New Balance introduces fresh colorways of the ABZORB 2010, launching exclusively at Foot Locker. The release is backed by a global campaign starring New Balance athlete and basketball all-star Zach LaVine, highlighting a refined take on the familiar silhouette.
New Balance and Foot Locker continue to build their relationship by connecting with the next generation of sneaker culture. Shot in studio, the campaign centers on the buildup before capture, defined by preparation, shared momentum, and the collective energy of the set. The ABZORB 2010 reflects a culture shaped by authenticity and everyday expression.
In the Philippines, where sneakers have become an everyday expression of personal style, the ABZORB 2010 reflects a design philosophy rooted in authenticity—balancing familiar elements with progressive details to create a silhouette that feels effortless yet intentional.
As one of basketball’s top stars, the two-time All-Star and Slam Dunk Contest champion has built a career defined by elite athleticism and a creative style of play that continues to push the game forward. Since joining the New Balance family in 2022, Zach has played an active role in shaping the brand through both performance and lifestyle campaigns. As basketball continues to intersect with fashion and culture, Zach stands at the center of it all, bringing an effortless sense of style and a creative mindset. His personality comes to life throughout the campaign, showing his relevance on and off the court.
Originally introduced in 1993, ABZORB cushioning revolutionized running technology and has since become a signature feature of several fan favorite lifestyle models. The ABZORB 2010 represents the most familiar visual, amongst the progressive designs of the ABZORB range, combining an exaggerated ABZORB sole unit with an upper inspired by popular 2000s era styles.
The ABZORB 2010 will be available in Black Cement/Grey Matter/Hot Tomato and Black Cement/Angora/Pink Lemonade, launching exclusively at Foot Locker Philippines stores and online on Sunday, July 26, 2026.
The best discoveries aren’t always the ones you plan for. Sometimes they’re found in a new corner to explore, a space that feels unexpectedly different, or a place you’ve passed by countless times, suddenly seen in a whole new light.
At first glance, it feels familiar.
Then you look a little closer.
Street-luxe labels sit alongside destination cafés. A familiar walkway leads you to a brand you’ve yet to discover. An artful installation catches your attention. Without realizing it, you’ve spent hours in a place you thought you already knew.
That’s when you start to notice what feels different.
A New Side Takes Shape It’s the kind of place where plans have a way of changing.
It’s designed for the moments that happen between destinations, the conversations, unexpected finds, and the moments you never planned for that become the highlight of the day.
That same spirit extends beyond the storefronts through immersive lifestyle tableaus designed to spark curiosity and interaction. Inspired by modern culture and artistic self-expression, the installations invite visitors to pause, look a little closer, and experience Greenbelt 2 from a different perspective.
There’s More to Explore With its story still unfolding, Greenbelt 2 continues to build on its growing mix of brands and concepts, from the arrival of Maison Margiela 6, CDG3, Maison Kitsuné, and Omotesando Koffee to an acclaimed Cebu-born dining destination set to open soon, with even more still to be revealed.
Each addition offers another reason to come back, whether it’s to see what’s new, revisit a favorite corner, or simply stay a little longer, lose track of time, and enjoy where the day takes you.
If this is only the first glimpse, imagine what’s still to come.
The rest is waiting to be explored.
Same Address. Different Energy. A New Side of Greenbelt.
It’s time to text the group chat, rally the crew and get ready to claim your spot. Registration for Nike After Dark Tour Manila 2026 opens at 12:00pm on 29 July, giving women runners across the Philippines the chance to be part of one of Nike’s most anticipated global running experiences.
With race registrations moving quickly across the tour, runners are encouraged to prepare early, align their night-run crew and be ready to register as soon as entries open. The Manila stop will feature a 10K race, inviting women of all backgrounds and abilities to step onto the starting line together for an evening built around movement, confidence, culture and community.
The Nike After Dark Tour is a global race series designed for women and powered by Nike, bringing together sport, self-expression and the energy of running after the sun goes down. In 2026, the series spans seven major cities around the world, including Manila, London, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Mumbai, Shanghai and Sydney.
Now in its second year, the After Dark Tour builds on Nike’s longstanding commitment to supporting women runners around the world. The inaugural tour drew more than 50,000 women across seven races on five continents, with one in three participants racing for the first time.
The Manila race continues that momentum, creating a dedicated space for women to run, connect and celebrate what they are capable of — whether they are chasing a personal best, signing up for their first 10K or making the night unforgettable with their closest friends.
The race starts at KM 0 at Roxas Boulevard, with runners pounding the wide-open lanes of the highway under the night sky. The course will take them through the historic streets of Old Manila, along landmarks such as Intramuros, the National Museum, and Jones Bridge, before finally ending at the finish line at Quirino Grandstand.
