Tips To Shop and Pay Wiser, Better This Year from Heart Evangelista and GCash

Heart Evangelista-Escudero and Boy Abunda talk about her most used GCash features during the GCash Spotlight event

In its pilot GCash Spotlight episode, GCash ushered in its new era of financial progress together with its newest ambassador, Heart Evangelista. 

GCash, the Philippines’ top finance app and largest cashless ecosystem, continues to revolutionize personal finance for all Filipinos by inspiring wiser, better spending, saving, and investing habits. 

According to Heart, GCash has become an integral part of her daily life, making shopping and saving.

“More fun and more sulit. I still love to express myself with the pieces I buy and invest in, but I've also been more financially smart, especially with how I shop. I'm looking for the best value for money and treat every purchase, no matter how small, as a smart investment.” ~Heart Evangelista, GCash Newest Ambassador

When asked about her top tips for managing finances while shopping, Heart emphasizes the importance of leveraging her "best way to pay” – GCash – and its products and features tailored to meet different needs and user preferences.

Heart shares how she uses GCash when shopping locally and abroad during the recent GCash Spotlight event.

1. Maximize convenience and access to deals when shopping online

As an avid online shopper who values a variety of options and seeks out the best deals, especially with her busy schedule, Heart maximizes her experience by gaining access to deals and discounts when she pays with GCash. 

When users Pay Online with GCash, they can get access to special discounts and exclusive vouchers, all while ensuring security in their transactions, making it the ideal choice for discerning shoppers. 

She shares, “I love buying things for my family, and of course that includes the treats and clothes of my furbabies, and many of the things I buy are readily available online so that helps me buy without any hassle. When I pay online with GCash, it’s simple, and it’s secure, so iwas sa online scams.”

2. Enjoy convenient in-store shopping by scanning to pay

Heart prioritizes convenience when it comes to payments, which is why she appreciates the simplicity of scanning QR codes through the GCash app at millions of merchants nationwide. 

"Whether I'm dining out, grocery shopping, or indulging in retail therapy, it’s just so convenient to Scan-To-Pay with GCash, especially as I try to avoid bringing cash as much as possible," Heart explains. 

3. Make shopping a fun, shared experience 

Heart also enjoys shopping with GCash Express Send via Send Money, especially when shopping with Senator Chiz Escudero. As seen in her latest GCash film, they send each other “love” with shopping money, which adds an extra layer of enjoyment to their shopping experience. 

“Whether it’s picking out items for each other or jointly deciding on purchases, I really enjoy a shared shopping experience,” Heart adds. 

Through GCash Express Send, users can effortlessly send and receive money to other GCash users for free. Whether it's during the holiday season, on special occasions, or simply to express affection, Express Send via Send Money may be utilized to send “love” the way Heart does. 

4. Discover the best deals available

With GCash, users can unlock a world of opportunities for smart spending and exclusive offers, whether shopping in-store or online. Exciting deals await during the upcoming 3.3 sale, with GCash and its brand partners offering exclusive discounts and promos, including: 

• Lazada 

From March 1, users can collect exclusive GCash vouchers at the Voucher Center and enjoy P50 off with a minimum spend of Php 1,000. 

• Lenovo

Users can get access to deals up to 38% off on all gadgets when they pay with GCash online and shop via Lenovo’s official website.  

• Shein

New users can enjoy 20% off with a minimum spend of Php 799 by using the code 2024GC20 upon check out. Another 18% off is available for users who checkout a minimum spend of Php 1,299 when they use the code 2024GC18.

With GCash, it’s never too late to manifest your best life, and take your dreams and goals to the next level. Learn more about how to shop smarter and embrace the possibilities that financial progress brings by streaming the first episode of GCash Spotlight featuring Heart Evangelista here.

