How to invest your Christmas bonus wisely

Instead of splurging on something this season, why not make your money earn for you?

The calendar finally turning to December brings with it a lot of things, most especially the one thing many people have been waiting all year for: the 13th month pay and Christmas bonus. The yearly windfall often leads people to buy on things they want and need.

But while you do deserve to treat yourself after a long year, you might also want to consider trying something different. What if, instead of spending your bonus right away, you decided to grow it and get more money in return?

This is definitely something you can do now with various investment products made available to you by banks. “Now that you have received your bonus, is actually the best time to start investing in financial instruments that will generate value for your money and are suitable to your personal risk appetite and profile,” said Raul Victor de Guzman, EastWest FVP and Head of Securities, Derivatives, and FX Distribution and Sales. 

GCash sets fintech standard, drives PH economy amidst pandemic

GCash, the undisputed leader and preferred mobile wallet in the Philippines, sets the standard on what fintech should be in the country -- an everyday brand making financial services very convenient, making it as easy as “messaging”, while empowering Filipino individuals, businesses, and the government, to keep running amidst the threat of COVID-19 nationwide.

Filipinos have turned to fintech during the pandemic: more than half a million digital entrepreneurs found a living by selling products online through social media platforms using GCash as a means to transact, all this while at least 26% of MSMEs have shut down in the country, unable to shift their businesses towards an online model. This proves that financial technology isn’t anymore simply a payment platform, but an emerging channel driving various industries forward.

Pru Life UK promotes a money-smart Christmas with Cha-Ching Kid$ at Home

The free webinar taught financial literacy for families to enjoy a more meaningful holiday

Leading life insurer Pru Life UK, in partnership with Prudence Foundation and Junior Achievement Philippines, ushered in a cheerful Christmas season with Cha-Ching Kid$ at Home: Money-Smart and Meaningful Holidays for Filipino Families. The expert-led and fun-filled webinar was attended by about 500 parents and their children.

Historic 15th edition of PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final laurels the best of Asia-Pacific real estate

OUTSTANDING COMPANIES JUBILATE ONLINE AS THEY BEST PEERS ACROSS THE REGION FOR HIGHLY COVETED TITLES FROM LONG-RUNNING AWARDS PROGRAMME 

• Eighty-seven companies compete for 35 sought-after regional titles, including new regional Developer awards
• Developers and projects from Singapore score nine regional wins including Best Developer (Asia) for GuocoLand, while those from Indonesia clinch eight regional honours
• Thailand bags five regional wins, plus the PropertyGuru Icon Award 2020 for former Thailand Real Estate Personality of the Year titleholder Thippaporn Ahriyavraromp (Chearavanont)
• Inaugural Indian and Japanese editions of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards celebrate superlative office, hotel, and green developments 

PropertyGuru, Southeast Asia’s leading property technology company, made history several times over today with the airing of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final as a virtual gala event and awards ceremony. As well as being the first virtual edition of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final, the special broadcast marked the 15th edition of the prestigious, long-running real estate awards programme.

Payments made easy: Home Credit Card users can now buy load and pay bills with My Home Credit app

Over the past three years, Home Credit, the country's leading consumer finance company with nationwide store presence and rapidly growing mobile presence, has been working on bringing financial services closer to its customers through the My Home Credit app. With its latest Home Credit Pay eLoads and eBills feature, Home Credit Card users can now buy load and pay bills anytime, anywhere—making payments easier and more convenient than ever.

For every purchase of prepaid mobile and utility load via My Home Credit app, Home Credit Card users can get a 5% discount. They can also settle their bills payments—water, electricity, internet, cable, and many more—through the app with no additional convenience fees.

Here’s how to make your online Christmas shopping safer

Protect your bank account from fraudsters when you shop online

This year’s holiday season is definitely not like the ones that came before. Due to the current situation brought about by COVID-19, many things have changed.

One big change is the way we have to do our Christmas shopping. For now, gone are the days of spending time in the malls to check off gifts from our Christmas lists. It’s now easier and physically safer to do our gift-shopping online through the various popular e-commerce sites.

But while shopping in person has its risks, that doesn’t mean online shopping is not without its own as well. The dangers of online bank fraud are still all too real. Shoppers should stay alert, especially over the holidays, when bonuses make it more tempting for fraudsters to hit unsuspecting people.

