Building a more inclusive city: Tagbilaran launches “Cityzen Card” with GCash to unlock financial services

 

(L-R) Tagbilaran City chief of staff Cathelyn Torremocha, GCash account manager for public sector Bryle Acedillo, Tagbilaran City mayor Hon. Jane Yap, GCash head of public sector Cleo Santos, head of B2B strategy Cathlyn Pavia, and Visayas regional sales head Ronelo Buhawe

Tagbilaran, a heritage city known for its old churches and the famed Chocolate Hills, is accelerating its digitalization efforts with the launch of its multipurpose "Cityzen's Card," powered by GCash and Visa. The Cityzen's Card will serve as a prepaid card and a local government-issued ID, enabling Tagbilaran City residents to access essential local government services seamlessly.

As the first Visayan city to offer this service, Tagbilaran is leading the way in innovation and highlighting the value of a multisectoral approach that leverages the combined efforts of local government units, digital financial technology providers, and private enterprises in creating lasting social and economic benefits.

City officials emphasize that the introduction of the Cityzen’s Card marks a significant step forward in improving the delivery of public services and advancing financial inclusion, particularly for traditionally underserved residents. Launched during the city’s annual Saulog Festival, the card will initially be issued to 80,000 residents, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and public sector workers.

The co-branded card will also enable the city government to send financial assistance and allowances directly to recipients’ GCash accounts, eliminating the need for in-person collection and reducing the risk of inefficiencies.

In addition, the multi-stakeholder approach in accelerating Tagbilaran City’s digitalization efforts allows residents to make cashless purchases at merchants accepting Visa and benefit from GCash features, such as savings accounts, fair credit options, affordable insurance, and accessible investment opportunities. Cardholders can also enjoy discounts at select establishments across Tagbilaran City, encouraging local economic activity and community engagement. 

“Digitalization is part of the key executive agenda of my administration,” added Mayor Yap during her address at the Liveable Cities LocalLab, a policy platform focused on smart city development.

“We believe that it is now time that we plant the seeds so that the next generation will reap the benefits. As a young mayor, I have access to technology, but I can’t keep it all to myself. I have to share it, I have to make my city realize that this is it, we are going to be a smart city,” said Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap.

The launch of the Cityzen’s Card highlights a growing trend across Southeast Asian countries, where local governments partner with fintech firms to accelerate financial inclusion and digitize public services. In the Philippines, where more than half of the population remains unbanked, fintech companies like GCash have become critical gateways to digital finance.

“The Cityzen’s Card is a powerful example of how digital tools can enable smart governance,” said GCash VP and head of public sector, Cleo Santos. “By embedding financial access into city services, we’re not only streamlining aid and assistance delivery but also supporting efficient governance, like that of Tagbilaran, and driving real financial inclusion for their constituents.”

The Cityzen’s Card is expected to become the default ID and digital financial access point for residents of Tagbilaran. Its rollout comes amid heightened calls for digital transformation across Philippine local governments, many of which are grappling with the logistical challenges of social aid distribution.

For more information, visit https://www.gcash.com.

Tanay partners with GCash to drive digital transformation through innovative digital finance and financial inclusion

 In a milestone initiative to drive digital transformation and meaningful economic growth, the Municipality of Tanay, Rizal, has teamed up with GCash, the country’s top finance app and largest cashless ecosystem, to roll out the province’s first comprehensive digital payment system. This partnership aims to simplify financial transactions for residents, reduce the need for time-consuming commutes, and support the broader economic empowerment of the local community.

(L-R) GCash public sector account manager Anne Danting and public sector regional head Rafael Tecson, with Tanay Rizal mayor Hon. Rafael Tanjuatco and municipal administrative director Jeffrey Pino

The roll out of the new digital system, which includes GCash’s Scan-To-Pay (STP), BillsPay, Fund Disbursement Service (FDS), and VISA Cards, will significantly streamline the way Tanay residents handle their financial transactions. This marks a crucial step for the province, making Tanay the first municipality in Rizal to adopt digital financial aid disbursement through GCash, paired with VISA cards for added financial flexibility.

