Manila, Philippines, March 6, 2026—HUAWEI, the no. 1 smart wearable brand, in collaboration with HONMA Golf, a Japan-based premium golf club manufacturer and sports lifestyle brand, recently supported the Malbon Buckets Club 004 Golf Tournament. Held at the Canlubang Golf and Country Club, the event allowed participants to explore the newly released HONMA x Huawei Watch GT6 Pro and experience its features in real playing conditions.

Players competed across four divisions where they delivered strong performances and closely contested scorecards throughout the day. The tournament showcased both seasoned golfers and rising talents, reinforcing the inclusive and competitive spirit of the Buckets Club.

HONMA x HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Pro: Luxury Golf Technology on the Course

Beyond the competition, the Malbon Buckets Club offered players the chance to experience the HONMA x HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Pro at the tournament. Attendees explored its suite of professional golf features that are designed to elevate every aspect of their game.

With over 17,000 zoomable 3D course maps worldwide, including over 100 courses in the Philippines, players could visualize fairways, hazards, and landing zones before taking each shot. Green Slope Direction and Play-Like Distance provided accurate insights into putting breaks and yardages that account for elevation and wind conditions, helping golfers make informed decisions at every swing.

The watch’s AI Caddie analyzed each player’s performance trends and swing history, offering tailored club and strategy recommendations in real time, while Shot Distance Tracking and digital scorecards automatically captured every stroke for review later in the HUAWEI Health app. Players could even share their best shots via Ball Trajectory Sharing, turning each round into a data-driven and social experience.

Luxury craftsmanship is equally front and center. The watch features HONMA-exclusive dials from the traditional Pine Leaf Pattern to the vibrant BERES 7S Mt. Fuji design, paired with an aerospace-grade titanium case, sapphire crystal glass, and a HONMA-engraved gold buckle. The 1.47-inch AMOLED display, with 3,000-nit peak brightness, ensures clarity even under bright sunlight, while the black-and-gold color scheme balances elegance with sporty functionality.

Two tournament winners took home the HONMA x HUAWEI WATCH GT6 Pro as part of their prizes, underlining the connection between performance on the course and innovative golf technology.

Paul Martires of Malbon Buckets Club

Paul Martires, one of the first Eagles members and part of the highest tier of Malbon Buckets Club membership, used the watch throughout his round. “Super helpful watch on the course. It’s light on the wrist, easy to check mid-swing, with GPS and yardages that stayed on point my whole round,” he shared.

Players and collectors also had the opportunity to purchase the watch on-site, making the experience interactive, exclusive, and a true celebration of golf innovation.

With its combination of professional-grade golf intelligence, real-time performance insights, and premium Japanese craftsmanship, the HONMA x HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Pro sets a new standard for golfers seeking precision, style, and innovation on the course.

 

From advanced course mapping and AI-driven caddie recommendations to its luxurious titanium build and exclusive HONMA dials, the device offers a full-featured golf companion designed to elevate every round.

The HONMA Premium Collection Gift Box, an exclusive gift set designed for discerning golfers and collectors alike, completes the experience. The premium box includes the limited-edition HONMA x HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Pro alongside curated HONMA golf essentials such as a commemorative golf ball, tee, divot tool, and ball marker. These are carefully arranged in a signature black-and-gold case inspired by HONMA’s iconic pine leaf motif.

For a limited time, the Premium Collection is available for only PHP 17,999 (from PHP 19,999). The package also includes added digital benefits such as VIP watch faces and a HUAWEI Health+ membership, along with trade-in incentives and exclusive vouchers available in-store and online. Flexible payment options, including 0% installment plans, make owning this luxury golf companion even more accessible.

Golfers and collectors can shop the Premium Collection through Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop, the official HUAWEI Online Store, and at your nearest HUAWEI Experience Stores.

For more information about HONMA x HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Pro collaboration, visit HUAWEI’s official website or social media accounts (Facebook | Instagram).

