GCash rolls out programs to help make everyday transactions more affordable: zero fees for Middle East transactions, free health insurance, free offline cash in, and 50% off MRT-3 rides

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Filipinos can take advantage of zero transaction fees for Middle East transactions, free insurance, free offline cash-in, and 50% MRT-3 fare discount with GCash. These initiatives underscore the commitment of GCash to support Filipinos in navigating the impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Extended zero fees for Middle East transactions via GCash

GCash has extended zero fees for transfers to and from the Middle East until April 30, 2026 to help ease the financial burden of its overseas Filipino users and their families amid the ongoing developments in the region and rising prices.

The super finance app has enabled Filipinos in affected areas to stay connected with loved ones and to receive assistance without added costs. This supports the national government's continuing efforts to prioritize the safety and welfare of overseas Filipinos.

Filipinos in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Israel, Lebanon, and Jordan will not be charged for their bank transfers to the Philippines and other transactions, like GLoad and GBills. Waived transaction fees will be credited back to their GCash wallet automatically via in-app cashback. Users will receive an in-app notification confirming that the cashback has been successfully credited. No registration is required.

GCash users in the Philippines can also remit money to their loved ones in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Oman for free via GCash International Transfer.

Free offline cash-in from partner merchants

GCash is offering free and instant over-the-counter cash-in of up to PHP 8,000 per month in branches of select partners. This helps ease financial strain of GCash users, especially for commuters and drivers affected by rising fuel costs.

Users can conveniently cash in at partner outlets nationwide, including Puregold, Palawan Pawnshop, Lawson, SM, MRT stations, Uncle John's, and Robinsons.

Users may also avail of this free service via Action.Able, Ayannah, Bayad Center, DA5, Dayon, ECPay, eTAP, ExpressPay, Growsari, iBayad, LBC, Pay&Go, Perahub, RD Pawnshop, Southstar Drug, Tambunting Kristal, Tambunting Amazing Gold, TouchPay, TrueMoney, Villarica Pawnshop, and ZoomPay.

With zero fees and real-time processing, users can easily add funds to their GCash wallets for daily expenses and essential purchases.

Free health insurance in every load purchase

As an added layer of protection, GCash, through its digital insurance platform GInsure, gives free health insurance, underwritten by FPG Insurance, to eligible users every time they buy prepaid load for themselves through GLoad in the GCash app.

Insurance coverage in the country is improving, but the majority of Filipinos still have limited access or coverage. With millions already using the GCash app to buy telco load, GCash aims to make insurance protection more inclusive and attainable by offering this value-added service with mobile load purchases, especially valuable amid the ongoing oil crisis that has increased the cost of living for Filipinos.

When users buy mobile load for themselves for any telco brand in GCash, they get health insurance coverage for free. First, accidental death coverage worth PHP 10,000, which can accumulate up to a maximum of PHP 30,000 when making up to three separate eligible load purchases. Second, income assistance worth PHP 500 per day when they are hospitalized due to illnesses and accidents, up to a maximum of PHP 2,500 for 5 days. Third, disablement benefits worth PHP10,000, providing the user or their beneficiaries an additional safety net. The offer is available to GCash users every time they buy load.

For more comprehensive protection and added peace of mind, GCash also offers a wide range of affordable insurance products through the GInsure marketplace, with health coverage starting as low as PHP 69 per month, providing hospitalization benefits; and accident insurance available from as low as PHP 15, offering coverage of up to PHP 500,000.

50% MRT-3 fare discount via GCash

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has implemented a discounted fare matrix for single-journey tickets, stored-value cards, and cashless payments in response to rising consumer prices since March 23, 2026. As a partner, GCash has made this available on the app.

Passengers of Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) can easily avail of the 50% discounted fare via the GCash app by using the GCash Commute QR, Tap to Pay for NFC-enabled Android phones, or GCash Visa Card. Commuters can go directly to the train platforms without lining up at the ticketing booth, making travel more convenient and seamless.

GCash payments have been up and running at MRT-3 since July 2025, and this cashless payment experience gives back as much as 30 minutes per day to commuters by making them skip the single-journey ticket lines during rush hours.

The goal is simple: to make everyday transactions more affordable, accessible, and seamless for Filipinos. GCash will continue to closely monitor developments in the region and assess the need for a possible extension of these financial relief measures as necessary.

For more information, visit www.gcash.com.

By Runners for Runners: HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2, Developed with King of Marathon Eliud Kipchoge, Now Available for PHP 19,999

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HUAWEI redefines how runners train and perform with the HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2, the lightest and most accurate titanium smartwatch in its class. The device was co-developed with King of Marathon Eliud Kipchoge, the first and only human to have covered a marathon distance in under two hours.

Long advocate for running as a universal pursuit, his “No Human Is Limited” ethos reflects a belief that running belongs to everyone, not just elite athletes, regardless of pace or distance. The HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2 was powered by this idea, bringing elite-level training intelligence into the everyday routines of both recreational and competitive runners.

