Thursday, March 12, 2026
(L-R) general manager for GCash International Arjun Varma, and Careem Pay vice president Mohammad El Saadi
GCash, Careem Pay partnership enables faster
remittances for Filipinos in UAE
The Philippines’ leading finance superapp GCash
has partnered with Careem Pay, a digital payments service available within the
Careem app, to enable faster and more reliable money transfers for overseas
Filipinos living in the UAE.
Following the official signing between GCash and
Careem Pay at Careem's head office in Dubai, users can now send money directly
to GCash wallets in the Philippines, making transfers to family and friends
faster and more convenient.
Through this direct integration, users in the UAE
can now avoid the delays often associated with traditional bank transfers and
the inconvenience of visiting physical remittance centers. Transfers settle
within minutes, with funds credited straight to the recipient’s GCash app for
immediate access.
Designed for Filipino expats who regularly
support loved ones back home, the partnership focuses on making remittances
simpler, more dependable, and easier to complete. By enabling direct
wallet-to-wallet transfers, Careem Pay and GCash help ensure that funds reach
recipients quickly and without unnecessary steps. To send money from the UAE to
the Philippines, users simply need to download the latest version of the Careem
app, select Pay on the home screen, and follow the steps under the Send Abroad
tab.
First transfers made easier for first-time users
To mark the launch of the partnership, Careem Pay
is offering a special promotion for transfers to the Philippines. Users can
receive AED 20 cashback and enjoy zero fees on their first transfer by entering
the code GCASH20, while Careem Plus members can benefit from exclusive rates on
Careem Pay.
Arjun Varma, General Manager for GCash
International said, “Sending money home is one of the most meaningful things
our customers do with Careem Pay. For many Filipino expats, it’s about
supporting loved ones, covering school fees, or helping parents with everyday
expenses.”
“By integrating directly with GCash and adding
cash pickup across nearly 15,000 locations, we’ve made the process simpler,
faster, and more reliable, with most transfers now reaching their families in
the Philippines within minutes,” said Mohammad El Saadi, Vice President of
Careem Pay.
With faster and more reliable digital remittance
options, GCash empowers overseas Filipinos in the UAE to send money home with
confidence and ease. For more information, please visit www.gcash.com. To learn
more about Careem Pay, visit www.careem.com/en-AE/pay.
Migs Bustos (left) and Pru Life UK Head of Brand and Integrated Marketing Communications Kats Cajucom (right) at the official contract signing welcoming Bustos as the newest brand ambassador of Pru Life UK. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to championing protection and preparedness for Filipino families
Pru Life UK has officially signed broadcaster, family advocate, and endurance athlete Migs Bustos as its brand ambassador, marking the start of a strategic partnership that highlights the many roles Filipinos carry and the loved ones they protect in each of them.
The collaboration underscores Pru Life UK’s commitment to making protection more relatable and relevant to Filipino families across life stages. Through a series of storytelling, community, and wellness initiatives, the partnership will bring to life the insurer’s advocacy of helping Filipinos prepare, provide, and protect for those who matter most.
“At Pru Life UK, we believe protection is deeply personal. It is rooted in love, responsibility, and the people who depend on us,” said Pru Life UK Head of Brand and Integrated Marketing Communications Kats Cajucom. “Migs Bustos embodies the modern Filipino who carries many roles with purpose—as a father, son, professional, and community advocate. His authenticity and values make him a powerful partner in advancing our mission to help Filipinos secure their future and protect what matters most.”
For Bustos, the partnership reflects his own motivations as a family man and provider.
“Every role I carry begins with someone I love and protect,” said Bustos. “Partnering with Pru Life UK is meaningful to me because it reflects how I live my life: preparing for the future and safeguarding the people who matter most. I hope to inspire more Filipinos to take steps toward protection for their families.”
The partnership reinforces Pru Life UK’s continued commitment to supporting Filipinos across every life journey, strengthening its position as a trusted partner in protecting Filipinos and showing that they can always “Count on Us. Count on PRU.”
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Building a digital future: GCash celebrates 7th Bangsamoro Foundation Day with a push towards inclusive, cashless communitiesIn support of the commitment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to promote inclusive and people-centered progress, GCash, the country’s leading finance app, took part in the 7th Bangsamoro Foundation Day by working alongside the Bangsamoro Government to deliver initiatives focused on digital inclusion, financial literacy, and community empowerment.
