Sun Life Philippines honored with Best Employee Engagement Program Award at the 2025 People Insight Awards

Sun Life Philippines was recently recognized with the Best Employee Engagement Program Award at the 2025 People Insight Awards.

Organized by TalentView, a leading employer branding firm, the People Insight Awards celebrates organizations that have successfully transformed their employer brand and strengthened employee engagement programs through purpose-driven leadership and cultural transformation.

Sun Life was honored for its commitment to building a workplace culture anchored in trust, collaboration, and shared purpose. Through initiatives like The Kaleidescope Hub, an employee-led Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) network, and the House Cup, a gamified approach to promoting overall well-being, Sun Life has empowered employees to share authentic stories of growth, inclusion, and personal fulfillment. It has showcased how the organization continues to nurture brilliance in every individual.

Your Final Shot: Scan to Pay with GCash and Win a Trip to the NBA China Games 2025

Are you a diehard NBA fan? Get ready to experience the courtside action closer to home than ever before! GCash is giving you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the NBA China Games 2025 at The Venetian Arena in Macao. 

Two lucky winners will score 2 tickets each to watch the Brooklyn Nets and the Phoenix Suns face off live, complete with flights and accommodation. 

Your Passport to the NBA China Games

From September 22 to 30, 2025, every single transaction worth P4,000 or more that you make using GCash Scan to Pay abroad will earn you one digital scratch card. 

One lucky winner will win a set of two tickets to the NBA China Game on October 10 and a Fan Meet and Greet pass on October 11, including a roundtrip ticket and accommodations. Another winner will win a set of two tickets to the NBA China Games on October 12, including a roundtrip ticket and accommodations.

Security Bank Capital named PH Best Investment Bank for Financing by Euromoney

Security Bank Capital Investment Corporation, the investment banking arm of Security Bank, has been recognized as the Philippines’ Best Investment Bank for Financing 2025 at Euromoney’s Asia-Pacific Awards for Excellence.

Euromoney cited Security Bank Capital’s pioneering role in sustainable and large-scale financings, including:

Sustainability leadership - Arranging the country’s first sustainability-linked bonds for Ayala Land, Inc. worth PHP14 billion, with innovative step-up features tied to performance targets; and the oversubscribed PHP10 billion ASEAN green bonds for Energy Development Corporation.

Visa sets the stage for xPay adoption with enablement workshop for Philippine banks

Through the workshop, Visa Philippines is accelerating adoption of mobile payment providers like Google Pay, Apple Pay and Samsung Pay for Philippine banks, drawing from best practices from key partners in the region such as Google and Vietcombank 

From left to right – Visa Philippines Head of Product Ezer Escolar, Visa Head of Product, Regional Southeast Asia Poojyata Katar, Vietcombank Deputy Director of Retail Product Department Nguyen 

Hong Thanh, Starbucks Vietnam Head of Business Development and Marketing Nguyen Bao Tram, Google Payments Strategic Partnerships Lead for Asia Pacific TG Ramakrishnan, and Visa Head of Product for Vietnam and Laos Kelvin Utomo

Don’t Just Watch Your Money Go—Make It Grow with Maya!

Let’s be real: Money these days feels like it disappears the second it hits your account. Prices keep climbing, bills never take a break, and that dream trip? Always just a little out of reach. If you’re already grinding this hard for every peso, it’s only fair your money hustles just as hard for you.

That’s where Maya, the #1 Digital Bank in the Philippines, changes the game. Unlike the small returns you get from other banks, Maya Savings gives you one of the highest rates with up to 15% per annum. You only need to use Maya for your daily transactions. That’s your money multiplying faster than your weekend plans stack up.

Sun Life expands collaboration with Go Negosyo to empower Filipino MSMEs

Sun Life, the No. 1 life insurance company in the Philippines in terms of total premium income, has announced the expansion of its strategic collaboration with Go Negosyo, a non-profit organization that champions Filipino entrepreneurship, to further empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the country.

Building on the success of their initial tie-up, the expanded collaboration will bring free financial consultations to MSMEs through Go Negosyo’s 3M on Wheels events, a roving caravan that delivers mentorship, money, and market access directly to entrepreneurs. Sun Life financial advisors will be on-site to offer personalized financial planning and insurance guidance tailored to the unique needs of business owners.

