EastWest Leads Tourism Empowerment as Major Sponsor of Philippine Travel Mart 2025

EastWest took part in the opening of the 36th Philippine Travel Mart, standing alongside leaders in advancing travel opportunities and empowering communities through finance, digital solutions, and partnerships.

EastWest joined the Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) 2025 as a major sponsor, backing the growth of tourism through accessible financing, digital tools, and collaborations across the industry. Speaking at the opening ceremony, EastWest CEO Jerry Ngo addressed industry stakeholders with a powerful call to reimagine tourism not just as a destination economy, but as a platform for identity, livelihood, and national pride.

As EastWest CEO Ngo puts it, “Filipino hospitality is never transactional; it is deeply personal. Tourism is not just an industry for us. It is an ecosystem--one we want to nurture from the ground up through partnerships and collaborations.”

A Booth That Travels With You

At PTM 2025, EastWest's dedicated booth offers a gateway to rewarding travel experiences. Visitors can:

• Apply for EastWest credit cards on-site

• Inquire about Personal Loans, Priority Banking, and Travel Insurance products

• Explore exclusive installment promos at select travel merchants

EastWest Early Entrance: Because Travel Should Start Easy

As a special treat, EastWest credit cardholders enjoyed early 9:00-10:00AM access to the exhibit-beating the crowds and grabbing the best deals before general public entry.

This benefit is part of the Bank's broader mission to deliver ease, personalization, and access through its “EasyWay to Bank” platform, enabling smarter travel, better financing options, and seamless digital experiences.

Banking That Goes Further

From travel-ready credit cards and installment options to NFC payments, real-time rewards, and access to airport lounges, EastWest continues to build a travel ecosystem that's not only convenient-but empowering. Its parent company, Filinvest, complements this mission through sustainable tourism investments in hospitality, F&B innovation, and eco-conscious infrastructure development.

Partnering for Progress

“Tourism thrives when government, LGUs, communities, transport, technology, and yes, banks come together,” Ngo noted. “If we nurture it, if we empower it with the right financial tools, the right partnerships, and the right spirit, then tourism will not just grow - it will transform lives.”

By sponsoring PTM 2025, EastWest not only supports tourism promotion, it actively contributes to tourism empowerment through financial tools, digital channels, and community development.

“At EastWest, we help power transformations,” said Ngo.

Double Win for EastWest at The Asian Banker Philippine Excellence Awards 2025

East West Banking Corporation (EastWest) earned two top honors at The Asian Banker Philippine Excellence Awards 2025, winning Best Foreign Exchange Service and Best Digital Ecosystem & Platform. These show EastWest’s drive to deliver high-value, customer-focused, and innovative banking solutions for Filipinos at every life stage.

These awards capture the heart of EastWest’s mission to make banking easier and more inclusive. Whether through competitive and transparent foreign exchange services or a digital ecosystem designed for all, the Bank continues to build solutions that meet the unique needs of every customer at every stage of their financial journey. This is the EasyWay to Bank.

From L–R: EastWest Chief Digital Officer, Harvey Libarnes; Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, Issa Yap; Metro Manila Sales Officer, Trina Marie Burgos; and Head of Financial Markets and Wealth Management Cluster, Raffy Algarra, Jr., who represented the Bank at The Asian Banker Philippine Awards held on 14 August 2025 in Manila.

Best Foreign Exchange Service

EastWest’s win for Best Foreign Exchange Service reflects its competitive rates, convenient FX conversion, and strong focus on client value. With a buy-sell spread significantly lower than competitors’, the Bank delivers exchange rates better than the market average which helps customers maximize their currency conversions.

Despite economic headwinds in recent years, EastWest maintained steady growth in FX transactions, customer base, and trade volume, achieving record-high performance in 2024.

To further elevate the customer experience, the Bank has rolled out operational and digitization initiatives:

• Launched e-Forex on EasyWay in 2024 for convenient online forex conversion of USD/PHP for individual clients.

• Introduced e-Signature and e-Document submission which streamlined documentation and improving client convenience.

