TIEZA and GCash partner to streamline online travel tax refunds for Filipino travelers

    (L- R) GCash International sales head Jill Lotho; public sector national accounts manager Alda Lou Cabrera; VP and public sector head Cleo Santos; TIEZA COO Mark Lapid; ACOO for admin and finance Atty. Joy Bulauitan; and travel tax department manager Atty. Bumbo Cruz

The  Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) has formally partnered with G-Xchange, Inc. (GXI), the mobile wallet operator behind GCash, to significantly enhance the speed, security, and convenience of online travel tax refunds for Filipino travelers.

Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in Makati City, TIEZA will now adopt the GCash Funds Disbursement Service (FDS) to facilitate the real-time crediting of approved travel tax refunds directly into the GCash wallets of eligible passengers.

This modernization initiative aligns with Executive Order No. 170, which mandates the adoption of digital payment systems across government, and Republic Act No. 9593 (Tourism Act of 2009), which empowers TIEZA to institute systems and partnerships that ensure the efficient administration of travel tax collection and refund services.

Making digital refunds seamless for Filipino travelers

Through the integration of the secure disbursement technology of GCash, passengers approved for refunds will now receive their travel tax reimbursements instantly and seamlessly, eliminating the need for on-site claims or manual bank processing. Notably, the service is offered at no cost to both TIEZA and its clients.

“This partnership underscores our commitment to building tourism together by elevating the quality and efficiency of every touchpoint in the Filipino travel experience,” said TIEZA chief operating officer Mark Lapid. “By integrating sophisticated digital solutions like GCash, we are not simply streamlining the refund process—we are advancing transparency, reinforcing institutional accountability, and setting a higher benchmark for how government and industry can collaborate to meet the expectations of today’s discerning travelers.”

A collaboration for seamless, digital-first government services

Under the partnership, G-Xchange, Inc. will provide the secure digital infrastructure that enables real-time disbursement, supported by robust prefunding and reconciliation mechanisms to safeguard the integrity of public funds.

Cleo Celeste C. Santos, vice president and head of GCash public sector, emphasized the value of accessible and efficient financial services and the partnership’s impact on public sector digital transformation. “We are proud to support TIEZA in digitizing one of the most important touchpoints for travelers. Real-time refunds through GCash deliver unmatched convenience, speed, and reliability—empowering passengers with a truly modern and frictionless experience.”

“This collaboration reinforces the mission of GCash to make digital financial services easily accessible for every Filipino. By embedding secure, seamless payouts into TIEZA’s processes, we are helping advance a more inclusive, responsive, and future-ready government service ecosystem,” Santos added. 

A more convenient, future-ready refund system

As global and domestic travel continue to rise, the TIEZA–GCash partnership ensures that public-facing services evolve in step with traveler expectations—reflecting a shared commitment to innovation, efficiency, and good governance in the delivery of essential tourism services.

For more information, visit [https://tieza.gov.ph] and follow @TIEZAOfficial on Facebook and @tiezagovph on Instagram and X.

Mynt chief technology and operations officer Pebbles Sy wins Silver Stevie® Award for Women in Business

Mynt chief technology and operations officer Pebbles Sy, receives the Female Executive of the Year in Asia, Australia, or New Zealand Silver Stevie® Award

For her leadership in advancing secure, innovative, and inclusive financial technology, Mynt Chief Technology and Operations Officer Pebbles Sy has been recognized with the Silver Stevie® Award for Female Executive of the Year in Asia, Australia, or New Zealand at the 2025 Stevie® Awards for Women in Business. The awards program recognizes the achievements of female executives, entrepreneurs, and organizations demonstrating excellence in leadership, innovation, and impact on the global business landscape.

This recognition highlights Sy’s leadership in steering the finance superapp’s product delivery, digital transformation, technology and operations toward innovation, resilience, and inclusivity, while reinforcing the organization’s role as a leader in fintech both regionally and globally.

“This award reflects the teamwork and shared purpose that drive our mission at GCash Technology & Operations team," said Sy. “Our focus has always been to build technology that is secure, accessible, and empowering for every Filipino. This award is a celebration of the work we do together and the future we are shaping.”

Sy’s achievement also marks a significant moment for the GCash Tech & Ops team, whose work in building secure, scalable, and inclusive technology continues to support millions of Filipinos and advance fintech in the region.

Under her guidance, GCash Tech & Ops has redefined how digital infrastructure is built to be secure, scalable, and AI-powered. The team’s work ensures fintech innovation reaches millions of Filipinos, enabling daily financial empowerment through systems designed to be reliable, accessible, and inclusive.