“What made me collaborate with HUAWEI is that we have the same values. I can believe in creating movement in this world. If you move, you become healthy, and that's the real core. I want to make this world a running world through movement,” said the marathon legend. “Together—myself and HUAWEI—we are trying to package this movement for every citizen in the world.”

Powered by Kipchoge’s Experience, Built for Every Runner

Working with the DSM-Firmenich, Kipchoge’s running team, HUAWEI translated elite training insights into the HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2 through more precise, real-time metrics.

Workout data is captured at one-second intervals, enabling finer analysis and quicker adjustments. Running power, refined with input from Kipchoge’s team, goes beyond heart rate to measure actual mechanical output. It offers a clearer view of effort, efficiency, and form when paired with cadence and stride data.

The device puts equal importance on how that data is delivered. Key metrics like pace, effort, and split deviations are surfaced in real time, turning the watch into a pacing companion rather than a passive tracker.

With the HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2, accuracy remains central. The watch combines a 3D floating antenna system with dual-band satellite support across major global systems to improve signal stability in dense or obstructed environments.

When signals drop, an industry-first AI-assisted XDR positioning system uses motion data to maintain consistent tracking. This ensures precise and uninterrupted records of pace and distance. That precision feeds into the Intelligent Marathon Mode, which integrates pacing, environmental data, and physiological inputs to guide runners through race conditions.

Turning Running Data Into a Smart, On-Wrist Coach

The HUAWEI GT Runner 2 extends beyond tracking into recovery and training guidance. By analyzing heart rate variability, sleep, and training load, it recommends rest and intensity adjustments, helping runners avoid overtraining and sustain progress.

Kipchoge’s career has shown that progress is built on consistency and control. This collaboration attempts to bring that same discipline to the wrist, turning elite insight into something any runner can use, one stride at a time.

“Not everyone can access the best coaches in the world, but we are lucky to have HUAWEI—with the best people who have run marathons, 5k, 10k, and 21k—to coach you. Free of charge. All you need is the HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2,” he expressed.

Experience the Lightest, Most Accurate Titanium Smartwatch Today

The HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2 is now available for PHP 19,999. From April 24 to May 31, early buyers will receive a bundle of exclusives, including a PHP 2,000 trade-in token (redeemable in-store), an in-box fluoroelastomer strap (PHP 1,999), a HUAWEI FreeArc audio wearable (PHP 4,999), and a three-month HUAWEI Health+ membership (PHP 387). The bundle also includes a one-year extended warranty and two years of accidental damage protection (PHP 3,999).

From April 24, online shoppers can also claim a PHP 2,500 voucher via the HUAWEI Online Store, or a PHP 1,000 voucher through Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop, available while supplies last.

Visit your nearest HUAWEI Experience Store or HUAWEI’s official website and social media pages to learn more.

Shell Offers Php5 Per Liter Fuel Discount to Support Motorists Nationwide

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Shell Pilipinas Corporation is implementing a Php5 per liter discount on all fuels from April 24 to 30, 2026.

Available at participating Shell stations nationwide, motorists may avail of the price off with a minimum purchase of Php 1,500 for four-wheel vehicles and Php 200 for two-wheel vehicles, with a maximum discount of Php 200 per transaction.

Customers may continue to get more value out of existing programs, including the loyalty programs, Shell Go+ and SMAC, which allow users to earn points on any purchase in stations that are good as cash, and the UnionBank Shell Power Card, which offers eligible customers with up to 5% rebate on fuel spend. Shell FuelSave also delivers better mileage and is available nationwide.

For the public transport sector, Shell participates in the diesel subsidy program of the Department of Energy, providing a Php 10 per liter discount for public utility vehicles (PUVs). Additional discounts for PUV and TNVS drivers are available in approximately 450 Shell stations nationwide.

For full mechanics and participating stations, customers may visit: https://www.shell.com.ph/P5perliter.

To get more updates and key events, follow Shell Pilipinas Corporation’s official website and social media channels (Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn).

Samsung Announces Global Galaxy S26 Ultra Collaboration for the Release of The Devil Wears Prada 2 in Theatres

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Global marketing campaign launches with custom content featuring Helen J. Shen

Samsung brings the first ever Runway Cam #withGalaxy to The Devil Wears Prada 2 World Premiere showcasing the pro-grade camera on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

Samsung has launched a global collaboration to celebrate the upcoming theatrical release of 20th Century Studios’ The Devil Wears Prada 2 with a custom spot that features Helen J. Shen as her character ‘Jin’, flawlessly fixing a last-minute Miranda Priestly request using Circle to Search with Google on the new Galaxy S26 Ultra.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sd2_a2GZnYw

As part of the global team-up, the Galaxy S26 Ultra shone during its red-carpet moment at the global premiere for The Devil Wears Prada 2. In an activation that would leave even Miranda Priestly proud, Galaxy S26 Ultra was used to capture the stunning red carpet looks of attendees, making it the first-ever Runway Cam #withGalaxy that delivered jaw dropping professional-grade footage with a cinematic, social post-ready feel.