• Expansion plans for 2025 include FX third currencies for individual and corporate clients.

Best Digital Ecosystem & Platform

The Best Digital Ecosystem & Platform award honors EastWest’s segment-focused, human-centered approach to digital banking. It offers inclusive, secure, and innovative solutions tailored to the needs of every Filipino. This ecosystem includes:

• EasyWay - a digital platform offering multi-currency capabilities, consolidated views, wealth tools, and in-app customer service.

• Komo – a fully digital account with competitive interest rates, low-cost transfers, and personal and salary loans.

• ESTA – the country’s first AI-powered credit card servicing chatbot on Facebook Messenger, enabling instant transaction updates, credit limit adjustments, and installment conversions.

• EastWest Pay – the first Visa-certified tap-to-pay mobile app for NFC-enabled Android devices in the Philippines.

In 1H 2025, EastWest’s digital penetration among existing clients rose to over 44%. EasyWay welcomed hundreds of thousands of clients, and Komo empowered an equally strong community of users, including public school teachers. Across all platforms, the Bank implemented AI-driven fraud detection, biometric authentication, and proactive security controls, ensuring that customers enjoy both ease and peace of mind.

By designing these platforms from the ground up for specific customer groups, EastWest has gone beyond offering digital products to deliver a connected, future-ready banking experience that grows and adapts with its customers.

Moving Forward

EastWest’s recent wins strengthen its standing as a trusted, forward-looking leader in Philippine banking. The Bank continues to advance its services through digital innovation, competitive offerings, and customer-focused strategies that bring convenience, security, and meaningful financial empowerment.

Turning Steps into Support: EastWest Dream Run Raises Funds for Young Focus Philippines, Asian Hospital Charities, SOS Village, and Padre Pio’s Home for Children

 The EastWest Dream Run 2025 brought people together around a shared purpose. It showed that when we support one another, even a short race can leave a long-lasting impact.

In celebration of its 30th anniversary and Filinvest Group’s 70th year, the Bank hosted this year’s Dream Run across three key cities: Davao, Cebu, and Manila, drawing over 13,000 runners from different walks of life in a collective push for positive impact.

Each run had its own rhythm. Each city brought its own energy. But the heart behind them was the same: to move not just for health, but for hope.

Portions of the proceeds were donated to local organizations that continue to serve and uplift Filipino youth: Young Focus Philippines in Manila, Asian Hospital Charities, SOS Children’s Village in Cebu, and Padre Pio’s Home for Children in Davao.

 

In Davao: Showing Up for Padre Pio’s Home for Children

The series kicked off on April 6 where nearly 4,000 runners joined the first leg of the EastWest Dream Run. But behind the scenes, it was the children of Padre Pio’s Home for Children who stood to benefit most.

After the series, members of the EastWest Manila and Davao teams visited the home, bringing with them not just the donation proceeds, but time, encouragement, and listening ears. The visit became a quiet but powerful moment of connection.

“It was a reminder that showing up matters. That sometimes, all it takes to change a life is to be there, to listen, to share, to care,” says Sr. Floravy E. Raya RSW – Executive Director, Padre Pio Home for Children.

Kids of Padre Pio’s Home for Children were visited by Mike Nacional, Head, Mindanao Region, Rosie Acuña, Division 25 Head, Rayne Loreto, Senior Manager for Brand Activations, and the rest of the team members from Manila and Davao who organized the EastWest Dream Run.

 

In Cebu: Connecting With the Children of SOS Village

The next leg of the EastWest Dream Run was held on May 4 at City di Mare by Filinvest in Cebu, drawing over 3,000 runners from across the Visayas. For many participants, it was EastWest’s first large-scale wellness run in the region, and one that carried a significance linking the Bank to its Cebuano roots.

After the 3-leg series, the EastWest team visited SOS Children’s Village Cebu. It’s an organization that gives long-term family-based care to children who have lost or are at risk of losing parental care. The donation will go toward the Village’s daily operations, including food, schooling, health support, and maintaining nurturing homes for the children.