As GCash continues to expand its reach and strengthen its digital backbone, this recognition serves as a milestone in its mission to champion financial inclusion and resilience. By combining strategic leadership with world-class technology, GCash continues to play a key role in advancing financial access and innovation in the Philippines and across the region.

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

 

 

SB19 and GCash Bring the Magic Back to Christmas with New Holiday Anthem – Watch the MV Here!

 Somewhere between the crowded malls, shopping lists, and noche buena planning, the magical feeling of Christmas may be overwhelmed. GCash is helping keep the holidays full of cheer as it teams up with SB19 for a new holiday jingle and music video that reminds us what the season is really about: connection, generosity, and a touch of GCash magic to Make It Merry.

The new Make It Merry jingle sets the tone for the arrival of the Merry GCash season. It captures that familiar warmth we often look for during the busiest time of the year, showing that the spirit of Christmas never really fades; it just needs a little spark to shine again.

In the music video, the SB19 boys are seen using GCash to shop and pay for gifts, piling them into a car, and getting ready to share them with loved ones. Paired with lyrics like, “Ang bawat salu-salo, make it merry, kasama ang pamilya mo,” and “Ang bawat regalo, make it merry, galing sa puso mo,” the song captures how GCash makes every celebration lighter, more joyful, and more merry.

With “Make It Merry” as its official holiday soundtrack, SB19 and GCash set the tone for a season filled with joy, generosity, and ease. Because no matter where your holiday schedule and to-do list will take you this season, GCash helps make every moment simpler, more stress-free, and more meaningful. 

Need to send aguinaldo to your family back home? You can use GCash Send Money to get it done for you instantly. Last-minute gifts? Shop with ease and use GCash to Pay Online. Making a big purchase this year for your house or buying new tech? GGives helps make that possible, with more manageable payments. If the holidays are taking you traveling, bring your GCash Card for easy payments abroad. You can even Scan to Pay to unlock exclusive deals! 

With everything available in one app, GCash turns the rush of the season into cheer, making it easier than ever to spread the magic of Christmas. And as SB19 reminds everyone in “Make It Merry,” the magic of the holidays is found in every gift shared from the heart and every moment that brings us closer. To make it merry this Christmas, you just need to do one thing: i-GCash mo. 

Watch the official Make It Merry music video here, and follow @gcashofficial for more updates on what’s coming this Merry GCash season.

Ilagay ang korona: Gifts That Honor the OG Breadwinners

 

They hustled, sacrificed, nag-ipon, nagtiis—basically carried the whole family on their backs while you were busy growing up. But look at you now: may sweldo, may konting spending power, and a chance to finally give back. This Christmas, it’s officially your turn to flex some love and share your blessings with the OG Breadwinners—si Kuya, si Ate, and of course, Mom and Dad—because if anyone deserves A+ gifts, it’s the people who made sure you never missed baon day.

And don’t worry, perfect doesn’t have to be impossible! With GGives, you can snag the perfect presents abot-kaya, hassle-free, at masaya—so you can give extra special gifts while managing your budget. Consider this your moment. Your upgrade era. Your chance to earn the title: Gifting Master 2.0

Here’s a quick guide on what to get the OG breadwinners that empowered you to be the new breadwinner of your family:

1. For the Living Room Royalty (a.k.a. Parents Who Deserve Better Binge Nights): Smart TV

Give your parents’ living room the glow-up it deserves with a Smart TV—because nothing says “I love you, fam” like a bigger screen, clearer shows, and zero “Anong pinindot mo?!” panic moments. Plus, let’s be real: once it’s mounted, Mom and Dad will proudly brag about it to every kapitbahay within a three-house radius.

2. For the Kitchen MVPs (Mom, Dad, or Ate Who Owns the Apron): Toaster Oven

Upgrade the kitchen game with the ultimate helper: a toaster oven. Perfect for quick meals, baked goodies, and zero drama, it lets your parents (or Ate/Kuya) feel like a MasterChef—without the pressure, smoke alarms, or extra cleanup.

3. For the Responsible Kuya/Ate Who Still Asks “Kumain ka na?”: A Surprise Grocery Shopping

Pull an Uno reverse on your Ate or Kuya with a surprise grocery shopping spree—before they can even ask what you want to buy, you ask them first. It’s the most practical “I got you” gift ever and instant stress relief for the heroes who’ve been feeding everyone for years. Nothing says “thanks for everything” like letting them fill the cart without worrying about the total.