For many Tanay residents, the traditional process of paying taxes or receiving financial assistance often meant traveling long distances to the municipal hall, a journey that could cost as much as PHP 100 to PHP 200 in transportation expenses. With the integration of GCash’s digital solutions, citizens can make payments and collect financial aid from the comforts of their homes, anytime and anywhere.

This collaboration is set to lead the way for other municipalities in Rizal, sparking a ripple of innovation that will accelerate digital transformation and empower communities across the province to thrive in a world that’s increasingly becoming digital-first. With the successful rollout in Tanay, GCash aims to inspire more local governments to adopt similar technologies, contributing to a more financially inclusive future for all Filipinos.

As GCash continues to expand its footprint across the country, this partnership underscores its commitment to driving positive social impact through innovative financial technology, empowering communities, and fostering sustainable growth.

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

Helios and GCash team up to give Filipinos access to green financing solutions — a first-of-its-kind from an e-wallet

 

(L-R) Fuse Financing Inc. PayLater product head Paul Xavier Villa, chief executive officer Anthony Isidro, Helios (PH) Sustainable Energy Corp. co-founder and CEO Alex Aronson, chief operations officer Tim Go, and chief of staff Luke Parsons

In a landmark initiative to expand accessibility to renewable energy, Helios, the country’s leading one-stop shop for finding and financing Residential Solar Solutions, and  GCash, the Philippines' leading finance superapp and largest cashless ecosystem, have teamed up to launch its first-ever Green Financing initiative.

This strategic collaboration, powered by GCash’s lending arm, Fuse Financing, Inc., aims to make solar energy more attainable for Filipino households by integrating Helios’ Tier 1 solar technology, known for its top performance, durability, long-term reliability, and strong warranties, with GGives, the installment payment feature of GCash.

Despite the Philippines’ abundant sunlight, solar energy adoption remains limited in the country. This disparity is primarily due to high upfront costs and a lack of public awareness about rooftop solar panel systems' benefits and installation processes (RTSPs). 

Recognizing these barriers, GCash and Helios have introduced a flexible financing solution that allows families to adopt solar energy without immediate financial strain. Going solar offers significant benefits for the average Filipino household, especially in the long run, including lower electricity bills, increased property value, and long-term savings. Filipino households can access affordable and clean energy while contributing to a more sustainable future.

As part of this initiative, GGives is launching the exclusive Triple Zero Solar Starter Package, a limited-time offering designed to ease the financial burden of switching to solar energy. Moreover, by using GGives, customers no longer need to have a credit card or navigate the complexities of applying for a solar financing loan at a bank. GGives eliminates typical financial barriers, making solar energy more accessible and easier for a wider audience by offering zero down payment, zero interest, and zero processing fees. 

Helios, known for providing customized solar designs and bespoke solutions, ensures that its systems feature only top-tier hardware with 25-year production guarantees and world-class after-sales service. With this partnership, customers can experience an accessible and affordable path to sustainable energy adoption, saving between 50% to 100% on their electricity bills, and ultimately transitioning to solar energy more conveniently and budget-friendly for every Filipino household.

“We are thrilled to announce Helios’ groundbreaking partnership with GGives. This marks a significant milestone towards our mission to make solar power accessible and affordable to every home in the Philippines. We look forward to delivering the highest quality and most reliable solar solutions to more Filipino homes through partnership with GCash,” Helios co-founder Alex Aronson said.

For Fuse president Tony Isidro, financial inclusion and sustainability should go hand in hand. He said, “By making renewable energy more affordable through GGives, we are empowering more Filipinos to switch to clean energy without the financial burden.” By offering a pioneering green financing solution, GCash underscores its dedication to innovative, disruptive moves in the sustainability space.

For more information, please visit www.gcash.com

La Union LGU and GCash team up to enable cashless payments for eco-tourism fees in San Juan, La Union

As part of its ongoing push for sustainable tourism and environmental protection, the Municipality of San Juan, La Union, has partnered with GCash, the country’s leading finance app, to launch a cashless system for collecting eco-tourism fees. This convenient and simpler payment option will help ensure cleaner beaches, improved waste management, and stronger support for the town’s growing tourist economy.

