EastWest Guides Clients Through 2026 with Economic and Feng Shui Insights

Economist and UA&P professor Dr. Bernardo Villegas, feng shui expert Master Patrick Fernandez, and EastWest Bank SEVP & Wealth Management Head Raffy Algarra engage clients in a Q&A session, sharing insights on the opportunities that await in the Year of the Fire Horse.

 In line with its commitment to empower clients with insights that fuel informed and confident decision making, East West Banking Corporation (EastWest) hosted a series of curated events in Pampanga and Metro Manila to usher in the Year of the Fire Horse with a forward-looking economic outlook for 2026.

The sessions brought together clients from the bank’s Retail, Priority, and Corporate Banking, offering exclusive insights from experts to help them navigate the year ahead with confidence, enhance their wealth management plans, and support their long‑term financial well‑being.

The gatherings featured economist and University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) professor Dr. Bernardo Villegas, who outlined emerging opportunities amid shifting local and global market conditions. He emphasized that despite a dynamic environment, the Philippines is poised for moderate yet steady growth.

“While we celebrate today, we remain mindful of the fast-paced economic landscape. The local and global markets continue to move quickly, but EastWest stands as a steady anchor, anticipating these shifts to ensure our clients and communities remain on a path of progress,” said EastWest Bank President Jackie S. Fernandez.

Further underscoring this commitment, EastWest announced its strategic partnership with UA&P for the Economic Watch newsletter, a curated source of market insights and trends designed to guide clients in navigating key financial decisions throughout the year.

To complement the economic outlook, feng shui expert Master Patrick Fernandez shared guidance on how clients can harness the vibrant, fast-moving energy of the Year of the Fire Horse.

“At EastWest, we believe that being a trusted partner means providing the foresight you need to act with confidence, especially in a year defined by such high energy and rapid momentum,” said EastWest Senior Executive Vice President & Financial Markets and Wealth Management Head Raffy Algarra. “Whether through our Economic Watch newsletter or our evolving suite of services, we are dedicated to helping you renew your goals and strengthen your path forward.”

EastWest recently strengthened its wealth management leadership with accolades from the 2025 Global Private Banking Innovation Awards: Outstanding Client Experience in Wealth Management award for its affluent banking segment EastWest Priority, and Best Discretionary & Advisory Service Offering for its Trust and Asset Management Group. These recognitions reflect EastWest’s commitment to delivering trusted, high quality financial guidance to its clients.

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. 

Team EastWest Celebrates Double Victory at the 2025 IABC Quill Awards

Team EastWest proudly celebrates a double win at the 2025 IABC Philippines Quill Awards, with East West Banking Corporation (EastWest) and EastWest Ageas Insurance (EWA) each earning prestigious recognition for their standout communication campaigns.

Representatives from EastWest and EastWest Ageas proudly accept the double win at the 2025 IABC Quill Awards, honoring outstanding work in professional communication.

EastWest Unibank was honored for its 30th Anniversary campaign, “Further for You,” a year-long celebration of three decades of banking with ease, trust, and innovation. Anchored on the yin-yang-inspired anniversary logo and powered by ambassadors Donny Pangilinan and Carlos Yulo, the campaign combined customer-focused innovations, exclusive events, and digital rollouts such as the EasyWay App. It was a true synergy of East and West, bringing together the Eastern perspective of customer care and personal relationships with the Western drive for innovation and technology, proving EastWest’s focus to making banking easier, more personal, and more meaningful for customers.

Meanwhile, EastWest Ageas Insurance took home a Quill for “LOVE PURPLE: Uniting Employees with One Goal, One Color, One Purpose.” This internal change communication program brought EWA’s brand refresh, “What’s Your PURPLE?” to life, inspiring employees, called Stewards, to embrace and champion the PURPLE identity. Through vibrant activations, from merchandise to music festivals, the campaign united employees around a shared purpose of serving customers with passion and authenticity.

“At its core, this double win is about people; customers who inspire us, and employees who live our purpose. Both wins show that customer experience starts with engaged people who believe in the brand,” Norman Martin C. Reyes, EastWest Head of Marketing said.

The Quill Awards, organized by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines, celebrate excellence in professional communication that drives business impact. With thousands of entries submitted each year, only a select number of campaigns are recognized, making every win a mark of distinction that is highly sought after in the industry.

EastWest’s double win reflects its fusion of warm, customer-first service with innovation and technology. With customers at the heart and employees empowered at the core, the Bank continues to build experiences that inspire trust, strengthen relationships, and deliver lasting impact, true to its drive to go Further for You.

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.