To keep your accounts safe this Christmas, EastWest’s Chief Information Security & Data Protection Officer, Joey A. Regala, has five tips you should follow:

GCash to GCash money transfers remain free for over 26M Filipinos nationwide

Committed to its promise of finance for all, GCash, the undisputed leader and preferred mobile wallet in the Philippines, remains free for Filipinos who transfer money from GCash wallet to another, no matter what network a user is subscribed to.

Over 26 million GCash users can send money to their families and friends anytime, anywhere, even from the comfort of their own home. The best part? Digital transfers cost nothing as long as the receiving party is also a GCash user!

“GCash is offering GCash to GCash money transfer services for free to help lessen the financial burden of Filipinos while providing them with greater convenience and security for their mobile financial needs,” GCash President Martha Sazon said. 

Award-winning CEO Maulik Parekh makes writing debut

Maulik aims to help prepare companies and professionals with his first book

Award-winning CEO and serial entrepreneur Maulik Parekh makes his writing debut with his book entitled, “Future Proof Your Company and Career.” Recognizing the disruptive forces and drawing from his experiences, Maulik aims to help businesses and professionals prepare themselves for what is ahead, especially as the future becomes more digital.

Future Proof Your Company and Career is a culmination of Maulik’s personal and professional learnings from more than 10 years. Written in a storyteller tone and filled with interesting anecdotes and memorable tales, it takes readers on an informative journey where they are able to see different disruptive forces in action and evaluate how each of them are impacting not only their respective businesses, but even their own careers.

Through his first book, Maulik aims to communicate how various factors are shaping the world, and also identify the pillars of success that one must master to future proof their path regardless of what industry they are in. “In this rapidly changing world, we have a choice to make - either we future proof ourselves or we risk becoming extinct,” Maulik said. “Future Proof Your Company and Career offers actionable insights and proven steps on how you can stay ahead of the curve and flourish in the future.”

Google Cloud Awards Globe Business with Premier Partner Status

Globe Business, the enterprise arm of Globe Telecom, announced that it gained Premier Partner status from Google Cloud.  This is the highest level than any Google Cloud partner can attain. Globe was also recognized as the Google Cloud Expert in Work Transformation and Productivity.

As a Google Cloud Premier Partner, Globe now has access to Google Cloud’s complete suite of products and solutions, extensive technical expert support, enhanced cloud transformation offers, streamlined information, training &  tools, and exclusive directory of strategic global partners.

Nob Hill’s modern minimalism at Tagaytay Highlands

 

No other trend has proved to be a lasting legacy than the beauty of minimalism. As most remain holed up in their homes, unable to relish the indulgences we used to take for granted, we realize all the more that the key to survival (and happiness, even) in these trying times is realizing what is most essential. 

The minimalist movement has been highly influential in corporate architecture and product design since 2010. Minimalist architecture favors neutral palettes of brown, beige, white, and gray; clean straight lines; well-defined rectangular shapes; long and wide eaves; and design that lets natural light in. This has also been dubbed the millennial aesthetic: simple and orderly, yet classy. 

AIA PHILAM LIFE: Protectiing Filipinos In Just 20 Minutes

In today’s busy, fast-paced and ever-changing world, we tend to pack our schedule to fit  everything we need to do in a day. Everything has to be done rapidly, giving birth to quickie versions of everything like 5-minute workouts and 30-minute meals. For the life insurance industry, this can be a major challenge as it usually takes several days at least for applications to be processed. Add to that the difficulty of social distancing restrictions, then you really have a problem.

Fortunately, AIA Philam Life, the country's premiere life insurance company, has adapted to this lifestyle and now has a platform that can provide customers a way to protect themselves and their families under the same time it takes to buy coffee and finish it before it gets cold—all within the comforts of their own home.

Good-to-Know: How digital solutions can help MSMEs sustain remote business operations

Remote operations for most industries, especially the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) has become the new norm. This compels businesses to manage their operations with help from new solutions that leverage technology. Philippine Savings Bank (PSBank), the thrift banking arm of the Metrobank Group, believes that digital and online solutions can help MSMEs adapt and regain their competitiveness even during a crisis. 

