Thursday, October 16, 2025

Kinapos Pero Kinaya: Diskarteng Pinoy Stories on Stretching Every Peso

Sometimes, no matter how resourceful you are, unexpected shortfalls happen. Sometimes it's running out of money for the daily commute, being low on gas, or coming up short on budget at the grocery counter. Other times, it’s something simple but urgent, like needing shampoo, baby’s milk, or even a quick snack.



Filipino breadwinners don’t just get by. They get creative. In a culture built on resourcefulness, diskarte stories are part of our shared experience: the small hacks, clever tricks, and laugh-or-cry moments we all use to stretch every peso. 


We asked real breadwinners to share their most relatable stories, and here’s what we found: 


  • “Biglang naubusan ako ng rekado, kaya takbo agad kay mare para manghiram!”

We’ve all been there, cooking adobo when suddenly you’re out of laurel. The pot’s simmering, and there’s no time or budget to run to the supermarket. For many Filipinos, quick fixes are part of everyday life. When you’re short on budget, even a simple missing ingredient can feel out of reach. Small, practical moves like borrowing or knocking on a neighbor’s door for a missing ingredient help keep dinner on the table and the household running.


  • “Nilagyan ko ng tubig yung shampoo para umabot pa hanggang bukas.”

Payday’s still a day away, and the shampoo bottle is nearly empty. Like many Filipino households, we add water, give it a shake, and hope it lasts one more wash. From shampoo to baby’s milk to medicine, these small emergencies test our creativity. More often than not, we stretch what’s left by adding water to the bottle, scraping the last bit from the jar, or making do until the next payday. It’s these small acts of resourcefulness that help us get by.


  • “Nilalakad ko na lang pauwi pag kinapos sa pamasahe.”

A week before payday, our wallets are down to coins. We line up for the jeepney and realize the pamasahe isn’t enough for the full ride home, so we improvise. Maybe we get off a few stops early and walk the rest of the way, or borrow a little gas money from a friend. These everyday hacks aren’t just about saving; they’re about survival, showing how resourceful and adaptable we become when times get tight.



The Ultimate Galawan for Everyday Gaps

These stories show how Filipinos handle daily gaps with creativity and grit—from food and groceries to minor emergencies and transportation. But even the most resourceful can’t plan for every setback.


That’s where GLoan Sakto comes in. It’s a simple, reliable, and valuable way to cover small but important needs:

  • Food and Groceries: pang-rekado, pang-merienda, or pang-araw-araw na bilihin sa convenience store

  • Minor Emergencies: pang-shampoo, sabon, gatas or diaper ni baby, at pati gamot

  • Transportation: pang-pamasahe sa commute or pang-gas sa motor


GLoan Sakto is a pre-qualified entry loan from GCash that lets eligible users instantly borrow ₱100–₱300 via the app. With a short 14-day term and minimal fees, it’s a convenient way to access quick cash.


To apply for GLoan Sakto, open the GCash app, tap “Borrow,” and follow these steps:

  1. Tap GLoan, then tap “Get Started.”

  2. Choose the purpose of the loan and tap “Get this loan.”

  3. Make sure your personal information is correct, then agree to the Data Privacy Agreement and loan agreements.

  4. Double-check the amount that will be credited to your GCash account and tap “Confirm.”

  5. Wait for the OTP from GCash, enter it in the app, and tap “Submit.” Users will receive a message from GCash confirming if they’re eligible for GLoan Sakto.


With GLoan Sakto, breadwinners can confidently handle everyday budget gaps—no drama, just solutions.


Learn more about GLoan Sakto on the GCash app or visit https://help.gcash.com/hc/en-us/articles/21435929589657-What-is-GLoan-Sakto.


GCash Corporate Communications team wins big at Quill and Stevies 2025

GCash Corporate Communication and Public Affairs team clinched the 2025 Bronze Stevie for Communications Department of the Year, reflecting the team’s strategic storytelling and impact-driven narratives.