About GCash

GCash (G-Xchange, Inc.) is the #1 Finance App in the Philippines. Through the GCash App, users can easily purchase prepaid airtime; pay bills at over 1,600 partner billers nationwide; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts; purchase from over 6M partner merchants and social sellers; and get access to savings,  credit, loans, insurance and invest money, and so much more, all at the convenience of their smartphones. GCash is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt (Globe Fintech Innovations, Inc.), the first and only duacorn in the Philippines which is a part of the country's leading digital solutions platform, Globe Group.

GCash is a staunch supporter of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly UN SDGs 5,8,10, and 13, which focus on safety & security, financial inclusion, diversity, equity and inclusion as well as taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, respectively. 

GCash FutureCast Introduces 10 New Innovations That Bring The Future Of Fintech To All Filipinos

GCash is the Philippines’ #1 Finance Super App with over 79 million users who enjoy fast, safe, and convenient transactions online. Based on Data.ai, a reputable 3rd party platform, GCash is the #1 Finance Super App in the country with the most downloads, the highest Monthly Active Users, and even the highest Daily Active Users, as GCash is now part of their daily routines.

First launched as an SMS platform in 2005 and later as a super app in 2012, GCash was the first to introduce the QR payment system in the country. It supported the digital migration of Filipinos during the pandemic, and now that the world has reopened, it expands its services to suit the changing needs of Filipinos in a global digital financial landscape.

At this year’s #GCashFutureCast event, GCash ushered in the future of Fintech through 10 ground-breaking innovations for every Filipino.

Tools for financial freedom

GCash has made wealth management products like savings, insurance, and investments easy and accessible. Now it introduces products to help people grow their wealth and to help them protect it.

GStocks PH is AB Capital Securities, Inc.'s (ABCSI) online retail securities trading services made accessible through the GCash app. Its user-friendly and simplified trading interface was designed through a collaboration with the Philippine Stock Exchange. Through GStocks PH, users can now trade stocks of over 280 local companies. GStocks PH will be available to more users soon.

GCrypto allows users to discover and explore the world of Crypto and NFTs. Users get access to curated NFT collections, like The House of OhLala by Filipino contemporary artist, Reen Barrera, on the GCrypto NFT Hub. Buying and selling Crypto is also made easier with an exchange powered by PDAX, the Philippines’ leading homegrown cryptocurrency exchange.

GInsure Online Shopping Protect insurance offers users 60 days of coverage up to P20,000 for all their online purchases for just P34. The insurance covers scenarios when orders are not delivered, are accidentally damaged, are not as described, or are stolen. The insurance product, powered by Chubb, is embedded in the user’s online GCash payment journey across 1,500 online shops and platforms.

GCash goes global

Traveling Filipinos can now go cashless globally using GCash’s newest services. For overseas Filipinos, they can now use GCash to send money and support to their family back home.

GCash Global Pay allows Filipino travelers to do cross-border QR payments at Alipay+ merchants in Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, Qatar, Germany, Italy, France and the United Kingdom. This eliminates the hassle of paying with cash, or withdrawing money at ATMs where you can incur high service fees. It offers real-time Forex charging, with no service fees.

GCash Card gives travelers the advantage of real time Forex charging at low exchange rates and no service fees. With this, users can access their funds in a single tap at over 100 million shops across 200 countries and territories around the world through VISA’s expansive network. This enables travelers to enjoy hassle-free shopping and dining experiences wherever they may be. The new GCash card will be available later this year.

GCash Overseas allows overseas Filipinos in Japan, Australia, Italy and the USA to download GCash using international SIM cards. Now they can send money, buy load, and pay bills for their loved ones back home. They can enjoy the convenience of sending money for free with GCash to GCash transactions, saving them the cost of remittance fees. GCash also announced that it is now available in the UK and Canada. GCash Overseas is currently on Beta and is limited to a number of users, but will expand to more users soon.

Borrowing made easier

GGives supports Filipinos with the ability to buy now, pay later with zero credit cards, zero additional documents, zero down payment, and now with zero interest at select merchants. GCash users are now free from the barriers normally associated with installment plans, for both in-store or online purchases.

