple Pay on iPhone, iPad, and Mac to make faster and more convenient purchases in apps or on the web without having to create accounts or repeatedly type in contact information, card details, or shipping and billing information.

Security and privacy are at the core of Apple Pay. When customers use a credit or debit card with Apple Pay, the actual card numbers are not stored on the device, nor on Apple servers. Instead, a unique Device Account Number is assigned, encrypted, and securely stored in the Secure Element, an industry-standard, certified chip designed to store the payment information safely on the device.

Apple Pay is easy to set up. On iPhone, simply open the Wallet app, tap the ‘+’, and follow the steps to add GoTyme Bank debit card. Once a customer adds a card to iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac, they can start using Apple Pay on that device right away. Customers will continue to receive all of the benefits offered by GoTyme Bank cards.

For more information on Apple Pay, visit: https://www.apple.com/ph/apple-pay/

For more information on GoTyme Bank, please visit www.gotyme.com.ph.

GCash blocked 6700 illegal gambling sites using QRPH

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GCash has blocked over 6,700 fraudulent merchants using "quishing"—a new tactic where scammers use fake QR codes to steal payments

As QRPh continues to transform the way Filipinos pay for everyday purchases, scammers are also evolving their tactics to exploit the country's growing reliance on QR-based transactions. To help keep digital payments safe, GCash has intensified its efforts against fraudulent merchants and fake payment pages, blocking over 6,700 suspicious accounts linked to QRPh-related scams while continuing to educate users on how to identify and avoid emerging threats.

How scammers exploit QRPh payments

Fraud monitoring teams at GCash have flagged a sharp rise in schemes where fake websites mimic legitimate GCash payment pages and use QRPh codes to collect payments. An example of a growing scam is known as “quishing” or QR phishing.

In these schemes, fraudsters exploit QRPh codes to redirect users to malicious payment pages or steal sensitive information, while misusing official branding to appear credible and deceive users into completing unauthorized transactions.

Some cases also involve fraudulent QRPh codes being embedded in posters, emails, receipts, or messages. When scanned, these can redirect users to fake login pages for e-wallets or banks, or even to sites that install harmful software on their devices. This results in users unknowingly sending money to illegitimate accounts, even if the transaction appears familiar or routine.

Protecting QRPh ecosystem through stronger enforcement

As QRPh-related scams continue to evolve, GCash has strengthened its enforcement measures to protect users against quishing and other QRPh-based scams.

Suspicious wallets linked to fraudulent QRPh activity are immediately blocked, preventing scammers from receiving stolen payments through the platform. Fake websites impersonating official GCash payment pages are likewise identified and escalated for takedown, while incident reports are submitted to PH Payments Management Inc. (PPMI) and relevant government authorities to support further investigation and enforcement.

These efforts form part of GCash's broader collaboration with government agencies, including the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), to disrupt scam networks, strengthen consumer protection, and preserve trust in the country's digital payments ecosystem.

"Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics alongside digital payments, and we are equally committed to staying ahead of these threats," said Miguel Geronilla, Chief Information Security Officer at GCash. "By proactively blocking suspicious accounts, flagging fraudulent payment pages, and reporting these activities to regulators and law enforcement, we help stop these schemes before they can affect more Filipinos."

Geronilla added, "Protecting users is at the core of our platform. We have zero tolerance for those who exploit digital financial services, and we will continue to strengthen our safeguards while working hand in hand with government and industry partners to keep the country's digital payments ecosystem safe and secure."

Protect yourself from QRPh-related scams

As scams become more sophisticated, GCash urges users to remain vigilant and practice safe digital habits when using QR-based payments:

• Always check the website URL before making payments and ensure it matches official GCash domains

• Verify the merchant name displayed before confirming any transaction

•  Avoid transacting with suspicious or unverified sites

• l Be cautious of QR codes from unknown or untrusted sources\

• l Report suspicious links or payment requests through the GCash Help Center

Users are strongly encouraged to verify merchant names and payment URLs before completing transactions and to immediately stop any transaction that appears suspicious.

Keeping digital payments safe for every Filipino

GCash reaffirms its commitment to protecting users and maintaining the integrity of the country’s digital payments ecosystem. Through proactive detection, continuous monitoring, and strong collaboration with regulators and law enforcement, the platform continues to strengthen its defenses against emerging threats.