Giving Your Child the Future They Deserve

Raising a child has never been easy. In today’s economic climate, it’s especially challenging. With tuition fees and healthcare costs on the rise, Filipino families face financial pressures that make long-term planning for their children harder yet more urgent than ever.  

While many parents hope to give their children a better life, hope alone is no match to inflation, emergencies, and the rising cost of living. The question is no longer whether families should prepare for the future, but how soon they can begin. 

Security Bank offers 5Y peso bonds

Security Bank Corporation (“SECB”) announced today its fixed-rate peso bond offering with a minimum issue size of PHP5 billion, with an oversubscription option (the “Bonds”).

The Bonds will have a tenor of 5 years and will be marketed at a fixed rate of 6.0000% per annum. The public offer period will run from September 22 to October 17, 2025.* Minimum denominations have been set for PHP500,000 and increments of PHP100,000 thereafter.

Security Bank will list the Bonds on the Philippine Dealing and Exchange Corp. on October 29, 2025, to provide secondary market liquidity to investors who would like to trade the instruments.

The Bonds will be issued out of the Bank’s PHP200 billion Peso Bond and Commercial Papers Program. Proceeds will be used to support the Bank’s lending activities and expand its funding base.

Security Bank joins FTSE Asia Pacific Small Cap Index, strengthening global visibility

Security Bank Corporation (PSE: SECB) has been selected for inclusion in the FTSE Asia Pacific Small Cap Index, one of the region’s most recognized benchmarks used by global institutional investors.

The announcement, made as part of FTSE’s September 2025 quarterly review, reflects Security Bank’s growing stature in the Philippine financial sector and its consistent market performance. The inclusion took effect on September 19, 2025 (after close of business).

“This recognition underscores the trust that investors continue to place in Security Bank,” said Sanjiv Vohra, President & CEO. “Our commitment to delivering BetterBanking and creating long-term value for clients, communities, and shareholders is now being validated on a global stage.”

Ber Months on the Move: Smart Spending Choices for Filipinos This Busy Travel Season

Visa shares smart spending tips to help Filipinos enjoy stress-free travel and celebrations this Ber season

The Ber months have arrived, bringing with them the excitement of reunions, festive celebrations, and long-awaited getaways. It’s the time of year when families come together, friends reconnect, and many Filipinos look forward to a well-deserved break after a busy year. According to Visa’s latest Green Shoots Radar Survey, December is the busiest month for both domestic and overseas leisure travel for Filipinos, accounting for 36% and 20% respectively of trips as people take the opportunity to relax and spend quality time with loved ones.

Billease Unlocks Everyday Credit with New Pay Later and Installment Conversion Features

Filipinos can now use Billease for daily spending via QRPh and Tap-and-Pay with the flexibility to pay later or seamlessly convert purchases into light installments. As QRPh becomes the fast, secure, and widely accepted way to pay, Billease takes it further by adding unique features, all with no hidden fees.

Billease, the Philippines’ fastest-growing consumer finance app, today announced a major expansion of its platform: an Everyday Spend Credit that allows customers to use their Billease credit line for daily purchases through Scan to Pay by QRPh and Tap and Pay thru NFC transactions. Filipino consumers can pay with Billease almost anywhere, then choose to either settle on their next payday at zero interest and zero fees or convert purchases into manageable installments anytime before their due date. 

Billease is reshaping how Filipinos pay for everyday essentials, eliminating tedious top-ups and hidden charges from traditional credit lines. With a flexible credit line that works wherever you shop, Billease makes payments simple, transparent, and worry-free, with no guesswork, no conversion fees, and no fees for new installments.

What is an MSCI ESG rating and why Security Bank’s ‘A’ matters

Understanding the global benchmark that sets the Bank apart 

ESG ratings have become a key benchmark for investors, regulators, and customers to evaluate how well companies manage long-term environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks. Among these standards, the MSCI ESG Rating is one of the most widely recognized globally—used by asset managers and analysts to assess companies’ resilience to issues like climate change, labor practices, and corporate ethics.

