GoTyme Bank Marks Year 2 with 5 Million Users

GoTyme Bank Marks Year 2 with 5 Million Users

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Innovative features and top-tier service cement GoTyme Bank’s position as the fastest-growing bank in the Philippines

In just two years since its launch, GoTyme Bank reaches an unprecedented 5 million-user milestone, proving that simple, beautiful banking continues to resonate with Filipinos. The achievement further underscores how the bank’s mission— to unlock its customers’ financial potential through innovative and accessible products and services—is one that fills a huge gap in the local banking landscape.

To celebrate this milestone, GoTyme Bank will be treating its loyal customers to a limited-time treat, bringing back its 5% annual savings rate from January 1 to February 28, 2025. This rate comes with no limits, no conditions, and no missions—just straightforward savings.

Why Filipinos Are Making the Switch

GoTyme Bank redefines banking in the Philippines with a customer-centric approach that continues to attract customers of all ages and backgrounds. Its key features include:

• Seamless account creation: Open an account in just five minutes via the GoTyme Bank app or at over 500 GoTyme Bank kiosks nationwide.

• Beautiful app interface: An intuitive app design that prioritizes ease of use.

• Innovative banking solutions: GoTyme Bank offers Mobile Check Deposit, three free weekly Instapay transfers (with ₱8 per transfer thereafter), free ATM withdrawals abroad, and the lowest foreign transaction fees.

• Wider accessibility: Deposit and withdraw cash at over 5,000 Robinsons Retail stores and 7-Eleven branches nationwide.

• Rewards on every transaction: Earn Go Rewards points for spending and saving using the GoTyme Bank app and GoTyme Bank Visa Debit Card.

GoTyme Bank Sees Further Growth in 2025

GoTyme Bank expects to sustain its rapid growth with new features set to launch in 2025. Customers can look forward to:Consumer credit: GoTyme Bank will be launching consumer credit products to cater to various needs, starting with Buy Now Pay Later, where users can pay for purchases in easy, low-fee payment options that are lighter on the pocket.

Crypto trading: Buying, holding, and selling cryptocurrencies will soon be possible within the GoTyme app.

Remittance via SWIFT: Send and receive money internationally via SWIFT using your GoTyme account.

Cash Recycler Machines: Deposit and withdraw cash at the same machine, available for both GoTyme and non-GoTyme accounts.

“Reaching 5 million customers in under two years is a testament to the trust that Filipinos have placed in GoTyme Bank. We are both humbled and inspired by the support of our customers. Looking ahead to 2025, we plan to further accelerate growth with the aim of making banking beautiful for over 9 million customers by the end of the year.” says Nate Clarke, CEO of GoTyme Bank.

“Offering credit is the next milestone in our journey to unlock the financial potential of Filipinos. With the launch of our Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) product, we’re giving customers the flexibility to manage purchases in easy, low-fee installments. This is just the start, as we continue to develop new credit products that empower Filipinos to achieve their financial goals with confidence” says Albert Tinio, Co-CEO of GoTyme Bank.

GoTyme Bank has solidified its place as the fastest-growing bank in the Philippines, earning recognition for excellence in customer experience across both digital and traditional banking. As it ventures into its third year, it remains committed to building meaningful relationships with its users and transforming the country’s financial landscape, one beautifully effortless transaction at a time.

For more information, visit www.gotymebank.com.ph or download the app to experience #BankingMadeBeautiful.

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Reimagining Payments with Visa: Key Trends Shaping the Future of 2025

Reimagining Payments with Visa: Key Trends Shaping the Future of 2025

Friday, December 13, 2024

Innovations and consumer-driven shifts redefining the payments landscape—empowering seamless, secure, and smarter transactions in a rapidly evolving digital economy.

Payments are undergoing a significant evolution, driven by advancements in technology and evolving consumer behaviors. In 2025, the payment landscape globally and in the Philippines is set to become more seamless, secure, and interconnected, according to Visa, a global leader in payments technology. These changes reflect a broader movement toward efficiency and inclusivity, reshaping how individuals and businesses engage with digital transactions.