“Nobody knows when this crisis will be over. However, by providing access to the right tools and technology, we can help our entrepreneurs weather the storm and allow their businesses to survive and thrive amid the pandemic and its subsequent restrictions,” says PSBank Senior Vice President for Marketing Noel Tuazon.   

MoneyGram and PayMaya Introduce Real-Time Payment Solution for Fund Transfer from United States to the Philippines using Visa Direct

MoneyGram is the first in the industry to enable Visa’s real-time push-payment solution in the Philippines

MoneyGram International, Inc., a global leader in cross-border P2P payments and money transfers, today announced a partnership with PayMaya Philippines to launch a new digital capability that allows customers to send money from the United States to the Philippines through Visa Direct, Visa’s real-time push-payment solution[1]. Consumers in the United States can use the leading MoneyGram mobile app or website to send money that arrives almost instantly to any PayMaya Visa cardholder located in the Philippines.

“Our digital business is delivering phenomenal growth driven by strong demand for our customer-centric capabilities as well as our leading global network that enables consumers to quickly and conveniently receive money directly into their bank accounts,” said Kamila Chytil, MoneyGram Chief Operating Officer and leader of the Company's digital business. “Our strong partnership with Visa Direct has been an important part of our strategy to accelerate digital growth over the last few years, and I’m excited about how this latest integration with PayMaya will further improve the customer experience and drive digital growth.

ING and UNICEF launch ‘Fintech for Impact’ initiative to support fintech start-ups in Philippines

ING Bank and UN children’s agency UNICEF have launched an initiative in the Philippines called ‘Fintech for Impact’ to support start-ups developing digital solutions that aim to empower young people, children and families.

Five start-ups that are building financial technology (fintech) solutions will receive equity-free investments, as well as technical and business mentorship from UNICEF, ING, and other experts for one year.

Mastercard reports: Data drives COVID-19 recovery for Asia Pacific businesses and global travel bounces back with a more local focus

Deep data insights are driving COVID-19 recovery strategies across all industries, including the travel and entertainment sectors where promising signs of improvement are starting to emerge, according to two reports by Mastercard that analyze how companies and consumers are weathering the pandemic and preparing for the future.

Sailing Against the Wind features case studies on six sectors in Asia Pacific – restaurants, finance, mass retail, health & beauty, travel and government – that highlight effective tactics to harness the power of analytics, including performance clustering, phased benchmarking and consumer segmentation. The specific examples also connect to broader themes for each industry on how to use the right data, tools and expertise to understand the impact of a crisis and drive response strategies.

Pru Life UK promotes financial literacy among Filipino families

A free webinar featuring Cha-Ching Kid$ at Home resources to make learning more enjoyable

Taguig City. Pru Life UK, in partnership with Prudence Foundation and Junior Achievement Philippines, is bringing financial literacy to every household through “Cha-Ching Kid$ at Home: Financial Literacy Basics for Filipino Families”. The free public webinar, taking place on September 12, 2020 at 2:00 PM via Zoom, invites parents and their child

Filipinos can cycle across London this weekend through the virtual Prudential RideLondon

Pru Life UK invites everyone to take part in the inaugural virtual version of Prudential RideLondon this weekend to help them keep fit and healthy. 

The event will take place on August 15-16, Saturday to Sunday, London time (Manila is seven hours ahead) when the annual cycling festival was due to take place. Professional and recreational cyclists can register now for their chosen event at www.myridelondon.co.uk where they will receive instructions on downloading the My Prudential RideLondon app.

Mastercard Leads the Payments Industry Forward to a More Sustainable Future

More than three quarters of people say they are “very concerned” about the environment and feel companies should be doing more to address their impact on the planet. As consumers look for ways to help tackle climate change through their own positive actions, many are limiting their use of single-use plastics. To address this growing concern, Mastercard has worked with global industry players to develop a sustainable card program for all card issuers globally.  A new directory of sustainable materials and vendors for card products aims to make sustainable choice the preferred option for all financial institutions worldwide and drive enhanced innovation.  

GCash Nagbabala Laban sa SAP Social Media Scam: “Wag Ibigay ang MPIN sa Kahit Kanino”

Nag-abiso ang GCash laban sa panibagong modus na tumatarget sa mga kostumer nito na nakatanggap ng ayuda mula sa DSWD.