GCash users can report suspected scams through the GCash Help Center at help.gcash.com by chatting with Gigi and selecting “I want to report a scam”, or by calling the official GCash hotline at 2882.

Users may also report incidents to the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group at (02) 8414-1560 / 0998-598-8116 or acg@pnp.gov.ph, and to the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) via hotline 1326, mobile 0991-481-4225, or report@cicc.gov.ph.

By staying vigilant and using trusted platforms, Filipinos can better protect their funds and ensure that every peso counts.

More information is available at www.gcash.com.

Pitik Queen Shows How to Lock In More Everyday Savings With the Upgraded GrabUnlimited

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With the upgraded GrabUnlimited, Filipino consumers need not tighten their belts to enjoy savings across food, groceries, and rides for only Php 48 per month through the annual plan

We all know the feeling. You want to order food, restock groceries, or book a ride, but the budget voice in your head says, “Tipid muna.”

GrabUnlimited makes that decision a little easier.

In Grab’s newest online video, viral social media sensation and Pitik Queen Ian Mark Kamangkang puts his signature tight belt and dance moves to good use, turning a familiar Filipino budgeting habit into the campaign’s main story.

Known online for cinching his belt and breaking into his now-iconic moves, Ian Mark brings humor to a very relatable dilemma: when the budget feels tight, should everyday conveniences like food delivery, groceries, and rides be the first to go?

GrabUnlimited offers a different answer. Instead of tightening their belts to cut back, users can make smarter Save Moves that help them lock in more value across the Grab app.

The upgraded GrabUnlimited gives subscribers more ways to save across the Grab ecosystem, from food and groceries to rides and rewards. For only PHP 48 per month through the annual plan, users can lock in year-round perks designed for everyday needs.

For GrabFood, savings are now easier to unlock. The minimum order value for discounted delivery has been lowered from Php 475 to just Php 390, allowing GrabUnlimited members to enjoy up to Php 49 off on delivery fees with a lower spend requirement. Members can also get 20% off on food orders from participating merchants, making daily meals, cravings, and group orders easier on the wallet.

GrabUnlimited now also includes GrabMart delivery discounts, giving members up to Php 80 off on delivery fees for groceries, pantry staples, household items, and other everyday essentials. It is a timely upgrade for users who want to save not only on food delivery, but also on the things they regularly need at home.

Furthermore, Grab is rolling out Top-Up Packs, giving GrabUnlimited members access to preferential rates and discounts at participating GrabFood restaurants and GrabMart stores. For a minimal upfront fee starting at PHP 29, subscribers can purchase restaurant- or store-specific voucher bundles from participating brands and unlock up to PHP 1,500 in extra savings.

GrabUnlimited members will also continue to enjoy transport perks, including 8% off GrabCar rides with a minimum fare of PHP 99 and an increased maximum discount of PHP 70. Members also exclusively earn base GrabCoins on all cashless transactions, helping them collect points faster and unlock more savings across the app.

The upgraded subscription comes with a more budget-friendly annual plan that brings the cost down to only Php 48 per month. For users who regularly order, shop, or book rides through Grab, the annual plan offers a practical way to lock in savings before the spending even begins.

With GrabUnlimited, Grab is giving Filipino users more ways to make everyday convenience feel more sulit. Whether it is a weekday lunch, a grocery run, a ride across the city, or a planned purchase from a favorite brand, the subscription helps users stretch their budget without giving up the services that make daily life easier.

As Ian Mark Kamangkang shows in the campaign, tipid does not always mean saying no. With the right Save Moves, it can also mean knowing where to get more value out of every peso.

Batangas Transport Cooperative (BATRASCO) drivers receive government fuel subsidy straight to their GCash e-wallets

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With the effects of the fuel crisis rippling across sectors, public transport is among the most severely impacted. Jeepney drivers are bearing the brunt of this volatility as rising costs threaten both their livelihoods and national mobility. The impact is felt far beyond the roads; this means tightening the budget of many Filipino households as well.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) earlier rolled out a fuel subsidy program for public utility vehicle drivers and operators nationwide. The initiative aims to help cushion the impact of the crisis, which also drove up the prices of basic commodities and utilities.