You can also expect the After Dark Tour weekend to be the ultimate girls’ weekend, full of activations at the Race Village, exclusive Nike Experiences, Finish Line celebrations and the iconic ADT finisher medal, designed to be worn as a necklace, bracelet, keychain loop or belt chain.
Across the tour, runners will also experience Nike’s latest running, training and sportswear innovations, designed to help women look good, feel good and perform at their best. The same performance technologies developed for Nike’s elite athletes are available to everyday runners, reinforcing the brand’s belief that innovation should serve all athletes, at every level. Registrations for Nike After Dark Tour Manila open at 12:00pm, 29 July 2026 at https://www.afterdarktour.nike.com/en/manila
As the Camera Club of the Philippines (CCP) moves toward its landmark centennial celebration in 2028, it launches the journey with Landscapes (Your Land, Our Land), a photographic exhibition that highlights the profound connection between people and the places they inhabit. Now on display at the Antonio Gallery in Century City Mall, Makati, the exhibition serves as both a celebration of the natural world and a tribute to photography’s enduring role in preserving it.
Established in 1928, the Camera Club of the Philippines is recognized as the country’s oldest photography society and one of the world’s longest continuously operating photography organizations. For almost a hundred years, its members have documented the Philippines through changing times, capturing its people, traditions, landscapes and communities while building an invaluable visual record of the nation’s story.
It is fitting that Landscapes opens the Club’s series of exhibitions leading to its centennial year. More than a thematic choice, it reflects the idea that every journey begins with a place. Your Land, Our Land provide the setting for everyday life, influence the way communities develop, and quietly stand as witnesses to history, culture and identity.
Landscape photography has long been regarded as one of the foundations of the photographic craft. It demands patience, rewards careful observation, and teaches photographers to understand how light, weather, composition and timing work together to transform an ordinary scene into a compelling image. Beyond technical skill, it invites a deeper appreciation of the environments that surround us.
The exhibition brings together images that reveal the richness and diversity of the Philippine landscape. Sweeping mountain ranges, peaceful shorelines, expansive countryside and dynamic urban skylines are presented not simply as scenic destinations but as places filled with stories, memories and meaning. Each photograph offers a perspective on how landscapes continue to shape the lives of those who experience them.
The exhibition also reflects the Camera Club’s long tradition of exploration and documentation. Through decades of photographic field trips and its renowned “On The Spot” competitions, members have traveled across the archipelago, recording the country’s changing geography and preserving significant moments through photography. Their work has contributed not only to the advancement of photographic artistry but also to the preservation of the Philippines’ visual heritage.
As it enters the final stretch toward its 100th anniversary, the Camera Club of the Philippines invites the public to rediscover the beauty and significance of the landscapes that surround us. Your Land, Our Land marks an appropriate beginning to the Club’s centennial celebration—one that honors the places that have inspired generations of photographers and continue to define the nation’s visual identity.
Landscapes Your Land, Our Land is currently on view at the Antonio Gallery, Century City Mall in Makati. For more information about the Camera Club of the Philippines and its centennial activities, call (63 2) 8894-2987, visit www.cameraclubph.com, or follow the Camera Club of the Philippines on Facebook.
Great food has a way of transporting you somewhere new, and Heybo’s latest creation does exactly that. Introducing KōTai, a bold new bowl inspired by the vibrant flavors of Tokyo and Taipei, bringing together two iconic Asian food cultures in one satisfying meal.
Now available at Heybo, KōTai is Heybo’s newest flavor adventure, built around the idea that the best culinary experiences happen when cultures meet. The result is a bowl that delivers familiar comfort while introducing exciting new combinations, all under the campaign’s fitting theme, “Two Cities, One Bold Bo.”
At the heart of KōTai are Heybo’s new sweet potato noodles, offering a light yet satisfying base with a pleasantly chewy texture that sets it apart from your everyday grain bowl. Layered on top is tender bulgogi beef, bringing rich, savory notes that pair beautifully with the bowl’s fresh and earthy ingredients.
Adding even more depth are slices of oden radish, known for their delicate sweetness and ability to soak up flavor, alongside grilled mushrooms that contribute a smoky, umami-rich bite. For freshness and crunch, the bowl is finished with a vibrant turnip edamame salad, while crispy shallots provide a final layer of texture in every mouthful. Together, these KōTai-exclusive ingredients create a combination that can only be experienced in this bowl.
What truly completes the experience is the pairing of two signature sauces created especially for KōTai. A sweet chili dip offers just the right touch of sweetness and spice, while the Taiwanese chili vinaigrette adds a bright, tangy finish that ties the entire bowl together, creating a balance of sweet, savory, smoky, and refreshing flavors.