Manila, Philippines – The nation’s literacy crisis is increasingly difficult to ignore. A recent study published by Journal of Interdisciplinary Perspectives reveals a troubling trend: many young Filipino learners have advanced to higher primary levels despite struggling with basic reading and math skills. Without significant changes to the curriculum and sustained efforts to improve it, gaps in education system will continue to persist, putting workforce readiness at risk, and potentially, hindering economic growth.

According to Segundo Matias Jr., CEO of Lampara Books, the alarming situation demands immediate attention. “The crisis is deeply concerning—tragic, even,” he says. “It feels like a battle we must urgently confront. The future of our nation is at stake. Our children represent the future: the leaders, the innovators, the ones who will shape the world. Their capacity to read and think critically will be the deciding factor in our nation’s adjustment. We cannot afford to stall any longer.”

Heeding this call is Lampara Books, a leading publishing company that specializes in advocacy-driven educational materials. As a proactive measure against literacy setbacks, the Philippine publishing house launched its first quarter lineup of releases, which was developed to improve reading comprehension, foundational literacy, numeracy skills, and home-based learning support.

Every book in the collection is created in collaboration with respected reading specialists such as Victor Villanueva and Daisy Jane Calado, alongside acclaimed writers including Eugene Y. Evasco and Genaro R. Gojo Cruz—to name a few. By partnering with key literacy consultants and education professionals, the materials meet high pedagogical standards without sacrificing entertainment and fun.

Notably characteristic of Lampara Books’ reading titles is the use of the Marungko Approach and Systematic Phonics, both using time-tested, evidence-based methods that are proven to be effective in teaching children how to read. Lampara’s 

ecodable texts, including its pioneering Let’s Read series in English, allow learners to apply phonics skills in a structured way, improving both decoding and comprehension skills.

“Reading instruction must be grounded in science,” Matias emphasizes. ‘When children master foundational skills, they gain not only competence, but confidence.”

While reading remains a national priority, Lampara Books also reiterates the importance of numeracy particularly in the early stages of education.

“Numeracy is essential to modern life,” Matias adds. “Everyday tasks such as buying goods at a store or counting change, demonstrate how important math skills are. Children should realize that mathematics has real-world value.”

To reinforce foundational skills, Lampara Books introduces curriculum-aligned numeracy resources that focus on story-centered math content and interactive kits for early graders. Making math relatable not only encourages confidence and early proficiency; it also helps in sustained learning.

These initiatives are part of Lampara’s broader efforts to find solutions for the country’s reading and numeracy gap while delivering accessible and age-appropriate resources that support both classroom instruction and home-based learning. The latest collection of books and learning materials includes decodable and leveled texts for early readers, integrated numeracy concepts embedded in stories, and supplementary worksheets and guides for teachers and parents.

 “We are committed to making sure these books reach every island across the Philippines,” Segundo Matias Jr. shares. “High-quality reading materials should not be limited by geography. Our mission is to deliver resources that directly address reading challenges wherever they exist.”

Lampara Books also ensures that the educational materials embrace Filipino cultural contexts and bilingual instructions to make learning more effective and relatable.

“English is everywhere,” Matias notes. “While we guide our children toward global opportunities, we must ensure their Filipino identity and values remain intact.”

The books incorporate Filipino contexts, values, and lived experiences, enabling learners to see themselves reflected in what they read. This bilingual approach shapes identity while expanding global competence.

“Our mission is simple,” Matias adds. “No child should be left behind simply because of limited access to quality learning materials.”

Featured Titles

Magbasa Tayo! / Let’s Read! Series (Victor Villanueva; Daisy Jane Calado)

Focusing on the “read to learn” approach, the bilingual series serves as supplementary material that enriches comprehension and extends learning.