Sa pamamagitan ng mga pekeng Facebook pages at text messages, ang mga scammer ay nagpapanggap na mga empleyado ng DSWD at hihingin sa biktima ang mga detalye ng kanilang GCash account, tulad ng MPIN (Mobile Personal Idenfication Number) at OTP (One-Time Password), at gagamitin ang account ng mga ito para kuhanin ang perang laman.

Pru Life UK earmarks Php 5M COVID-19 relief fund to PGH Medical Foundation Inc.

Pru Life UK has donated Php 5 million to Philippine General Hospital Medical Foundation Inc. (PGHMFI) as part of the Prudential COVID-19 relief fund (the Fund), which provides financial support for Prudential’s communities and the volunteering efforts of its people in Asia, the US, and Africa. This donation will support the University of the Philippines (UP)-PGH Bayanihan Na COVID-19 project to provide quality medical-grade equipment and supplies for PGH and its healthcare workers who risk their lives to help battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.

DMCI Homes digitizes homebuying process

From searching for the best available home to providing efficient payment facilities, DMCI Homes is making most of its sales processes online to address the needs of condominium buyers amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Property hunters are provided all the necessary digital tools to buy a quality home even without the traditional “site tripping” or showroom visit. 

To help homebuyers choose the unit that is the best fit for their needs, DMCI Homes had redesigned its website www.dmcihomes.com to include helpful features like Live Unit Availability Summary and Compare Homes capability.

PSBank made QR feature available in its Mobile app for safer banking in the new normal

Philippine Savings Bank (PSBank), the consumer banking arm of the Metrobank Group, made QR facility available in its Mobile App with the aim to provide another safe and secure way to bank amid the current health crisis situation. 

With this new digital service, customers no longer need to leave the comforts of their homes nor worry about their health and safety when managing their finances. 

GCash, Singlife tie up to launch digital Insurance Marketplace

GCash, the leading mobile wallet in the Philippines, has partnered with digital insurer Singlife Philippines to provide GCash users access to relevant, affordable, and secure insurance products.

Despite the growth of the insurance market in recent years, more than 95 percent of Filipinos are insufficiently prepared – if not completely unprepared –for high medical expenses, disability, or death of the main income earner. This leads to high debts to pay for medical costs or even outright denial of treatment. Families are being torn away from their standards of living when an adverse event happens and income is disrupted. One hurdle is the complexity of insurance products and the old-fashioned way they are offered, with conventional insurance plans requiring a lot of paperwork.

Former HSBC Head of Mortgages Backs Philippines’ First Mortgage Broker, Nook

Former HSBC Head of Mortgages, Steve Martinelli, has backed fintech, Nook, the Philippines’ first mortgage broking firm. He joins other top banking executives along with Australian entrepreneur, Chris Elder, as the group capitalizes on the growing yet underserved markets of South East Asia.

As an emerging market, the Philippines has one of the highest GDP growth rates in the region and strong residential real estate loans growth which makes it the ideal location for the firm to expand from. The fintech has already tapped some of the biggest banks in the country for its lending panel as it moves fast to capture market share and change the way the country applies for home loans.  

According to a survey done by New Perspective Media Group in 2019, property assets remain the top investment choice for most Filipinos who are still considering property as an investment in the country, specifically in locations such as Metro Manila, and outer areas such as Cavite and Laguna.

Globe myBusiness powers Ateneo de Davao’s digital school year

Industries are developing ways to thrive amid the new normal brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the coming school year, educational institutions are transitioning to online learning to allow students to complete their requirements while staying safe at home. 

Strengthening its position as an invaluable partner in promoting 21st Century Learning, Globe myBusiness has partnered with Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) by providing tailor-made internet plans for the next school year. Through the partnership, the university secured 7,000 Globe at Home Prepaid WiFi units for instructors and students. The kits are equipped with a WiFi modem with a LAN port, free 10GB of data allocation upon modem activation, and access to a customizable suite of apps to aid the learning process.

Digital habits on the rise in Southeast Asia as the new normal approaches – Mastercard Study

COVID-19 has accelerated adoption of ecommerce and contactless payments in Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand, offering opportunities for businesses to continue operating while allowing consumers to stay safe. 

