PH Life Insurance Pays Almost 70 Billion In Benefits; Industry Grows Close to 18% in First Half of 2026

The Philippine life insurance industry recorded strong growth in the first half of 2026, with total premium income reaching ₱229.98 billion, up 17.9% from the same period last year. At the same time, life insurers paid a total of ₱69.2 billion in benefits to policyholders and beneficiaries, representing a 19.5% increase year-on-year.

“The industry's continued growth reflects the increasing recognition among Filipino families of the importance of financial protection, savings and long-term financial security. More importantly, the ₱69.2 billion paid in benefits during the first half demonstrates how life insurance delivers on its promise when customers need it most,” said Sjoerd Smeets, President of the Philippine Life Insurance Association (PLIA).

Security Bank Foundation bags two Awards at 22nd Philippine Quill for nation-building programs

From left to right: Louie De Real, Executive Director; Melissa Aquino, Trustee; Ricardo Llego, Communications and Resource Mobilization Officer of Security Bank Foundation during the 22nd Philippine Quill Awards ceremony.

Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI) received two honors at the 22nd Philippine Quill Awards on August 27, 2026, at Solaire Resort Entertainment City in Parañaque City, recognizing the impact of its programs and strategic communications in advancing education and community development.

Bayanihan Para sa Silid-Aralan received a Quill Award of Excellence, while SBF-Eyes (Security Better Future through Eyes) earned a Quill Award of Merit.

Bayanihan Para sa Silid-Aralan was recognized for its collaborative approach to addressing the country's classroom shortage. The program brings together Security Bank clients, employees, local government units, non-government organizations, partner institutions, and other stakeholders to mobilize resources for classroom construction.

Salesforce Unveils AIforce, Bringing the Full Power of Its Platform to Any Interface

AIforce unlocks tremendous value by enabling agents anywhere to reason and take action across all the data, workflows, and logic inside Salesforce

Instead of fixed UI, AIforce empowers anyone to build composable, intelligent, live interfaces, wherever work happens  

Today at Dreamforce, Salesforce, the #1 AI CRM, is unveiling AIforce, a live interface layer that brings the full power of Salesforce to wherever people and agents work. With AIforce, Salesforce is bringing all the enterprise knowledge inside Salesforce — the data, workflows, business logic, semantics, permissions, security, and governance that already run the business — to any AI interface. The result: Companies can unlock tremendous value from all the business knowledge already inside Salesforce, bring Salesforce’s trusted context and governance into any agentic productivity tool, and drive entirely new levels of growth and productivity. 

Get the Best of Both with Maya Credit Cards: Cashback and Miles, One Shared Limit

For cardholders who already enjoy earning cashback on everyday spending, getting another credit card shouldn’t mean giving up the rewards they already love. With Maya Credit Cards, you don’t have to stick to just one.

Eligible Maya cardholders can now enjoy both the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card and the Maya Black Credit Card under one total credit limit. With a shared limit across both cards, cardholders can choose which one to use depending on the rewards they want to earn—whether that’s cashback they can use toward free groceries at Landers, or Maya Miles they can redeem for travel and lifestyle rewards.

Maya brings teamwork to the pitch, wins CFL title

Cross-functional team claims Corporate Football League Division 3 Cup with a perfect 9–0 record

By day, they help develop, build, run and support Maya’s payments and digital banking products for consumers and businesses. On the football field, the Maya team completed a perfect run to win the Corporate Division 3 Cup of the Corporate Football League 2026.

The squad was distinctly Maya, bringing together colleagues from product development, engineering, technology, data science, consumer business, credit, enterprise, strategic partnerships, marketing, corporate affairs and strategy and programs. Its cross-functional character reflects the dynamic, people-centric culture at Maya, the Philippines’ leading digital financial services platform.

PNB Holdings secures new long-term lease with Giftaway at PNB Makati Center

PNB Holdings and Giftaway formalize a new five-year lease at PNB Makati Center. The agreement extends Giftaway's occupancy at the Ayala Avenue property and was marked by a ceremonial signing attended by (from left) PHC Chief Financial Officer Ponciano S. Carreon Jr., PHC President Karlu T. Say, Giftaway Chief Executive Officer Alvin Edward C. Tan, and Head of Operations George Adrian M. Santos.