Borrow Load will allow eligible users to borrow their favorite load promos today at zero cash out, giving them access to their preferred entertainment – even if they’re short on budget. They can now afford to access data-heavy apps with load promos valid for up to 7 days. Borrow Load will be rolling out to more users soon.

Improved security and user experience

GCash has taken steps to make transactions safer and more seamless through two new features:

GChat is a new, user-friendly messenger feature that makes it easier to chat and transact with contacts, share receipts instantly, and trace transaction histories. The feature makes it easier to search for conversations with friends, merchants or customers, while the Gigi and Advisories features allow users to get help anytime in real-time. GChat will be rolling out to users in the next few months.

DoubleSafe is the latest GCash security feature that prevents fraudsters from taking over accounts. It provides an additional layer of security on top of the 2-Factor Authentication and mobile pin (MPIN). DoubleSafe will be activated for every first login to a new mobile phone, and will use facial recognition to secure an account should the user inadvertently share their MPIN and OTP to fraudsters.

“GCash has empowered and enabled every Filipino to remain hopeful and pursue progress. As the Philippines’ #1 Finance Super App and the first finance app to be a household name in the country, GCash is positioned to be everyone’s enabler to be future-ready. With the 10 new innovations at GCash, our hopes for a better tomorrow begins today.” ~Martha Sazon, GCash CEO

About GCash

GCash (G-Xchange, Inc.) is the #1 Finance App in the Philippines. Through the GCash App, 79M registered users can easily purchase prepaid airtime; pay bills at over 1,600 partner billers nationwide; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts; purchase from over 5.2M partner merchants and social sellers; and get access to savings, credit, loans, insurance and invest money, and so much more, all at the convenience of their smartphones. GCash is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt (Globe Fintech Innovations, Inc.), the first and only duacorn in the Philippines.

GCash was recognized by The Asian Banker (TAB) and by the IDC in 2021 for its outstanding digital financial inclusion programs.

GCash bridges financial inclusion to economic growth through public sector partnerships

To serve the unbanked population, ensure financial inclusion, accelerate innovations, and ultimately achieve economic growth, the fintech sector should strengthen partnership with Local Government Units (LGU) and the public sector. This was one of the main highlights during the second annual “One with the Nation” conference by GCash, the country’s leading mobile wallet.

This year’s conference with the theme “Innovative and Inclusive: The Future of Digital Financial Services” made a bigger splash this year with a hybrid set-up held at the SEDA Hotel in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig and streamed simultaneously online via Zoom, with public sector partners and members of the media in attendance.

During the event, industry leaders and top government officials, led by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Felipe Medalla, gathered in one venue to share crucial insights on the future of digital financial services.

“The Philippines has made progress in digitizing retail payments while broadening financial inclusion. Recently, the BSP observed that more Filipinos are choosing to pay through digital means. In fact, the share of digital payments to total retail payment volume in the country grew from 20.1 percent in 2020 to 30.3 percent in 2021. The government continues to lead the path to digitalization with 96.7 percent of its total payment transactions and disbursements already in digital form.” ~Felipe Medalla, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor

Given the rapid growth of digital payments and services, the conference also put a spotlight on how LGUs can integrate safe online payments into their services.

“The adoption of digital payments by the local government is, I think, really, the best way to expand the digital space in the country - where the local government really opt for e-wallets and payments in paying taxes or business registration. That’s something that LGUs can do a lot more.” ~Mary Jean Pacheco, Department of Trade and Industry Assistant Secretary

In her speech, GCash president and CEO Martha Sazon acknowledged that there’s still a long way to go to fully achieve financial inclusion.

“There’s still so much more we can do. We ask for your support once again as we continue to work to make a positive impact in the lives of Filipinos, especially those who need our help the most. We look to you, our partners, as we continue together onward and upward with a shared vision of a better future for Filipinos.” ~Martha Sazon, GCash President and CEO

Addressing the importance of partnerships between public and private sectors, GCash chief customer officer Winsley Bangit also said that joint effort from these sectors is crucial in its pursuit of finance for all.

