Sony Philippines Brings the Wedding Industry’s Top Creatives Together at the Manila Wedding Masterclass

 

My Sony Members gathered for Sony’s Manila Wedding Masterclass

Sony Philippines has set the stage for the biggest wedding-focused event date with the Manila Wedding Masterclass which took place at Enderun Events, Taguig. Exclusively for My Sony members, the masterclass marks a milestone for the local wedding community–becoming the first-ever Sony event to unite all Sony Alpha professionals specializing in weddings in one immersive experience.

Sony Alpha Professionals Industry leaders in Wedding Storytelling with Sony Philippines

Created for wedding photographers, videographers, and hybrid shooters, the Sony’s Manila Wedding Masterclass is designed to mirror the pace, pressure, and beauty of a real wedding day. Through structured talks, live shooting sessions, and hands-on gear experience, Sony reinforces its commitment to empowering creatives–while rewarding My Sony members with access to premium, member-only events.

A welcome address from Sony Philippines’ President and Managing Director, Mr. Shuhei Sugihara, setting the time for a full-day deep dive into wedding storytelling. Attendees are then introduced to Sony’s imaging philosophy and wedding-focused innovations, with a spotlight on the Sony Alpha 7 V, a camera built to keep up with fast-moving, once-in-a-lifetime moments.

At the core of the masterclass are the industry leaders who have shaped modern wedding storytelling in the Philippines featuring the country’s top wedding storytellers: Jaja Samagiego, Jason Magbanua, Jiggie Alejandrino, Pilar Bonnin, and Sherard Yu. All proud Sony users, they offered insights into the art and technicalities of capturing weddings where every moment counts in a panel discussion. 

Jaja Samaniego leads an engaging session to create meaningful wedding imagery

Social media has reshaped how couples envision their weddings, but according to renowned wedding photographer Jaja Samaniego: “For me, social media isn't always a bad thing. It’s opened up more ideas, inspiration, and opportunities for us to collaborate with clients. Just like architects, we build each visual story around our couples.” she shared, emphasizing how wedding storytelling is built around understanding emotions and connecting with clients to bring out authentic moments.

Jason Magbanua demonstrates real-time editing techniques for Same Day Edit videos

Celebrated wedding videographer and visual storyteller Jason Magbanua noted that while online trends can sometimes pressure couples to follow what they see, the key lies in focusing on what genuinely reflects their story. “I create wedding films in a style that is true to who I am, and naturally, I attract clients who connect with that vision. Being firm in your creative voice is what makes the work meaningful for the audience.”

Jiggie Alejandrino shares lighting techniques for weddings or pre-nup shoots

Meanwhile, respected photographer and lighting specialist Jiggie Alejandrino highlighted the balance between personal style and client needs. “Clients hire you based on your creative style, but every couple is different. I make sure to give them what they want first, and then I experiment after. At the end of the day, I’m not doing this for myself–I’m capturing the day for the couple who trusts me.”

Sherard Yu leads a live demonstration on filming couple wedding scenes

Renowned wedding videographer Sherard Yu also highlighted the capabilities of Sony’s latest mirrorless cameras “As a hybrid shooter, the Sony α7 V has the best features similar to Sony α1 II. As a hybrid shooter, I am confident that I can take both photos and videos well using this.” When asked about his thoughts on wedding trends, “I think that it allows us to experiment a bit more as the process does evolve over time, and yet the essence is still the same for weddings. You just have to learn how to adapt with the technology that comes with it.”

Pilar Bonnin discusses bridal portrait techniques 

As a specialist in wedding portraits, Pilar Bonnin also shared her advice on how she keeps her ideas fresh and avoid repetition: “Step outside the genre you’re doing and get into something else. It inspires and intrigues you to fuel the flame again. As for me, since I can’t paint, I take pictures. I study lighting and other creative portraits. At the end of the day, I think you owe it to the couple so try to snap out of it and have a conversation that will inspire you.” said Pilar. “Be humble and learn. Never stop learning.”

After the discussion, participants immerse themselves in the Touch and Try sessions, experiencing realistic wedding scenarios across two setups. Indoors, Sherard Yu demonstrates capturing cinematic wedding videos, while Jason Magbanua leads a hands-on session on directing and editing techniques for wedding filmmaking. Outdoors, Jaja Samaniego led a natural light and storytelling setup at the Atrium Façade, while Jiggie Alejandrino focused on lighting, composition, and elegant portrait creation at the Fountain Area. The garden setup with Pilar Bonnin explored a fine-art, emotive approach to portraits, allowing participants to practice in lifelike wedding environments using Sony cameras and lenses.

