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Saving and growing one's finances can now lead to rewarding experiences, from wellness and fitness perks to memorable travel adventures.
As consumers increasingly prioritize wellness, travel, and meaningful experiences, EastWest Horizons—the Bank’s preferential banking program for emerging affluent customers—continues to look for ways to deliver value beyond traditional banking, helping customers make the most of both their financial journey and their lifestyle aspirations.
The company was recently awarded the Gold Award for Excellence in Employer Branding at the HR Excellence Awards 2026, recognizing its success in cultivating a workplace culture where employees are empowered to thrive, grow and make a meaningful impact.
The accolade highlights Sun Life Grepa's people-first approach to building an organization where collaboration, inclusivity, and purpose-driven work are at the heart of the employee experience. Through initiatives focused on professional development, employee well-being, engagement, and career growth, the company continues to foster an environment that enables employees to unleash their brightest selves.
Q2 net income rises 25% QoQ; first-half pre-provision operating profit grows 21% YoY
14 August 2026, Makati City, Philippines – Security Bank Corporation (PSE: SECB) reported PHP6.1 billion in net income for the first half of 2026 (H1-2026), up 4% year-on-year (YoY), as stronger revenues, better operating efficiency, and prudent credit management supported the Bank’s performance. Second-quarter momentum strengthened, with Q2-2026 net income rising 25% quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) and 11% year-on-year to PHP3.4 billion.
Pre-provision operating profit rose 21% year-on-year to PHP15.4 billion, reflecting the Bank’s core earnings expansion and continued focus on disciplined, quality growth. Total revenues increased 11% to PHP34.9 billion.
Plan offers P125M in coverage, worldwide healthcare access, guaranteed renewability up to age 99
Rising medical costs, gaps in existing health coverage and complex treatment options have given rise to a healthcare confidence gap, leaving Filipinos unable to seek proper medical care when the need arises.
In 2025, the country’s Total Health Expenditure (THE), reached P1.87 trillion, a 15.1 percent increase from 2024’s THE of P1.63 trillion. Of this, 41.2% was paid out-of-pocket, placing a direct financial burden on individuals and families, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. Meanwhile, 2026 medical costs can potentially increase to 16.1%, indicating a continued rapid increase in healthcare spending, which highlights the need for better healthcare funding among Filipinos.
UMSI has launched U Accept, an innovation powered by Visa that transforms a smartphone into a digital payment acceptance tool, enabling micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Philippines to receive card and other contactless payment methods
Visa (NYSE: V), a global leader in digital payments, and USSC Money Services, Inc. (UMSI), one of the largest one-stop shops for financial services in the Philippines, are ushering in a new era of payments digitalization with the launch of U Accept, an innovative payment solution that empowers micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to securely accept contactless card payments using an eligible smartphone.
A look at anonymized and aggregated savings data from Maya, the country's leading financial services platform, shows that while financial priorities differ across stages of life, many of the reasons people save are surprisingly universal. Across generations, they aren't simply putting money away—they're building toward the lives they want.
First and largest Filipino life insurer InLife received two awards at the Insurance Asia Awards in Singapore: its 10th Domestic Life Insurer of the Year – Philippines recognition and the Brand Transformation – Philippines award, affirming its commitment to innovation, customer-centricity, and purposeful growth.
In wealth management, success for both client and bank is built through everyday conversations, advice shaped around real client needs, and relationships grounded in trust, understanding, and long-term stewardship.
For EastWest Priority, the wealth management segment of EastWest, this client-first approach has earned recognition from regional and global award-giving bodies. These distinctions reflect its efforts to make priority banking more personal, insight-led, and accessible for today’s affluent Filipinos.
EastWest Priority has received consecutive recognition for its client experience and banking proposition. It was named Outstanding Client Experience in Wealth Management at the Global Private Banking Innovation Awards in both 2025 and 2026, Best Priority Banking Experience at the International Finance Magazine Awards for three consecutive years from 2023 to 2025, and Best Private Bank by Global Finance in 2024 and 2025. Most recently, EastWest Priority was named Best Private Bank – Domestic at the FinanceAsia Awards 2026.
From accepting online payments to paying suppliers and employees, businesses need money to move quickly and reliably. Security Bank and Pays0 Inc., a licensed Electronic Money Issuer (EMI) and payment solutions provider, have partnered to help businesses do exactly that.
Two-fold financial habits create simple, intentional routines in which every financial move sparks another win – like treating yourself to a long-awaited purchase while automatically funding your future. In fact, saving and investing don't just pay off in the long run. They can also turn every deposit into an instant thrill today. Have PHP 1,000 to save? What if it could win you a brand-new motorcycle or laptop?
If you want to make your money work twice as hard and score epic prizes while doing it, here are habits to help you spend smarter, grow your wealth, and even get rewarded along the way:
As more Filipino entrepreneurs turn to digital channels to manage and grow their businesses, they increasingly need quick, reliable access to information and solutions that can help them manage day-to-day financial operations efficiently. To support this, East West Banking Corporation (EastWest) launched ECHO (EastWest CMS Help Officer), an AI-powered chatbot designed to help business owners better understand and access the Bank’s Cash Management Services.
MSMEs continue to make up the vast majority of businesses in the Philippines, while recent business registration data points to a clear shift toward digital channels, with more entrepreneurs choosing to register and renew their businesses online for faster, more convenient transactions.
Running from July 1 to September 30, 2026, the promo invites eligible policyholders of Clients of Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc. and investors of Sun Life Asset Management Company, Inc. to register on the My Sun Life PH App or Client Portal, unlocking both valuable rewards and seamless control over their financial journey.