This shift unlocks diverse purchasing opportunities and fosters greater confidence in embracing global e-commerce. At the same time, businesses harness innovative tools to optimize operations, elevate customer experiences, and maintain a competitive edge in a tech-driven market. With the expansion of cross-border e-commerce and the adoption of dynamic security frameworks, here’s a closer look at the trends redefining how Filipinos pay, shop, and do business in 2025.

Trend #1: E-commerce will continue to expand Filipino shoppers’ horizons to explore global retail

E-commerce has been a game-changer, enabling consumers to have unprecedented access to retail options from all over the world. In 2025, the trend toward cross-border shopping will continue to gain momentum, thanks to growing consumer confidence and innovations in digital platforms.

According to Visa’s Green Shoots Radar Survey, Filipino consumers shopping on cross-border e-commerce sites rose from 27% in 2023 to 32% in 2024. Nearly one in five Filipino shoppers now makes an overseas e-commerce purchase every month. This upward trajectory highlights a shift in consumer behavior with Filipinos exploring global markets with increasing ease and enthusiasm.

Emerging technologies, such as video commerce, are set to enhance this experience further. Video-based shopping, which blends entertainment with transactions, offers a more interactive and engaging journey for buyers. As these innovations take hold, 2025 promises to make cross-border shopping more intuitive and enjoyable, unlocking a world of opportunities for both consumers and businesses.

Trend #2: Connected Commerce Redefines Ease in B2B Payments for Filipino Enterprises

The concept of connected commerce is transforming the way Filipino enterprises handle B2B transactions. By integrating seamless global wallet connectivity and real-time payment options, businesses both large and small can now transact across borders with remarkable ease, which will be beneficial for SMEs hoping to grow their businesses.

In 2025, solutions like Visa Direct will lead the charge by providing interoperable real-time payment (RTP) networks capable of processing multiple currencies. These advancements address long-standing pain points in cross-border transactions, offering businesses flexibility through features that support multiple payment preferences—be it debit, credit, or installment—and advanced AI-driven fraud prevention.

This unified approach to global payment systems not only simplifies processes but also enhances efficiency and trust. For Filipino enterprises, it paves the way to stronger competitiveness in the international market by enabling faster, more secure, and cost-effective payment solutions.

Trend # 3: Dynamic Security Elevates Trust as Payments Transform for Filipinos

As digital payments gain further traction, ensuring security becomes paramount. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) reported Philippines’ improved ranking in the United Nations Global Security Index, with the Philippines actively closing the cybersecurity gap, by providing technical skills, collaborating with other countries, organizing cybersecurity efforts, and building capacity to fight cyber threats.

By 2025, dynamic security frameworks will become best practice in helping to redefine the payment experience, blending cutting-edge technologies with consumer trust. AI-powered fraud prevention and machine learning are pivotal in this evolution. These technologies enable businesses, such as banks, to anticipate and neutralize cyber threats, fostering a resilient digital payment ecosystem. Solutions like Visa’s tokenization and Consumer Authentication Service (VCAS) are reducing fraud risks while maintaining seamless transactions. VCAS, for instance, leverages Risk-Based Authentication (RBA), which uses data-driven insights such as device details and past spending patterns to assess risks in real-time. Compared to traditional OTP SMS, VCAS supports next-gen out-of-band authentication methods, enabling cardholders to verify transactions through biometrics, facial recognition, and more. This approach eliminates unnecessary challenges, providing frictionless transactions while enhancing security.

Additionally, Generative AI is emerging as a transformative force in personalizing payment experiences. The concept of “self-driving” finance—where AI automates and optimizes financial decisions—will redefine convenience for Filipino consumers. Visa has invested more than US$10 billion in AI and data infrastructure over the past 10 years to transform the payments experience. Businesses, too, will benefit from real-time monitoring and proactive threat detection, creating a safer environment for all.