K–3 Reading Packages

Laying the groundwork for lifelong literacy, the K-3 Reading Package embraces a “learn to read” approach. It builds foundational skills step by step, starting from letters, progressing to words, and eventually forming sentences. K-3 equips children with the ability to read, while Magbasa/Let’s Read helps them use reading as a tool for deeper learning.

Start Right Reading Series (STARS) by Zarah C. Gagatiga

The Start Right Reading Series (STARS) is a learning package composed of literacy materials and resources for K-3 learners. The learning package can be used by parents with their children at home and by teachers for their students in school.

 

Divided into four levels—Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4—each level has twelve stories that make up the core in acquiring and learning fundamental communication and language art skills, namely, reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

Unang Aklat sa Panimulang Pagbasa by Genaro R. Gojo Cruz

Carefully crafted beginner books that build children’s confidence and make early reading a light, joyful experience.

Math-Talas! Numeracy Learning Kit by Daisy Jane Calado and Jacob Raphael Cunanan

A comprehensive Kinder to Grade 3 numeracy kit combining story-based contexts and skill-building exercises aligned with the curriculum.

Math Storybooks by Jaylord S. Losabia

Story-driven math concepts presented through culturally grounded narratives, highlighting both competencies and values.

Kids Have Rights! by Michellan Sarile-Agalao

The Kids Have Rights! series is an empowering and engaging series that helps early readers understand their rights as children using simple, age-appropriate language in rhyming verse and practical examples.

Kaligtasan para sa mga Bata by Mark Norman Boquiren

A public safety education series providing children with practical, life-saving knowledge.

Disaster-Ready Kids by Zarah C. Gagatiga

This series offers engaging educational stories for early-grade readers on natural disasters like fire, earthquakes, floods, and volcanic eruptions, teaching essential safety measures through vibrant illustrations, making it a valuable resource for parents and educators.

My Healthy Body Series by Prashant Gupta

This series introduces body organs to children through stories that are filled with facts and illustrations. It covers everything a child needs to know about the heart, brain, bones, senses, and more. This series spreads awareness and knowledge in a fun-filled way.

Digital Pinoy Kids Series by Cheeno Marlo Sayuno

The series offers a thoughtful exploration of children’s digital lives, promoting responsible technology use while affirming children’s agency.

New Titles

Magbasa at Matuto Decodable Comics

Fluency-building comics using the Marungko Approach.

Read and Learn Decodable Comics

Systematic Phonics-based comics designed to strengthen reading fluency.

Early Literacy Box

This kit consists of cards that highlight the earliest literacy skills needed to build a strong foundation for reading.

Filipino Board Books by Eugene Y. Evasco

Durable, imaginative board books rooted in Filipino language and culture for the youngest readers.

Science Storybooks by Eugene Y. Evasco

The stories in these books align with K–12 learning competencies, integrating scientific thinking with captivating narratives.

Mga Magigiting ng Pilipinas by Renato C. Vibiesca

Children’s books celebrating the heroism and legacy of Filipino national heroes.

Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang by Severino R. Reyes, retold by Christine S. Bellen-Ang

Timeless Filipino tales reimagined for today’s young readers.

Sari-Sari Books by Genaro R. Gojo Cruz

A Palanca-recognized series celebrating diversity, equality, and children’s freedom to dream and choose.

Independent Storybooks

The stories are award-winning and thematically rich, fostering conversations about real-world issues.

Young Adult Fiction

The 2025 Lampara Prize Grand Winner for the YA category, spotlighting emerging Filipino voices.

Reference Books

Curated works tracing histories and serving as accessible encyclopedic guides for learners.

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Hopeful vision

With its first-quarter 2026 releases, Lampara Books continues to ramp up its initiatives to support literacy and numeracy development. As educators and policymakers call for evidence-based interventions, Lampara Books’ latest offerings advance a hopeful vision: one where every Filipino child not only learns to read, but reads to learn, to imagine, and to shape a brighter future.

