After The Digital Payments Boom, The Philippines’ Next Test Is Trust In Automated Commerce

Eng Sheng Guan, CEO of Fiuu

The Philippines’ digital payments market has expanded rapidly. InstaPay processed a record 4.7 billion transactions in 2025, while QR Ph person-to-merchant payments reached 2.5 billion, reflecting how deeply digital transactions are becoming part of everyday commerce.  

As that foundation matures, the next shift may be less about getting consumers online and more about what happens when artificial intelligence (AI) begins to play a larger role in the purchase journey itself. 

Often described as agentic commerce, the model could allow AI tools to move beyond helping consumers search and compare, as well as support such actions as placing an order or initiating payment within instructions set by the customer. 

Sun Life spotlights stories of compassion and perseverance among Filipino business owners

Sun Life Philippines, the country’s No. 1 life insurer in terms of total premium income, is putting the spotlight on Filipino business owners whose compassion and perseverance have empowered them to overcome obstacles and continue pursuing their goals.

Continuing its “Stories to Live Bright Now” series, Sun Life has released two new videos entitled “Alaga” and “Pag-asa.”

In "Alaga," viewers meet Marc Cacho, who runs Milagros, an elderly caregiving facility dedicated to providing compassionate care for senior citizens. Recognizing that caregivers also need protection and support, Marc ensured that members of his team were covered by Sun Life. This decision proved invaluable when one employee faced a serious health challenge and mounting medical expenses, as it helped provide much-needed financial assistance during a difficult time.

Sunlife unveils new global brand

New logo, Sunlife name and Making life brighter tagline reflect the evolution of the global organization and its commitment to Clients

Sun Life Financial Inc. (“Sunlife”) today unveiled a refreshed global brand, marking a new chapter for the company and reflecting the growing breadth and integration of its business worldwide.

Maris Racal Makes Everything Mini in Maya Black’s Hyperpop Music Video

Maris Racal wants more, more, more—and she’s making it Mini!

The actress turns up the pop-star energy in Maya Black’s latest music video, serving edgy looks and her signature confidence against a catchy hyperpop track. But there’s a twist: everything she wants literally turns into a miniature version of itself, bringing the song’s “make it mini” message to life in a fun and unexpected way.

Maris Racal makes everything Mini

With its fashion-forward styling, chrome accents, and Maris in full pop-star mode, the music video gives Maya Black and Mini Payments a fresh, music-driven treatment.

Step into a career of income, independence and impact

Leaders from the Agila Financial Team General Insurance Agency share their purpose-driven journey to win in life during InLife’s Business Opportunity Forum.

An effective way to start a conversation about insurance is not by selling a product, but by sharing a real story. Since many Filipinos are hesitant about insurance, InLife financial advisors talk about their personal experiences to explain the value of financial security and the purpose behind the career.  

During the recent InLife Business Opportunity Forum in Iloilo, leaders from the Agila Financial Team General Insurance Agency shared their journey to win in life. 

Security Bank Wealth and St. Luke's launch concierge healthcare for clients

New partnership gives Security Bank Wealth clients priority access to healthcare, helping them save time when it matters most

The ultimate luxury isn’t wealth. It’s time.

When a family member needs a specialist, a diagnostic procedure, or medical attention, the last thing anyone wants is to navigate schedules, referrals, paperwork, and hospital processes. Yet for many people, that remains part of the healthcare experience.

Recognizing that time, convenience, and peace of mind matter as much as financial security, Security Bank Wealth has partnered with St. Luke's Medical Center to provide clients with concierge healthcare services through the hospital's Corporate Business Center. 

The partnership gives clients priority access and personalized support designed to make healthcare simpler, faster, and easier to navigate. 

Clients will have access to appointment assistance, specialist referrals, scheduling support for consultations and diagnostic procedures, executive lounge access, and dedicated guidance during inpatient hospital admissions, while all Wealth clients will enjoy preferred rates on select health screening packages.

"For years, we've helped clients build, grow, and protect their wealth. But we also know that financial security is only one part of a well-lived life," said Victor Lee, President and CEO of Security Bank. "By partnering with St. Luke’s, we’re extending the personalized service our clients know us for into another important aspect of their lives, helping them access quality healthcare with greater convenience and peace of mind.”

