PNP ACG, CICC and GCash urge Filipinos to stay alert against scams and fraudsters ahead of Undas 2025

As Filipinos prepare to head home to honor their departed loved ones this Undas, GCash reminds everyone to stay alert—not just on the road, but also online. With increased activity during the holidays, scammers often take advantage of users through text and chat messages that pretend to be from official GCash channels.

“As we commemorate this season of remembering our departed loved ones, digital safety remains a top priority. GCash continues to strengthen its systems and educate users to recognize and avoid scams, especially spoofing,” said Miguel Geronilla, GCash chief information security officer.

Be informed of scam tactics

Scammers are very cunning and will employ different ways to deceive people. One of the common scams to be alert to is spoofing—a type of online scam where fraudsters disguise their identity to make messages, emails, or calls appear as if they’re coming from trusted sources like GCash or other official institutions. 

Watch out for spoofed messages

These messages may look official, but the goal is to trick users into clicking on malicious links or sharing sensitive information such as OTPs, MPINs, or account details. Never click suspicious links or share personal details like your OTP, MPIN, or account credentials.

Be alert against fake pages and impersonators

Some spoofing attempts come from fake GCash Facebook pages or Messenger accounts designed to look real. Check for the verified blue checkmark and report suspicious accounts. The only official page is GCash Official.

Never share your MPIN or OTP

Fraudsters may pose as GCash agents offering “account verification” or “cashback.” GCash will never ask for your MPIN, OTP, or personal details. Sharing these gives scammers access to your account. Always double-check before responding to any message.

Remember: GCash will never send links via SMS, email, or chat apps. Only transact through the official GCash app or verified GCash channels on Facebook and Messenger.

Spot suspicious links

If you receive a link claiming to fix an account issue or confirm a transaction, don’t click it. Phishing pages are designed to steal your login credentials. Instead, open your GCash app directly to verify any alerts or transactions.

Report and stay informed

If you think you’ve received a spoofed message or encountered a phishing attempt, immediately report it through the Help Center in the GCash app. The GCash security teams continuously monitor and act on reported scams to protect users.

Individuals who have fallen victim to scams are encouraged to report and file cases to initiate the investigation. For assistance, the public can contact the PNP ACG through their hotlines at (02) 8414-1560 or 0998-598-8116, or via email at acg@pnp.gov.ph and the CICC national hotline at 1326 or mobile number 0991 4814225, or via email at report@cicc.gov.ph.

GCash users may also report suspected fraudulent activities to the official GCash Help Center at help.gcash.com by messaging Gigi, "I want to report a scam." Customers can also contact the official GCash hotline at 2882 for inquiries and other concerns.

For more information and updates on cybersecurity, visit the PNP-ACG Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/anticybercrimegroup and GCash website at https://www.gcash.com.

By staying vigilant and informed, you can honor your loved ones this Undas without falling for scams.

Filipinos can download the GCash app for free on Google Play or the App Store. For safety reminders and updates, visit the official Facebook page at GCash Official.

For more information, please visit www.gcash.com. 

Security Bank launched its flagship credit card rewards platform, BetterBanking Rewards, at the “Ready. Set. Redeem!” event at Shangri-La Plaza on October 27, 2025. Television personality, model, and vlogger Wil Dasovich joined the event to demonstrate how easy it is to redeem points via BetterBanking Rewards. Also pictured are host Mark Wei and Elixir Javier.

October 27, 2025 – Security Bank unveiled its BetterBanking Rewards platform at the “Ready. Set. Redeem!” launch event and mall takeover at Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong City on October 27, 2025. The interactive event showcased the Bank’s latest innovation designed to make earning and redeeming rewards easier, faster, and more meaningful for its credit cardholders.

BetterBanking Rewards is the Bank’s flagship digital platform for credit card rewards and rebates, offering customers a real-time, fully automated experience for viewing, managing, and redeeming their points. The event featured interactive booths with product demonstrations, allowing guests to experience first-hand how seamless and rewarding the platform is.

“BetterBanking Rewards will redefine how our customers experience banking—by making every transaction rewarding, every moment convenient, and every point meaningful,” shared Meri Filart, VP and Credit Cards Head. “We listened to our customers and understood that they wanted more flexibility and transparency in how they manage their rewards. That’s why we built BetterBanking Rewards around simplicity, speed, and customer empowerment. Every swipe should feel rewarding—and now, it truly is.”

With BetterBanking Rewards, cardholders gain access to powerful new features:

• Real-time tracking and redemption of reward points
• Pay with Rewards, which allows cardholders to redeem their points globally at any location that accepts Mastercard
• Points Exchange, which enables cardholders to convert their points into rewards with over 100 airline miles and hotel loyalty programs

These enhancements position BetterBanking Rewards as one of the top loyalty platforms offered by any local bank.

Security Bank’s Meri Filart, VP and Credit Cards Head, and Patricia Tan, SVP and Chief Marketing Officer, spoke about the customer-centric benefits of BetterBanking Rewards during the Q&A session at the “Ready. Set. Redeem!” event on October 27, 2025 at Shangri-La Plaza.

This year, BetterBanking Rewards has already won several accolades for its innovation, customer-centricity including Best Customer Loyalty Program by the International Finance Awards, Best Advance in Loyalty/Rewards Programme by Retail Banker International, and Credit Card Initiative of the Year by Asian Banking & Finance.

“We’re continuously reimagining what banking should feel like,” added Filart. “BetterBanking Rewards is just the start of a more personalized, digital-first experience that gives our customers the freedom to enjoy the rewards that matter most to them.”