Mario Victor Baang, Village Director of SOS Children's Village Cebu commented, “The visit meant a lot to the children. It was the time, the conversations, and the genuine care they felt. For many of them, that kind of attention stays with you.”

The day was made even more special thanks to the invaluable support of Ms. Jovi Abad, VisMin Consumer Loans Head, Ms. Debbie Realiza-Dy, Priority Center Head, and the rest of the EastWest Manila and Cebu teams.

 

In Manila: First-Time Runners with Big Dreams

The biggest and final leg of the Dream Run took place on June 15 at the Filinvest Event Grounds in Alabang, where over 6,000 runners turned up. After the race, a short program was held where EastWest turned over donations to two partner organizations: Young Focus Philippines and Asian Hospital Charities. The funds will support ongoing efforts in education, youth development, values formation, and access to medical care.

“Watching our students run with such heart reminded us what Young Focus is all about. They were showing the world what’s possible when kids are given a real chance,” shared Ms. Grace Palanca, representative from Young Focus Philippines.

The EastWest Dream Run marked a meaningful step in reaching more individuals in need of healing. Asian Hospital Charities expressed appreciation for being part of the event and noted that the proceeds will help sustain its efforts to provide essential medical support to patients who may not otherwise have access to care.

Young, rising runners from Young Focus Philippines beam with pride after finishing their first-ever fun run at the EastWest Dream Run Manila. Following the run, a special program was held where EastWest top executives presented a donation to Young Focus: Jerry Ngo, EastWest CEO, Mary Anne Bundalian, Brand Activations and Corporate Communications Head, Jonathan Gotianun, EastWest Chairman, and Martin Reyes, Head of Marketing and Cash Management.

Asian Hospital Charities was also among the beneficiaries of the EastWest Dream Run Manila leg, receiving a portion of the event’s proceeds.

 

Moving Forward, Together

The finish line may have come and gone, but the journey continues for every child, every student, and every community still reaching for what’s ahead.

Martin Reyes, EastWest Head of Marketing and Cash Management said, “We believe that these young dreamers need something more than encouragement. Access, support, and the right opportunities are what truly matters. That’s what the EastWest Dream Run hopes to create, one step at a time, and in the years to come.”

With thousands of finishers and countless stories of hope, the EastWest Dream Run 2025 closed its last leg not with an ending, but with momentum, for more cities, more children, and more lives made brighter through a shared purpose.

Dreams Don’t Know Distance: A Story of Hope Shared at the EastWest Dream Run 2025

 They came from opposite ends of the Philippines, united by one dream.

At the EastWest Dream Run 2025 in Manila, two extraordinary groups stood out, not for breaking records, but for breaking barriers. A team of determined runners from the Balingasag, Misamis Oriental traveled more than 1,000 kilometers to be part of the race. Meanwhile, a group of first-time runners from Young Focus Philippines, a non-government organization supporting the youth of Tondo, Manila, laced up their shoes for their very first run.

Though they ran different distances and came from different worlds, both groups embodied the heart of the Dream Run's message: “Dreams don’t know distance.”

From Mindanao to Manila: The Balingasag Steady Pace Runners

For Reinhurd B. Ipan and his fellow runners from the Balingasag Steady Pace Runners, the journey to the Dream Run began long before race day. “We saw a post about a running event that happened at Davao. The participants were so happy, the event was well organized, and most especially, the medal is so unique,” shared Ipan. After missing the Cebu leg, they decided to go all in for Manila: booking plane tickets, clearing schedules, and bringing their families with them.

Their training included a series of local and regional races across Mindanao, from 10Ks to a 50-kilometer ultramarathon. “We had to adjust a lot of factors, especially our schedules at our shops and had to spare some money for it too. We had to, because we've been looking forward to it.”

Runners from the Balingasag Running Community in Misamis Oriental pose proudly after completing the EastWest Dream Run in Manila. Traveling over 1,000 kilometers to be part of the race, the group embodied the event’s spirit that “Dreams Don’t Know Distance.” Their grit, unity, and passion turned each step into a powerful statement of purpose and perseverance.