Sun Life Grepa And ASA Philippines Partner To Empower Underserved Women Through Financial Protection

Sun Life Grepa Financial, Inc. (Sun Life Grepa), one of the country’s major life insurance companies, and ASA Philippines Foundation, Inc. (ASA Philippines), a​ leading non-profit ​microfinance organization dedicated to uplifting underserved women and their families, have formally sealed their partnership through a ceremonial signing held at ASA Philippines Central Office last September 10, 2025.

The partnership aims to provide ASA Philippines’ ​more than 2 million women members, many of whom are mothers, with access to affordable life and family insurance solutions. Through the new Microinsurance Program​ that will be launched soon, Sun Life Grepa and ASA Philippines hope to empower women to not only secure their own futures but also ensure financial protection for their loved ones.

Security Bank Foundation and the Department of Education strengthen educator training nationwide

Front row, from left to right: Rev. Fr. Bienvenido F. Nebres, SJ, Former President, Ateneo de Manila University; Mr. Eduardo M. Olbes, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Security Bank Corporation; Mr. Rafael F. Simpao, Jr., Chairman, Security Bank Foundation, Inc.; Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” M. Angara, Department of Education; Dr. Carmela C. Oracion, Assistant Secretary for the National Educators Academy of the Philippines, Department of Education; Mr. Jose Ramelle E. Javier, Director, Central House Administration – De La Salle Philippines.

Boost Your Goals with Savings That Earn Up to 8% p.a. from Maya Personal Goals

Imagine boarding that plane to your dream destination, unboxing the gadget upgrade you’ve worked hard for, or finally securing the funds for your stan life—from concert tickets to merch drops. Every goal feels more possible when your money is growing with you, and with Maya Personal Goals, those milestones are closer than ever.

Maya, the #1 Digital Bank in the Philippines, is powering your Personal Goals with up to 8% interest p.a. – a big boost for your savings. And the best part? It’s designed to be effortless, flexible, and all inside the Maya app. Think of it as your personal piggy bank that actually pays off big time.

Team EastWest Celebrates Double Victory at the 2025 IABC Quill Awards

Team EastWest proudly celebrates a double win at the 2025 IABC Philippines Quill Awards, with East West Banking Corporation (EastWest) and EastWest Ageas Insurance (EWA) each earning prestigious recognition for their standout communication campaigns.

Representatives from EastWest and EastWest Ageas proudly accept the double win at the 2025 IABC Quill Awards, honoring outstanding work in professional communication.

EastWest Unibank was honored for its 30th Anniversary campaign, “Further for You,” a year-long celebration of three decades of banking with ease, trust, and innovation. Anchored on the yin-yang-inspired anniversary logo and powered by ambassadors Donny Pangilinan and Carlos Yulo, the campaign combined customer-focused innovations, exclusive events, and digital rollouts such as the EasyWay App. It was a true synergy of East and West, bringing together the Eastern perspective of customer care and personal relationships with the Western drive for innovation and technology, proving EastWest’s focus to making banking easier, more personal, and more meaningful for customers.

Security Bank wins three human capital awards for HR innovation and work-life harmony

For its HCM Employee Resources Online (HeRO) platform, Security Bank won Excellence in HR Digital Transformation at The Economic Times Human Capital Awards on July 25, 2025 in Singapore. Pictured (L-R): Mina Ortigas, SAVP and Transformation Manager; MG Miranda, AVP and Functional Platform Lead; Yen Wee, AVP and Transformation Officer; Odette Concepcion Tabobo, FVP and HCM Transformation Head; and Justina Tan, EVP for Corporate People Culture, Changi Airport

Security Bank has been recognized for its customer-centric strategy, receiving top honors by three prestigious award bodies. At the Economic Times Human Capital Awards (ETHCA), the Bank was lauded for Excellence in HR Transformation, while at the HR Excellence Awards 2025, it was named among the Best Companies to Work for in Asia–Philippines and for its commitment to work-life harmony. Moreover, the Bank was listed as one of HR Asia’s Best Companies to Work for in Asia–Philippines.