GRAMMY® and Latin GRAMMY® Award-winning artist Shakira and rising Colombian star Beéle have released their new track ALGO TÚ. Produced by A.C., Flambo, Shakira, and Beéle, the track is out now via Sony Music Latin/5020 Records.

Shakira and Beéle debuted the track live this past weekend at Mexico City’s Zócalo, marking the largest event held there in history. Performing “ALGO TÚ” for over 400,000 fans, Shakira and Beéle electrified the city square and built incredible hype for the song’s release. Their range of styles blend perfectly on the track, delivering an incredible Latin & Afro-fusion hit with a nod to autochthonous instruments and sounds such as the Colombian gaita (pan flute), evoking the city of Barranquilla where both Shakira and Beéle were born. This is the second collaboration between Shakira and Beéle, who previously workedtogether on a 2025 version of her global hit, “Hips Don’t Lie,” which featured Ed Sheeran and Beéle for the Spotify Anniversary celebration of her 2005 album Oral Fixation, Vol. 2.

This concert has only built more excitement for Shakira’s upcoming return to Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, where she will take the stage for this year’s Todo Mundo No Rio concert on May 2nd. This free show will be a vibrant spectacle featuring Shakira playing her greatest hits across her entire career, continuing her epic world tour throughout 2026.

The release of “ALGO TÚ” comes on the heels of Shakira being crowned by Billboard as having the “highest-grossing Hispanic tour of all time” with her recent Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour, achieving a gross revenue of $421.6 million, inclusive of 82 stadium shows all across the US and Latin America with over 3.3 million people in attendance.

Building on this exciting year, Shakira has just been announced as a 2026 nominee for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. This exciting honor will be voted upon and then announced during the 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

GRAMMY Award®-winning global superstar Harry Styles has released his highly anticipated new album KISS ALL THE TIME. DISCO, OCCASIONALLY. via Erskine/Columbia Records. Accompanying the album is the music video for “American Girls,” directed by the GRAMMY Award®-winning James Mackel.

KISS ALL THE TIME. DISCO, OCCASIONALLY. is the fourth studio album from Harry Styles and first music release since 2022’s record breaking album Harry’s House, which took home the top prize for Album of the Year at the 2023 Grammy Awards. The new 12-track album was written by Harry and executive produced by Kid Harpoon, and includes the #1 single “Aperture”, see full tracklist below.

To celebrate the album release, Netflix is bringing fans the very first live performance of the new album on Sunday March 8th at 7pm GMT, tune in to watch the show he performed Friday March 6th in Manchester, England in full globally.

Harry has also launched KISS ALL THE TIME. DISCO, OCCASIONALLY. pop-up shops around the world in partnership with American Express with 16 locations in Amsterdam, Atlanta, Berlin, Chicago, Houston, London, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Paris, Phoenix, Rome, Seattle, Sydney, Tokyo, and Toronto. The pop-up gives fans a chance to experience and celebrate Harry’s new album KISS ALL THE TIME. DISCO, OCCASIONALLY. together with special activations and unique merchandise designs, additional information HERE.

Next Saturday, Harry will return to NBC’s Saturday Night Live as host and musical guest for the second time on March 14th. He will make his long awaited return to the global stage with a seven city residency in 2026. Promoted by Live Nation, Together, Together will include 67 stops in Amsterdam, London, São Paulo, Mexico City, New York, Melbourne, and Sydney from May through December. Highlights on the run include 30 shows at New York’s Madison Square Garden and a six night run at Wembley Stadium. Special guests include Robyn, Shania Twain, Fcukers, Jorja Smith, Jamie xx, Fousheé, and Skye Newman across select dates. Please visit hstyles.co.uk/tour for a full list of dates and more information.