“At GCash, we remain steadfast in being a partner with the central bank’s drive for financial inclusion as well as digitalization. And of course, your presence here today really shows that the partnership between private and public sectors are really important in nation building, in making sure that nobody gets left behind, especially sa economic recovery ng ating bansa. More and more Filipinos are realizing the benefits of digital payments, specifically 66 million Filipinos or around 4 out of 5 adults now put their trust in GCash.” ~Winsley Bangit, GCash Chief Customer Officer

While more and more Filipinos are becoming more receptive to digital financial services, GCash also takes this as an opportunity to continue improving and innovating its services. For instance, beyond convenient digital payment options, GCash also offers millions of Filipinos a wide range of financial services from insurance to investment, and loans, and lifestyle needs with GInsure, GInvest, GLoan, GGives, GLife, and so much more.

In terms of reaching more communities, including micro, small, and medium enterprises, tricycle drivers, and market vendors which have a big contribution to the acceleration of economic growth of the country, GCash also helps in easy access to cashless payments through the promotion of the government's Paleng-QR Ph initiative.

Through continuous collaboration with LGUs and the public sector, GCash remains firm in its mission of making financial inclusion a reality for all Filipinos – building a reliable digital ecosystem that fosters sustainable economic growth.

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

About GCash

GCash (G-Xchange, Inc.) is the #1 Finance App in the Philippines. Through the GCash App, 66M registered users can easily purchase prepaid airtime; pay bills at over 1,600 partner billers nationwide; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts; purchase from over 5.2M partner merchants and social sellers; and get access to savings, credit, loans, insurance and invest money, and so much more, all at the convenience of their smartphones. GCash is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt (Globe Fintech Innovations, Inc.), the first and only duacorn in the Philippines.

GCash was recognized by The Asian Banker (TAB) and by the IDC in 2021 for its outstanding digital financial inclusion programs.

GCash, BPI seek to reach unbanked with BPI #MySaveUp

Did you know that 53 million Filipinos have no bank accounts? That is a staggering 69% percent of the country’s population from BSP’s Q3 2021 study.

The problem? Access. Many of them lack the documents required to open bank accounts. They opt to just keep their cash at home for easy access in case of emergency.

To encourage more Filipinos to go into formal banking, GCash, the country's leading e-wallet, recently partnered with the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) to reach unbanked Filipinos, particularly working millennials.

This is part of the top mobile wallet’s continuing innovation to empower Filipinos and find  solutions to digitalize their financial transactions, including paying for their purchases and bills, sending money to their loved ones, and building up their savings so they can have greater financial security and freedom in life. 

The partnership between GCash and BPI offers BPI #MySaveUp, an in-app feature in the GSave marketplace. 

"The goal of GSave Marketplace is to provide savings account options that would best fit their needs. The collaboration with BPI allows GCash users to enjoy the bank's wide reach and services nationwide. BPI #MySaveUp gives the underbanked and unbanked Filipinos access to formal banking through the GCash app.” ~Winsley Bangit, chief customer officer at GCash

Helping further scale up financial inclusion, BPI #MySaveUp paves the way for unbanked Filipinos to easily apply for and own a formal and all-digital account sans the long application process, allowing them to start their saving journey and achieve their financial goals while earning higher interest rates. 

Through this partnership, doing financial transactions and managing an account become plain sailing thru their GCash account or BPI mobile app. This new feature also offers free fund transfer from a user’s BPI #MySaveUp account to his GCash wallet and vice versa.

Users also have an option to get a BPI Debit Mastercard in any BPI branch for only P150 so they can access their account and withdraw from thousands of BancNet and Mastercard ATMs worldwide. 

