A study by Sun Life Asia shows while 64% of Filipinos are aware of wills and estate planning documents, only 32% use them. Even more striking, only a mere 18% of respondents feel fully prepared in terms of legacy arrangements if they were to pass away.
These numbers highlight a clear gap between awareness and action. Many Filipino families understand the importance of estate planning, yet only a few take the necessary steps to secure their family’s future.
Fiuu, the leading fintech platform in Southeast Asia, announced that it processed US$13 billion (MYR 54 billion) in Total Payment Volume (TPV) in 2025, representing a 32.65% increase from 2024. The milestone reflects the growing adoption of digital payments by businesses across Southeast Asia and reinforces Fiuu's role as a key payment solutions provider supporting the region’s rapidly expanding digital economy.
In November 2025, Fiuu reported US$8.3 billion in TPV for the first three quarters of the year. By year-end, the company processed an additional US$4.7 billion in the final quarter to reach its full-year total.
Sun Life Philippines has partnered with Wish 107.5 to bring meaningful conversations about money, music, and mindset to Filipinos through Live Bright Now: On Air, a unique financial literacy initiative held aboard the iconic Wish Bus.
The collaboration brings Sun Life’s advocacy for financial literacy and empowerment closer to communities by combining sound financial advice with the universal language of music, creating an engaging platform where stories, songs, and financial insights come together.
“At Sun Life, we believe financial literacy should be accessible, relatable, and grounded in real-life experiences,” said Carla Gonzalez-Chong, Chief Client Experience and Marketing Officer of Sun Life Philippines. “By partnering with Wish 107.5, we’re meeting Filipinos where they are – through music, stories, and conversations that resonate. Live Bright Now: On Air allows us to turn everyday moments into opportunities to build confidence and empower people to take meaningful steps toward a brighter financial future.”
(2nd row L-R): Kerr
Sumagaysay, Marketing and Sales Officer, AC Steel Industries, Inc.; Ruth Peñaflor, Admin Manager, AC Steel Industries, Inc.; Christian Chua, Treasurer, AC Steel Industries, Inc.; Fritzie Moog, Area Head, Makati 3, Branch Banking Group, Security Bank Corporation; Maria Ayesha Aguiting, Adviser, Security Bank Foundation; Alan Layco, Adviser, Security Bank Foundation; and Ricardo Llego, Resource Mobilization Officer, Security Bank Foundation
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The Year of the Fire Horse in 2026 is predicted to be a year full of energy, fast changes, and surprises that can come out of nowhere. In Chinese astrology, they call it a “high-speed” year: good luck can come fast, but problems can hit just as quickly. It’s a time to take bold steps, not just sitting and waiting—but caution is still needed to avoid reckless spending.
For many Filipinos, money is often the biggest challenge. One week, the budget is fine. Next, there’s a sudden home repair, extra capital needed for a small business, or a renovation that can’t wait. In a Fire Horse year, the risk isn’t just moving fast—it’s moving without a backup plan.
There’s a renewed love for spending time outdoors.
More people linger at open‑air concerts, wander through weekend markets, meet up with friends under wide skies, or explore pockets of the city they hadn’t noticed before. These shared moments, while simple, vibrant, and unhurried, are inspiring a fresh wave of events shaped around openness and connection.
This rediscovered appetite for shared experiences has led to a shift toward event spaces that feel open, inviting, and accessible. Among organizers, exhibitors, and creative planners, a venue steadily becoming a favorite is The Amphitheater at the PNB Financial Center.
Security Bank Corporation (PSE:SECB) has been ranked #1 Overall in the Philippines among Domestic Banks and #1 for Trade Finance Products in the Philippines in the client-led Euromoney Trade Finance Survey 2026
The Euromoney Trade Finance Survey is one of the industry’s most widely recognized benchmarks, based on direct feedback from trade finance users evaluating banks on product capability, service quality, and relationship strength.