Race day, however, came with surprises. “We didn’t expect any uphills and downhills, not to mention we had to go through it three times. We thought it would be just a walk in the park!” Ipan laughed. “When we finally saw the finish line, I told myself, ‘Finally, we did it, we did what we came for.’ The crowd was amazing, and the medal speaks for it: the Dream Catcher.”

Their journey did not go unnoticed back home. “It was all congratulations from them,” said Ipan. “After we got back home, we wore the race singlet during our recovery run and it stood out! They told us, ‘Grabe, pumunta pa kayong Manila para diyan?’ Of course…it was our Dream Run.”

His message to fellow runners across the country? “Believe me…you’ll be surprised to see what you are capable of. It will be made more special when you run with your family and friends and finish together.”

First-Time Runners with Big Dreams

From Tondo, Manila, more than a dozen students from Young Focus Philippines also joined the EastWest Dream Run. Though their race was shorter at just 2 kilometers, their journey was equally meaningful.

“I felt super happy,” said Charm, one of the participants. “I just told myself, ‘Okay, it’s fine to get slow, as long as I won’t get lost.’ Someone shouted ‘1K more!’ and I had to stop, grab some water, and pray. But by God’s grace, I finished.”

It was also a moment of personal growth for Leslie: “This experience really pushed me out of my comfort zone. I found myself trying things I used to be afraid of, especially when it comes to socializing. It reminded me that growth often starts with discomfort.”

Young, rising runners from Young Focus Philippines beam with pride after finishing their first-ever fun run at the EastWest Dream Run Manila. Coming from the Smokey Mountain communities of Tondo, these young dreamers proved that no distance is too great when hope, courage, and opportunity lead the way. Following the run, a special program was held where EastWest presented a donation to Young Focus.

For many, the run was a symbol of resilience. “Even though it was exhausting, you could feel that everyone wanted to finish strong,” said Marc. “That energy was contagious.”

Several students shared their dreams for the future. Solomon, an IT student, wants to give back to his family and community, while Owen dreams of working for a well-known car company. Clarence, who’s still figuring out his path, simply wants to graduate and make his family proud. Each one expressed a shared hope: that no matter how hard life gets, they’ll keep running, one step at a time.

A Race That Goes Beyond the Finish Line

EastWest’s Dream Run promotes determination, and a sense of community. “We believe in creating moments that go beyond medals,” said EastWest Head of Marketing and Cash Management Martin Reyes. “This run brought people together from all walks of life, proving that no dream is too distant.”

For both groups, those who crossed islands and those who crossed comfort zones, it was a race that marked not just distance, but destiny.

Because sometimes, the bravest step you take isn’t the one on the podium, it’s the one that gets you to the starting line.

Small Body, Big Dream: Liit, a Special Dog on Wheels, Steals Hearts at EastWest Dream Run Manila

 At the final leg of the EastWest Dream Run 2025, more than 6,000 runners took to the streets of Filinvest City in Alabang to chase fitness goals and personal records. But one of the most unforgettable stories was about heart. And it came on four wheels.

Meet Liit, a French Bulldog with a huge spirit. Her name literally means “small,” but there’s nothing little about the courage she brought to the sold-out 1K Dog Category at the Dream Run’s Manila leg. Rolling beside her proud fur parent who is an EastWestbanker, Liit showed the world that dreams come in all sizes.

Liit is a PWD or Pet With Disability who lost the use of her hind legs and now moves with the help of a custom wheelchair. But what she may lack in mobility, she makes up for in joy, energy, and inspiration. With her wheels spinning and tail wagging, Liit surely lit up the route.

Liit made her way to everyone’s hearts at the EastWest Dream Run.

“Liit may be small, but her dreams are anything but,” said her owner, who has four other Frenchies. “Liit holds a special place in my heart. Just because she’s a PWD dog doesn’t mean she can’t enjoy the things other dogs do, like running freely and being part of something fun. Joining the EastWest Dream Run is our way of celebrating her fighting spirit and reminding everyone that you’re never too small or too different to chase after what you want.”