COVID-19 has driven momentum towards the digital economy in Southeast Asia by necessitating rapid adoption of ecommerce, home deliveries, and digital and contactless payments, according to the latest Mastercard Impact Studies™. Even as countries in the region start to ease restrictions and prepare for a “new normal”, the report indicates that some of these trends and habits formed in response to the pandemic are expected to remain for the long-term.

Housing loans now made seamless and faster for OFWs with Nook, AQWIRE partnership

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) will soon be able to apply for a housing loan and pay amortizations through a seamless online process with online mortgage broker Nook and property development solutions provider AQWIRE. The recent partnership between the fintech and proptech companies aims to pave the way for more housing investments in the Philippines by OFWs.

Under this collaboration, OFWs will be able to obtain and complete a home loan process application and secure a trusted payment process despite being away from the Philippines. Through Nook, OFWs can find the right housing loan and submit documents online for the approval of a major local bank. Upon approval of the housing loan, settlements to the bank can be coursed through AQWIRE’s platform.  

Pru Life UK extends free COVID-19 protection sign-up offer until June 15 for Filipinos through health app, Pulse

Leading life insurer Pru Life UK is extending its free COVID-19 protection and Personal Accident (PA) coverage sign-up offer until June 15, 2020 through Pulse, an artificial intelligence-powered health and wellness app that offers holistic health management.

Pru Life UK is keen to protect more Filipinos, particularly health workers, with its free COVID-19 protection and PA coverage — a one-time, 45-day insurance against the unfortunate event that the individual passes away as a result of COVID-19 or an accident. This limited, exclusive offer is available to the first 500,000 persons who register their profiles on the Pulse app until June 15, 2020. The coverage is effective from the date of registration.

Security Bank joins Philippine Red Cross in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.

Security Bank (SECB) continues to partner with the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) in aiding its initiatives to beat the COVID-19 pandemic. You can now use your Security Bank Credit Card rewards points as donations to Philippine Red Cross and support their humanitarian missions.  Every 100 points redeemed is equivalent to a Php10 donation. 

The donated points will help in giving PPEs and psychological support to our frontliners; and provisionary aids such as hot meals and ready-to-eat food (RTE) to affected communities. Together, we can get better.

This campaign is until July 18, 2020. For more information on how to use reward points to donate to the PNRC and other advocacy partners, cardholders may visit www.securitybank.com/online-donation-form.

PSBank Extends its Payment Grace Period for All Loan Clients

With the extension of the Enhanced Community Quarantine from April 13 to 30, 2020 and in compliance with the ‘Bayanihan To Heal As One’ Act, Philippine Savings Bank continues to provide valuable assistance to all of its loan customers during these challenging times.

Loan payments for all types of loans with due dates falling within the new ECQ dates will further get a 30-day grace period. This adds to the loan payment moratorium that the country’s maaasahan bank granted the previous month, for loan dues beginning March 15, 2020.

For more information, visit the PSBank website or facebook.com/psbankofficial or refer to the Frequently Asked Questions below: 

Pru Life UK launches free COVID-19 protection for Filipinos through health app, Pulse

Leading life insurer Pru Life UK is offering free COVID-19 protection and Personal Accident (PA) coverage to safeguard Filipinos amid the coronavirus outbreak in the country. Under the program, Pru Life UK will offer free accident and death benefit to 500,000 Filipinos, in the unfortunate event that the individual passes away, including as a result of COVID-19. Health workers are entitled to twice the death coverage at no cost. This offer is available through Pulse, Pru Life UK’s artificial intelligence-powered health and wellness app that offers holistic health management.

PSBank shares Holy Week schedule and operations adjustment

All PSBank branches nationwide will be closed on April 9 and 10, 2020, in observance of Holy Thursday and Good Friday.

Meanwhile, all ATMs nationwide, with the PSBank Mobile, and PSBank Online (Internet banking) facilities will be available for customers’ banking needs.

Accountholders may visit https://www.psbank.com.ph/atm-branch-finder/ or open the PSBank Mobile App available in App Store and Google Playstore to locate the nearest PSBank Automated Teller Machine (ATM) in their area.

Meanwhile, the bank will also conduct the following service adjustments during Holy Week adjustments: 

Payroll crediting on April 9 and 10 will still proceed. 