Common Strategies Filipinos Use Before Payday
1. Budgeting Essentials First
Most households prioritize necessities food, utilities, and transportation while postponing non‑essential purchases. This helps ensure that the most important needs are met even when funds are tight.
2. Borrowing from Family or Friends
It’s common to rely on trusted circles for short‑term financial support. While informal borrowing can be helpful, it may also strain relationships if repayment is delayed.
The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada is a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening ties between Canada and the Asia-Pacific region through research, dialogue, and strategic business engagement. Its Women’s Business Mission brings together women-led and women-owned Canadian companies to explore opportunities for collaboration, trade, and investment in key markets across Asia, while advancing women’s economic empowerment and inclusive growth.
Despite its popularity, VUL is often misunderstood as it is sometimes seen as a pure investment vehicle or something too risky to consider. In reality, VUL is first and foremost a life insurance plan, with an added investment component designed to support long-term goals. “VUL is protection-first, always,” said Ivan Corcuera, Head of Insurance Investments at Sun Life Investment Management and Trust Corporation. “The investment component is there to support long-term goals, but the foundation is making sure you and your loved ones are financially protected.”
More than 1,000 students from farming and indigenous communities in Pangantucan, Bukidnon will soon benefit from safer and more conducive learning spaces as Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI) and Jesus V. Del Rosario Foundation, Inc. (JVRF) expand their partnership to build a new 2-storey, 6-classroom school building in Pangantucan Community High School (PCHS).
(From left) PHC CFO Ponciano S. Carreon, Jr., PHC President Karlu T. Say, CHAGEE Philippines Country GM Sonny Tiong, and Deputy GM Ollie Rabatan toast to a new partnership on March 9, 2026 at the PNB Makati Center.
PNB Holdings Corporation (PHC) has formalized a new partnership with CHAGEE Philippines, the international tea brand, through a ceremonial lease signing that reinforces its continued focus on curated, future-ready commercial spaces.
CHAGEE is recognized for its beverages centered on tea and for creating welcoming spaces that encourage connection and everyday moments of pause Its entry into PNB Makati Center adds a lifestyle-driven dimension to the development, aligning with the evolving expectations of today's urban consumers.
But empowerment isn’t just about calling things out. For many, it’s also about making sure they never feel financially stuck in the first place. Because independence doesn’t only show up in conversations or personal choices. It shows up in everyday decisions, including how we manage our money.
Freelancing opens doors to career flexibility: choosing your clients and projects, setting your own hours, and building your career on your terms. In theory, freelancing sounds simple: work with multiple international clients, do good work, and grow your income. But it’s rarely that straightforward. Beyond the work itself, there’s a lot you’ll need to figure out, such as finding the right clients, managing workload, and staying on top of your finances in what can be a very unpredictable setup.
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Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev), in partnership with DoubleDragon Properties Corporation (DoubleDragon) through its industrial leasing subsidiary, CentralHub Industrial Centers Inc., broke ground on CentralHub Davao on March 5, 2026 in Barangay Lasang, Davao City. This milestone marks the start of construction of the first CentralHub in Mindanao, a 6.2-hectare industrial warehouse complex that will support the region’s growing logistics and distribution needs.
Saving regularly and staying active on digital banking just paid off for one Security Bank client, who drove home a brand-new BYD Sealion 6 DM-i after winning the bonus draw of the Bank’s 12 Gifts of Christmas Raffle Promo.
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Expert-led sessions to help clients navigate opportunities in a fast‑shifting economic landscape
In line with its commitment to empower clients with insights that fuel informed and confident decision making, East West Banking Corporation (EastWest) hosted a series of curated events in Pampanga and Metro Manila to usher in the Year of the Fire Horse with a forward-looking economic outlook for 2026.
The sessions brought together clients from the bank’s Retail, Priority, and Corporate Banking, offering exclusive insights from experts to help them navigate the year ahead with confidence, enhance their wealth management plans, and support their long‑term financial well‑being.
Bacolod’s growth is moving northward, and Saludad is moving with it.