Tourists can now pay the PHP 50.00 environmental fees in San Juan, La Union via GCash

San Juan, known for its surf culture and scenic beaches, faces challenges in collecting environmental fees due to its open layout and multiple beach access points. This has often led to missed payments and limited funds for keeping the town clean and well-maintained.

Using GCash’s Scan-to-Pay (STP) feature, tourists can conveniently pay the ₱50 environmental fee by scanning QR codes available in over 200 local establishments, such as hotels, cafés, and resorts, as well as in six designated Environmental Fee Hubs across the town.

Soon, QR codes will also be placed directly at key tourist spots and entry points to encourage on-the-spot payments and improve accessibility. This seamless, cashless system is designed to integrate smoothly into the visitor experience.

“This partnership reflects our shared goal of keeping San Juan clean and sustainable,” said Mayor Arturo Valdriz. “It gives both locals and tourists a simple way to help protect our environment,” San Juan Mayor Arturo Valdriz said.

The digital system makes payments more convenient for visitors. It helps the local government track collections in real time, improving transparency and ensuring the funds go directly to environmental programs like waste management and beach cleanups. With the partnership now in place and early results positive, the municipality plans to expand the program to more locations, further supporting the town's environmental efforts.

“With GCash, every eco-fee helps preserve the beauty of San Juan’s beaches and landscapes for future generations,” San Juan Tourism head Ezikiel Lanuzo said.

By streamlining digital payment solutions, GCash, together with its partners in local government, champions communities and promotes sustainability — one scan at a time. Building on the success of this initiative, the Public Sector team of GCash is looking to scale the program by partnering with more local government units across the country, supporting their efforts to adopt easy, convenient, safe, and secure e-payment solutions.

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

Beyond the algorithm: Championing responsible AI, empowering women in tech

GCash, the Philippines’ leading finance super app, reaffirmed its commitment to AI-driven innovation and inclusivity through GCash AI Week 2025.

GCash AVP of automation center of excellence Michelle Santos highlighted the role of AI in daily workflows

The event gathered industry leaders, technology partners, and emerging innovators to explore artificial intelligence's (AI) transformative potential in fintech while emphasizing responsible AI practices and women's critical role in technology.

Guided by the theme “AI-CHIEVED: Explore, Empower, Elevate,” GCash AI Week provided a dynamic platform for thought leadership, collaboration, and hands-on learning. The event featured esteemed partners, including Apple, Google, and Amazon Web Services (AWS), and engaged employees, university students, and fintech professionals in discussions on ethical AI, data-driven decision-making, and the future of intelligent automation.

Kicking off the event, Pebbles Sy, chief technology and operations officer of Mynt, the holding company of GCash, underscored the company’s vision for AI as a force multiplier for innovation and efficiency: “AI Week is about building confidence in AI, understanding its real value, and making it a natural part of how we work. It goes beyond just automation, it’s about intelligent insights, better decisions, and unlocking new levels of innovation.”

Sy shared, “AI is already changing the way we work at GCash. Tools like Glean, Gemini, and Dev Copilots are making our processes faster, smarter, and more efficient, and this year, we’re taking it even further. AI is only as good as how we use it, and we’re making sure that AI is here to empower all of us.”

GCash chief data officer Sara Venturina emphasized the critical role of ethics and diverse perspectives in AI development

The event showcased real-world AI applications, featuring sessions such as “Apple Intelligence: Unleash,” where participants learned how to maximize Apple’s AI-driven features on iPhones and MacBooks. The Amazon Quicksight Hackathon by AWS challenged teams to build AI-powered dashboards using Generative AI. Attendees also explored advanced AI capabilities, including large reasoning models with Deep Seek, enterprise AI with Glean, and next-level productivity tools with Google’s Gemini AI.