Online mortgage broker Nook champions financial inclusion for home loan applications, encourages Filipinos to adapt to new online platforms

Online mortgage broker Nook is driving for a more inclusive banking and loaning system in the Philippines as it strengthens its partnership with local banks and provides Filipinos with more home loan options across its online platform. By being a part of Nook’s growing list of partners, these banks also open more opportunities to reach their market in all parts of the country.

Despite various initiatives of both the private and public sectors in bridging the gap between financial institutions and the unbanked Filipinos, a huge number of the total population of the Philippines still remains bereft of securing, applying for property and commercial loans.

As the first online mortgage broker in the country, Nook aims to provide easy application access to many Filipinos without any charges and help a borrower save thousands in home loan repayments. With its partnership with PH banks, more Filipinos will have access to easier home loan processes that would allow them to secure their dream properties in no time.

Today, every Filipino around the country who has access to the internet can now easily adopt online systems and perform convenient digital transactions. Nook encourages people to utilize such platforms to avoid having the need to go out, visit banks, and procure options from various institutions.

“Our continuous search for more bank partners is a testament to our commitment to push for a more inclusive banking and loan environment in order to help Filipinos to get to their properties faster. Especially during this time, we aim to bridge our customers to their banks of choice at the comfort and safety of their homes,” Chris Elder, Chief Executive Officer of Nook, said. “We are excited to add more banks to our list of partners as we continue to expand and understand the Filipino market.”

RCBC harnesses technology for digital natives

Today’s young generation of digital natives has been using their smartphones and internet-enabled devices not only to access information, but to explore what technology can offer, especially when it comes to managing their finances and growing wealth.

Driven by this behavior, younger and tech-savvy consumers tend to switch accounts with different banks more often. In the 2019 Consumer Digital Banking Survey conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), 21% of respondents had planned to open a new deposit account that year, including 46% of Gen Zers and 26% of millennials.  Survey data also indicates that younger consumers are more likely to open an account based on experiential factors, and not necessarily interest rates.

Millennials poised to drive the Philippine home loan market ⁠—Nook

Millennials emerged as the fastest-growing generation to contribute to the growth of the home loan landscape in the country, according to PH’s first online mortgage brokering platform, Nook. As the platform disrupts the home loan process in the Philippines, millennials are seen to lead the industry as they express keen interest to invest in real estate properties.

The millennials or Generation Y are often lumped into somewhat narrow categories of traits and characteristics and are stigmatized for being self-absorbed and narcissistic according to a research article by Grubbs et al in 2019. While millennials are seen to prioritize other leisure activities, data shows that millennials, in fact, are generally good financial planners. Based on an article by Forbes in 2019, millennials are taking advantage of finding new alternative investments and securing stability to settle down for their future. The millennial generation is both captive to and captivated by growing their money over time, investing in various social and environmental causes. 

How to set work-from-home employees for success

Working from home has turned from a simple working option for some to a necessity for most as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and government-mandated quarantine. To help companies with this setup, Paul Rivera, ex-Googler, Kalibrr CEO and Co-founder recommends these easy-to-implement tips to ensure employee well-being, accountability, and productivity as they work remotely.

Access to tools and technology

Everyone should have access to the same set of tools - in our case, laptops, company email addresses, phones/SIM cards for our sales team, access to cloud storage (Google Drive / Dropbox), access to the company-wide project management tool like Trello, and in some cases, subsidized access to the internet.

Align on what communication channels to use

Communication is a critical piece to make sure that working remotely goes as smoothly as possible. Are you going to use Skype, Slack Viber, or Telegram? Whatever you choose, make sure that you clearly and deliberately assign specific channels that you’ll be using to talk to your employees.

Providing access to the gatekeepers of the family’s finance: GCash empowers Filipino women to be included in the financial landscape

For Filipinos, mothers are considered to be their light of the homes. They provide direction, clarity in difficult situations, and they manage the everyday lives of the Filipino family.

Women also play as the gatekeepers of the finances of Filipino homes. Typical in the Philippines, the husbands give their salaries to the wives, who then distributes the total household earnings to the daily needs and occasional wants of each member of the family.