Beyond its bold taste, KōTai is also designed to be a satisfying everyday meal. Each bowl contains 570.2 calories, making it a hearty option whether you’re grabbing lunch, refueling after a workout, or simply looking for something packed with flavor. The bowl is also dairy-free and nut-free, made with extra lean meat and high-protein ingredients.
Whether you’re looking to shake up your lunch routine, refuel after an active day, or simply explore a fresh take on Asian-inspired flavors, KōTai brings together thoughtfully selected ingredients that celebrate the best of two vibrant food cultures in every bite KōTai is available at all Heybo branches for dine-in and takeaway, and is also available for delivery via GrabFood and foodpanda. Whether you’re craving something different or simply looking for your next favorite bowl, KōTai offers a delicious journey across two cities, without ever leaving your seat.
For over three decades, The Bistro Group has been a welcoming host behind memorable meals and fun celebrations. Today, the trailblazing food and beverage powerhouse turns the page to its next chapter, unveiling a new corporate logo that bridges its proud, storied past with an exciting future.
It is far more than a simple visual refresh. It marks a major milestone in the company’s evolution, reflecting a premium and contemporary aesthetic while remaining deeply rooted in the core values guests have embraced for over three decades.
At first glance, the new logo commands attention with its clean, modern, sans-serif typeface. Looking closer, one will find the soul and essence of The Bistro Group woven into the design. It has a subtle yet powerful symbolic attribute- a stylized play on a warm, gentle smile with a tongue to symbolize delicious food, generosity and Bistro’s signature, heartfelt hospitality.
The brand evolution comes at a pivotal time as Bistro aggressively expands its portfolio of both international and homegrown concepts. As the profile of the dining public changes, Bistro’s guest demographics have also dynamically evolved, and the new logo speaks to multiple generations simultaneously. “It ensures that our long-time guests and the younger sets like the Millennials and GenZs feel equally welcome at any Bistro restaurant,” said Jean Paul Manuud, president of The Bistro Group.
Anchoring Future Growth
Beyond the visual makeover, the logo change is an anchor for a robust, forward-thinking strategy and expansion, marked by the arrival of highly anticipated global concepts like UK’s wagamama alongside the continuous growth of existing concepts and homegrown favorites. It reflects the company’s reputation not just as a domestic leader, but as a world-class, global hospitality brand anchored in its Filipino roots.
Great dining begins before the first bite, with visual cues quietly shaping the experience. The Bistro Group introduces an evolved visual identity that mirrors the quality and satisfaction its brands have delivered for decades.
The next time that contemporary, sleek logo catches a guest’s eye, it serves as an invitation to step inside a Bistro restaurant where a great dining experience awaits.
About The Bistro Group
Founded in 1994, The Bistro Group (TBG) is one of the Philippines’ most progressive restaurant chains. It successfully launched TGIFridays in 1994 and has since then redefined the country’s restaurant landscape by innovating through homegrown concepts while introducing internationally-recognized brands. An integral part of its portfolio consists of local concepts like Siklab which elevates authentic Filipino flavors with contemporary flair and Krazy Garlik, a celebration of flavorful Asian-Filipino cuisine. Through the years, The Bistro Group has introduced a powerhouse of international brands such as Fogo de Chao, Morton’s The Steakhouse, Dave & Buster’s, Italianni’s, Denny’s, Texas Roadhouse, Randy’s Donuts, LongHorn Steakhouse and Hard Rock Café among others, among others as well as Asian concepts like Dessert 39, Secret Recipe, Watami, Modern Shang and Bulgogi Brothers and Spanish restaurants Las Flores, Rumba and La Lola Churreria.
Forming part of its formidable brand roster are the restaurants of Michelin-starred corporate executive chef, Josh Boutwood. In 2025, the Michelin Guide awarded Helm Two Michelin Stars, while The Test Kitchen, Ember and Juniper were recognized as Michelin Selected. These awards demonstrated the commitment of both TBG and Boutwood’s celebrated concepts to world-class quality and innovation. Their shared journey champions the same passion for craft and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
The strategic acquisition of The Bistro Group by Inoza Business Holdings Inc. in 2025 created a powerful union primed for aggressive market growth. Anchored in aligned values of uncompromising standards and customer-centric service, this ‘marriage’ of strengths represents top-tier culinary heritage with strategic resources and robust corporate backing. It cements The Bistro Group’s position at the forefront of the Philippines’ F & B industry.
Central to the new design is a subtle yet powerful symbolic attribute: a clever, stylized play on a warm, genuine smile that captures the core of the Bistro experience: delicious food, generosity and the signature, heartfelt hospitality that makes every guest feel at home.
It is a declaration of intent—a sleeker look, powered by the exact same heart.
When every day starts to feel like an endless loop of keyboard taps, deadlines, and nonstop notifications, Chupa Chups is that sweet escape whenever you need a break.