 Through strategic storytelling, impact-driven narratives, and tech news that empowers communities, the GCash Corporate Communications & Public Affairs Team earned multiple distinctions at the 21st Philippine Quill Awards 2025. The team received honors in Women in Tech under Communication Management and in Community Relations and Diversity and Inclusion, both for GTalks.


In addition, the Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Team was named a Bronze Stevie® winner for Communications Department of the Year at the International Business Awards (IBA) 2025. These accolades underscore how GCash Corporate Communications continues to balance business growth with purposeful and sustained focus on driving inclusion, trust, and meaningful impact.


Championing women in technology


At the Quill Awards, GCash was cited for its GTalks: Empowering the Next Generation of Women in Tech. The session, part of the broader GTalks series, opened dialogue on bridging the gender divide in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), where women remain underrepresented worldwide.


Through programs like GTalks, GCash has made space for more women to participate in technology-driven careers by promoting inclusive hiring, offering flexible work arrangements, and investing in ongoing learning. Its partnerships with groups such as Connected Women and For The Women also help ensure women are equipped to lead and succeed in digital roles. These efforts reflect commitments of GCash such as the signing of the UN Women Empowerment Principles (WEPs) in 2024. Currently, half of the company’s leadership team is led by women.


“Recognition from the Quill Awards affirms that financial technology can play a role far bigger than transactions. With platforms like GTalks, we are creating opportunities for women, the youth, and underserved communities to take part in shaping the digital economy. At GCash, progress is defined by inclusion, because growth that leaves people behind is not real progress at all,” said Gilda Maquilan, VP and head of corporate communications at GCash.


Communications excellence on the global stage


On the international front, the company’s corporate communications team was honored at the 2025 Stevie® Awards where it received the Bronze Stevie for Communications Department of the Year. The recognition reflects the team’s role in building confidence in digital finance, guiding public conversations on fintech, and amplifying the broader purpose-driven initiatives of GCash. 


Over the past two years, the team has supported major milestones, from helping position GCash as the first Philippine company in the World Economic Forum Unicorn Community, they have also been instrumental in promoting programs such as GForest, which has supported the planting of over 4 million trees, and the GCash Eco Run, which encouraged 12,000 Filipinos nationwide to take part in climate action.


By earning distinction both locally and abroad, GCash demonstrates how a Philippine fintech brand can stand as a leader in both innovation and advocacy, championing financial access while also using its platform to push for equality, sustainability, and nation-building.


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


GCash sparks dialogue at the Pulse 2025 on role of AI in helping MSMEs grow their business

 G-Xchange, Inc. president and CEO Ren-Ren Reyes (5th from left) joins other industry leaders during the fireside chat of the segment titled Scaling B2B Businesses through Digital Innovation

As more and more Filipino businesses turn to digital solutions to streamline operations, digital leaders are prioritizing technologies that enable them to grow their business and reach new markets.

This shift was the central focus at Pulse 2025: B2B Innovation & Leadership Forum, organized by Asticom, a leading shared services and tech solutions company. Held at Shangri-La The Fort, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, the forum brought together business leaders, technologists, and decision-makers from across industries to explore how responsible AI, platform partnerships, and digital transformation are redefining the business landscape in the Philippines.

Among the leading voices at the event was GCash, the country’s top finance superapp. G-Xchange Inc., (the mobile wallet operator of GCash) president and CEO Ren-ren Reyes, along with Jong Layug, general manager for GCash for Business, shared how the platform is evolving beyond consumer finance to drive financial empowerment and provide enterprise-scale solutions.

During one of the fireside chats, Reyes emphasized that the core purpose of GCash extends to both individual users and the broader enterprise landscape. He said, “Whether it's a consumer reloading RFID or a company streamlining collections, we aim to remove pain points through digital tools. Every efficiency gained contributes to a stronger, more empowered economy.”