4. For the Tired But Still Smiling Parents: A Fully-Paid Staycation 

Treat your tired-but-still-smiling parents to a fully-paid staycation—whether it’s a chic city escape or a cozy resort just outside the metro—because after years of juggling work, household chores, and keeping the whole family afloat, they’ve more than earned it. They get real rest, and you get to feel like a millionaire child for a weekend. Bonus: zero chores + quality time = memories they (and you) won’t forget.

Big Gifts, Small Stress: Keri Mag-Personalize with GGives

Looking to make this Christmas extra special for the breadwinners in your life? Enter GGives! Your ultimate holiday sidekick that lets you snag the perfect presents without breaking the bank.

With a budget that can be as big as ₱125,000, which you can pay later in easy, budget-friendly installments—no down payment needed. Abot-kaya, hassle-free, at masaya, GGives’ flexible payments let you pull off thoughtful gifts without the stress. This season, it’s your turn to shine as the ultimate gift-giver the OG Breadwinners have always deserved.

They spent years giving, juggling everything so you wouldn’t have to—now it’s your turn to spoil the OG breadwinners. With smart choices and GGives by your side, kering-keri mo na ang perfect gifts!  

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You can access GGives through the GCash dashboard or click the “Borrow” button. GGives is subject to eligibility. Terms and Conditions apply. No GCash yet? Download the GCash App on Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei App Gallery. Kaya mo, i-GCash mo!

GCash Study Now, Pay Later supports students’ college journeys to help build their future

With Study Now, Pay Later, working students are given flexible payment options
to fund their tuition fees and realize their dreams

Working students are now a step closer to finishing their studies through the Study Now, Pay Later (SNPL) program of Fuse Financing Inc., the lending arm of GCash. This flexible lending option powered by GGives provides students and families with an instalment-based payment system that covers up to 100% of tuition with no down payment and lower interest rates.

For many Filipinos, financial challenges remain the biggest barrier to completing a college degree. Tertiary education in the country faces high dropout rates, with financial strain as the primary cause. The SNPL program seeks to help close this gap and empower more students to finish their education.

A financial safety net for students

As for the 21-year-old accounting student, Xander Gandionco faced his own hurdles. As the eldest of three siblings, he worked as a service crew employee to help support his family and fund his education. While he managed to balance both responsibilities, there were moments when tuition became a concern. 

Discovering the SNPL program through an email from his school changed that. The fast approval and manageable terms gave him a lifeline to continue his education. “I thought I wouldn’t be able to enroll this semester. But when I saw that I was approved for the loan, I gained hope,” he shared.

Managing the tightrope of income and tuition

The most profound impact, however, is often felt by those who are completely independent. Lee Visitacion, a 21-year-old Psychology student and a call center agent in a BPO company, has been living and supporting herself for almost 10 years. Her life, which she describes as "independent", meant there was no safety net when an unexpected financial crunch hit during the enrolment deadline.

“There was a time when I didn't have hope because it was the last week of enrolment, and I was planning to abandon my job,” Kim recalls. “But when the loan was approved, it was a big help because it allowed me to enroll.” The quick and easy approval process was a lifesaver that prevented her from dropping out at the last minute.

Similarly, Crysquei Aiko, a 22-year-old Information Technology student, described her life as "challenging" because she supports herself entirely, managing expenses like rent, bills, and food alongside her studies. For her, the loan provided necessary breathing room when her salary couldn't stretch far enough.

"My income is divided for rent, bills, food, and tuition, which makes it tight for my studies," Crysquei explained. The realization of the financial challenge hit when she risked not being enrolled. By accessing SNPL, she was able to use her income to manage her monthly commitments while ensuring her education continued. "The loan helped me enroll on time when I didn’t have enough money, which gave me the chance to continue my studies."

For these students, the program represents more than just a payment option—it's a commitment to their future. With features such as flexible payment terms, full tuition coverage, and easy-to-meet requirements, the program makes it possible for more Filipinos to continue pursuing their college education.

“At Fuse, we believe in a future where financial limitations do not stop a student's dream. Our Study Now, Pay Later program is a testament to this, as we provide fair and inclusive lending to empower the next generation,” said Tony Isidro, president and CEO of Fuse Financing Inc.  “This is another step toward our commitment to easing the burden of upfront school fees and helping more students unlock the opportunity of a college education.”

The experiences of Xander, Lee, and Crysquei show how inclusive lending can change lives and empower Filipinos to build a better future for themselves and their families. The Study Now, Pay Later program is more than a financial solution — it is a vehicle for improving access to education and reducing dropout rates in the country.