AI Week also highlighted the importance of AI literacy and upskilling across the organization. Michelle Santos, AVP of the Automation Center of Excellence at GCash, emphasized the necessity of integrating AI into everyday workflows: “AI Week is our way of equipping GCash employees with the skills to augment their daily tasks through AI tools and platforms. This is a critical capability for the future of work; using AI should become natural.”

Through hands-on workshops, hackathons, and expert-led sessions, GCash demonstrated its commitment to fostering an AI-ready workforce. Employees gained direct experience in leveraging AI for operational efficiency, customer engagement, and data-driven decision-making, reinforcing the company’s agile and innovation-driven culture.

GCash AI Week 2025 also placed a strong emphasis on responsible AI development, ethics, and diversity. As a woman-led company with a leadership team that includes trailblazers in fintech and AI, GCash continues to advocate for gender inclusivity in technology. The event honored the contributions of women in STEM, spotlighting female engineers, data scientists, and tech leaders who are shaping the fintech landscape.

“We must recognize that ethics, human insights, and diverse perspectives are essential to innovating AI,” said Sara Venturina, chief data officer of GCash. “AI teams need diversity in thought, background, and experience, as this directly impacts how AI applications operate. Will they show bias, or will they be fair?”

GCash’s approach to financial inclusion extends to tackling bias in AI development, ensuring that its data collection, labelling, and application processes are designed to serve all users equitably. By fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and continuous learning, GCash aims to set industry standards for responsible AI adoption.

Through initiatives like GCash AI Week, the company continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in fintech. By embedding AI into its operations responsibly and equitably, GCash is not just driving innovation—it is shaping a future where AI serves as a catalyst for inclusion, empowerment, and financial progress.

As AI technology continues to evolve, GCash remains steadfast in its mission to democratize financial access, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital economy.

Let These Dream Summer Vacays of Laureen & Maki Inspire Your Next Trip

 Think you’ve seen everything Siargao and Boracay have to offer? Think again! This summer, travel lovers and content creators Laureen Uy and Maki Santos set out on their dream summer adventures to rediscover two of the Philippines’ most iconic vacation spots. 

But let’s get real: planning a dream summer trip isn’t always a breeze. Budgeting, racing for the best deals on flights and hotels, and even scrambling for cash when splitting bills with friends can get stressful. For many, it's the hassle that holds them back from achieving their dream summer.

Luckily, Laureen and Maki have found a way to skip the stress and go straight to the fun. From hidden dining gems to unique activities and the best sunset views, both creators have put together itineraries all booked and paid for with GCash, proving that even the most iconic destinations still have surprises to offer when everything’s made seamless.

Stay at the Center and Explore Beyond in Boracay

Boracay has always been special to Maki. But this time, her itinerary was all about going beyond the usual spots the island is known for and finding its best-kept secrets. She started her trip by checking in at the Four Points by Sheraton, right in the heart of Boracay. 

With her L.A.P. (Location, Aesthetic, Price) strategy, she prioritized finding a hotel in a 

central location, a stunning design, and affordability, made even easier with GGives, a feature on the GCash app that lets users pay for things that usually feel too expensive - like hotel bookings for a trip - and pay for them in easy installments, with no down payment needed! 

“I’ve always been the planner in the group... There’s a special kind of joy in watching my friends soak up the moment, knowing I helped bring it all together,” Maki explains.

Her journey to finding Boracay’s best-kept secrets took her paraw sailing to catch amazing views of the island on a traditional local sailboat made of wood and bamboo, an exhilarating adventure in Mainland Adventures Boracay, and even a Helicopter Ride to see the island from above. These activities can be paid for online with GCash via platforms such as Klook, so that everything is ready and raring to go at the destination.

Between activities, she also tried out new dining spots like Gyukatsu for melt-in-your-mouth Japanese beef, Mai Tai for island-inspired drinks, and Maze Wrap for a variety of Mediterranean wraps and rice meals. 

“What makes the experience even better is how seamless everything is with GCash. From booking activities to paying for meals, one tap and I’m all set!” Maki adds.