The Touch and Try sessions were designed to give participants hands-on experience, offering real-life scenarios and practical techniques that they can apply with their own clients. Each station showcased a unique approach to wedding storytelling, guided by the Sony Alpha Professionals and wedding industry leaders.

My Sony Members practice their skills during the Touch and Try session

Sony Philippines also announced this year’s contest giveaways where participants can join and share their favorite event highlights and behind-the-scenes moments for a chance to win premium Sony gear, including the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II and a G Master Premium Kit, along with special prizes from partner brands Benro, Epson, Gutek, Hollyland, and Nanlite.

Connecting wedding storytellers from Metro Manila, the Manila Wedding Masterclass stands as a defining moment for Sony Philippines’ wedding intiatives–bringing together education, inspiration, and appreciation in one landmark event for the wedding photography and filmmaking community.

GCash lending arm Fuse advances AI use to strengthen responsible collections practices and protect customer dignity

(L-R) Wiz.Ai chief operating officer Alex Song, Mynt (parent company of GCash) chief technology and operations officer Pebbles Sy, Wiz.Ai chief executive officer Jianfeng Lu, and Fuse Financing Inc. President and CEO Tony Isidro

Fuse Financing Inc., the lending arm of GCash, is enhancing its customer servicing as it expands its strategic partnership with artificial intelligence (AI) solutions provider Wiz.AI, automating key processes within its collections operations, particularly Quality Assurance (QA) to strengthen the audit process and overall service quality. 

Leveraging the expertise of Wiz.AI, voice AI will review and assess call recordings, evaluating performance based on service quality. This integration will help ensure that human agents remain respectful and uphold the company’s commitment to fair and responsible collection practices. 

"Our partnership with Wiz.AI has already transformed how we manage high-volume collection calls, and with this renewed collaboration, we’re excited to explore new frontiers in automation. By integrating voice AI into our QA processes, we’re not only improving operational efficiency but also ensuring a more consistent and personalized customer experience,” said Tony Isidro, president and CEO of Fuse Financing Inc. 

“This innovation will also support our audit process to ensure our agents remain responsible, while helping us gain insights into how we can further enhance the way we serve our customers and continuously improve our service. We highly value our customers’ dignity and maintain zero tolerance for harassment or abusive practices,” Isidro added.

Over the past three years, the lending arm of the country’s leading finance super app, GCash, and Wiz.AI have worked together to deploy VoiceBot, an AI-powered voice automation tool that handles high-volume, routine collection calls. The solution has reduced the heavy manual workload, allowing agents to focus on more complex and high-value customer concerns that require human interaction. 

This marks a major step toward solving one of the lending industry’s biggest challenges: labor-intensive processes– while enhancing scalability,  reducing errors, and improving the overall customer experience.

Wiz.AI’s technology enables the lending arm to offload repetitive, lower-value tasks from human agents, such as making reminder calls or verifying information. This allows agents to focus on complex customer interactions that require empathy, negotiation, or deeper problem-solving—improving both productivity and service quality.

“Fuse's success in leveraging voice AI is a perfect example of how the GCash ecosystem uses smart technology to solve core friction points for financial inclusion,” said Pebbles Sy, chief technology and operations officer of Mynt, the parent company of GCash. “This partnership ensures our lending platform is scalable, trustworthy, and efficient, allowing us to safely serve millions more Filipinos.”

“This partnership is a testament to the transformative power of enterprise voice AI when applied to visionary financial ecosystems like GCash. At WIZ.AI, we’ve built our reputation as the most trusted  AI partner because we understand that leaders need more than technology—they need solutions that integrate seamlessly and scale reliably. By expanding into quality assurance, we are jointly setting a new benchmark for digital lending operations across the region,” said Jianfeng Lu, Wiz.AI chief executive officer. 

By integrating automation into both its customer service and QA functions, Fuse is directly addressing the industry’s biggest bottlenecks: limited capacity, high cost, and inconsistent quality. The result is a more scalable, accurate, and sustainable lending operation that combines digital precision with human expertise.

As Fuse Financing and Wiz.AI continue to expand their collaboration, both companies remain focused on creating a future where lending is not only faster and more efficient but also smarter, setting new standards for digital finance in the Philippines.

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

A Speedy Comeback: Julia Barretto and Maris Racal Show How Fast Borrowing Can Be with Maya

 

If you’ve seen Julia Barretto and Maris Racal slap each other with money in their recent Maya video, you already know they make money moments unforgettable. Now, they’re back at it again. But this time, it’s about staying ready when life moves fast.