“Hindi mo kailangang gawin lahat mag-isa.” Ayon sa Celebrity Moms sa Hirap ng Back-To-School Season

Jolina Magdangal, Dimples Romana, and Angeline Quinto share how GCash helps provide everyday gaan for moms

School’s officially back, and with it the early mornings, baon prep, never-ending shopping lists, and long days for parents – especially moms. In the newest episode of Mommy, G Ka Na?, celebrity host and mom of two Jolina Magdangal-Escueta opens up about the pressure of balancing her numerous responsibilities during the back-to-school season.  

Together with guests Dimples Romana and Angeline Quinto, the candid conversation turns personal, and the three moms share personal stories, smart strategies, and comforting words for moms who may be overwhelmed with the back-to-school rush. They remind each other, “Hindi mo kailangang gawin lahat mag-isa.” 

EastWest Leads Tourism Empowerment as Major Sponsor of Philippine Travel Mart 2025

EastWest joined the Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) 2025 as a major sponsor, backing the growth of tourism through accessible financing, digital tools, and collaborations across the industry. Speaking at the opening ceremony, EastWest CEO Jerry Ngo addressed industry stakeholders with a powerful call to reimagine tourism not just as a destination economy, but as a platform for identity, livelihood, and national pride.

As EastWest CEO Ngo puts it, “Filipino hospitality is never transactional; it is deeply personal. Tourism is not just an industry for us. It is an ecosystem--one we want to nurture from the ground up through partnerships and collaborations.”

PNB Holdings Corp. signs lease agreement with BeFit

Leading fitness, wellness brand to open new branch at PNB Makati Center

PNB Holdings Corp. (PHC) has signed a lease agreement with homegrown fitness brand BeFit to open a flagship branch at the PNB Makati Center. The new gym will bring a premium yet accessible wellness offering to the 13-storey commercial property in the heart of Makati’s Central Business District. 

The ceremonial signing took place last June 24 at PHC’s head office in Makati City and marks BeFit as the newest addition to the property’s growing tenant mix.

BeFit was built with a clear mission: to reshape the health and wellness experience in the Philippines by making high-quality gyms more affordable and convenient. The upcoming 1,300 sqm facility supports this goal by placing Eitness exactly where people need it most, close to home and work. 

Security Bank brings BetterBanking to Antipolo – Cogeo with new branch

Security Bank opens its 359th branch in Antipolo - Cogeo (L-R): Harold De Leon, FVP and Region 2 Head; Commander Herald Medrano, Antipolo City Police; Bon Mark Dapat, Vice President of Sun Valley Golf and Development, Inc.; Atty. Cedric Capiral, City Legal Officer of Antipolo; Andeng Ynares, City of City Mayor; Edelin Ganir, Records Officer of Malacañang Palace; Leslie Cham, EVP and Branch Banking Group Head; Mai Aguiting, VP and Area Head; Michael Angelo Azurin, Business Manager – OIC of Antipolo-Cogeo Branch; Ronald Austria, SVP and Branch Banking Luzon Distribution Head

Makati, Philippines –   Security Bank opened a new branch in Antipolo – Cogeo, strengthening its presence in Rizal and bringing BetterBanking closer to residents and local enterprises. The location is the Bank’s 359th branch nationwide. 

Alsons Dev Marks Milestone in Avia Estate with Opening of The Abba’s Orchard School

Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev) marked a key milestone in the development of its flagship township, Avia Estate in Alabel, Sarangani, with the opening of The Abba’s Orchard School last August 11, 2025. Bringing authentic Montessori education to SOCCSKSARGEN, The Abba’s Orchard strengthens Avia Estate’s vision of becoming a well-rounded and future-ready community.

Nurturing young minds with true Montessori

The Abba’s Orchard is a high-fidelity Montessori school system offering programs from infancy through adolescence. Known for its authentic Montessori approach, the school offers the Erdkinder program (German for "children of the earth”), a unique adolescent curriculum that integrates classroom learning with hands-on experience through an on-site farm environment. Adolescents experience “production and exchange” in a micro-economy that addresses their evolving sense of self-worth (or dignity) in their maturing journey to adulthood.