Food Hop and Island Hop in Siargao

Over in Siargao, Laureen Uy’s dream summer experience is one that embraces the spontaneity that comes with being able to travel with her besties! On a foodie-focused  girls’ trip that balanced local flavor and scenic adventure, Laureen’s itinerary is the perfect guide for anyone heading to Siargao this summer. 

Her first stop on her local restaurant hop was to enjoy a feast fresh from the sea at Cev, famous for their kinilaw and ceviche, before heading to Roots for some European flare, and Mondayyy’s Cafe, an all-day breakfast spot and one of Siargao’s newcomers to its exciting cafe scene. Every restaurant accepts QR payments via GCash, so every transaction is fast and seamless.

But this escape to Siargao wasn’t just about food. Laureen’s all-girls crew also set sail for a scenic island-hopping trip to Mam-on Island and Corregidor Island, taking in breathtaking views and topping it all off with a traditional boodle feast. It’s the perfect itinerary for anyone who’s craving an island adventure with friends. 

Another trip highlight for Laureen is enjoying a chill sunset session at Kanaloa Beach, complete with bonfires, kayaking, and beachside drinks.

“Hotel bookings, activities, shopping, and eating on the island? All check! Even down to travel insurance, just to make sure we’re protected from any unexpected hurdles, GCash has GInsure Travel Protect. At every point of planning from paying online, to scanning to pay with their merchants, and buying all my essentials, my summers are forever changed for the better,” Laureen excitedly shares.

Plan Your Dream Summer with GCash

Whether you're a meticulous planner or a spontaneous adventurer, one thing’s clear from Laureen and Maki’s trips: GCash is the way to pay for your dream summer. From booking hotels and buying insurance, to dining out, and joining activities, GCash made everything easier so they could focus on what really matters: rediscovering the magic of their favorite places.

Feeling so G to make your dream summer happen? Now’s your chance! Until May 18, send in your video entries to join GCash’s dream summer giveaway for a chance to win a trip for 2 to Boracay, complete with flights and accommodations courtesy of GCash! Visit the official GCash pages on Instagram and Facebook to learn more. 

DOTr, GCash launch QRPH cashless payments at MRT-3 stations

The Department of Transportation has launched cashless payments at the 13 stations of the MRT-3, in line with its mandate of providing train passengers with a more convenient and faster commute.

Commuters pilot test the cashless QRPH payments at MRT-3 stations

In collaboration with the Philippines’ leading finance Super App GCash, passengers can now make cashless QR payments using any e-wallet or bank via QRPH when purchasing single-journey tickets at MRT-3 stations.

“This is a turning point for public transportation in the Philippines. By embracing cashless systems, we are not just modernizing—we are revolutionizing how Filipinos move. This partnership between the public and private sector is in compliance with the President’s directive to provide faster, safer, and more convenient travel for every Filipino,” Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said.

With over 350,000 daily commuters expected to benefit, this initiative facilitates faster payments across the key system of the MRT-3.

Oscar Enrico Reyes, Jr., President and CEO of G-Xchange, Inc., the mobile wallet operator of GCash, said, “By working hand in hand with the Department of Transportation, we are simplifying commutes and empowering Filipinos through accessible and secure digital payment solutions. Together, we are shaping a more connected and digitally-enabled Philippines.”

To experience convenient and more secure payments for their MRT-3 commute, passengers can just look for ticket counters that offer QRPH cashless options when purchasing their single journey tickets.

The DOTr is working closely with the private sector along with GCash in providing MRT-3 passengers with more convenient payment options for faster and more seamless travel experience.

Leveraging technology, empowering local communities to help protect Sierra Madre and Mt. Makiling

The University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) is partnering with GCash,

the leading Philippine finance super app, through its GForest program, to address

environmental threats like illegal forest conversion and accelerate the restoration of

degraded lands within the Mount Makiling Georeserve and the Sierra Madre mountain range.

The strategic partnership aims to protect and reforest 250 hectares of land within the two

land grants managed by UPLB by planting at least 130,000 forest and fruit trees during the

first phase, and another 25,000 seedlings for urban and roadside planting in parts of

Mount Makiling Georeserve by 2029.