He also addressed the question of emerging technologies, such as AI, and how GCash filters them through a practical lens:

“We don’t adopt tech for tech’s sake. We ask, does this solve a real problem? If it doesn’t, it’s not worth the distraction. If it does, we scale it in a way that’s intuitive and secure for our users. In the end, at the heart of GCash is our vision—Finance for All. We help Filipinos establish a digital identity and financial footprint, bringing them into the formal system. That small step unlocks services they never thought possible before.”

Noting the crucial role of B2B partnerships and how they’re foundational to GCash’s growth model, Layug shared how GCash has been expanding its enterprise focus through ecosystem collaboration and scalable solutions.

“If something defines who we are, we build it. If speed is critical and others can do it better, we partner. Either way, we always test side by side to ensure we’re delivering the best outcome. We’ve always solved for the Filipino consumer. Now we’re applying the same mindset to businesses—creating tools that remove friction, improve cash flow, and simplify interactions between brands and their customers.”

Also present at the event were industry leaders from McDonald’s Philippines, Globe, Google Philippines, Microsoft Philippines, LinkedIn, Entrego, and other key players in digital innovation and enterprise transformation.

The event was part of Asticom’s 10th anniversary celebration, marking a decade of enabling businesses through shared services, workforce solutions, and technology-driven innovation. Asticom supports organizations in scaling operations and navigating transformation by delivering smart, people-centered business solutions.

As GCash deepens its engagement with the B2B sector through responsible AI, scalable partnerships, and customer-first innovation, it reinforces its mission to support smarter, more inclusive business growth across the Philippines.

For more information, please visit http://www.gcash.com.


Smart enables Video Calls without the need for apps


PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has announced the rollout of Video Calls powered by Video Over LTE (ViLTE), enabling Smart and TNT subscribers with ViLTE-capable devices to make video calls without the need for a third-party app.


With ViLTE, subscribers can make high-quality video calls as easily as dialing a regular voice call, bringing loved ones closer through simpler, smoother, and more personal conversations.


ViLTE video calls are simply charged to the caller’s voice subscription. This means that subscribers with an active Unli Calls offer — such as Unli 5G+ or PowerAll for Smart customers or SurfSaya for TNT users — can virtually enjoy unlimited video calls with ease. And just like in regular calls, the receiver of the call doesn’t need to have an active offer as long as the caller has one.


Beyond delivering high-quality video calls, ViLTE also ensures stable connections even in crowded environments and is designed to be more battery-efficient. It also allows subscribers to multitask seamlessly, so they can browse, stream, and use other apps while on a call.


A clearer and more immersive way to connect


The launch of Video Calls powered by ViLTE builds on Smart’s milestone achievement as the first telco to roll out Voice over LTE (VoLTE) for prepaid and postpaid customers in 2020. This technology enabled clearer, uninterrupted voice calls over LTE while maintaining simultaneous data connectivity.


Smart continues to expand its 4G and 5G networks nationwide to deliver an even better customer experience by providing ultra-low latency for seamless and lag-free video calls, live streaming, and mobile gaming, among other high-bandwidth activities.


“Our sustained network investments enable us to stay true to Smart’s DNA of democratizing the most advanced mobile experiences and making the latest innovations accessible to more Filipinos. With ViLTE, we are enhancing everyday communication by empowering our customers with a clearer and more immersive way to connect,” said Lloyd R. Manaloto, FVP at Smart.


How to enjoy Video Calls powered by ViLTE


To activate ViLTE, Smart and TNT subscribers must first ensure that VoLTE is enabled on their Android device by following these steps:


1. Go to Settings and choose Mobile or Cellular Network

2. Enable VoLTE / HD Voice

3. Toggle ViLTE / Video over LTE / Video Calling to ON


To enjoy ViLTE calls, both parties should have VoLTE and ViLTE enabled on their smartphones and be within Smart’s LTE or 5G coverage. Smart’s ViLTE also works on WiFi.


For the best experience, Smart recommends updating Android devices to the latest software version and using VoLTE- and ViLTE-capable smartphones from top manufacturers, including Samsung, Huawei, OPPO, ZTE, Infinix, Itel, Tecno, vivo, and Xiaomi.