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

Enjoy PHP 5 off every trip with the GCash Murang Sakay promo!

The busiest time of the year is here, and navigating the holiday rush—especially with long lines for tickets—is about to get more challenging. Mag-MRT nalang! And as a way of saying thank you to their users, may pamaskong handog si GCash to encourage MRT-3 commuters to try its new payment options! 

With GCash, skip the cashier line for single-journey tickets, and go straight to the MRT Fast Lane! PLUS – With the Murang Sakay promo, get PHP 5 off your fare when you use any of the three new GCash payment methods at MRT-3 stations from December 8–22. 

No need to register for the promo — the discount is automatically applied upon fare deduction. Note: P28 is initially deducted upon entry, and the change will be returned to your GCash wallet after you exit.

If you haven’t tried it yet, here are the three convenient ways you can pay for your MRT-3 rides with GCash, helping you skip the line at the cashier queue for a single journey ticket and access a dedicated MRT fast lane:

GCash Tap to Pay using your phone

If you’re using an NFC-enabled Android phone, your device is your ticket for a seamless entry and exit pass.

To get started, it's a quick, one-time activation:

1. Simply tap Settings on your phone.

2. Turn on the NFC feature.

3. Log in to your GCash account.

4. Select Tap to Pay and agree to the Terms & Conditions.

Once activated, you can now pay for your MRT-3 rides quickly – Just login to GCash then tap your phone on the turnstile upon entry to proceed to the train platform. Upon exit, do the same steps, and the correct fare, along with the PHP 5 discount, will be automatically deducted from your account. 

Tap your GCash Visa Card

Even with a spotty signal or low battery, you can still breeze through your MRT-3 ride using your GCash Visa Card. It works like the traditional MRT-3 ticket system, where you can tap the card upon entry and again during exit. After you exit, the exact fare (minus the PHP 5 discount) will be charged, and any remaining balance from the hold will be credited back to your GCash wallet. 

To use this convenient feature, order a GCash Visa Card in the app by tapping the Cards icon in the home screen. 

Upon receiving your Card, make sure your GCash Visa Card is linked to your GCash account:

1. Tap 'Cards' in the GCash app.

2. Select 'Link my Card,' then input the One-Time Pin (OTP) and submit.

3. Enter the last 4 digits of your card and your virtual account number, then submit.

What’s great about the GCash Visa Card is that you can use it in other stores, locally and abroad, not just in the MRT! Plus, it’s linked to your GCash account, so you just have to cash-in in the app, without having to line up in the MRT station to reload or buy a single-journey ticket Card!

Scan your GCash Commute QR 

You can also enjoy the convenience of cashless commuting by generating a Commute QR code on your GCash app. This will serve as your digital ticket without the need to input any station details. 

Here’s how to use Commute QR:

1. Tap Commute on the GCash app to activate once.

2. At the start of the trip, tap Commute to generate QR – You may download it or take a screenshot.

3. At the GCash fast lane, position your phone towards the scanner.

4. Once scanned, you're all set to board the train.

Upon exit, just scan the same QR code again. The exact fare, with the PHP 5 discount applied, will be automatically deducted from your account. For Globe and TM users, this feature works even without mobile data. 

Don’t miss this chance to save while enjoying a faster, more convenient commute. Whether you're tapping, scanning, or using your GCash card, getting around the city this holiday season just got easier — with an extra treat to boot! 

Ready to power up your commute journey? Download the GCash App on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei App Gallery.

Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-242342 Series of 2025

Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-242986 Series of 2025

CARD Indogrosir, GCash bring SoundPay innovative payment tool to MSMEs

 

(L-R) GCash account manager Vance Ching, B2B commercial head Martin Limgengco, business group head Jong Layug, CARD Indogrosir executive vice president Frederick Torres, and general manager Jeffrey Rilles

GCash, the Philippines’ leading finance super app, has teamed up with CARD Indogrosir, a hybrid local retail chain that serves both retail shoppers and wholesale clients. Through this partnership, GCash is rolling out SoundPay devices across all CARD Indogrosir stores, enabling faster and more efficient transactions.

Powered by a compact device that emits a distinct audio cue upon successful payment, SoundPay allows merchants to confirm transactions instantly—no need to check phones or ask for screenshots. This scan-to-pay system is especially valuable in areas with limited connectivity, where reliability and speed are essential.