Sun Life Bags Two Excellence, One Merit Award at the 21st Philippine Quill Awards

Sun Life, a leading financial services organization, has been honored with multiple awards at the prestigious 21st Philippine Quill Awards, celebrating excellence in business communication. The recognition comes as Sun Life commemorates its 130th anniversary, underscoring the company's commitment to impactful communication and financial literacy.

Sun Life received the coveted Excellence Award for two groundbreaking projects: Play for Life, a gamified financial literacy campaign that successfully engaged audiences nationwide, and Sun Talks: Digital Media Edition, a dynamic workshop empowering digital media professionals to champion financial literacy. These initiatives not only fostered greater awareness but also inspired participants to actively support the advocacy of financial wellness.

Security Bank provides MSMEs with comprehensive, customer-centric banking solutions

A smarter way to bank

Martin Allen del Mundo, Acting OIC and current successor of Ared Enterprises, manufacturers for Porky Best Chicharon. Through a business mortgage loan with Security Bank, they were able to expand their manufacturing center and serve customers in Davao and Metro Manila.

MSMEs make up 99.5% of all businesses in the Philippines and employ over 60% of the country’s workforce—yet they continue to face systemic barriers to growth, from limited access to credit to persistent cash flow issues and administrative hurdles. Recognizing their critical role in driving inclusive economic development, Security Bank is addressing these gaps with customer-centric solutions tailored to the day-to-day realities of Filipino entrepreneurs.

PNB Holdings Corporation: Transforming legacy into living landmarks

PNB Makati Center Lobby

Across the Philippines, corporate landmarks stand not just as places for doing business, but as monuments to history and vision, each one telling a story shaped by the people who built them and the businesses that have thrived within them.

Two such landmarks are the PNB Financial Center in Pasay City and the PNB Makati Center in the heart of Makati’s central business district. Both owned and managed by PNB Holdings Corp. (PHC), these properties continue to define what it means to create enduring spaces where history meets modern functionality, all while reflecting the country’s continuously evolving business landscape.

First-Time Driver? Here’s What You Need to Know

Take the wheel with confidence – start your car ownership journey the simple way with PSBank

Ready to leave the passenger seat and take the wheel?

Maybe you’ve been dreaming of a car to make the daily commute easier, enjoy solo drives and weekend getaways, or simply skip the hassle of waiting for a ride. Whatever the reason, becoming a first-time driver isn’t just a rite of passage—it’s the beginning of a new chapter filled with freedom, responsibility, and endless adventures.

From getting your first car to managing the responsibilities of ownership, PSBank is here to make every step simple and worry-free.

When Wallets Get Tight, GCredit Makes It Right

Finding a way to cover daily expenses is no longer a problem with the help of a solution like GCredit

Electricity, water, internet, groceries–every day, it feels like there’s always something new we need to pay for. Now that the school year is in full swing, daily allowances and baon groceries have become part of the weekly routine. And just when we think we’ve finally caught up, here comes the surprise gastos—plus with the holidays slowly creeping in, it feels like there’s always something new to budget for.

As much as we try to cover everything, there are times when our budget just isn’t enough, no matter how hard we try to save and budget our expenses. Sometimes, we just need a little help to get through the tough days, especially during Petsa de Peligro. Thankfully, with GCash, it’s now easier to manage bills even without a credit card and without needing to borrow money from friends and family.

Credit Scores as Catalysts for Financial Inclusion

In the Philippines’ journey toward becoming an upper middle income economy, access to formal credit remains both a challenge and an opportunity. Credit scores, often overlooked in the public discourse, are in fact one of the most powerful levers in enabling wider participation in the financial system.

The 2024 Credit Perception Index (CPI) by TransUnion underscores the urgency: only 54% of the unbanked population are familiar with formal credit products, a significant drop from last year and far below the 70% recorded among the general population. This deterioration in credit literacy comes at a time when the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has already surpassed its target of digitalizing 50 percent of retail payments, achieving 52.8%  in 2023.

Digital adoption is accelerating, but credit inclusion is lagging. Without a functioning credit profile, millions remain excluded from the most transformative financial products such as business loans, mortgages, and affordable credit lines that can drive long term economic mobility.