Stars like Helen J. Shen, Simone Ashley, Justin Theroux, Lucy Liu, Heidi Klum, Paige DeSorbo, Hannah Berner, and Winnie Harlow posed for the Galaxy S26 Ultra photo-op to capture their memorable looks as seen below.

Galaxy S26 Ultra user and influencer Haley Kalil (@hayleebaylee) participated in the photo experience.

“I absolutely love The Devil Wears Prada and as a Team Galaxy member, I just love my Galaxy S26 Ultra,” said Haley. “Seeing those worlds collide here on the red carpet and sharing all my favourite Galaxy S26 Series features with a community who also loves this movie has just been the best experience.”

Haley also took to social media to showcase how she used her Galaxy S26 Ultra features such as Circle to Search with Google to get ready for the premiere.

 https://www.instagram.com/p/DXW92RFteob/ 

Circle to Search with Google on Galaxy S26 Ultra is Runway ready

Samsung and Google partnered on a series of creative spots set in The Devil Wears Prada 2 universe to shine a light on how technology – like with Google to Search on the Galaxy S26 Ultra – is the cheat code for staying calm in high-stakes situations.

Want to see if the Galaxy S26 Series is the right fit for you? Visit samsung.com and get ready for The Devil Wears Prada 2, in Philippine theatres 29 April.

About The Devil Wears Prada 2

Twenty years after making their iconic turns as Miranda, Andy, Emily and Nigel—Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci return to the fashionable streets of New York City and the sleek offices of Runway Magazine in 20th Century Studios’ “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” the eagerly awaited sequel to the 2006 phenomenon that defined a generation. The film is directed by David Frankel, written by Aline Brosh McKenna, produced by Wendy Finerman, and executive produced by Michael Bederman, Karen Rosenfelt and Aline Brosh McKenna.

Canon Photomarathon 2026 Marks Milestone Return, Honors Powerful Visual Storytelling in Winning Shot

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When the theme "Feel It" was announced at Canon Photomarathon 2026, Von Cedrick Cunanan thought of two things: the heat and the working class. The civil engineer—one of over 1,200 participants in Canon's full-day photography and video competition—made his way to a jeepney terminal where he found his subject: a jeepney driver resting inside his vehicle in the midday heat.

"I wanted to capture what he's feeling," Cunanan said. "The heat, the tiredness, the gas prices. I wanted the judges to feel something when they saw it."

The photograph won Cunanan as the Grand Champion for the Canon Photomarathon 2026, held on April 18, 2026, at the BGC Amphitheater in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

"I saw how these types of photos can open people's eyes to what's happening around them. I'll keep doing what I'm doing," he said.

Cunanan first picked up photography as a kid, taking family photos on film cameras and plastic point-and-shoot devices. He received his first proper camera as a gift from his mother when he entered college in 2010, shooting casually before stepping away entirely around 2018. In 2025, eager to return to street photography, he researched mirrorless full-frame cameras and settled on a Canon EOS RP, drawn to its compact size, intuitive controls, and Canon’s color science.

When he came across a countdown post for the Photomarathon, he registered on the spot. "It was my first time ever to do a photomarathon, or any kind of photowalk, in fact. I wanted a chance to experience an event like this," he shared.

For his winning entry, Cunanan went on to take home a Canon EOS R6 III with RF24-105mm IS STM lens—a significant upgrade from the Canon EOS RP he was using.

Canon Photomarathon 2026 marked the return of the iconic photography competition after a seven-year hiatus, gathering creators, hobbyists, and media for a full-day celebration of photography, video, and visual storytelling. Aside from the Open Photo and Canon-exclusive Main Photo categories, this year's edition introduced a Video Category for the first time, expanding the competition beyond still images. It also opened participation to all digital camera users alongside dedicated Media and Employee categories.

The event transformed the BGC Amphitheater into a creative hub. The Canon Creator Park drew crowds with immersive setups featuring pet photography, cosplay, and bridal portrait sessions led by Canon ambassadors and professionals. On the main stage, participants joined workshops on wildlife photography with Marie Lozano and Aaron Gekowski, content creation with Gab Altonaga, Edwin Martinez on cityscape, and Ian Celis and Paolo Ruiz for EOS C50. They also got hands-on with Canon's latest imaging technologies and turned their digital captures into tangible keepsakes at on-site instant printing stations with MegaTank Printers.

"What made today special was seeing so many different kinds of creators in one place, all chasing the same thing: a moment worth capturing," said Anuj Aggarwal, President and CEO of Canon Marketing (Philippines), Inc. "Canon Photomarathon 2026 reminded us that creativity grows when people are given the room and the tools to explore it together."

Canon Photomarproviding platforms where photographers and videographers of all levels can connect, learn, and showcase their work. Canon Marketing Philippines will feature winning entries and event highlights across its official channels in the coming weeks. For more information, visit https://ph.canon or download the Canon PH Delightful app.

Canon Photomarathon 2026 is part of Canon's broader effort to nurture a growing creator community in the Philippines,