Taking Control of One’s Financial Future
In today's fast-paced world, managing finances shouldn't be complicated. The My Sun Life PH App puts the power directly in Clients' hands, enabling them to:
Visa (NYSE: V), a global leader in digital payments, announced today that Visa debit and credit cardholders in the Philippines can now add their eligible cards to Apple Pay on their iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac. Apple Pay is an easy, secure and private way to pay in-store, in-app and online.
This announcement accelerates the digitalization of payments all while expanding payment options for Filipinos traveling abroad and visitors traveling to the Philippines. Across the Asia Pacific region, 97% of travelers[1] say that they will bring credit, debit, or prepaid cards on their trips, while only 17% intend to bring foreign currency. Among travelers, 38% said they prefer cards because of robust security and fraud protection features, while 20% cite wide acceptance. Apple Pay seamlessly delivers on these exact needs by making everyday transactions easy, secure, and private.
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(from left) PHILTOA 2nd Vice President Harold Atondo, 1st Vice President Mary Ann Ong, and President Maria Lourdes Japson together with EastWest President Jacqueline Fernandez, SVP & Head of Unsecured Lending Alastair de Lara, and FVP & Head, Cards Product, Campaigns and Marketing Head Francis Ramon Tioseco
As part of its commitment to making banking easier for travelers, East West Banking Corporation (EastWest) is renewing its support for Philippine tourism through a two-year partnership with the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) as the exclusive credit card partner and co-presenter of the 37th and 38th Philippine Travel Mart, the country's longest-running travel trade exhibition.
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The team recently received the IPO Deal of the Year – Philippines award from Asian Banking & Finance for its participation as a Domestic Participating Underwriter in the initial public offering of Maynilad Water Services, Inc. The Bank was also named among the Top 5 Corporate Issue Managers/Arrangers (Bank Category) by the PDS Group for its performance in 2025, a distinction that EastWest has maintained every year for the past six (6) years.
From August 1 to October 31, 2026, Maya, the country's leading digital financial services platform, is offering cardholders the opportunity to convert eligible electronics and home appliance purchases made with the Maya Black Credit Card or Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card into a 3-month Mini Payment plan with an effective 0% interest. To make the offer even sweeter, processing fees are waived for Mini Payments created until September 30, 2026.
PNB Makati Center is set to welcome Salady Philippines, bringing Korea's biggest salad chain to the heart of Makati's business district and further strengthening the property’s evolving dining and retail offerings.
Through its Philippine master franchisee, Palette Passion Inc., Salady has begun expanding its footprint in the country following the brand’s success in South Korea. Known for its menu of fresh salads, grain bowls, wraps, and protein-rich meals, they have built a loyal following by making healthy eating accessible, convenient, and affordable for everyday consumers.
Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) today brings Apple Pay to its cardholders in the Philippines. Apple Pay is an easy, secure, and private way to pay in-store, in-app, and online.
To pay in-store, customers simply double-click the side button, authenticate, and hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near a payment terminal to make a contactless payment. Every Apple Pay purchase is secure because it is authenticated with Face ID, Touch ID, or device passcode, as well as a one-time unique dynamic security code. Apple Pay is accepted in grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, coffee shops, retail stores, and many more places that accept contactless payments.
"As we continue building a next-generation bank, we're focused on making everyday banking and payments simpler, safer, and more intuitive. Bringing Apple Pay to UnionBank cardholders enhances the payment experience by allowing customers to pay quickly and securely with the devices they use every day. Whether they're shopping in-store, online, or in-app, customers can enjoy a more seamless way to pay, with the security and convenience they expect from UnionBank." said UnionBank President and CEO Ana Aboitiz Delgado.
“Minsan, may mga pangarap na hindi natutupad. Pero may mga pangarap na hindi sinusukuan.” These words anchor the journey of Atty. Sheila Gomez, the spotlight of the latest #GCashStories installment that recently moved audiences online.
Her path—juggling the demands of being a working law student, falling short of passing her first Bar exam, and ultimately triumphing to become a lawyer—stands as a powerful reminder: sometimes, a second chance and the right financial support through tools like GLoan are all it takes to rewrite a life's trajectory.
But while Atty. Sheila’s milestone is an extraordinary feat, millions of Filipinos are winning their own victories on different stages. Progress, after all, looks different for everyone. Behind each of these milestones is the indomitable Filipino spirit—and the value of a trusted financial partner committed to helping each one see their dreams prevail.
The total amount covers claims paid across Sun Life's individual and group insurance businesses, as well as its bancassurance operations through Sun Life Grepa Financial Inc., throughout 2025. In addition to this, Sun Life also paid ₱3.17 billion in policy maturities in the past year.
“Every claim we pay represents a promise fulfilled to a Client or family who counted on us during an important moment in their lives,” said JJ Moreno, Country Head and CEO of Sun Life Philippines. “It reflects our commitment to providing financial support when it matters most.”
Sun Life continued to deliver on this promise in 2026, paying more than ₱2 billion in claims as well as releasing ₱1.4 billion in policy maturities from January – May of 2026.
First and largest Filipino life insurer InLife has enhanced its digital customer experience by bringing Ella, its AI-powered virtual assistant, into the website for general inquiries, and the InLife App, allowing policyholders to get direct answers about their policies anytime, wherever they are.
Ella can assist customers with information specific to their InLife policies through their InLife App. Whether checking premium due dates, fund values, coverage details, or beneficiary information, customers can simply start a conversation and receive answers within seconds.
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The CSR Gild Awards honors exceptional corporate sustainability programs. It is organized by the League of Corporate Foundations, a network of corporate foundations and corporations dedicated to advancing CSR practices in the Philippines.
Sun Life Foundation was named a Finalist under the Outstanding CSR Project in Environment category for the Food Shed Farming Enterprise, a collaboration with the World Wide Fund for Nature-Philippines that constructs food sheds in remote areas.