As Bacolod expands beyond its traditional center, North District, the city’s fastest emerging growth area, is beginning to take shape. It is where Bacolod’s next phase of development is unfolding. At its heart is Saludad, the master-planned township helping pioneer this growth and becoming the address Bacolod is growing into.
The groundbreaking of TRYP by Wyndham Bacolod in Saludad was attended by (L-R) PHINMA Microtel Hotels Director Ar. Luis Nakpil, PHINMA Hospitality Management Company President & COO Dean Cid, PHINMA Microtel Hotels Director Miguel del Rosario, PHINMA Hospitality & PHINMA Microtel Hotels CEO Jose Mari del Rosario, PHINMA Corp. President & COO Dr. Chito Salazar, Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya, JEPP Real Estate Co. President and JEPP Property Corp. Director Pia Dabao, PHINMA Properties and JEPP Property Corporation President & CEO Pete Felix, JEPP Real Estate Co. Corporate Secretary Mike Puentevella, PHINMA Properties Chief Housing Officer and JEPP Property Corp. COO Paolo Reyes, PHINMA Properties and JEPP Property Corporation CFO and Treasurer Michael Hilado, and Royal Pineda+ Architecture.Design Principal Architect Ar. Royal Pineda.
Implemented in partnership with Health Futures Foundation, Inc. (HFI), the Sun Life Barangay Health Stations program expands healthcare access by constructing equipped and fully functional health stations in remote, low-income, and underserved communities. Here, residents can receive health services, including vaccinations, prenatal checkups, and health education.
Omega Healthcare, a leading Multinational Corporation and a provider of technology-enabled healthcare solutions, is ramping up hiring for US-registered nurses (USRNs) across its Manila and Cebu delivery centers to support the growing demand for non-bedside clinical services for the United States healthcare system.
The initiative is part of the company’s plan to expand its Philippine workforce to 4,000–5,000 employees this year, further strengthening the country’s role in Omega Healthcare’s global delivery network.
Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc. recently announced its tie-up with Borough Group of Clinics, marking the start of a shared commitment to provide more accessible, preventive, and holistic healthcare solutions to Filipinos. The collaboration was formalized during a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing ceremony held at the Sun Life Centre.
The curtain has officially closed on Pinoy Big Brother (PBB): Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0, and the Big Night delivered everything fans hoped for—high-stakes challenges, emotional farewells, and the long-awaited reveal of this season’s Big Winners.
From an intense live final task given by Big Brother to the emotional crowning moment, the historic finale marked another milestone collaboration between ABS-CBN and GMA Network. Powering this unforgettable season was Maya—the #1 Digital Bank in the Philippines and PBB’s official voting partner—giving Mayamayans the power to vote and Housemates the tools to turn their weekly wins into something bigger.
For as low as PHP10,000, you can grow your money easily, securely, and confidently
Metrobank continues to make investing easier and more accessible by enabling Unit Investment Trust Fund (UITF) account opening online.
Clients can now open and manage their UITF investments directly through Metrobank Online, the Bank’s internet banking platform. With the UITF Online feature, investing can be done anytime and anywhere. In just a few clicks, clients can subscribe to or redeem funds and monitor their portfolios, all professionally managed by Metrobank’s multi-awarded team of fund managers.
Second row (L-R): Lyn Bartolome, Ideal Vision Center Marketing Manager; Ginno Jhep Pacquing, DepEd Region 3 Data Protection Officer; Ricardo Llego, SBFI Communications and Resource Mobilization Officer
The survey, titled Retirement Reimagined: Asia’s Retirement Divide, found that 72% of respondents expect to continue working beyond age 65. Their motivations vary: 53% cite purpose and fulfillment, 41% seek mental stimulation, and 36% value social connections.
However, 71% say they need further income to support their daily living and long-term financial security.
The new NBOs, Centurion Tree and Willow Tree, are both located on the 8th Floor of the One Trium Tower along Pacific Rim Drive in Filinvest City, Alabang, Muntinlupa; both strategically situated within one of Metro Manila’s most dynamic business districts. The offices enhance accessibility for Clients, advisors, and the general public with its proximity to major commercial hubs in the southern part of Metro Manila.