GCash works hand-in-hand with the DOTr, LTFRB, and other relevant government agencies to deliver the financial aid efficiently. The nation-building thrust of GCash enables drivers and operators to receive the subsidy straight to their e-wallets, making the disbursement process seamless and safe. Digitizing the payout eliminates the need to travel or wait in long lines, ensuring that aid reaches them without further delaying their livelihood.

Batangas Transport Cooperative (BATRASCO) president Romeo Macailao welcomes the digital disbursement of their fuel subsidy.

Among the recent recipients are the drivers and operators of Batangas Transport Cooperative (BATRASCO) in Lipa, Batangas. Romeo Macailao, president of the transport group, said that about 70 percent to 80 percent of their members were able to secure their financial aid already via GCash.

"Masaya sila nung natanggap nila iyon kasi napakadali lang, di na nila kailangan pumila ng matagal," the BATRASCO president added. (They were happy when they received it because it was very easy, and they no longer had to wait in long lines.)

Enabling financial inclusion

For Jayson, a 46-year-old jeepney driver from Brgy. Kwatro, Lipa City, the partnership meant more than just receiving aid. It also introduced him to how e-wallets like GCash can help people in their financial journey.

"First time ko pang mag-GCash nung na-receive ko yung ayuda, tinuruan ako nung anak ko paano i-set up," he shared. (It was my first time using GCash when I received the aid, and my child taught me how to set it up.)

 Jayson, 46, opens a GCash account for the first time.

Jayson is now a GCash user, marking his first step into the formal financial system. By opening his first official account through the app, he gains not only access to government aid and social services, but also secure financial tools that were once beyond his reach.

Convenient, seamless transactions

Both Roosevelt, 38, and Lito, 53, jeepney drivers from Bagong Pook, Lipa City, appreciated the convenience of receiving their financial aid through digital disbursements.

They did not have to spend hours in line. With a verified GCash account, the drivers were able to get the subsidy immediately, allowing them to have extra funds for their needs.

"Matagal na akong may GCash kaya natuwa ako nung nalaman kong doon na papasok ang ayuda. Napakabilis ng transaction at di na kailangang pumila pa," Roosevelt said. (I have been using GCash for a long time, so I was glad when I found out that the aid would be credited there. The transaction was very fast, and there was no need to line up anymore.)

"Hindi naman ako nahirapan mag-GCash, tinuruan lang ako ng aking asawa," Lito added. (I didn’t have a hard time using GCash; I was simply taught by my spouse.)

Lito also encouraged other drivers who do not have a GCash account to open one so they can reap the benefits of having access to digital financial services.

Dignified access to financial services

More than just convenience, digital disbursements enable drivers to focus on what matters most for their livelihood: staying on the road.

Loreto, a 42-year-old jeepney driver from Banaybanay, Lipa City, said he usually had to line up for half a day just to receive his subsidy. This meant losing around ₱700 in potential income, which is money he could have used to support his family’s needs.

"Ngayon, isang click na lang, nandoon na ang GCash. Nagagamit mo pa ang yung oras para kumita pa," Loreto said. (Now, it’s just one click, and GCash is there. You can even use the time to earn more.)

Alberto, 51-year-old jeepney driver from Bagong Pook, Lipa City, agreed. “Mas madali makuha yung ayuda ... di ka pa naaabala sa trabaho so mas maraming kikitain. Pag sa GCash, napaka-easy," he said. (It’s easier to receive the aid… and you’re not disrupted from work, so you can earn more. With GCash, it’s very easy.)

GCash continues to champion dignified access to digital financial services for all Filipinos. It shows how support can be delivered in ways that protect both time and livelihood, especially for workers in vulnerable sectors. In addition, this points to the growing role of digital platforms in making essential services more equitable and accessible.

Drivers can verify their eligibility for the LTFRB fuel subsidy by checking the official beneficiary list through the LTFRB Official Facebook Page (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-LTFRB) or by contacting their regional LTFRB office.

Eligible beneficiaries are usually registered PUV drivers and operators with valid franchises and updated LTFRB and LTO records. Drivers may need to present valid IDs and franchise documents, and those not included in the list may request record validation through LTFRB.

For more information, visit gcash.com.