Jeffrey Navarro, Country Manager for Visa Philippines, said: “As the world becomes more interconnected, reimagining payments goes beyond just technological innovation—it’s about creating a seamless, secure, and accessible ecosystem that enables individuals and businesses to navigate the global economy with confidence. This means developing payment solutions that not only enhance convenience but also ensure safety and inclusivity, empowering people from all walks of life to participate in the digital economy. At Visa, we are committed to continuously evolving the digital payments landscape, making sure that our solutions are not just advanced but also inclusive, providing access to all.”

With innovations ranging from AI-driven fraud prevention and real-time payments to dynamic security frameworks, Visa continues to empower Filipinos to engage confidently in the global economy, creating new opportunities and driving growth for individuals and businesses alike. As we welcome 2025, Visa continues to shape the future of payments and continue opening new doors for seamless, secure, and inclusive digital transactions, further transforming the way Filipinos pay, shop, and do business.

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Restorative Economy effort that Blends Conservation and Community Empowerment: Practice from Indonesia and Philippines

Restorative Economy effort that Blends Conservation and Community Empowerment: Practice from Indonesia and Philippines

Southeast Asia faces escalating economic challenges, including global fragmentation, geopolitical shifts, and the climate crisis. To tackle these issues, the region must adopt new economic models beyond extractive industries, such as the restorative economy, which restores ecosystems to support local economies.

Environmental degradation from extractive practices has severe global impacts, with 87% of wetlands lost since the Industrial Revolution, harming biodiversity, water resources, and flood prevention. Land degradation affects 3.2 billion people and costs the global economy $9.4 trillion annually.

While still emerging, restorative efforts are growing in Southeast Asia, focusing on land use, sustainable tourism, and recycling. A key example of restorative efforts is the Masungi Georeserve in the Philippines, established in the 1990s, this 430-hectare site, once devastated by illegal logging and land clearing, now thrives as a hub of conservation, community empowerment, and sustainable tourism, protecting limestone karsts, forests, and biodiversity.

Youth as The Agent of Restorative Economy

In Siak Regency, Indonesia, a restorative economic activity is also underway in its infancy through Skelas, a creative platform driven by Siak’s youth. The platform has succeeded in creating food innovations that not only benefit environmental sustainability but also have a positive impact on the local economy. One is the innovation of gluten-free premix flour that uses modified cassava flour (mocaf) and rice bran as raw materials.

Skelas has supported Santi Lestari, a 41-year-old mother, who is behind the creation of this gluten-free premix flour. Santi said that the motivation behind making this premix flour was her concern about the difficulty of finding gluten-free food ingredients and the desire to utilize the potential of local food ingredients.

"Initially, my third child was diagnosed by a doctor as having ADHD, so it was recommended to reduce wheat consumption so that the nervous disorder would not continue. Because there weren't many choices, I tried to make my basic ingredients for Kemojo cake because it's my child's favorite food," she said.

Starting from concern for her child's health, Santi began researching and developing her product under Dapur Mempura in 2019 during the pandemic. Then, Santi joined the Siak Sustainable Business Incubation (KUBISA) program from the Siak Sustainable Creative Center (SKELAS) to develop her product for 6 months. The program is aimed to support sustainable business actors in Siak in achieving business prosperity while maintaining environmental sustainability.

The process of making this gluten-free premix flour goes through several stages, starting from designing the recipe, finding the right composition of raw materials, processing the texture, and testing the taste of the resulting product. In this case, Santi and her team work intensively with PT Alam Siak Lestari, which oversees the Siak Innovation Lab, to ensure that the products produced are safe and under applicable standards.

The advantages of this gluten-free premix flour lie not only in its natural raw materials but also in its ease of use. In addition to being easy and fast, this premix flour is very practical so that anyone can use it themselves. Therefore, this product has the potential to be distributed not only in the Siak region but also to the entire Riau region.

From Field to Table

Uniquely, this premix flour is not just a food product. Behind each package is a story about the restorative economy that is being built. By using mocaf flour and rice bran as the main ingredients, this product provides added value for local farmers.