But here’s what’s different in 2026: trips don’t feel like spontaneous splurges anymore, they feel intentional.
According to recent findings, Millennials and Gen Z travelers aren’t just spending on travel. They’re planning earlier, booking more deliberately, and mapping out itineraries months ahead.
Security Bank Corporation (PSE: SECB) reported total revenues of PHP66.9 billion in 2025, up 22% year-on-year, supported by sustained performance across its core banking businesses and diversified income streams. Net income reached PHP11.6 billion, up 3% year-on-year, as the Bank balanced revenue growth with higher credit provisioning to reinforce balance-sheet resilience amid a challenging macroeconomic environment. Pre-provision operating profit (PPOP) rose 26% year-on-year to PHP27.6 billion, underscoring the Bank’s core earnings capacity.
“We are seeing the benefits of the strong foundations we have built. Following a period of intentional investment and operating in a more challenging macro environment, we are refocusing on disciplined growth, delivering strong revenue momentum, improving asset quality, and maintaining a resilient balance sheet. This reflects our BetterBanking approach, focused on long-term value and serving our customers and all stakeholders responsibly,” said Victor Lee Meng Teck, President and CEO of Security Bank.
Sun Life Grepa recorded PHP3.30 billion in NBAPE, reflecting a remarkable 66% increase from 2024 — the highest growth rate among life insurers during the period. This accelerated expansion was driven by strong performance across both individual and group insurance segments, underscoring the company’s ability to respond to evolving protection and financial planning needs.
The National Arts Month opening ceremony in Davao was graced by (L-R) Alcantara Foundation Executive Director Ryan Vidanes, NCCA Project Officer Corrinah Olazo, Davao City Office for Culture and the Arts Division Head Oscar Casaysay, Councilor Atty. Petite Principe, Alsons Dev Vice President and General Manager Jolla A. Soriaga, NCCA Commissioner of the Sub-commission for Culture and the Arts Dr. Lordinio A. Vergara, Councilor Al Ryan S. Alejandre, Davao City Tourism Operations Officer In Charge Willenito Tormis Jr., NCCA National Head of the Committee on Visual Arts Al-Nezzar B. Ali, and NCCA National Executive Member of the Committee on Visual Arts Abraham A. Garcia Jr.
Security Bank Wealth hosted Chinese New Year Appreciation Gatherings in Manila and Cebu, offering clients valuable insights from local and global experts. From (L-R): Jason Lim, Director, Team Lead, Retail Distribution, Southeast Asia, Allianz Global Investors; Angelo Taningco, VP and Chief Economist, Security Bank; Chrissi Morillo, FVP and Investment Strategy Head, Security Bank; Cirilo P. Noel, Chairman, Security Bank; Victor Lee Meng Teck, President and CEO, Security Bank; Jim Yap, EVP and Financials Market Segment Head, Security Bank; Thomas Wu, Market Strategy Analyst, Invesco Ltd.; and Dion Ong, Head of APAC, Horizon Capital AG.
As inflation stabilizes and interest rates begin to normalize, investors are entering a more selective risk environment in 2026—one that calls for disciplined diversification and a sharper focus on opportunity across both local and global markets.
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Maxicare Philippines has strengthened its presence in Makati with the opening of a new Primary Care Clinic (PCC) at the PNB Makati Center, one of its largest in the city to date.
Spanning more than 800 square meters, the facility responds to the growing demand for accessible, comprehensive healthcare within one of the city’s most established business and lifestyle districts.
Designed to go beyond the fundamentals of primary care, the clinic delivers Maxicare’s wide range of medical services alongside an expansive Rehabilitation and Therapy Wing. This dedicated space supports physical therapy, recovery, and long-term wellness programs. This boosts a more holistic approach to care, one attuned to the needs of today’s urban professionals, families, and nearby communities.