KISS ALL THE TIME. DISCO, OCCASIONALLY. TRACKLIST

1. Aperture

Music & Lyrics: Harry Styles & Kid Harpoon

Produced by: Kid Harpoon

2. American Girls

Music & Lyrics: Harry Styles, Kid Harpoon, Tyler Johnson

Produced By: Kid Harpoon & Tyler Johnson

3. Ready, Steady, Go!

Music & Lyrics: Harry Styles, Kid Harpoon, Tyler Johnson

Produced By: Kid Harpoon, Additional Production By: Tyler Johnson

4. Are You Listening Yet?

Music & Lyrics: Harry Styles, Kid Harpoon, Tyler Johnson

Produced By: Kid Harpoon & Tyler Johnson

5. Taste Back

Music & Lyrics: Harry Styles, Kid Harpoon & Tyler Johnson

Produced By: Kid Harpoon, Additional: Tyler Johnson

6. The Waiting Game

Music & Lyrics: Harry Styles, Kid Harpoon, Tyler Johnson

Produced By: Kid Harpoon & Tyler Johnson

7. Season 2 Weight Loss

Music & Lyrics by Harry Styles, Kid Harpoon & Tyler Johnson

Produced By: Kid Harpoon

8. Coming Up Roses

Music & Lyrics: Harry Styles

Produced by: Kid Harpoon

9. Pop

Music & Lyrics: Harry Styles, Kid Harpoon & Tyler Johnson

Produced By: Kid Harpoon & Tyler Johnson

10. Dance No More

Music & Lyrics: Harry Styles & Kid Harpoon

Produced By: Kid Harpoon

11. Paint By Numbers

Music & Lyrics: Harry Styles, Kid Harpoon, Tyler Johnson

Produced By: Kid Harpoon & Tyler Johnson

12. Carla’s Song

Music & Lyrics: Harry Styles & Kid Harpoon

Produced By: Kid Harpoon

Listen to the album here

 

 

RAMONA makes a splashing debut as a pop star provocateur, a rebellious troublemaker, and a fearless outsider. As a daring new voice in modern OPM, she comes off as a refreshing anomaly in an industry that often rewards conformity over disruption. From here, the world she builds only gets louder, more vivid, and unmistakably punk.

Just in time for Women’s Month, RAMONA unleashes “GAGA,” a sharp-witted commentary on celebrity gossip and fake news culture. Her explosive debut single exposes how misinformation distorts truth in the digital age. Rather than retreat from the noise, RAMONA confronts it head-on, transforming public scrutiny into a weapon of her own.

Instead of debunking public accusations, RAMONA reclaims the narrative with biting wit and defiant sassiness. Labels often thrown at outspoken and strong women such as “pa-victim,” “malandi,” and “toxic” are reframed as hollow buzzwords, stripped of their intended sting through repetition and satire. The result is a rallying anthem that challenges the machinery of gossip and the digital mob mentality that fuels it.

“People talk, people guess, people decide what’s true before they even know anything,” RAMONA explains. “GAGA just throws it all back.”

Produced by Tim and Sam Marquez of One Click Straight, the track proves that RAMONA is here for the long haul. Driven by grungy guitars, sing-along chants, and manic, driving rhythms, “GAGA” blends abrasive textures with irresistible pop instincts. But beneath the distortion and defiance lies something more important: RAMONA, reclaiming her voice, turns rumor into resistance and accusation into empowerment. As RAMONA describes her debut work, “GAGA” is “bold, emotional, a little rebellious, a little messy, and not pretending to be perfect.”

With the release of her debut single, RAMONA makes it clear that in an era obsessed by gossip cycles and fake news narratives, she refuses to be spoken for. She would rather speak back.

About the music video

The accompanying music video places the song’s themes within a satirical courtroom setting. The music video follows the story of an ordinary security guard at the center of a highly publicized trial after being falsely accused of stealing from a powerful figure. As the case unfolds, the courtroom turns into a ridiculous spectacle that highlights how power and public perception can shape what is accepted as truth.

The MV stars multi-awarded actor Pepe Herrera as the accused protagonist and RAMONA as his defense lawyer.

RAMONA”s “GAGA” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. Watch the music video here.