Bran itself is a by-product of rice processing; usually, this bran is only used as animal feed and is not used by farmers further. However, since the development of bolu kemojo, Mrs. Santi has always bought the bran, thus providing additional income for farmers. Apart from providing additional economic benefits, using local bran will have a better impact on nature because of the reduction of waste during the rice processing. For mocaf flour itself, previously Mrs. Santi did buy it from outside parties, but the Siak Innovation Lab program itself has succeeded in encouraging the production of local Mocaf flour.

This certainly helps farmers and surrounding communities increasingly facing challenges from the climate crisis and land degradation, which reduce their ability to get the right results from agricultural cultivation. Ahmad, one of the farmers, said that the increasing land degradation in his area makes it difficult for him to get the harvest according to market needs.

"Sometimes it's difficult, especially during the dry season, because the crops fail to harvest. Land is also limited, while the need to supply is increasing, and we must adjust prices to continue producing and surviving," said Ahmad.

The Potential of Indonesia's Healthy Food Industry to Restore the Surrounding Economy

Innovations in local food ingredients, such as premix flour from Dapur Mempura, encourage other local businesses to add economic value. Santi shared her transformation from a housewife into an MSME manager who employs several kitchens in Siak. This received a positive response from the local government.

"We see the positive impact of various innovations in local food ingredients on the development of the local economy. Innovations such as this natural ingredient premix flour meet nutritional needs but also respect village agricultural land, creating a sustainable ecosystem that synergizes with each other," said Cerli Febri, from Skelas.

Cerli also hopes that this product can be a trigger for the growth of a sustainable economy in Siak, that goes beyond a food ecosystem, creating a conservation effort that has holistic tourist destinations like Masungi Georeserve in the Philippines. So that people can no longer need to depend on extractive economic policy.

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Chevron Enhances Safety with Solar Street Light Donation in Misamis Oriental Communities

Chevron Enhances Safety with Solar Street Light Donation in Misamis Oriental Communities

Chevron facilitates the installment of solar street lights at Brgy. Palilan and Brgy. Tabo-o to enhance road safety and improve visibility for the residents.

Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), marketer of Caltex fuel and lubricants recently donated solar street lights to Brgy. Palilan and Brgy. Tabo-o in Misamis Occidental, underscoring its commitment to enhancing safety in host communities. Chevron operates a terminal in both barangays—the same terminal that serves several Caltex stations in Misamis Oriental, including in Cagayan de Oro, the province's largest city.

The solar lights illuminate key pathways and roads crisscrossing the barangays. By providing reliable lighting, Chevron aims to reduce the risks associated with poorly lit areas, fostering a safer environment for the community and travelers. This initiative is particularly crucial in emergencies, such as power outages or natural disasters, where adequate lighting is vital for safe navigation and evacuation.

The people of Barangay Palilan and Barangay Tabo-o expressed their deep gratitude to Chevron for its generous donation, which has significantly benefited their community. The installation of solar streetlights has enhanced illumination and improved safety for both residents and tourists, particularly at night. The new lighting has made the streets safer and more secure, alleviating concerns about poorly lit areas.

“At Chevron, we are proud to support communities through donations like this. We will continue to pursue initiatives that enhance safety for our local communities, " said Irven Walter Abenojar, Terminal Operator Associate, CPI.

Chevron's commitment to supporting local communities is evident through this project, reflecting its dedication to sustainable development and enhancing the quality of life for residents. The company looks forward to building on this initial effort with future initiatives that further promote community welfare.

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Erwan and Dahlia Heussaff join Anne Curtis as Manulife’s newest brand ambassadors to promote better futures for Filipino families

Erwan and Dahlia Heussaff join Anne Curtis as Manulife’s newest brand ambassadors to promote better futures for Filipino families

Thursday, December 12, 2024

Manulife Philippines officially welcomes Erwan and Dahlia Heussaff as its newest brand ambassadors, helping to promote wellness and financial security for Filipinos.

Erwan and Dahlia will champion better health and life protection for Filipino families through Manulife’s broad and comprehensive range of insurance products. Erwan and his daughter, Dahlia join Anne Curtis, an actress, TV host and mother who became Manulife’s brand ambassador in 2022.