Recognizing that limited access to banking infrastructure remains a barrier to economic participation in many Bangsamoro communities, GCash partnered with the Ministry of Human Settlements and Development (MHSD) and the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) to bring practical, entry-level digital financial tools closer to citizens. Through these collaborations, the initiative aimed to reach households, beneficiaries, and communities that are often underserved or excluded from the formal financial system.
To help more Bangsamoro residents join the formal financial system, GCash also provided easier access to the GCash Visa Card. This lets users use their digital wallet for everyday purchases, even in places that still require a card. With more ways to pay safely and conveniently, users can participate more actively in the local economy and the shift toward digital payments.
Complementing access, GCash emphasized financial capability and protection through guided demonstrations and financial literacy sessions. Participants were introduced to practical digital wallet use cases relevant to daily life, such as remittances, bill payments, and essential purchases. Residents also took part in financial literacy sessions that focused on cybersecurity, fraud awareness, and responsible digital behavior. These sessions aimed to ensure that adoption of digital finance is safe, informed, and sustainable, particularly for first-time users, PWDs, children, and senior citizens.
“Financial inclusion is more than about access to tools; it is about enabling people to participate fully in the economy and in society,” said CJ Alegre, Head of Sustainability at Mynt, parent company of GCash.
“By working closely with the Bangsamoro Government and engaging communities on the ground, we help ensure that digital finance becomes a practical, safe, and empowering resource for everyday life. When more people are connected to the formal financial system, entire regions benefit through greater economic activity, resilience, and opportunity,” he added.
The participation of GCash in the Bangsamoro Foundation Day reflects its broader strategy to deepen presence in BARMM by combining access, education, and partnerships. By engaging directly with communities and local government stakeholders, the initiative contributed to building trust in digital financial services and supporting the region’s transition toward a more inclusive and resilient digital economy.
Through sustained on-ground engagement and collaboration with regional partners, GCash continues to advance digital inclusion nationwide, helping ensure that communities in BARMM are not left behind as the country moves toward a cash-lite, digitally empowered future.
For more information, please visit www.gcash.com.
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Summer is here, and that means long
sunny days, weekend getaways, and a wardrobe refresh that matches the season’s
vibrant vibe. Whether you love breezy streetwear, timeless classics, or stylish
accessories that are both functional and playful, SM City Valenzuela has the hottest picks to keep you summer-ready.
ARTWORK: FUN AND FUNCTIONAL
ARTWORK
brings a playful twist to your summer wardrobe. Their bag, t-shirt, and bag
charm bundle are perfect for adding personality to your everyday look. Each
piece is uniquely designed with quirky prints and colors that make it a breeze
to mix and match for sunny outings.
GIORDANO: GO FOR CLASSIC
Giordano
has been defining casual style in the Philippines since 1989. The brand
continues its legacy of simplicity, comfort, and quality with modern wardrobe
staples. This season, the classic t-shirt dress is your go-to piece for
effortless summer style. Pair it with sneakers for daytime adventures or
sandals for a relaxed evening look.
Anello: The Go-To Summer Bag
Travel
light and in style with Anello. Known for its practical and stylish bags,
Anello, a Japanese brand, simplifies summer packing. The signature Kuchigane
backpack opens wide for easy access and holds everything you need for beach
trips or city explorations. For eco-conscious shoppers, the Repreve collection
uses recycled PET bottles so you can stay stylish and sustainable.
BNY: Streetwear That Moves With You
Summer is
all about carefree, laid-back style, and BNY delivers just that. This homegrown
streetwear brand champions Filipino urban fashion with lightweight jackets,
denim shorts, and statement tees. Affordable, trendy, and comfortable, BNY is
perfect for long walks, city adventures, and weekend chillouts.
Outland: Footwear for Every Adventure
No summer
wardrobe is complete without the perfect pair of shoes. Outland combines
premium leather craftsmanship with comfort in its sandals, slip-ons, and
slingbacks. Whether for a seaside escape or a casual city date, these shoes let
you move with confidence while keeping every outfit stylishly grounded.
PENSHOPPE: SUMMER ACCESSORIES and SCENT
Penshoppe
takes summer style beyond clothing. Their scented candles and fragrance gel
beads keep your personal space fresh and inviting, while twill caps protect you
from the sun without compromising style. Perfect for accessorizing your summer
wardrobe, these essentials let you stay on-trend from morning errands to
evening hangouts.
The heat is rising, and so should your
fashion game. From wardrobe staples to statement pieces and travel-ready
accessories, SM City Valenzuela is your go-to destination this summer. Refresh
your summer look today and step into the season with confidence, style, and
fun.
Saturday, March 7, 2026
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