Filipino R&B king Jay R recently weighed in on the controversy surrounding the exploitative practices in the local music industry.

This comes after young singer-songwriter MRLD broke her silence about her departure from OC Records, alleging unfair compensation and limited marketing support, with claims that have sparked broader conversations online about transparency, artist rights, and the power imbalance between emerging musicians and record labels.

In a TikTok video posted over the weekend, Jay R spoke out about what he calls “uncomfortable truths,” reflecting on the dark side of the industry that has long placed new artists at a disadvantage.

“I’ve been in this industry for more than 20 years, and situations like this really do happen to artists,” Jay R said. “It has happened to me as well. When you’re starting out, you enter record deals and contracts without fully understanding what’s written in them. Sometimes, you don’t really comprehend the terms.”

He stressed the importance of legal advice and contract literacy for emerging musicians navigating the complexities of recording agreements.

“That’s why it’s important for artists to carefully read their contracts,” he added. “You should have a lawyer and review everything line by line. You need to understand exactly what you’re getting into. It’s a harsh truth about the industry, but it’s real. And honestly, I think it’s perfect timing that this issue has come to light. Artists need to be educated about what really happens behind closed doors.”

The short-form video post has garnered more than a million views on TikTok and Facebook, combined, fueling wider debate about accountability with the music business.

Jay R further expanded on the topic during the press conference for Songs For Selina, a music-themed film that he produced and stars in. While fictional in form, the project echoes the same tensions now being publicly discussed: creative ownership, exploitation, and the invisible pressures artists face behind the spotlight.

“Artists sometimes fear being marginalized or even blacklisted when they speak about the truth,” Jay R shared. “The story of Songs For Selina comes from real experiences: ours and the stories of fellow artists who have lived through these realities.”

Starring Rachel Coates and Mica Javier, Songs For Selina explores the power structures embedded in the music industry and the ethical dilemmas confronting artists as they navigate ambition, loyalty, and survival in a competitive landscape.

Whether by coincidence or design, the film’s themes now resonate with real-world conversation unfolding across the Philippine music scene—one that many believe is long overdue.

Songs For Selina opens in Ayala Cinemas nationwide beginning March 18, 2026.

Baguio City once again came alive with colors, blooms, and celebration as the Panagbenga Festival filled its streets with floats, music, and the vibrant spirit of the Cordillera community. Beyond the festivities, the festival also highlighted a deeper story unfolding on the ground: how local entrepreneurs—many of them small family-run businesses—are gaining greater access to financial tools that allow them to participate more fully in the local digital economy.

For many nano, micro, small, and medium enterprises (NMSMEs), access to safe and convenient financial services is not just about efficiency—it is about opportunity, dignity in work, and the ability to grow their livelihoods. At this year’s Panagbenga Festival, GCash, the country’s leading finance super app and largest cashless ecosystem, supported local merchants by bringing practical digital solutions and on-ground activities that help level the playing field for small businesses.

By enabling simpler, safer, and more accessible transactions, these tools help ensure that even the smallest vendors—from sari-sari stores to flower stalls—can serve more customers and benefit from the surge in tourism during one of the country’s most beloved cultural celebrations.

The grand celebration was led by Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong and Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan, together with Congressman Mauricio Domogan and the Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon as guests of honor. The local government recognized the growing role of digital financial access in helping communities strengthen livelihoods and support inclusive economic participation.

"As proof of Baguio's resilience, our deep pride in our Cordillera heritage, and our unique capacity to celebrate culture with discipline, it fuels our creative economy and strengthens local livelihood," said Vice Mayor Olowan.

For this year's festivities, GCash carried the theme "Festival of Progress: Empowering Local NMSMEs as the Heart of the Celebration," highlighting how cashless payments help small businesses serve more customers and unlock new income opportunities during peak moments of celebration.