Given this, it comes at no surprise that women are much more included in the local financial landscape, according to data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). Based on the latest central bank survey on financial inclusion, 38.9 percent of women in the Philippines have formal bank accounts, while only 30 percent of adult men hold savings accounts.

Providing access to the gatekeepers of the family’s finance: GCash empowers Filipino women to be included in the financial landscape

For Filipinos, mothers are considered to be their light of the homes. They provide direction, clarity in difficult situations, and they manage the everyday lives of the Filipino family.

Women also play as the gatekeepers of the finances of Filipino homes. Typical in the Philippines, the husbands give their salaries to the wives, who then distributes the total household earnings to the daily needs and occasional wants of each member of the family.

Given this, it comes at no surprise that women are much more included in the local financial landscape, according to data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). Based on the latest central bank survey on financial inclusion, 38.9 percent of women in the Philippines have formal bank accounts, while only 30 percent of adult men hold savings accounts.

QR enables payment convenience

In today’s digital age, young consumers are steadily adopting the use of QR codes in banking transactions and as a payment option for the simplicity and convenience they offer.

Compared to using debit or credit cards, using QR codes to pay for products and services is faster, more secure and hassle-free. One simply needs to scan the code using a smart phone to initiate the payment transaction. Its faster and easier compared to taking out one’s card from the wallet, swiping it at the counter, and signing the charge slip.

Now, RCBC clients can experience the same level of convenience and security when they use the bank’s enhanced mobile banking app for cashless, fast and hassle-free bills payments and fund transfers by allowing users to enroll billers and beneficiaries and schedule recurring payments and transfers directly in the app.

Driving inclusive finance through mobile technology: Fintech leader GCash says PH making strides in promoting financial inclusion

Leveraging technology for digital finance has long been recognized by major think tanks and global, multilateral, and intergovernmental organizations as a catalyst in promoting inclusive finance especially in emerging markets like the Philippines.

Financial technology (fintech), according to studies conducted by the World Bank and Alliance for Financial Inclusion, plays a key role to providing access to the unbanked and underbanked, as it brings financial tools and instruments closer to those who need them the most.

China and India have been successful in improving the state of financial access in their countries through fintech players, and their citizens are now reaping the huge benefits of financial services today.

This 2020, Save Up to Level Up with PSBank

Each new year comes with the promise of a better future for many individuals and families. To most, it is the opportune time to achieve new goals, to upgrade standards of living, and to seize new, exciting opportunities.

PSBank, everyone’s “simpleng maaasahan” bank recognizes the importance of this period, marked by resolutions and commitments—and invites all to make a firm, positive decision to progress in the attainment of their aspirations, through the act of purposefully saving money.

Technology as success drivers for entrepreneurs this year

Franchise association sees Improvement, Integration and Innovation vital for SMEs this 2020

With the fast-paced evolution of technology in the lives of people and businesses around the world, some brands were able to adapt. Unfortunately, some were still left behind, particularly the Micro, Small and Medium-sized Entrepreneurs (MSMEs).

This is why the Association of Filipino Franchisers, Inc. (AFFI), the home of Filipino home-grown franchisers, believes that the 3 I’s—Improvement, Integration and Innovation—will be the name of the game for SMEs this year. Many MSMEs have to learn to fully embrace technology by integrating new systems that will help improve and innovate their business.

5 Ways You Can Handle Money Better This Year

New Year, new you. Every first month of the year calls for a fresh set of resolutions, money included. We all need a certain level of inspiration to craft up new rules for our finances, but their success boils down to our effort and dedication. Having trouble making your resolutions work for you? Read on below for your new money commandments and how to finally stick to them this 2020.

1. Be realistic.  

Targeting to pay off all your debts is good and all, but you need to be realistic to make it successful. When assessing the amount that you want to pay off for the year, make sure that you leave enough budget to support your regular lifestyle. You have a higher chance of making financial mistakes like overspending if you limit yourself too much, so try to find the perfect middle between achieving your financial goals and supporting your needs.

GCash champions financial inclusion with LGU tie-up

GCash, the leading mobile wallet in the Philippines, is helping thousands of students in Manila unlock the immense benefits of digital finance by empowering them with a mobile platform that provides unparalleled access to financial tools such as savings, credit, and even investments.