Erwan is a Filipino restaurateur and a multi-award winning cultural storyteller, helping redefine food and cultural media in the Philippines. His brands — The Fat Kid Inside and FEATR Media — have gained various recognitions, including a 2023 James Beard Award.

“Erwan and Anne are accomplished individuals in their respective fields, but caring for their family has remained a priority amid their busy careers. As parents, Anne and Erwan have shared the importance of financially protecting Dahlia and securing their family’s future, and Manulife is delighted to be their partner,” said Sonali Verma, Chief Marketing Officer, Manulife Philippines.

Financial awareness and better money habits start at home

Beyond their roles as Manulife brand ambassadors, the Heussaffs are taking financial literacy to heart at home. Erwan plans to introduce a chore-based allowance system to four-year-old Dahlia, laying the early groundwork that can help her develop smart money habits at a young age. Their hands-on approach to financial education coincides with a much-needed shift toward family-based money management financial learning among Filipino families.

“With Anne and Erwan’s individual and collective influences, we hope to inspire and enable more Filipinos to achieve their personal and financial goals. As one of the longest-serving financial services brands in the country, Manulife is ready to meet our customers where they are and provide the tools to guide them toward financial security and a more resilient future,” Verma added.

“Our Manulife insurance policies have been an integral part of taking care of our family and preparing for Dahlia’s future. I hope that we can inspire families like ours to pursue their goals and unlock meaningful opportunities with the help of a trusted partner, such as Manulife,” said Curtis.

“I’m excited to collaborate with Manulife as their brand ambassador to encourage more Filipinos to lead healthier lifestyles, helping them set their sights on better days – one milestone at a time. And I’m happy to know that there’s a Manulife plan for all of life’s milestones, from protecting your family’s health and funding your child’s education, to preparing for your golden years,” Heussaff added.

Recently, Erwan was a featured speaker at a press conference launching the firm’s newest study “In Wellness and In Health: Navigating the Landscape of Health, Well-being, and Financial Preparedness in the Philippines,” alongside Manulife Philippines President and Chief Executive Officer Rahul Hora.

The local arm of international financial services provider Manulife, Manulife Philippines is one of the leading and most trusted life insurance companies in the country. Manulife Philippines is committed to offering Filipino customers best-in-class and innovative financial solutions tailor-fit to address their personal needs and goals.

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Manulife Philippines Appoints Victor Tanjuakio as New Chief Corporate Solutions and Alternative Distribution Officer

Manulife Philippines Appoints Victor Tanjuakio as New Chief Corporate Solutions and Alternative Distribution Officer

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

The Philippine arm of leading global financial services provider Manulife announces the appointment of Victor Tanjuakio as the Company’s new Chief Corporate Solutions and Alternative Distribution Officer.

Tanjuakio joins Manulife Philippines with over 35 years of experience working with some of the country’s leading insurance organizations. As Chief Corporate Solutions and Alternative Distribution Officer, Tanjuakio will be responsible for driving high-quality sustainable growth for Manulife Philippines’ corporate solutions business.

“Victor has delivered remarkable results for top financial services companies in the Philippines throughout his career, and we’re delighted to bring his expertise to our senior leadership team. He’s a veteran actuary skilled in financial reporting, underwriting, risk management, marketing, sales, and talent development,” said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines.

Hora added, “With Victor at the helm of our corporate solutions business, we look forward to providing our group insurance clientele with more innovative financial solutions tailor-fit to their organizations’ and their employees’ unique protection needs.”

Tanjuakio will oversee a team in charge of multi-channel sales, group pricing, group accounts management, group operations, and digital transformation to develop and execute strategies that enhance Manulife Philippines’ customer and distributor experience for stable of corporate clients. Under his leadership, the team will be tasked to further drive business growth through strategic partnerships with other financial institutions as well as traditional and emerging digital players.