(L-R) UPLB University research associate Arthur Umali, UPLB-CFNR dean Marlo D. Mendoza MDM, and GCash head for sustainability CJ Alegre, during the ceremonial planting of Dillenia philippinensis (Katmon), an endemic species, in a joint initiative promoting biodiversity conservation and environmental stewardship

 UPLB, as the Center for Excellence in Forestry Education, is set to implement its data-driven and science-based approach to identify suitable types of trees, strategic project areas, and apply implementation strategies to ensure environmental conservation and reforestation efforts translate into meaningful long-term impact.

The academic institution also seeks to tap local communities as long-term partners in planting and stewardship, empowering them through livelihood opportunities and ongoing involvement. These include women’s groups, people’s organizations, and qualified UPLB community members.

UPLB also seeks to engage participation and support from relevant local government units (LGUs) in Laguna, municipalities in Quezon province, and national-level government agencies like the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Science and Technology (DICT).

Marked by a ceremonial contract signing led by UPLB, its College of Forestry and Natural Resources (CFNR), the Land Grant Management Office (LGMO), and GCash, through the support of its 22-million GForest Green Heroes, pledged to plant at least 130,000 forest and fruit trees across 250 hectares in two land grant areas managed by UPLB in the Sierra Madre Mountain Range.

In addition, 10 kilometers of road within the Mount Makiling Forest Reserve will be planted with species ideal for urban settings. Another 25,000 seedlings will also be cultivated for roadside planting in various parts of Laguna province.

(L-R) UPLB chancellor Jose V. Camacho Jr. and UPLB-CFNR dean Marlo D. Mendoza MDM, underscore the University's steadfast commitment as a designated Center of Excellence in Forestry Education, advancing the restoration of critical forest ecosystems nationwide through strategic and innovative partnerships

Roadside planting in the Mt. Makiling Georeserve will provide multiple benefits, including environmental, social, and economic advantages. In terms of environmental impact, it will lead to improved air and temperature quality, carbon sequestration, noise reduction, urban flood mitigation, pollination support, and urban wildlife habitat. From a social and economic perspective, it can improve recreational opportunities and mental wellbeing, lead to energy savings, and increase property values.

“Sierra Madre is one of our last frontiers when it comes to [our remaining] intact forests,” shared UPLB-CFNR Dean Marlo D. Mendoza, MDM. [This] is rich in terms of biodiversity [and is] very high in endemism, which means a lot of species that are in Sierra Madre can only be found there or [can be found in] the Philippines and not other parts of the world.”

Luzon’s backbone against natural hazards

The Sierra Madre mountain range, which spans approximately 600 kilometers from Cagayan to Quezon Province, is known as the “backbone of Luzon” and is home to lush forests and vital watersheds that support the nation’s diverse wildlife populations. In addition, it acts as a natural shield against typhoons coming from the Pacific, protecting the Philippines by weakening and redirecting storm winds before they reach inland areas.

The end goal of the UPLB and GCash reforestation initiative is to help restore and fortify parts of the UP Sierra Madre Land Grant. The trees planted aim to convert degraded lands (remnants of past logging, timber poaching, and unsustainable farming) into thriving ecosystems of tall native forest species that form a closed or semi-closed canopy.

Fundamental to the success of this program is UPLB’s sourcing process, which focuses on native tree species that are well-adapted to the local environment and support biodiversity. UPLB researchers have selected a diverse mix of native species, such as Mayapis, Apitong, White Lauan, Almon, and Palosapis, that can support canopy restoration while promoting ecological diversity.

Meanwhile, native tree species for urban areas— such as Salingogon, Katmon, Aunasin, and Pamitoyen have been selected based on tree architecture, height, climate adaptability, and the benefits offered, such as aesthetic values, shade, pollution reduction, and habitats for wildlife. To complete the project in the coming months, UPLB will also recruit the help of local communities to oversee the planting, care, monitoring, and evaluation activities thereafter.