To know more about Video Calls powered by ViLTE, visit the official social media accounts of Smart and TNT.

It starts with Php 100: How GLoan Sakto supports a working mom of three to help cover daily needs

Josephine Russiana, a hardworking mom in Sampaloc, Manila, taps GCash loans to keep her family thriving.

 Josephine Russiana, 45, cleans condominium units at Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig for a living. As a mother of three, every peso counts to sustain her family’s daily needs. 


But there are days when her hard-earned income simply isn’t enough. Her husband, once a motorcycle taxi rider, had to give up the job when they could no longer keep up with the motorcycle’s monthly payments. He now works part-time as a family driver, leaving the family without a steady second source of income.


"Kumikita ka, pero minsan kinakapos ka talaga," Josephine laments. (I bring in money for my family but sometimes it is not enough.) 


Josephine recalls the day when she didn’t have enough money for her children’s baon for school. She usually splits the P200 budget among her children.  Fortunately, she remembered what a friend told her once: GCash offers cash loan products to eligible users. She tried her luck and was granted P100 instantly.


Josephine was able to get this financial support via GLoan Sakto, a sachet-type (“tingi”) loan, offered by Fuse Financing Inc., the lending arm of GCash.  GLoan Sakto enables dignified lending where they can borrow within a digital formal credit system eliminating the shame of borrowing face-to-face or resorting to unregulated "5-6" predatory lenders. These lenders charge loan shark rates, resulting in an even bigger financial burden for the borrowers. GCash wants to end this cycle of debt traps that only burn a deeper hole in Filipinos’ pockets. 


Often used as “pambale,” borrowing even just P100 can make a meaningful difference for most Filipinos. Through GLoan Sakto, eligible users can borrow small amounts, instantly credited to their wallets, with repayment set within 14 days to help cover immediate needs such as buying a few kilos of rice or canned goods for the family’s next meal. 


The next time she needed to borrow money, Josephine says GCash offered her an increased sum: P300, which she used for her commuting expenses. Eventually, Josephine was able to loan P1,000, allowing her to have additional budget for food and utility expenses. 


What began as a short-term solution to Josephine became her entry point to formal credit and a broader financial journey. Josephine was able to increase her loanable amount because of timely repayments. 


“Wala pang due, binayaran ko na. Hindi po ako nagpapa-overdue,” Josephine says. (I pay before the due date. I never let anything go overdue.)


A gateway to formal credit

For most Filipino families, every sustainable credit journey starts with a first step—often a modest one like this sachet-type loan. 


"Josephine’s story reflects why we launched GLoan Sakto in the first place—to give hardworking Filipinos access to safe, reliable, and dignified credit," says Tony Isidro, president and CEO of Fuse Financing Inc. "Too many families fall into debt traps because traditional loans are out of reach. With GLoan Sakto, we are showing that even the smallest amount, paired with responsible repayment, can open doors to financial confidence and stability," he adds.


To date, Fuse has served 9.5 million unique borrowers, 90% of whom are first-time users of formal credit through Fuse—highlighting how the company and its lending products have enabled many Filipinos to access formal financial services for the first time.


“At Fuse and GCash, we believe that there is good in doing good business— that’s why we make affordable loans accessible, even to ‘high-risk’ segments because they are the ones who were traditionally sidelined by other lenders and yet needed support the most,” Isidro says. 


Through GLoan Sakto, GCash reaffirms its commitment to financial inclusion—empowering millions of Filipinos to rise above daily struggles and build long-term financial confidence. To know more about our lending products, visit gcash.com.


Bitget Wallet Launches Crypto Card in Asia-Pacific

Bitget Wallet has officially launched Bitget Wallet Card in selected Asia-Pacific markets, expanding its crypto payment offering to one of the world's most dynamic regions.