Cheered on by fellow runners and spectators alike, Liit became an instant crowd favorite, embodying the spirit of the EastWest Dream Run in its purest form. Her presence on the track reminded everyone that this event goes beyond medals and milestones. It’s about showing up, pushing forward, and doing it with love.

Held in celebration of EastWest’s 30th anniversary and the Filinvest Group’s 70th year, the Dream Run brought together people and pets from across the country to celebrate health, hope, and connection. With race categories for all ages and experience levels, including kids and dogs, the event became a vibrant display of inclusivity and shared spirit.

From the 30KM Dream Challenge to the 1K Dog Run, each category brought its own stories of strength. But few left as lasting a mark as Liit’s. Liit may not have reached the finish line, but on her tiny wheels, she reminded everyone that courage isn’t about crossing first—or at all. It’s about showing up, moving forward, and daring to try. That day, she rolled with something greater than strength. She owned the moment.

EastWest Rural Bank Champions Health and Education through Brigada Eskwela 2025 Initiatives

 

Dr. Jinky B. Firman, Schools Division Superintendent of Panabo City, Region XI joins EastWest Rural Bank personnel during the rollout of the Annual Physical Test (APT) initiative.

EastWest Rural Bank (EWRB) continued its strong community involvement by supporting the Department of Education’s Brigada Eskwela 2025 through two focused efforts: the Annual Physical Test (APT) initiative and its flagship volunteer program, EWRB in Action. Both efforts were launched nationwide to support the physical, mental, and academic readiness of educators and learners alike under this year’s campaign theme, “Sama-sama para sa Bayang Bumabasa.”

Promoting Teacher Wellness Through APT

In a bid to care for the country’s educators, EWRB rolled out the APT program once again. It offered free medical checkups such as CBC, urinalysis, and chest X-rays to DepEd teachers and non-teaching staff. The program also included financial literacy and cybersecurity sessions to help participants protect both their health and finances.

“This initiative shows how we live out our core value, ‘I Respond,’” said Sheila Marasigan Bajado, President of EastWest Rural Bank. “We recognize that to uplift education, we must also take care of the people behind it.”

The program was officially rolled out during the Brigada Eskwela National and Regional Kick-Offs, with over 600 DepEd personnel served at the national level and an estimated 3,000 more nationwide throughout the week-long campaign.

DepEd teachers in Buug District, Zamboanga-Sibugay received free medical checkups and financial wellness guidance through EastWest Rural Bank’s APT initiative, held in line with Brigada Eskwela 2025.

EWRB in Action: Beautifying Schools Nationwide

Simultaneously, EastWest Rural Bank’s “EWRB in Action” initiative extended tangible classroom support by distributing beautification materials, school supplies, and mobilizing employee volunteers to aid in school preparation.

Aligned with the 2025 Brigada Eskwela theme, “Sama-sama para sa Bayang Bumabasa,” the program benefited 846 public schools across the country through donations of paint, restoration tools, and on-ground assistance. Wellness booths and giveaways further strengthened EWRB’s engagement with local communities.

“Their presence in the field brings meaningful impact to the schools and learners they serve,” said Davedinah “Dove” Cometa, Project Development Officer III at the DepEd Central Office – External Partnerships Service.

EastWest Rural Bank brings its Annual Physical Test (APT) initiative to Cotabato City, offering free health screenings to DepEd teachers and staff as part of Brigada Eskwela 2025. The program promotes wellness and preparedness for the upcoming school year.

Shared Impact, Shared Purpose

EastWest Rural Bank’s Brigada Eskwela efforts reached all regions. The programs offered health services and classroom support, with each one focused on meeting the specific needs of schools and teachers in practical ways.

Dr. Jinky B. Firman, Schools Division Superintendent in Panabo City, where both programs were conducted, commended the initiative: “We deeply appreciate EastWest Rural Bank’s support for our teachers, not only through health and financial wellness programs, but also by providing much-needed supplies for our schools. The help they extended was timely and truly meaningful.”