GCash activations reached festival-goers and merchants across multiple touchpoints—from bus terminals and malls to gas stations, public markets, and along the famous Session Road. Merchant crawls showcased MSMEs embracing digital finance, while mall and market activations demonstrated how QR payments and GCash Pera Outlet can transform everyday stalls into community financial service points.

For this year’s Panagbenga, GCash initiative highlighted how accessible digital tools—from QR payments to community-based digital hubs for financial transactions — can help small merchants participate more equitably in the festival economy and expand their growth opportunities.

"Financial inclusion is about ensuring that every enterprise — no matter the size — has access to the tools needed to participate and thrive in today’s economy. Through solutions such as QR payments, SoundPay Plus, EasyPOS, and PocketPay, we help give smaller businesses the same opportunities as larger enterprises. At the same time, GCash Pera Outlet enables sari-sari stores and market stalls to provide essential services such as bills payment, remittances, and mobile load, bringing financial access closer to communities," said Cleo Celeste Santos, GCash vice president and head of public sector.

Strengthening livelihoods at the community level

Across Baguio’s neighborhoods, sari-sari stores, flower vendors, cafés, and market stalls are more than businesses—they are lifelines that sustain families and support local communities. During Panagbenga, these entrepreneurs serve as the frontliners of local commerce, welcoming thousands of visitors and supporting household incomes.

For many merchants, access to digital financial tools has helped make their livelihoods more stable and resilient.

Jen, a cashier at Caroline Trading, has seen the small sari-sari store grow into a mini mart since adopting GCash. "Halos lahat nasa GCash na po, at mas dumami pa ang pumupunta dahil parang pinakamadaling way dito sa amin—very convenient. Mas nag-improve yung sales kasi halos cashless na po lahat. Para sa mga negosyo na mag-start pa lang, i-try lang nila kasi effective siya."

For GCash Pera Outlet partner Marie Audrey Salvador, a general merchandise store owner in Baguio’s public market, going cashless created a more stable income stream while allowing her business to serve as a financial access point for the community.

"Nag-start kami ng negosyo noong July 2023, at napakarami na nitong naitulong sa akin—sa bills, sa rents, at sa travels with family. Dati sapat-sapat lang; ngayon nakaka-afford na rin kami mag-travel. Aside from cashless payments, nagse-serve din kami as cash-in, cash-out, pay bills, at load—sobrang laki ng tulong."

Meanwhile, Tita Leah’s Food Specialty, a well-loved Baguio delicacy brand, found that digital payment tools helped streamline operations as their business expanded. "Dati hiwalay din ang nakukuha ng transaction confirmation. Na-solve yun ni SoundPay. Ngayon hindi na kailangan ng storekeeper na tumawag sa amin for confirmation—seamless na siya," shared Don Paez.

For Yuan, a barista at Balai Studio Cafe, the shift to cashless payments also means better service for a growing number of tourists. "GCash eases our business operations at talagang napakadali. Marami po kaming foreigners na customer at naghahanap din po sila ng cashless payment."

Protecting livelihoods in the digital space

As more Filipinos embrace digital finance, ensuring safety and trust remains essential to protecting the livelihoods of merchants and consumers alike. GCash continues to promote awareness and education to help users safeguard their accounts and income. The message remains simple but important: do not click suspicious links and never share your one-time password (OTP) with anyone.

By strengthening financial safety and awareness, GCash aims to ensure that small businesses can confidently participate in the digital economy while protecting the income they work hard to earn.

Sustaining inclusive growth beyond the festival

While Panagbenga lasts only a few weeks, its impact on communities can endure far longer. By expanding access to financial tools and services, GCash supports local entrepreneurs in building stronger businesses, supporting their families, and contributing to the broader local economy.

For GCash, working alongside communities like Baguio City is part of a broader commitment to advancing financial inclusion, expanding economic opportunity, and helping build an economy where progress is shared—ensuring that the benefits of growth reach even the smallest businesses at the heart of Filipino communities.

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