Apply now and start earning rewards instantly

Customers can apply for a Security Bank credit card through www.securitybank.com and register for BetterBanking Rewards via the Security Bank mobile app or website to start redeeming rewards anytime, anywhere.

Photo Credit: Red Bull

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The Red Bull Half Court National Finals ignited the court, capping off an epic Philippine tour by uniting top-tier teams from Davao, Cebu, and Manila alongside WildCards for a one-day, all-or-nothing 3-on-3 basketball brawl.

On October 25, 2025 at Parqal, Aseana City, the nation’s fiercest 3-on-3 squads unleashed electrifying plays under Red Bull Half Court’s high-octane ruleset, scrapping for glory. Played under a 12-second shot clock, with matches capped at 10 minutes or first to 21 points, every possession carried weight, demanding sharp decision-making, tight defense, and quick execution.

But the National Final wasn’t just about competition—it was a full-on streetball celebration. Hosted by MC Pao Avila  who helped elevate the event with his insight and charm. The Philippine All Stars lit up the stage with a high-energy dance performance, while Stance Philippines rolled in with a slick Street Car Showcase, turning heads with custom rides. Plus, the HoopJeep  partnership added a mobile court bringing streetball culture to life. Fans got in on the action with their own contests. Like the Dunk Competition judged on creativity and sheer wow factor. While the Two-Point Shootout, where sharpshooters fired clutch shots in a 60-second frenzy, lighting up the sidelines with every swish. These moments captured the event’s unique blend of basketball, culture, and community energy.

Photo Credit: Red Bull

Taho Story brought relentless hustle and razor-sharp precision, battling through a fierce elimination gauntlet to outplay Fit’ N’ Grind in a clutch 9–5 showdown, claiming the men’s national championship throne.

Taho Story shared that their game plan throughout the tournament was to focus on defense and ensure that each member understood their role on the court. “Even if one of us makes a mistake, we motivate each other to keep focused in the game,” said one of Taho Story’s team members.

As they prepare for the World Finals in Dubai, the team expressed their pride and determination to showcase the heart and fighting spirit of Filipino basketball players. “It’s overwhelming—for us to be representing the country,” said another member. “It’s a good opportunity for us to improve our 3x3 game.” To their fellow Filipinos, the team shared a message of gratitude and encouragement: “Keep on supporting us, it will for sure motivate us to keep bringing our A-game against other teams.”

While the women’s team, Uratex Dream lit up the women’s bracket, outshining rival team Uratex Tibay in a heart-pounding, down-to-the-wire final, sealing the deal with a 22–8 triumph in the final match.

Photo Credit: Red Bull

Uratex Dream emphasized their overall strategy was to rely on their teammates and training. Keeping each other focused while sticking to the gameplan their coach taught them. “You can see how well our preparation translated well into our game. No slowing down, just keep working hard,” said a Uratex Dream team member. 

As a returning team from last year’s Red Bull Half Court World Finals, they shared their excitement and determination heading into Dubai. “We’re excited to represent the Philippines on the world stage. We’ll do our best to earn the Championship Title in Dubai.” The team also took a moment to encourage fans to continue supporting women’s basketball and follow their journey in the World Finals.

With the national crown in the bag, Taho Story and Uratex Dream are hyped to ball out at the World Finals in Dubai in November. They’re ready to throw down against the best 3-on-3 crews from 19 other countries. The global stage is lit, the stakes are high, and Team Philippines is geared up to drop buckets and chase international streetball glory.

Rally behind Taho Story and Uratex Dream as they carry the flag to the global stage at the Red Bull Half Court World Final in Dubai from November 27 to 29. Catch every clutch moment and stay in the loop by visiting the official Red Bull website and following Red Bull Philippines on social media.

For more information and updates, visit the official Red Bull website and the following social media pages (Facebook | Instagram | Tiktok )

The spirit of Christmas took on a grand new form at SM City Grand Central as the mall unwrapped its dazzling holiday centerpiece, Grand Central Yuletide. This multi-sensory Christmas spectacle reimagined festive malling with a layered celebration of sights, sounds, and heartfelt wonder, transforming every floor into a chapter of a Christmas story waiting to be discovered.

At the heart of the festivities stands the Grand Yuletide Christmas Tree at the atrium, a towering 30-ft symbol of hope and unity wrapped with a magnificent red holiday ribbon. This ribbon winds through the mall’s décor, visually tying together each festive attraction into a cohesive narrative of love, cheer, and connection.

Visitors are invited to ascend aboard the Yuletide Cable Car Ride, where suspended bows, glimmering ornaments, and smiling Christmas village gnomes welcome guests on every level. The vertical journey heightens anticipation for the wonder that awaits above.

At the fifth level lies this year’s showpiece, the Christmas Village. Inspired by storybook towns, it welcomes guests into a cozy holiday hamlet filled with charming nooks, gift finds, and heartwarming Christmas novelties. The Singing Reindeer Shed adds a melodic touch, enchanting audiences with cheerful carols that complete the mall’s symphony of sights and sounds.

With Grand Central Yuletide, each floor offers a fresh discovery, from whimsical displays perfect for photo moments to interactive corners that invite children and adults alike to pause, play, and rekindle the childlike wonder of the season.
From the radiant glow of the Grand Yuletide Christmas Tree to the joyful chorus of the Singing Reindeer, every corner of SM City Grand Central exudes warmth, love, and magic. More than a holiday attraction, it is a layered celebration that makes every visit feel like unwrapping a gift, one floor at a time.

With its Grand Central Yuletide and Christmas Village, SM City Grand Central reminds everyone that Christmas is truly best celebrated together.