Visa Money Travels 2025 Report: Filipinos drive digital remittance growth across Asia Pacific

Latest report shows Filipinos driving usage of digital remittances, with many citing speed and convenience as top reasons for adoption of app-based remittance

Visa, a world leader in digital payments, has released its latest annual report on digital remittances, Money Travels: 2025 Digital Remittances Adoption Report, which was based on responses from 44,000 senders and receivers across 20 countries and territories, including the Philippines. The report presents findings on the latest remittance trends around the world, including Asia Pacific, a key region in the $905 billion global remittance landscape. 

According to the report, the Philippines is one of the top adopters in Asia Pacific for digital remittances, with 74% sending money digitally and 66% opting for digital means when receiving funds. Majority of the respondents in the Philippines (73%) rely on digital payments as the fastest way to access funds, with about 45% of consumers also seeing it as a safe and private method for sending and receiving remittances. 

Double Win for EastWest at The Asian Banker Philippine Excellence Awards 2025

Recognized for Best Foreign Exchange Service and Best Digital Ecosystem & Platform

East West Banking Corporation (EastWest) earned two top honors at The Asian Banker Philippine Excellence Awards 2025, winning Best Foreign Exchange Service and Best Digital Ecosystem & Platform. These show EastWest’s drive to deliver high-value, customer-focused, and innovative banking solutions for Filipinos at every life stage.

These awards capture the heart of EastWest’s mission to make banking easier and more inclusive. Whether through competitive and transparent foreign exchange services or a digital ecosystem designed for all, the Bank continues to build solutions that meet the unique needs of every customer at every stage of their financial journey. This is the EasyWay to Bank.

From L–R: EastWest Chief Digital Officer, Harvey Libarnes; Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, Issa Yap; Metro Manila Sales Officer, Trina Marie Burgos; and Head of Financial Markets and Wealth Management Cluster, Raffy Algarra, Jr., who represented the Bank at The Asian Banker Philippine Awards held on 14 August 2025 in Manila.

Best Foreign Exchange Service

EastWest’s win for Best Foreign Exchange Service reflects its competitive rates, convenient FX conversion, and strong focus on client value. With a buy-sell spread significantly lower than competitors’, the Bank delivers exchange rates better than the market average which helps customers maximize their currency conversions.

Despite economic headwinds in recent years, EastWest maintained steady growth in FX transactions, customer base, and trade volume, achieving record-high performance in 2024.

To further elevate the customer experience, the Bank has rolled out operational and digitization initiatives:

Launched e-Forex on EasyWay in 2024 for convenient online forex conversion of USD/PHP for individual clients.

Introduced e-Signature and e-Document submission which streamlined documentation and improving client convenience.

Expansion plans for 2025 include FX third currencies for individual and corporate clients.

Best Digital Ecosystem & Platform

The Best Digital Ecosystem & Platform award honors EastWest’s segment-focused, human-centered approach to digital banking. It offers inclusive, secure, and innovative solutions tailored to the needs of every Filipino. This ecosystem includes:

EasyWay - a digital platform offering multi-currency capabilities, consolidated views, wealth tools, and in-app customer service.

Komo – a fully digital account with competitive interest rates, low-cost transfers, and personal and salary loans.

ESTA – the country’s first AI-powered credit card servicing chatbot on Facebook Messenger, enabling instant transaction updates, credit limit adjustments, and installment conversions.

EastWest Pay – the first Visa-certified tap-to-pay mobile app for NFC-enabled Android devices in the Philippines.

In 1H 2025, EastWest’s digital penetration among existing clients rose to over 44%. EasyWay welcomed hundreds of thousands of clients, and Komo empowered an equally strong community of users, including public school teachers. Across all platforms, the Bank implemented AI-driven fraud detection, biometric authentication, and proactive security controls, ensuring that customers enjoy both ease and peace of mind.

By designing these platforms from the ground up for specific customer groups, EastWest has gone beyond offering digital products to deliver a connected, future-ready banking experience that grows and adapts with its customers.

Moving Forward

EastWest’s recent wins strengthen its standing as a trusted, forward-looking leader in Philippine banking. The Bank continues to advance its services through digital innovation, competitive offerings, and customer-focused strategies that bring convenience, security, and meaningful financial empowerment.