"We, at BPI, are committed to realizing our vision of building a better Philippines. We are committed to continuously pursue financial inclusion programs in support of the BSP's goal for 70% of adult Filipinos to have formal financial accounts by 2023. This partnership with GCash brings us closer to this target as we provide more Filipinos a path towards financial wellness." ~Maria Cristina L. Go, Executive Vice President and Head of Consumer Banking at BPI

BPI #MySaveUp users can also win monthly prizes. Every Php 10,000 saved by the end of the month or have at least Php 3,000 worth of valid transactions within the month earns them 1 #Coin which they can use to buy a game card to win electronic GCs or eGCs from BPI. 

Applicants can open their BPI #MySaveUp account on their GCash app. They simply need to click the GSave icon then choose BPI #MySaveUp. Once in, they can open a savings account and proceed with using their GCash profile. After receiving the email confirmation from BPI, they can then finally start accessing BPI #MySaveUp. 

For non-GCash users, they just need to download the app, upload one valid ID and wait to be verified. Once done, they can enjoy all the products and services of GCash. 

InLife, GCash Partnership Sees P196M Transactions in 2021, Raises Women’s Role in the Digital Economy

InLife and GCash Partnership

Insular Life (InLife) recorded P196 million worth of transactions made through GCash from January to December 2021. This came from forty-six thousand transactions that were recorded using the GCash app for payments for various InLife insurance products. 

But more than a channel to collect premium payments, the partnership between InLife and GCash serves a more meaningful purpose – inclusion. 

“Our partnership with GCash, the largest FinTech platform in the country, is the latest and, by far, the widest net we are casting in our financial inclusion agenda for women. GCash breaks the barriers for the millions of the unbanked to avail themselves of financial services and health solutions at the most convenient and safe way.” ~Nina D. Aguas, InLife Chairperson

Nina D. Aguas, InLife Chairperson

InLife term life insurance and accident insurance plans that do not need medical examinations are now available through GCash since last year.  It also made the affordable emergency prepaid cards of its health subsidiary, Insular Health Care (IHC), available through GLife. The move is in line with InLife’s advocacy of promoting financial inclusion and empowering women through technology.

• Empowering Women Through Financial Inclusion 

InLife and GCash Partnership

“The Covid-19 pandemic has shifted the attitudes and behavior favorably toward getting adequate healthcare and insurance coverage. And data shows that it is the women who are active seekers not necessarily for themselves, but for their husbands, children, or parents.” ~Nina D. Aguas, InLife Chairperson

She noted that because of its reach and wide use, GCash is very suitable in influencing the health and financial security of the bigger communities, especially those who are financially excluded.

In her message during the event, GCash President and CEO Martha Sazon said that their partnership with InLife has enabled them to bring affordable and accessible insurance coverage to everyday Filipinos.

“This has allowed them access to relevant products ranging from life insurance to health care coverage through InLife and InLife Health Care, respectively. We are providing more Filipinos access to get covered more quickly and conveniently, giving them and their loved ones peace of mind. This is another step forward in our pursuit of financial inclusion – where we strive to make financial services more accessible to all Filipinos, especially for the unbanked and underbanked. Through our app, they now have access to digital financial services – even as the banking penetration remains low. Usage of our app is at an all-time high, as people now think of GCash as a digital life hack and more than just an e-wallet.” ~Martha Sazon, GCash President and CEO

Martha Sazon, GCash President and CEO

• Inspired by the Sheroes Movement

IHC President and CEO Noemi G. Azura disclosed that their experience in the InLife Sheroes Movement, InLife’s women’s advocacy program, made them realize the importance of digital channels to reach Filipino women.

In a nationwide study conducted by InLife in 2018 for its Sheroes program, it learned that Filipino women are the primary caregivers in the family, including extended ones. 

"We realized that online storefronts are viable distribution channels to reach more women who are looking for affordable protection products for life and health for their family. While tech is not usually a field women are associated with, our team at GCash is proof that it can happen – with women making up around half of our employee base.” ~Noemi G. Azura, IHC President and CEO

Noemi G. Azura, IHC President and CEO

She added that digital technology is effective in terms of promoting awareness about the program, and in delivering educational activities on health and personal finance.

Ms. Sazon said that they are celebrating their partnership at a special time – Women’s Month.