These devices are already available in 29 CARD Indogrosir branches, with plans to add 44 more before the year ends, and expand the rollout to a total of 200 stores by next year.

For GCash users, SoundPay offers a more intuitive, secure, and modern payment experience. For merchants, it streamlines operations, minimizes delays, and supports smoother interactions with both bulk buyers and walk-in customers.

By integrating SoundPay into CARD Indogrosir’s retail network, GCash is helping more businesses adopt digital payments with confidence and ease.

"This partnership is about meeting users where they are and making payments work better for everyone. SoundPay brings speed, simplicity, and trust to everyday transactions," said Jong Layug, group head of GCash for Business.

“At CARD MRI, we believe that inclusive growth begins with empowering the smallest entrepreneurs—our sari-sari store owner members. Through our partnership with GCash and SoundPay, we are not only modernizing payments but also creating opportunities for every member of the CARD community and the general public to grow, compete, and thrive,” said Frederick Torres, EVP of CARD Indogrosir.

As SoundPay continues its rollout, GCash remains at the forefront of building financial systems that are not only innovative but also inclusive—enabling merchants and customers to transact with greater ease, trust, and relevance, one tap at a time.

CARD Indogrosir is a joint venture between CARD MRI—the largest microfinance institution in the Philippines—and Indonesia’s Indogrosir under the Salim Group. Founded in 2023, it aligns with CARD MRI’s mission to help eradicate poverty in the country by supporting Filipino micro-retailers with access to wholesale pricing, logistics solutions, and essential financial services—making it a strategic partner in GCash’s push for inclusive innovation.

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

GCash launches two game-changing solutions for MSMEs, freelancers

 

GCash unveils PocketPay, a new solution enabling micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to accept debit and credit card payments directly through an Android smartphone.

The Philippines’ leading finance super app, GCash, has introduced two new game-changing products —

GCash PocketPay, which allows merchants to accept card payments seamlessly, and the

GCash Virtual US Account, which enables freelancers to receive salaries straight to their

e-wallet accounts without additional charges.

Helping MSMEs grow their businesses through card payments

MSMEs are limited to cash only and miss out on additional purchases from credit cards.

With the launch of PocketPay, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) can now

grow their businesses by accepting card payments directly through an Android smartphone. 

The tap-to-pay functionality is especially built for mobile sellers, delivery-based vendors,

and pop-up merchants operating outside traditional retail channels. It allows businesses to

meet customer demand for card payments without investing in costly hardware.

The feature is available with zero transaction fees until December 3, 2025, and can be activated

via the GCash for Business portal.

“GCash PocketPay makes accepting card payments available for all MSMEs. It's an easy-to-use

and reliable business solution that meets their needs wherever they are,” GCash for business

head Jong Layug said.

Apart from initiatives for MSMEs, GCash has also launched an offering targeting Filipino

freelancers servicing clients from the United States.

GCash introduces the GCash Virtual US Account, powered by global payments network Meridian1,

enabling freelancers to receive payments from international clients in real time—fast and hassle-free.

Better take-home pay for Filipino remote workers earning in USD

GCash is also addressing a persistent pain point for Filipino freelancers who often lose a portion

of their income to costly fees, reducing their take-home pay and delaying access to funds they

rely on for daily expenses.

The GCash Virtual US Account,  powered by global payments network Meridian1, promises

reduced platform fees and forex costs, allowing gig workers to have bigger take-home pay.

In addition, the GCash Virtual US Account eliminates high withdrawal fees and hidden charges.

Fully verified GCash users are eligible for account opening. They can transfer funds from

different payment platforms, payroll platforms, and marketplaces such as PayPal, Payoneer, Gusto,

Deel, Upwork, Freelancer.com, Fiverr, and Onlinejobs.ph.

This feature is seen to boost inflows of dollars into the country from the US, which is a top r

emittance source for the Philippines. According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, about

40% of cash remittances from January to August this year came from the US.

“With the GCash Virtual US Account, we’re enabling Filipino freelancers to take full control of

their hard-earned income, allowing them to maximize every peso they earn,”

GCash general manager for international Paul Albano said.

Through GCash PocketPay and GCash Virtual US Account, GCash strengthens its goal of

enabling both MSMEs and freelancers by breaking barriers to financial access—whether

through effortless card acceptance for small businesses or faster, more affordable cross-border

payments for gig workers.

1GCash Virtual US Accounts are issued and maintained by Meridian Payments US under a "for benefit of" arrangement.

These are not bank accounts and do not qualify as deposits; hence, they are not covered by any deposit insurance schemes.