PNB Holdings Corporation has signed a new five-year lease agreement with Giftaway, Inc., extending the technology company's occupancy at PNB Makati Center, where it has maintained its headquarters since 2018. 

Small Beginnings, Big Ambition: How Three Filipino Entrepreneurs Grew Their Negosyo with Maya Business

In photo (L-R): Mohammad Hadji Mahmod,  Von Bindolo, and Ma. Christine Vito

For many Filipino entrepreneurs, growing a negosyo doesn’t always begin with a big investment. Sometimes, it starts with just enough capital to restock in-demand products, expand what they can offer, or keep up with their customers.

For Ma. Christine Vito, Mohammad Hadji Mahmod, and Von Bindolo, that starting point was a Maya Advance loan of ₱10,000, ₱1,000, and ₱20,000, respectively. Each put that additional capital toward practical business needs: from inventory and everyday operations to services their customers were already looking for.

Upgrading Your Maya Account Just Got Easier with ID-less Verification

Upgrading your Maya account usually means having an ID ready. Now, you may be able to do it without one.

Maya is making account upgrades simpler with ID-less verification, which lets eligible users verify their identity without taking a photo of or uploading a physical ID. All you need to start are details you already know, like your name and birthday.

Behind the scenes, Maya checks these details against your National ID records through National ID eVerify, the Philippine Statistics Authority’s identity-verification service. Think fewer things to prepare, less information to fill out, and a more seamless way to get your Maya account upgraded.

Sun Life Grepa Recognized for Outstanding Employer Brand Transformation at the People Insight Awards 2026

Sun Life Grepa Financial, Inc. (Sun Life Grepa), one of the country's leading life insurance providers, has been recognized with the Best Employer Brand Transformation Journey award at the People Insight Awards 2026, underscoring the company's commitment to building a purpose-driven workplace where employees can thrive and grow. 

The award recognizes organizations that have successfully transformed their employer brand by creating meaningful employee experiences, strengthening workplace culture, and fostering an environment that attracts, engages, and retains top talent. According to the award organizers, TalentView, the recognition honors companies that have established a remarkable benchmark for building an organizational culture that drives growth, excellence, and lasting impact. 

The Future Beyond OLED: TCL SQD-Mini LED Raises the Bar for Premium Picture Quality

TCL's latest SQD Mini LED technology, pitted here against QD Mini LED, shows off its deeper contrast and sharper detail, underscoring how TCL aims to defend its No. 1 position in the TV category. 

TCL, recognized as the No. 1 Panel TV Brand in the Philippines for three consecutive years according to the 2025 Annual Cumulative Market Share Report by TRS Research, is pushing the boundaries of home entertainment with its latest display innovation: Super-QD Mini LED (SQD-Mini LED).

As a global leader in display technology and a pioneer in Mini LED, TCL is taking a different approach to improving picture quality. Rather than focusing on a single hardware upgrade, SQD-Mini LED brings together advances in light control, color, and panel technology to create a more complete premium viewing experience.

Julia Barretto and Maris Racal Are Back Fighting for What’s “MINE” with Maya

Julia Barretto and Maris Racal are back, and they’re taking getting more from your money to a whole new level.

In their last Maya video, the two showed what it feels like when your savings earns interest daily. Now, they’re turning their attention to everyday spending, with a new face-off over something they both want to claim.

This time, the two go head-to-head over 1% cashback when you pay with your Maya Card, making cashback something neither of them is willing to give up. The result is an all-out, wildly entertaining showdown built around one simple idea: if there’s value to be claimed from money you’re already spending, why leave it behind?

Run through the City of Love: EastWest Dream Run 2026 comes to Iloilo

After successful Manila and Clark legs, EastWest brings its signature race experience to Iloilo

Fresh from two successful stops that drew nearly 7,000 participants in Manila and 2,000 in Clark, the EastWest Dream Run 2026 heads to Atria Park District in Iloilo City on September 20 for the third leg of its four-part race series, bringing its community of dreamers to one of the country's most vibrant destinations.

Organized by RUNRIO, the event is part of the Bank’s support for the Department of Tourism's Love the Philippines campaign, showcasing Iloilo City as an emerging destination for sports tourism.