Bitget Wallet Card is designed to make crypto spendable in daily life by connecting self-custodied digital assets directly to Mastercard's over 150 million merchants and Visa's network of more than 200 countries. Users can apply for the card through the Bitget Wallet app, receive instant approval via fully digital onboarding, and add the card to Apple Pay or Google Pay for global acceptance. Transactions are funded instantly through onchain swaps and deposits into USDT and USDC, while top-ups are free of charge.


"Launching the Bitget Wallet Card in Asia-Pacific is a pivotal milestone in our strategy," said Jamie Elkaleh, CMO of Bitget Wallet. "It strengthens our vision of combining self-custody, compliance, and real-world utility, giving users a single gateway to spend, save, and earn with digital assets."


The launch comes as Asia-Pacific has emerged as the fastest-growing crypto market globally, with onchain activity rising 69% year-over-year to US $2.36 trillion. The region has become a hub for both institutional stablecoin adoption and retail payments, with Southeast Asia driving remittance flows and developed markets like Japan and Australia demanding transparent, cost-efficient payment solutions. By combining Bitget Wallet's self-custodial reach and global partner payment rails, the Bitget Wallet Card is positioned to bridge blockchain-native assets with mainstream finance across the region.


GCash expands livelihood opportunities with the new GCash Pera Outlet Plus, bringing financial access closer to Filipino communities

GCash Pera Outlet Plus turns sari-sari stores into digital finance hubs—letting retailers earn more while serving their communities

GCash, the Philippines’ leading finance super app with the largest cashless ecosystem, announced the official launch of the GCash Pera Outlet Plus. Designed to economically empower Nano, Micro and Small (NMS) businesses, such as sari-sari stores, carinderias, and other community-based retail shops, by becoming a local hub for daily digital financial transactions, such as cash-in, cash-out, load purchase, and bills payment in their communities.


The new GCash Pera Outlet Plus is a separate and dedicated merchant app, currently available for Android mobile devices, that offers a wide range of digital financial services, with simple and powerful tools that enables community-based retail stores to earn additional income and help grow their businesses.


Store owners can unlock income streams and higher earning potential that can augment revenues to their existing business by earning commissions from everyday GCash financial services. Unlike a standard consumer e-wallet, the GCash Pera Outlet Plus wallet is designed for high-volume community transactions, offering higher wallet limits and a separate account history for better transaction tracking and management.


To help GCash Per Outlet Plus partner stores succeed, GCash offers a range of support including, but not limited to, free store merchandising set-up, exclusive merchant promotions and helpful digital tools such as “My Suki” to save customer details and avoid mistakes in keying-in numbers, frontliner delegation features to allow a store front personnel to run the business while owners are away, and a very simple business onboarding process.


With thousands of registered outlets nationwide, GCash Pera Outlet Plus plays a vital role in the country’s digital transformation and in bridging the financial gap, as it paves the way to digitalization at the grassroots community level through NMS businesses.


"At GCash, we believe that empowering community-based retails shops is key to building a more inclusive and resilient economy," said RenRen Reyes, CEO of G-Xchange, Inc. "With the new GCash Pera Outlet Plus, we're giving nano,micro and small entrepreneurs the tools to help grow their businesses further, serve their communities, and contribute to national development. This is a commitment to uplift local livelihoods and drive economic progress from the ground up."


The GCash Pera Outlet Plus features help ensure that NMS businesses—have the digital tools to adapt, thrive, earn, and lead. This initiative is a core reflection of GCash’s commitment to inclusive innovation in line with its vision of providing "Finance for All”. This vision centers on accelerating financial inclusion by providing accessible and meaningful digital finance solutions to empower all Filipinos, especially those who are unbanked or underserved by traditional financial institutions.


By expanding digital financial services to the furthest reaches of the country, the initiative directly supports the Philippine Government’s digitalization agenda for local and national economic development.


To know more about GCash Pera Outlet Plus, you may read more about it here, and submit your application inquiries to the Official GCash Pera Outlet Distributor in your area. Power-up your business today, become a GCash Pera Outlet Plus partner now!