For more information about Manulife Philippines, you may visit their website at www.manulife.com.ph

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MMDA Launches Its 10-Year Zero Waste Program for a More Sustainable Metro Manila

MMDA Launches Its 10-Year Zero Waste Program for a More Sustainable Metro Manila

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) concluded its inaugural Road to Zero Waste Summit 2024 on November 5 to 6 at the Bayanihan Center in Pasig City. The event was a significant milestone in the agency’s ongoing efforts to take the initial step toward a transformative 10-year zero waste program for Metro Manila, protecting the environment, the existing landfills, and the overall well-being of its stakeholders.

One of the highlights of the summit was the Pledge of Commitment, where MMDA Chairman Atty. Romando S. Artes together with MMDA General Manager Procopio G. Lipana, Vice Chairman of the National Solid Waste Management Commission Commissioner Crispian Lao, and LLDA Acting General Manager Atty. Senando A. Santiago signed the pledge, symbolizing their shared dedication to achieving a zero waste Metro Manila.

Notable attendees including City of Malabon Mayor Hon. Jeannie L. Sandoval, DENR Undersecretary for Policy, Planning, and International Affairs Atty. Jonas R. Leones, and DILG Assistant Secretary for Local Government Atty. Jessi Howard S. Lanete, were also present as witnesses to a total of 25 waste recyclers who pledged their commitment in supporting the MMDA’s Road to Zero Waste 10-Year Program through integrating strategies, systems, resources, and technologies—making the shift to a circular economy possible through a whole-of-nation approach.

According to MMDA Chairman Atty. Romando S. Artes, “The program covers all types of waste that will employ sustainable, practical, and preferable local solutions and methods. This marks the beginning of a dynamic collaboration between the government and private sector intended to bridge the gap in promoting environmental sustainability through the ecological use of solid waste as a resource. We are grateful to our partners, recyclers who put up these exhibits and who tirelessly explore ways and innovations to make solid waste usable and not something to be discarded. MMDA is with you in pursuing such initiatives.”

A Platform for Collaboration and Innovation

The summit featured 16 panel discussions, 5 breakout sessions, and 30 exhibit booths, all focusing on raising the level of public awareness and participation on adopting SWM best practices in communities – such as food waste composting methods and technologies, recycling of PET bottles and other plastics, and interventions through resource recovery facilities that establish a systemic, comprehensive, and ecological approach to waste management.

Attendees also explored ways to integrate circular economy principles into the Metro Manila waste management landscape. Discussions ranged from promoting public-private partnerships to implementing advanced recycling technologies. The summit also emphasized the importance of community engagement, with IEC campaigns urging citizens to adopt sustainable waste practices starting with the most important component: segregation.

Undersecretary Procopio G. Lipana, General Manager of MMDA, was adamant about the initiative’s objectives, encouraging all stakeholders to come together, saying “Let us now leave the linear economy principle, as far as waste management is concerned. We have to close the loop. We have to practice circular economy.”

Moving Forward Toward Zero Waste

By implementing a holistic approach that encompasses waste reduction, recycling, and resource recovery, the MMDA aims to divert waste from landfills and create a cleaner, healthier future for Metro Manila.

Intensive public awareness campaigns will be launched to educate the communities and the general public about the importance of waste reduction and proper waste disposal. MMDA will expand and improve recycling programs by bridging the gap between and among communities, government agencies, and private recycling companies and organizations. Meanwhile, the Authority will continuously explore opportunities to develop waste-to-energy facilities to convert waste into clean energy, and promote utilization of technologies to divert compostable and recyclable wastes. With these strategies under the road-to-zero waste program, community empowerment and public-private partnerships will be further strengthened to implement sustainable localized waste management solutions. The MMDA is looking to pilot activities through initial collaborations in selected barangays, city markets, and malls with custom-made zero waste management guide maps to be implemented by their Solid Waste Management Office.

The MMDA invites all stakeholders, including residents, businesses, and government agencies, to participate in this transformative initiative. For more information about the MMDA Road to Zero Waste Program, visit the MMDA’s official website or follow the Metro Manila Flood Management Project (MMFMP) Facebook page.

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