Security Bank helps clients unlock the life they deserve with rewards worth winning

Security Bank continues its 75th anniversary celebration with Unlock the Life You Deserve promo running until November 30, 2026

Big milestones deserve bigger rewards. This year, Security Bank is making it even more rewarding for clients to buy a home, drive their dream car, or enjoy greater financial flexibility with the "Unlock the Life You Deserve" raffle promo.

From July 10 to November 30, 2026, clients who avail of a Security Bank Auto Loan, Home Loan, or Credit Card will earn raffle entries for a chance to win exciting prizes, including the grand prize—a BYD Sealion 6 DM-i.

HONOR Watch 6 Brings 120+ Sports Modes and Advanced Training Tools to Every Move

From everyday workouts to specialized training, the HONOR Watch 6 helps users track performance, train smarter, and stay ready for every move.

The HONOR Watch 6 is built for users who move across different sports and training routines, offering 120+ sports modes, specialized professional training features, and precise activity tracking. Whether running, cycling, playing badminton, hitting the football field, or trying a new sport, it gives users the tools to better understand their performance and improve across different activities.

“We designed the HONOR Watch 6 to be a versatile companion for people who move in different ways, whether they are training seriously or simply staying active every day,” said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines. “With specialized features for different types of training, the HONOR Watch 6 gives users more ways to track their performance and push their limits.”

120+ Sports Modes for Every Kind of Athlete

EastWest widens investment access, strengthens wealth guidance with two IFM wins, including fourth consecutive Priority Banking title

Building wealth means different things to different clients. For many, it is about entering markets at more attainable investment levels, receiving advice suited to their goals, and having access to relevant insights as their financial needs evolve.

EastWest has continued to address these needs by lowering barriers to selected investment opportunities and developing a more personal and comprehensive wealth management experience. These efforts have earned the Bank two International Finance Magazine (IFM) recognitions: Most Innovative Securities Broker – Philippines and Best Priority Banking Experience – Philippines, the latter marking EastWest Priority's fourth consecutive win.

The Bank received the awards for two areas of its business. Through its Financial Markets Distribution Group, the Bank has expanded access to US dollar-denominated government securities. Through EastWest Priority, it has strengthened its advisory, investment, and lifestyle proposition for affluent Filipino clients.

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

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

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

ARTHALAND heads north with new gallery in Quezon City

ARTHALAND is taking its growing residential portfolio north with the opening of the Arthaland  Gallery at Quezon City featuring Liv, giving prospective homeowners a closer look at the  company’s newest residential development in Katipunan. 

Located at the corner of Rajah Matanda Street and Katipunan Avenue, the gallery is about three  kilometers, or roughly Jive to 10 minutes, from the Liv project site.  

“The Arthaland Gallery experience was designed to give visitors a feel for Liv even before it is  completed. They can see and experience the units and lifestyle we are creating at Liv as  ARTHALAND expands its presence in Quezon City,” said Kiesha Silayan, ARTHALAND Marketing  Strategy Division Manager. 

InLife wins 12 Philippine Quill Awards

InLife wins 12 Quill Awards and Company of the Year – 2nd Runner-Up at the 22nd Philippine Quill Awards celebrating excellence in communication. 

InLife, the country’s first and largest Filipino life insurance company, is cementing its position as the trusted life insurer that fosters love and empowers Filipinos across life stages.  

Sun Life Responds To Demand For Financial Stability With New Insurance Plan With Guaranteed Payouts

Amid rising living costs and an increasingly cautious economic environment, many Filipinos are looking for financial solutions that can offer greater certainty, stability, and dependable income. As households continue to balance today’s needs with tomorrow’s goals, products that help protect hard-earned savings while providing guaranteed benefits are becoming more relevant than ever. 

Responding to this need, Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc. introduces Sun Life Wealth Prosper 7, a limited-offer life insurance product that combines protection and guaranteed payouts, offering financial certainty to Clients. With Sun Life Wealth Prosper 7, Clients can enjoy life insurance coverage for seven years and a guaranteed annual payout of 4.50% based on their one-time premium payment. At the end of the seven-year period, Clients will receive 100% of their money back, giving them a way to plan ahead with greater peace of mind. 