• Addressing Challenges in Financial Inclusion

“It is our hope that millions of Filipinos will enjoy peace of mind knowing that they have life and health insurance coverage for themselves and their loved available through GCash.” ~Nina D. Aguas, InLife Chairperson

InLife and GCash Partnership

During the launch, InLife and GCash executives also took the time to discuss the challenges of financially empowering women and how both companies can address them.

Insular Health Care Head of Sales and Marketing Division Tricci Rose A. Sadian; InLife Vice President and Head of Digital Sales Distribution Geraldine G. Pascual; and GCash Assistant Vice President and Head of Financial Services, Distribution, BPO & CICO for Enterprise Kim Pineda shared their insights on financial inclusion for women. They also discussed the various products and services of InLife and GCash that cater to women.

About The Insular Life Assurance Company, Ltd

Insular Life (InLife) is the first, largest, and only mutual Filipino life insurance company in the country with over 111 years of uninterrupted service. We apply over a hundred years of experience in financial protection, risk management, savings, and investment to help you make confident decisions for you and your loved ones. 

As a mutual life insurance company, our accountability is to our policyholders.  They can be assured of being protected by a company that has an asset base of over P148 billion and net worth of P37 billion. We have a nationwide presence in 53 branches all over the country, and an expanded digital footprint to serve our customers, wherever and whenever they want. Our success is anchored on the growth and security of our partners, policyholders and beneficiaries, because we exist to offer a lifetime for good for everyone. For more information, visit www.insularlife.com.ph.

About GCash

GCash (G-Xchange, Inc.) is the #1 Financial App in the Philippines. Through the GCash App, customers can easily purchase prepaid airtime; pay bills at over 1.3k partner billers; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts; purchase from over 4.5M partner merchants and social sellers; cash-in and cash-out at over 170k partner agents; and get access to savings, credit, insurance and invest money all at the convenience of their smartphones. GCash is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt (Globe Fintech Innovations, Inc.).

GCash was recognized by The Asian Banker (TAB) and by the IDC in 2021 for its outstanding digital financial inclusion programs impacting more than 55 million Filipinos in the country today.

GCash users can enjoy FREE cash-in services using banks with apps and websites that are powered by InstaPay

Users of GCash, the undisputed leading and preferred mobile wallet in the Philippines, can enjoy FREE cash-in services using banks with apps and websites that are powered by InstaPay.

GCash users who have bank accounts that allow them to digitally top up their e-wallets may use the cash-in service for FREE. For instance, GCash users who are also BPI account holders may use their BPI mobile app to transfer money to their GCash wallets for FREE.

 

Aside from BPI, over 30 banks allow their account holders to top up their GCash wallets for FREE, including BDO, Metrobank, RCBC, etc. Cashing in via bank apps and websites may differ per financial institution.

“GCash provides great value to the lives of Filipinos, especially now that we are transitioning to the so-called new normal. Digital finance will play a big role during these times, and providing the free cash-in via bank apps and websites through the InstaPay service will help GCash users maximize the use of their mobile wallets.” ~Martha Sazon, GCash President & CEO

GCash users may use their mobile wallets for a variety of financial services. GCash empowers users to pay for physical and online transactions to over 75,000 merchants, transact with over 400 billers, and transfer funds to over 40 banks in the Philippines.

 

They may also use their GCash wallets to buy airtime load, save money, invest in money market funds, and purchase insurance products.

 

Globe Fintech Innovations Inc. (Mynt), which operates GCash, is part of the portfolio companies of 917Ventures, the largest corporate incubator in the Philippines wholly-owned by Globe Telecom Inc.

For more information regarding bank app cash-ins, customers may visit https://help.gcash.com/hc/en-us/sections/900000085683-Cash-In-via-Bank-EMI-Apps.

Aside from being free, cashing in via bank apps and websites is also real-time, which means that the amount transferred from a bank account to a GCash account should reflect immediately. Cash In via Instapay is free for most banks.