By championing collaboration among scientists, organizations like GCash, and local communities, this partnership creates a holistic approach that addresses environmental challenges, enhances resilience, and turns residents into long-term environmental stewards. The program includes community-based monitoring to ensure survival rates and continuous ecological and social benefits.

“We are excited about this new partnership with GCash, as it allows us to explore the environmental and socioeconomic impacts of reforestation,” said Mendoza. “Together, we can implement UPLB’s proven methods to maximize benefits for both ecosystems and local communities.”

Through this partnership, GCash continues to strengthen its commitment to sustainability. As a tech for good platform, we can bridge users with sustainability partners and environmental institutions, like UPLB, and contribute to real-world environmental efforts. CJ Alegre, GCash Head for Sustainability, added: “At GCash, we believe that technology can be a powerful tool for positive change.”

How to Make All Your #TravelGoals Come True This Year

Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore – these are just some of the top destinations of Pinoy travelers last year. Whether it's a quick getaway, an adventure abroad, or a return trip to your favorite country, making your #travelgoals a reality starts with good planning. 

With 2025 well underway and everyone eager to tick off the countries on their bucket lists, here are a few tips and tricks for a fun, stress-free, and memorable trip abroad while ensuring you always get the most out of your money.

Create a travel budget and track all your expenses 

It is so easy to get carried away by the sheer excitement of traveling abroad. This sometimes leads us to make expensive mistakes, like booking overpriced hotels, plotting too many expensive activities in your itinerary, or buying too many clothes and goodies that cause you to exceed your baggage allowance. 

While it’s great to splurge once in a while for a trip abroad, setting a budget can help you financially stay on track, and can help you prevent unexpected expenses. Who knows? You might just save enough to be able to go on another trip later in the year!

An easy way to keep an eye on your budget is by tracking all your expenses down in a notebook, an online spreadsheet, or an app – what matters is finding what works best to help you stay on top of your expenses so you can see where you can ease off of spending.

Research, research, and research

With a set budget in mind, your next planning focus would be finding the most ideal flights, accommodations, and tours. Now it’s time to do some research to find some options and see if they match up to your expectations. Researching for your trip can be as simple (and fun!) as reading blog posts and watching travel videos about your dream destination. You can also check out reviews of certain hotels, restaurants, and activities, to see if they’re worth booking or not.

Before you finalize anything, make sure you also take a look at online promos and discounts, because it’s usually cheaper to book in advance online, rather than when you get to your destination. Also, make sure the travel apps and websites you’ll be booking on are safe and legit!

Get exclusive deals with your GCash VISA Card

One way you can unlock exclusive travel deals is by paying with the GCash VISA Card. Available in 200+ countries and territories and over 80 million merchants, the GCash Card opens up endless possibilities - from the planning stages of your trip until you're at your destination. 

Using your GCash Card to pay for hotel bookings at Agoda gives you an exclusive 8% discount on hotel bookings. Lifestyle and travel content creator Kara Rodriguez knows all about this convenient deal. During her recent stay with her mom in Cebu, she was able to take advantage of this discount on her hotel booking which offered all the things she was looking for to really connect with her! Check out her vlog here, and remember that with smart planning and your GCash Card always on hand, you can secure deals just like Kara did.

Embed video: https://www.tiktok.com/@karaysabella/video/7450340865966460178?_t=ZS-8uamg3Xdhgt&_r=1

But that's not all! You can also book hotel stays with IHG and use your GCash Card for up to 20% off in participating hotels in Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Maldives, Laos, Japan, Micronesia, Australia, New Zealand, and South Pacific Islands! 

Enjoy your travel adventure

With your bookings finalized, time to pack your bags, grab your passport, and get your OOTDs ready. Take lots of photos and videos, check out your destination’s hottest food and culture spots, and make unforgettable memories. Most of all, don’t forget to bring the all-new VISA-powered GCash Card, with you for more convenient travels! 

Easily order one without the need for required documents through the GCash app, turn your #travelgoals into a reality! To learn more, visit GCash at www.new.gcash.com/services/cards.