Swiftpay Adds Billease as a Buy Now, Pay Later Option at Online Checkout

Swiftpay today announced that Billease is now available as a buy now, pay later (BNPL) payment method in its online checkout. Merchants already accepting payments through Swiftpay can enable Billease from their existing setup, and it appears as a payment option to shoppers at checkout.

The partnership works in both directions. Merchants gain a payment option that lifts average order value, and Billease's more than 10 million users gain the ability to pay in installments at any online merchant on the Swiftpay network, using the same account they already have.

Security Bank employees help build better learning spaces for Iloilo students

Security Bank employees paint newly built classrooms at Iloilo City National High School through Security Bank Foundation's School Painting Volunteer Program.

Fifty-one Security Bank employees from six Iloilo branches volunteered on August 1, 2026 to help paint newly constructed classrooms at Iloilo City National High School (ICNHS), helping prepare the facilities for students and supporting Security Bank Foundation's (SBFI) commitment to improving access to quality education.

The volunteer activity supported the completion of a two-storey, 10-classroom school building under SBFI’s Build a School, Build a Nation Program. Construction began in February 2026, with turnover scheduled later this year.

"The volunteers are making a significant contribution to nation-building because helping our Filipino youth is helping shape the future of our country,” said Security Bank Foundation Chairman Rafael Simpao Jr.

Security Bank sharpens focus on wealth, entrepreneurs, and corporates to drive next growth phase

Investor Day 2026 highlights opportunities in transaction banking, cross-border business, and growth through the Bank's expanding ecosystem

From left to right: Victor Lee, President and CEO; and JD Yap, CFO and Executive Vice President at the Security Bank Investor Day

Makati City, Philippines, August 28, 2026 – Security Bank Corporation unveiled a focused three-year strategy to capture the next wave of growth in Philippine banking. The Bank will concentrate on wealth management, entrepreneur banking, and corporate and institutional banking, leveraging its existing strengths where it believes it can compete from that position of strength.

EastWest makes next-gen travel more accessible at Philippine Travel Mart 2026

Exclusive cardholder perks, flexible payment options, and special hotel offers await travelers at the country's biggest travel expo

From spontaneous weekend escapes to bucket-list beach vacations, EastWest is helping the next generation of Filipino travelers go further with exclusive deals at the 37th Philippine Travel Mart (PTM), where it returns as the exclusive credit card partner of the country's biggest showcase of destinations and travel experiences.

In support of this year's theme, "Nurturing the NextGen Tourism," EastWest is bringing flexible payment options and exclusive cardholder privileges that make it easier for travelers to discover, plan, and book their next adventure.

Security Bank employees turn 75th anniversary celebration into scholarship support

People's Fair Marketplace raises funds for Security Bank Foundation's Regalo Mo, Kinabukasan Ko scholarship program

As part of its 75th anniversary celebration, Security Bank transformed employee entrepreneurship into an opportunity to create brighter futures, with proceeds from its annual People's Fair Marketplace helping support the Security Bank Foundation's Regalo Mo, Kinabukasan Ko (RMKK) Scholarship Program.

Held at the SMX Convention Center Manila, the People's Fair Marketplace brought together employee-run businesses from across the Bank. Participation fees from exhibitors were donated to the Foundation to help deserving but underprivileged students pursue their education. 

EastWest strengthens customer protection with Banking Made Safer

Enhanced security measures help keep customers protected every step of the way

As customers increasingly seek greater security and control over their finances, EastWest is strengthening customer protection through Banking Made Safer, a suite of enhanced security features and fraud prevention measures designed to help safeguard accounts and savings while keeping banking easy and accessible.

As part of this initiative, EastWest has introduced EasyLock, a self-service security feature available through the EasyWay and EasyBiz apps, where customers can secure a chosen portion of their balance, preventing those funds from being used for digital transactions while keeping the rest available for everyday banking.

PPMI and Alipay+ Expand QR Ph for Cross-Border Commerce, Connecting Filipino Businesses with Global Consumers

Partnership significantly expands cross-border connectivity, supporting Philippines’ digitalization ambitions and opening new opportunities for 2.5M local merchants and SMEs

Alipay+ connects with 10+ national payment schemes across Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America

(L-R) Danny Chung, General Manager of Alipay+ Global Growth Center, Ant International; Carmelita “Melit” Araneta, General Manager of Philippine Payments Management Inc.; Atty. Bridget Rose M. Mesina-Romero, Director, Payments Policy and Development Department, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

Strong performance, stronger trust: SM Supermalls evolves for the next generation of customers

Mall operator sustains portfolio transformation reinforced with customer-obsessed strategy following strong H1 business performance  

SM Supermalls delivered record revenues in the first half the year, expanding 8% to P41.8 billion from P38.6 billion. Its exceptional performance was driven by higher leasable space and tenant sign-ups, along with steady foot traffic. 