In Maya’s newest video, Julia and Maris tap into a reality familiar to many Filipinos: when you need cash, you often need it fast. Watch as they show how borrowing with Maya feels:

[Embed Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/GwZb4eAJUgo?si=z9i2KFBSUknQUPtC]

The visual gag is playful, but the message behind it is clear: getting a loan with Maya is fast, simple, and legit.

Making Lending Feel Relatable and Less Intimidating

By pairing two of today’s most relatable stars with an exaggerated, almost cinematic take on speed, the film reframes lending in a way that feels familiar rather than intimidating. Instead of complex terms or heavy explanations, the message comes through visually and instantly: when life happens fast, getting financial support doesn’t have to feel stressful.

This move is part of Maya’s continued push to make financial services more accessible, transparent, and relevant. As the #1 digital bank and leading fintech ecosystem in the Philippines, Maya brings together savings, payments, credit, and loans in one app, helping Filipinos feel more confident and in control of their money, whether they’re planning ahead or navigating everyday realities.

Fast Access, Real Options

Maya makes borrowing easier through its lending products, starting with Maya Easy Credit, which gives users quick access to a revolving credit line of up to P30,000 directly in the app. Designed for short-term needs, Maya Easy Credit comes with instant approval and quick access to funds, plus low fees and easy repayment, all without paperwork, collateral, or long waiting periods.

For bigger plans or more structured needs, Maya Personal Loan offers higher loan amounts of up to P250,000 with longer repayment terms of up to 24 months. It’s fully digital with a fast and hassle-free approval process. From application to approval, the process is streamlined, reflecting exactly what the film dramatizes: when you need funds fast, Maya gives you access to it– now.

What sets Maya apart, however, is that speed doesn’t come at the cost of responsibility. The platform encourages smart borrowing habits by rewarding users who make consistent and prompt repayments with better loan offers, easier access, and a smoother borrowing experience over time. Simply put: the more responsibly you borrow and repay, the easier it gets next time.

To learn more, visit maya.ph or mayabank.ph, and follow @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay updated. Approval and offer are subject to credit evaluation. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (www.bsp.gov.ph). For 24/7 assistance, visit the Help Center in the Maya app or call us from 8 AM to 7 PM daily at +632 8845-7788. 

How Regular Food Delivery Users Are Rethinking the Way They Pay

 

For many Filipinos, ordering food has become part of the weekly rhythm. A quick lunch between meetings, a late-night craving after work, or a weekend treat shared with family—food delivery is no longer an occasional indulgence but a regular habit.

Among frequent users, how they pay is quietly changing.

Instead of chasing one-off promos or switching apps for discounts, digitally minded consumers are starting to look for payment options that work seamlessly with the routines they already have. That’s where the EastWest–foodpanda Visa Credit Card comes in—designed to fit naturally into how people order, pay, and repeat the cycle the following week.

In tandem with the foodpanda ecosystem, the card allows users to earn up to 10% cashback on foodpanda transactions instantly, with cashback credited directly to pandapay, foodpanda’s in-app wallet for immediate use on future orders. There is no need to redeem —just a straightforward reward that shows up in-app, ready for the next meal.

And this weekly cashback loop has already started to click with high-frequency food delivery users who value ease and immediacy. Instead of tracking rewards across different platforms, everything stays in one place—order, pay, receive cashback, and use it again.

Beyond food delivery, the card also earns cashback on everyday spending: 0.3% on domestic purchases and 1% on overseas transactions, with a total monthly cashback cap of ₱1,000. For users who rely on digital payments both locally and abroad, it becomes a single card that fits the different parts of daily life.

For early adopters, the value extends even further. The first 50,000 approved and active cardholders receive six months of complimentary pandapro membership. New cardholders even get waived annual fees for the first year and access to exclusive vouchers and sign-up offers. Those who successfully complete their application by January 31 will receive a P500 cash credit once they use their card for a minimum accumulated spend of only P1,000 within the first 30 days of card activation.

To round out a true digital experience, applying for the EastWest - foodpanda Visa Credit Card can be done digitally via EastWest’s ESTA platform. The EastWst – foodpanda Visa Credit Card is supported by Visa’s global payment network, offering secure acceptance whether users are tapping in-store, ordering online, or transacting overseas.

Rather than changing behavior, the EastWest–foodpanda Visa Credit Card builds on habits that already exist. For regular food delivery users, it’s not about ordering more—it’s about making each order count, with rewards that arrive just in time for the next craving. 