From heartfelt confessions to intense challenges and unforgettable collab moments, this season of Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) Celebrity Collab 2.0 Edition has brought together Kapamilya and Kapuso stars like never before. Now, the spotlight shines on the Ultimate 8:
Heath – Ang Fighting Prince ng Taguig, who proved his resilience in high-pressure task showdowns
With Total Premium Income amounting to ₱61.8 billion as of end-2025, Sun Life outperformed the nearest competitor by ₱8.9 billion, further cementing its position as the country’s market leader for 15 consecutive years.
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Bangkok is a city brimming with experiences made for the adventurous, the artsy, and the curious. It’s long been a favorite among Filipino travelers because of its dynamic mix of traditional and modern. With summer coming soon, holiday trips and getaway plans are already taking shape for many barkadas and families.
If Bangkok is on your list this year, having an easy way to pay and keep track of spending in a fast-paced city like it just makes the whole trip feel lighter. Thankfully, now you can Scan-Swipe-Tap with GCash abroad, and payments quickly become one less thing to worry about. Because you get lower forex rates and real-time spend tracking, you can focus on enjoying your time in these stops:
Dine above the city at Akara Sky Hanuman
Bangkok is already a food lover's paradise, but dining at Akara Sky elevates the experience even further. It’s the country’s highest sky dining experience – a rooftop space where you can enjoy Thai street food favorites and other authentic dishes while taking in 360-degree views of the city. During dinner, guests are also treated to Thai cultural performances, including Muay Thai boxing and traditional dances, inviting everyone to appreciate the country’s heritage. The restaurant also has 10 zones of immersive exhibitions to visit for photos!
London, England — Security Bank Corporation (PSE:SECB) has been named Best Private Bank in the Philippines by Global Finance as the in its World’s Best Private Banks 2026 awards, recognizing institutions that deliver strong advisory expertise, technology-enabled personalization, and multi-generational wealth solutions.
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2025 was a pivotal year for the industry in the Philippines. A series of long-anticipated developments came together within a short period of time: the entry of Apple Pay and Google Pay, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ push for 24/7 real-time payment infrastructure, tighter anti-money laundering (AML) requirements, and regulatory guidance across the financial system.
Collectively, these shifts changed the role of digital payments in everyday commerce. What was once driven by convenience and incentives has become a necessity for both consumers and merchants. Seamless availability, strong security standards, and regulatory compliance are no longer differentiators. They are now baseline expectations.
Present during the lease signing were (from left) Maxicare Group CEO Christian Argos, Maxicare Health Services, Inc. President Josephine Lopez, PNB Holdings Corporation (PHC) President and COO Karlu Tan-Say, and PHC CFO Ponciano S. Carreon Jr.
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Security Bank continues to strengthen the everyday banking experience for customers, delivering significant gains in customer satisfaction in 2025 after introducing improvements that made key services faster, simpler, and easier to access.
By listening closely to customer feedback and redesigning critical banking journeys—from account opening to credit card services and customer support—the Bank improved satisfaction scores across multiple touchpoints, reinforcing its commitment to BetterBanking: simple, fast, and personal.
Seven lucky customers win stays across Boracay, Cebu, Tagaytay, and more as the group caps 70th year celebrations.
Muntinlupa City, Philippines — Filinvest Group marked a major milestone to culminate its 70th anniversary celebration with the successful finale of its nationwide Dream Getaways Promo, bringing together its diverse portfolio of businesses from malls and hotels to banking and real estate into one unified customer experience.
After seven months of participation across the country, the campaign concluded with a grand draw at Festival Mall, Filinvest City, where seven lucky winners each received the ultimate prize: stays across all seven Filinvest hotel brands in premier destinations including Boracay, Cebu, and Tagaytay.
But as February rolls around and the months start flying by on the calendar, those 2026 travel resolutions often risk becoming "next year" plans instead.