Through its partnership with the City Government of Manila, GCash is promoting financial inclusion in the Philippine capital by equipping 1,000 students under the scholarship program of the local government with GCash accounts.

BRIA Homes set to build more communities in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao

In the wake of its outstanding success in building affordable homes for all Filipinos, BRIA seems unstoppable as it expands its scope in more areas in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

To date, BRIA has over 50 projects in progressive towns and cities in the Philippines, luring aspiring homeowners—from young professionals to blue-collar workers—to its family-friendly communities.

Indeed, its winning formula, Affordability (Mura) + Quality (Dekalidad) = A Beautiful BRIA Home for Every Filipino, BRIA Homes has helped legions of ordinary Filipinos purchase their own well-designed homes at prices they can afford.

You can check out the secure and modern BRIA communities that have been built, or are being developed, in Luzon (Bataan, Tarlac, Pangasinan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, and Camarines Sur), in the Visayas (Samar, Leyte, and Negros Oriental), and in Mindanao (Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, Davao Del Norte, Davao Del Sur, South Cotabato, and North Cotabato).

While you’re at it, have a glimpse of the lush, eco-friendly spaces and the recreational facilities—like basketball courts—that come with the territory. Homeowners’ safety and security are assured as all BRIA developments have perimeter fences, guarded entrances and exits, and 24/7 CCTV coverage.

BRIA projects also have close proximity to schools, churches, hospitals, and retail establishments. Its residents who opt to commute can use various modes of public transport, while motorists have access to major roads and highways.

If you like what you see, you will be pleased to know that you, as well as all hardworking Filipinos, can purchase your very own BRIA house and lot for as low as Php 1,897 per month, through flexible payment methods like bank-financing and Pag-IBIG funding. And to sweeten the pot, the fastest-growing mass-housing developer is resolute in meeting its completion targets for timely delivery of its homes to future residents.

Now choose from BRIA’s stylish and well-laid-out house and lot packages: Elena, a 22-square-meter unit on a 36-square-meter lot; Bettina, a 44-square-meter unit on a 36-square-meter lot; and Alecza, a 36-square-meter unit on an 81-square-meter lot. Or consider the compact 24-square-meter condo units that BRIA offers.

Soon, BRIA Homes will bring all these—affordability, quality, useful amenities, and ideal location—to more places in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

BRIA Homes is a subsidiary of GOLDEN BRIA Holdings, Inc., considered the third largest real estate company in terms of market capitalization valued at more than P200B. The fastest-growing mass housing developer in the Philippines, BRIA Homes is primed to bring affordable house-and-lot packages and condominium units closer to ordinary Filipino families. This is the goal that drives every single employee in the company, for which the ultimate fulfillment is seeing a client happily moving into Bria’s homes.

To know more about BRIA Homes, call (0966) 277 5944, like “Bria Official” on Facebook, and follow “@TheBriaOfficial” on Twitter and Instagram.

Bria Homes: Ang Pambansang Pabahay ng Pilipinas

Bria Homes embraces the new decade with a new claim “Bria Homes: Ang Pambansang Pabahay ng Pilipinas”. As fastest-growing mass housing developer in the Philippines, with over 50 projects nationwide, it aims to achieve greater goals of creating a holistic and national experience through the Bria Communities.

Being in the real estate industry for just 5 years, Bria Homes has already made its mark by providing quality and affordable homes in the lives of thousands of Filipinos.

Now, the remarkable housing brand is transitioning its message from providing needs, into materializing aspirations; and from providing just individuals and families, into focusing its services for nation-building. Bria Homes aim to become a symbol of a working Filipino’s success in life.

Nob Hill in Tagaytay Highlands: A Blend of Modernity and Nature

Tagaytay Highlands’ Nob Hill, a contemporary-themed community infused with nature-friendly living amenities, provides homeowners with a lush and serene haven without losing access to the convenient lifestyle the city has to offer.

Set against nature’s backdrop with an elevation of 250 to 256 meters above sea level, Nob Hill offers stunning views of the mystical Mt. Makiling and Mt. Maculot—and the rest of the Highlands. The elevation likewise enables Nob Hill residents to savor the cool mountain air in their cozy homes, thus providing homeowners a quick respite from the metro’s busy and hectic life.