“At St. Luke’s, we have always been committed to providing world-class care with the highest standards of safety,” said Dr. Dennis P. Serrano, President and CEO of St. Luke’s Medical Center. “Together with Security Bank, we are safeguarding their clients’ most essential assets: their health and their time.”

The program was launched on October 15 at Manila Polo Club, where clients were introduced to the concierge healthcare program and the privileges available through the partnership.

By bringing together personalized wealth management and concierge healthcare support, Security Bank Wealth and St. Luke's aim to give clients something increasingly valuable: more time, greater peace of mind, and confidence that help is available when they need it most.

Learn more through your Security Bank Wealth Relationship Manager or by visiting: https://www.securitybank.com/personal/investments/wealth-management/st-lukes-medical-center-global-city-partnership/.

Missed the Primary Market Window?

Why You Should Still Consider Investing in RTBs via GBonds

Buy and sell guaranteed, low-risk investments like RTB32 with just a few taps on GCash

High-yielding, low-risk investments don’t pop up every day, so it’s best to strike when the opportunity presents itself. The Bureau of the Treasury recently issued the 32nd tranche of Retail Treasury Bonds (RTB 32), offering a rare opportunity to secure a 6.875% p.a. gross yield directly backed by the government.

While its primary offer period has officially concluded, the good news is you haven't missed out. RTB 32 is actively available in the secondary market for trading directly through GBonds on GCash. Standard transaction and convenience fees now apply, but the 6.875% p.a. gross yield still makes it a compelling option for building long-term wealth.

If financial jargon makes your eyes glaze over, think of RTBs this way: the government needs funds for national development. They borrow from you and are obligated to give your capital back, plus guaranteed interest, at maturity.

Here are the reasons why investing in RTBs remains an investment worth looking into:

You’ll surely get your money back (until the maturity date)

Investing can feel daunting because of the market's unpredictable ups and downs. Stock prices and fund returns move with the market, but RTBs work differently. Its rate is fixed when you buy, which means you get guaranteed returns without staying up at night checking the market, as long as you hold it until the maturity date.

RTB 32 has a 2.5-year term, maturing on April 12, 2029. Hold it until then, and you get your full capital back, plus your guaranteed earnings. 

You can exit when life happens

Unlike traditional time deposits or other government-backed voluntary savings programs like MP2, which strictly lock up your funds or penalize early withdrawals, trading RTB32 on the secondary market means liquidity. If you need funds before the 2.5-year maturity, you can sell or cash out RTB32 via GBonds. Just keep in mind that you'll sell at the prevailing market price, which may be higher or lower than what you paid — and standard convenience and transaction fees will apply. 

You receive interest every quarter

Unlike fixed-income products that pay out at the end of the term, RTBs provide interest payments every quarter throughout the bond’s term. You can choose to reinvest those returns, add them to your savings, or use them for other financial goals.

No need to stress over losing your investment

RTBs are securities issued directly by the Philippine government, which means the state is legally obligated to return your principal along with your interest. This makes RTBs a relatively low-risk way to grow your money. For Filipinos looking to diversify their portfolio beyond savings accounts, government securities can provide another way to put their money to work while earning fixed interest.

You don’t need a massive amount to invest 

RTBs are designed to be affordable for everyday Filipinos – without the need for large capital and complex paperwork. With RTB 32 on GBonds, you can start with a minimum of ₱5,000.

Buy and Sell RTB32 via GBonds on GCash

GCash users can buy and sell RTBs on their GCash app through GBonds, a marketplace that allows users to invest in government bonds with FREE top-ups and withdrawals and standard fees for buying or selling bonds. 

Getting started and purchasing your first bond is easy. First, register by heading to the Invest tab on the GCash dashboard, selecting the GBonds icon, and answering the Risk Profile Questionnaire. Approval will take one (1) business day. 

Once approved, tap ‘Top Up’ on your GBonds dashboard, enter your desired amount, which includes the minimum investment and fees, and confirm. Finally, to buy an RTB, select the desired RTB, click Buy, enter your total investment amount and fees, and confirm your order to buy your bond instantly.

To invest via GBonds, you must be a fully verified GCash user aged 18 or older with a verified email address, an updated KYC profile (within the past 3 years), and not a US resident or citizen.

Growing your wealth doesn't have to mean taking big risks, especially when rare opportunities for high-yielding, guaranteed earnings are on the table. Take charge of your financial goals today by locking in your guaranteed quarterly earnings—and let your money do the hard work for you.