The good thing is your dreams don’t have to stay dreams forever. They can still make it out of the group chats when you head to the Glorietta Activity Center on February 20 to 22, 2026 for The Metrobank Travel Fair, which transforms the heart of Makati into a one-stop portal for the world’s best destinations.
Security Bank Capital Investment Corporation (Security Bank Capital), the wholly owned investment banking arm of Security Bank Corporation, successfully arranged and managed PHP4 billion in privately placed corporate note issuances for Asialink Finance Corporation (AFC), Global Dominion Financing, Inc. (GDFI) and South Asialink Finance Corp. (SAFC), collectively the Asialink Group. The notes are guaranteed by the Credit Guarantee & Investment Facility (CGIF).
Proceeds from the notes will be used to expand the Asialink Group’s micro, small and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) loan portfolios, supporting a sector that remains a key driver of economic growth and job creation in the Philippines, yet continues to face gaps in access to formal financing.
Miss Universe Philippines (MUPh) 2026 raises the bar with the launch of its first-ever daily free fan voting experience powered by Maya, the #1 Digital Bank in the Philippines and Official Voting Partner of MUPh 2026.
Through the Maya app, pageant fans can conveniently cast votes for their favorite candidates and receive free votes every day, allowing them to consistently show support throughout the competition. This makes fan participation more accessible and rewarding, enabling more Filipinos to actively take part in the journey to the crown.
For the first time ever, fans will also be able to participate in live voting during the coronation night. This marks a significant step forward in making the Miss Universe Philippines experience more interactive, secure, and inclusive.
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Security Bank Corporation (PSE:SECB) has partnered with Toyota Auto Auction (TAA), the auction services business of Toyota Tsusho Philippines, to optimize the sale of the Bank’s repossessed vehicles through a professional and transparent auction platform.
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| Margie Endres, Sun Life Client |
Behind every payslip is a story of ambition, sacrifice, and perseverance. For many Filipino employees, the path towards financial stability is paved with everyday struggles – enduring long commutes, managing packed schedules, and balancing multiple responsibilities – all while trying to make their salary last.
These realities take the spotlight in Sun Life Philippines’ new “Employee Diaries” video series that highlights the real-life stories of two Filipino employees as they navigate pivotal moments in their financial journeys. The series shines a light on the challenges many employees face and how a reliable Partner for Life can help them live bright now.
Zed announced the launch of its Android app, opening access to the majority of its nearly 200,000-person waitlist and marking a major step in bringing a new kind of credit card to Filipinos across the country.
Built in Silicon Valley and licensed under the BSP, Zed is creating financial products from the ground up for the next generation of young professionals. The result is a modern credit card experience designed around how Filipinos actually live today—traveling, shopping online, and splitting expenses with friends—without the friction, hidden fees, or security risks that have long defined credit cards in the local market.
Among frequent users, how they pay is quietly changing.
Instead of chasing one-off promos or switching apps for discounts, digitally minded consumers are starting to look for payment options that work seamlessly with the routines they already have. That’s where the EastWest–foodpanda Visa Credit Card comes in—designed to fit naturally into how people order, pay, and repeat the cycle the following week.
This Love Month, Maya, the #1 Digital Bank and leading all-in-one fintech platform in the Philippines, is adding a little extra value to your nights out. Credit Cardholders can enjoy 20% cashback on a minimum single receipt of ₱3,500 at participating restaurants, capped at ₱1,000, when you pay with your Maya Credit Card.
Whether it’s an intimate table for two, shared plates with friends, or finally checking out that restaurant you’ve had saved for months, the idea is simple: enjoy the night, and get something back.
For many, 2026 promises rapid progress but like a speedy stallion, your finances will require a steady hand on the reins. Here are some ways that you can turn traditional Chinese New Year customs into modern financial wins.
Marking a major milestone in its education advocacy, Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI) turned over a new two-storey, six-classroom Technical-Livelihood Education (TLE) building to Zamboanga City High School Main—its 900th classroom built nationwide—expanding access to hands-on learning for thousands of public school students. This reflects more than two decades of sustained investment in public school infrastructure across the country.