“It’s a privilege to support our public school teachers and students as they prepare for a new school year,” added Hera Duka, EWRB’s Sustainability Champion. “We focus on providing real, practical help through health services, classroom support, or other specific needs identified by each school.”

About East West Banking Corporation:

East West Banking Corporation (EastWest) is a Filipino-owned universal bank committed to empowering its clients through world-class financial solutions. EastWest is a subsidiary of Filinvest Development Corporation (FDC), one of the country’s leading conglomerates with a diverse range of interests including real estate, banking, hospitality & tourism, infrastructure power generation, and sugar. It is not affiliated with any foreign financial institution which may bear the same name. For more information, visit www.eastwestbanker.com.

EastWest Priority Wins Outstanding Client Experience Award at the Global Private Banking Innovation Awards 2025

EastWest Priority, the affluent banking arm of EastWest, has been awarded Outstanding Client Experience in Wealth Management at the Global Private Banking Innovation Awards 2025. This honor affirms EastWest Priority’s focus on thoughtful, tailored service and wealth strategies that speak to the needs of affluent clients across the country.

Raffy S. Algarra Jr., EastWest Head of Financial Markets and Wealth Management, receives the Best Discretionary and Advisory Services Offering award at the 2025 Global Private Banking Innovation Awards.

Launched in 2016 following EastWest’s acquisition of Standard Chartered’s retail banking and wealth portfolio, EastWest Priority has evolved into a trusted financial partner by helping clients grow, preserve, and maximize their wealth through a suite of tailored products and relationship-led service.

Where Personalized Care Meets Technology
In 2024, EastWest Priority demonstrated its leadership in client-centricity by expanding its footprint to 12 Priority Centers nationwide, bringing premium banking closer to clients in key cities across the Visayas and Mindanao. This hyperlocal strategy, a rare advantage among its peers, enabled the Bank to meet clients where they live, work, and invest.

Complementing its physical network, EastWest Priority offers a full spectrum of wealth solutions across deposits, investments, insurance, and lending, each matched to a client’s goals, risk appetite, and life stage. Supported by expert Relationship Managers, the segment’s bespoke experience includes:

• Exclusive asset swap and gold investment opportunities via EastWest Financial Markets and Wealth Management and through its referral program with J. Rotbart & Co.

• Preferred foreign exchange rates and banking fees

• Visa Infinite debit and credit cards with concierge access, waived ATM charges, and global travel protection

• Strategic global partnerships like Henley & Partners for citizenship and residency services

• Experience-driven client events

On the digital front, Priority-exclusive features on the EasyWay app include a dedicated interface and online foreign exchange capabilities by bringing added convenience to globally mobile clients.

“At EastWest, we believe banking should be both personal and powerful,” said Raffy S. Algarra Jr., EastWest Head of Financial Markets and Wealth Management. “EastWest Priority is about anticipating our clients’ aspirations and crafting solutions that go beyond transactions. This award is a testament to our people’s dedication and our long-term belief in customer intimacy, local relevance, and innovation.”

Richie Tamayo, Head of EastWest Wealth Management, added: “We understand that trust, expertise, and access are the currencies of wealth relationships. Our Priority team doesn’t just manage portfolios. They nurture ambition, with service that adapts to each client’s life stage, market conditions, and dreams.” All these can be enjoyed with a minimum total relationship balance of only P2.5Mn.

This distinctive value proposition, premium banking with inclusive thresholds, has helped position EastWest Priority as a rising leader in the Philippine affluent segment.

What’s Next
In 2025 and beyond, EastWest Priority is set to:

• Launch enhanced Priority Credit and Debit Cards with curated lifestyle offers

• Expand its footprint to new growth markets

• Broaden digital access to investment products

“Client experience is our compass,” Algarra concluded. “Winning this global recognition inspires us to elevate every solution and every interaction in our customers’ financial journey.”