A Valentine's Day Treat from Logitech: Lovely Gift Ideas for Him and Her

 This Valentine’s Day, give your special someone something as thoughtful and meaningful as the moments you share together. From the global leader in PC and gaming peripherals, Logitech shares its lineup of productivity-boosting gear and immersive gaming tech to make this Valentine’s Day more enjoyable and connected.

For the Productive Duo
Teamwork makes the dream work. For couples who excel at getting things done, high-quality tech that enhances work and study sessions makes the perfect Valentine’s Day gift.

Maximize His Workflow
Make his overall workflow more streamlined with Logitech’s Signature Slim Solar+ Keyboard K980 and M650 Mouse — a lightweight, reliable duo that supports comfortable typing and intuitive control. The wireless Signature Slim Solar+ Keyboard runs on Logi LightCharge technology, allowing it to draw power from both solar and artificial light sources for uninterrupted performance without the hassle of frequent charging. Meanwhile, the M650 delivers precise tracking and ergonomic comfort, complemented by near-silent clicks and customizable side buttons that support long, productive work sessions.

For something more straightforward but equally dependable, the Logitech MK250 Keyboard and Mouse Combo offers a seamless setup designed for his everyday efficiency. The K250 bluetooth keyboard features a compact layout with comfortable, responsive keys that support smooth typing for emails, reports, and casual tasks, while keeping the desk clutter-free. When paired with the M196 wireless mouse, it provides 1,000 DPI optical tracking that makes everyday scrolling and navigation feel effortless, even during long work sessions.

Supercharge Her Work Efficiency
Help her stay energized through long study sessions or back‑to‑back reports with the Wave Keys — an ergonomically structured keyboard that promotes a relaxed typing posture to reduce strain during extended use. When paired with the Lift Mouse, this whole setup supports wrist alignment and offers tailored comfort for small to medium hands, making typing, scrolling, and clicking feel easier and more intuitive.

Alternatively, if she prefers something chic and stylish in her space, the Pebble Mouse 2 and Pebble Keys 2 duo pack a minimalist aesthetic while delivering quiet performance. The low‑profile, Bluetooth‑enabled design allows her to move freely across multiple devices without cable clutter. The slim keys and gentle clicks make typing feel pleasant rather than tiring. This combo also fits beautifully into any workspace for someone whose desk is an expression of her taste and routine.

For the Gaming Couples

Turn everyday playtime into memorable moments with premium gear designed for precision, performance, and deeper immersion. This Valentine’s Day, spend quality time with your player two and compete, collaborate, and conquer virtual worlds together.

Level-Up His Gameplay

If gaming is his one true passion, a proper battle station is a must for exceptional gaming nights. Logitech’s G502 X PLUS Gaming Mouse features LIGHTSPEED wireless technology and its signature HERO 25K sensor, delivering lightning‑fast responsiveness and pinpoint accuracy at sub-micron levels that keeps up with every subtle flick of the wrist.

Paired with it, the G515 LIGHTSPEED TKL Keyboard elevates his typing and gameplay experience with factory-lubricated mechanical switches, LIGHTSYNC RGB, and tri‑mode wireless connectivity that ensures a fast, stable connection with reactive key presses. Its compact, tenkeyless build also saves desk space without compromising performance or responsiveness.

For racing and simulation fans, the G29 or G923 Driving Wheel and Shifter is a strong upgrade. With true-to-life feedback and responsive pedal control, it recreates real driving sensations from sharp corner drifts to high-speed straightways. This setup transforms casual play into a fully immersive racing experience, bringing the thrill of the track straight into your home.

Boost Her Gaming Experience

Turn up the coziness levels up a notch and let her play in comfort. The G522 LIGHTSPEED Headset brings her into the heart of every game and voice chat with clear audio, reliable LIGHTSPEED wireless performance, and comfortable rounded cushion ear cups for extended sessions. Whether she’s coordinating strategies with friends or immersing herself to the soundtrack of her favorite titles, this headset keeps sound rich and communication crisp. 

To complete her setup, the PRO X 2 Superlight Dex Mouse and PRO X TKL Rapid Keyboard not only provide her with the tools for ultra‑responsive movement and control, they also come in stylish colorways to match her setup. The PRO X 2 Superlight Dex weighs just about 60 grams and features the advanced HERO 2 sensor with up to 44,000 DPI tracking. Meanwhile, the PRO X TKL features magnetic analog switches with tournament-grade responsiveness suited for gamers who value agility and speed right at their fingertips.

Skip the predictable flowers and chocolates and give something practical, thoughtful, and truly useful. Discover more gift ideas and product selections by visiting Logitech and Logitech G’s official websites. For the latest updates and future announcements, follow Logitech and Logitech G on their respective Facebook pages.