Total gross leasable area grew 3 percent to 5.1 million square meters from 5.0 million square meters, while the number of tenants rose 4 percent to 23,174 from 22,192. Average daily foot traffic was steady at 3.7 million.  

Sanas Deepens Philippine Investment, Taps IBPAP Chief Jack Madrid to Lead Market Expansion

Jack Madrid joins as Sanas Ambassador, Philippines and Christopher Venturina as Director of Business Development to strengthen relationships with enterprises, BPO providers, and technology partners across the Philippines.

Photo Caption: Jack Madrid (center) and Chris Venturina (right) with Sanas Chief Customer Officer, Monal Patel

The Philippines has built a global reputation for delivering customer experiences at scale. Now, as artificial intelligence reshapes the way businesses connect with customers, Speech AI company Sanas is strengthening its presence in the country to help shape the future of customer experience.

Diversifying Your Investment: How to Make the Leap from Gold to Bitcoin

Gold has always been a go-to safety net for protecting money, but today’s investors aren't stopping there. More and more people are pairing traditional assets with newer digital investments to get the best of both worlds: securing their wealth and giving their money room to grow.

Adding digital gold to the mix is a strategic way to build lasting wealth—and it's catching on fast across the region. A report by The Economist highlights that Asian countries account for 64.5% of global demand for gold jewelry and bullion, while the World Gold Council noted that digital gold products have seen a major breakout in recent years.

But sticking only to traditional gold and stocks can mean missing out on bigger returns. That’s why many investors view Bitcoin as a complementary pair for gold when it comes to building a well-rounded portfolio.

“Today, Filipinos are looking for ways to protect the value of their hard-earned money amid everyday financial pressures," says Alden Paul Yburan, Head of GCrypto. "By offering digital gold and curated crypto options side-by-side, GCash aims to enable users to build long-term financial resilience and balance their portfolios right within a platform they already trust.”

EastWest marks 32nd anniversary with Hot Deals Gadgets Promo

Clients can turn fresh funds placements into premium Apple and Samsung rewards

In celebration of its 32nd anniversary, EastWest is giving clients more rewarding ways to save, grow, and enjoy the benefits of smarter financial planning.

Through the EastWest Hot Deals Gadgets Promo, qualified clients may receive premium gadgets from Apple and Samsung when they place eligible fresh funds in participating EastWest regular savings or checking accounts for their chosen holding period. The promo runs until September 4, 2026 in EastWest stores nationwide.

Security Bank Capital named Philippines’ Best Investment Bank for Debt Capital Markets by Euromoney

Security Bank Capital Investment Corporation (Security Bank Capital), the investment banking arm of Security Bank Corporation, was named Philippines’ Best Investment Bank for Debt Capital Markets (DCM) at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2026, after helping governments and companies raise over PHP700 billion in long-term funding for critical public and private sector investments. 

The firm arranged 11 debt capital market transactions in 2025, strengthening the Philippine capital market by expanding access to long-term financing for both public and private sector issuers. 

Security Bank and Dr. Bidder help healthcare providers invest in better patient care

[From left] Octavius Ceasar Cajucom, Director, Vireo Loadworks Inc.; Dr. Loysa Orense, President and CEO, Vireo Loadworks; Ginger Tulio, First Vice President and Area Head of Area 7 San Juan; Joseph Cecilio Sison, First Vice President and Assets Business Sales Head; and Jaja Acosta, Senior Assistant Vice President and Focus Segments Group Head at the MOA signing ceremony.

Makati, Philippines — Access to modern medical equipment is essential to delivering quality healthcare, but acquiring it often requires significant investment. To help address this need, Security Bank has partnered with healthcare procurement platform Dr. Bidder, giving hospitals and healthcare providers access to financing options for equipment purchases through a more seamless process.