With its wide variety of lollipops and jellies, Chupa Chups adds a little burst of fun to the moment, reminding you that no matter how busy life gets, life can still be Forever Fun.
Power through deadlines with Chupa Chups Lollipops and Melody Pops
Long study sessions and back-to-back meetings call for Chupa Chups Lollipops and Melody Pops. The classic lollipop is the perfect sweet companion for every productive moment, with its long-lasting sweetness and wide assortment of flavors that make every study session, work sprint, or well-earned break feel a little more rewarding.
Looking for something even more playful? Chupa Chups Melody Pops lets you create your own tune with its signature whistle, turning every break into a mini jam session. Play around with fun sounds while enjoying its delicious strawberry flavor for a sweet escape that’s as interactive as it is sweet.
It’s an easy way to break the routine, recharge, and remind yourself that life’s still Forever Fun even on your busiest days.
Level up gaming sesh and bardaka hangouts with Chupa Chups Jellies
Every gaming session is packed with thrilling plays and unforgettable victories, while every barkada hangout is filled with laughter, stories, and shared memories.No matter what kind of fun you’re having, Chupa Chups adds a burst of sweetness that keeps the good times going and turns every unforgettable moment into a sweet journey.
With its variety of fruity flavors and satisfying chewy textures, you can choose your favorite treat depending on your mood.
Chupa Chups Bites – Soft, sour, chewy bite-sized candies that are perfect for quick snacking between gaming rounds.
Chupa Chups Sour Tubes – Sour mini tube candies with a center filling that make every snack break even more fun.
Chupa Chups Panda – Cute panda-shaped gummies that add extra playfulness to every bite.
Chupa Chups Cola – Fizzy cola-flavored gummies that bring a refreshing twist to your sweet escape.
Chupa Chups Belts – Colorful, tangy belts packed with bold fruity flavors for those who love a sweet-and-sour kick. Also available in a fun 1-meter-long gummy belt that’s perfect for sharing or savoring all to yourself.
Chupa Chups Jellies make every hangout and gaming session even sweeter.
Experience the Sweet Escape at the Chupa Chups Fun Spot
Ready to take the fun beyond your snacks?
Step into the Chupa Chups Fun Spot and experience the brand’s colorful world in real life. Happening from July 18 to 25, 2026, at Robinsons Manila, Level 1, Midtown Wing, the event invites everyone to escape the everyday buzz and discover a space where fun comes naturally.
Enjoy exciting games and interactive activities, snap Instagram-worthy photos, discover your favorite Chupa Chups treats, dance along to upbeat music, and create sweet memories with family and friends.
Don’t forget to capture your sweetest moments and share them online by tagging:
Instagram: @chupachupsph
TikTok: @chupachupsph
Facebook: Chupa Chups
Use the hashtags #ChupaChupsPH and #ForeverFun to join the celebration and spread the fun.
The Philippine Human-Animal Bond Institute (PHABI), the non-profit organization behind Communitails, has been awarded a grant from the Royal Canin Foundation to advance Brave Tails, a pioneering animal-assisted services program supporting trauma survivors and their care providers in the Philippines—marking the first time a Philippine and Southeast Asian initiative has been selected for support by the Foundation.
The grant represents a significant step in strengthening trauma-informed care approaches in the country, where survivors of abuse and exploitation often face long-term psychosocial challenges, compounded by limited access to mental health support. Through structured interactions with trained therapy animals, Brave Tails offers a safe and supportive environment that promotes healing and overall wellbeing.
Addressing a critical need through the human-animal bond
In the Philippines, survivors of trauma and their networks of care often face complex emotional and psychological burdens. Care providers and frontline workers are likewise at risk of burnout and secondary trauma.
Brave Tails, implemented through Communitails responds to this need by advancing trauma-informed animal-assisted services, harnessing the human-animal bond to support recovery and resilience for both survivors and those who care for them.
“Designed around the principle of mutual healing, Brave Tails uplifts the well-being of all participants, such as survivors, care providers, therapy animals, and their human stewards. By cultivating a practice of caring for animals, self, and others, the initiative creates emotionally safe, brave, and restorative spaces that promote trust, belonging, and meaning.” — Rohani Navarro, Philippine Human-Animal Bond Institute (PHABI) President
A global foundation supporting impact-driven initiatives
The Royal Canin Foundation supports initiatives worldwide that highlight the positive role of cats and dogs in human health and welfare and initiatives that support the work of search and rescue dogs.
Each year, the Foundation selects and funds new projects aligned with its focus areas, following a rigorous evaluation and review process that assesses impact, feasibility, sustainability and pet welfare.
In 2026, the Foundation continues to expand its global reach by backing initiatives that address diverse human health needs, including programs supporting war-affected communities in Ukraine, therapeutic interventions for elderly care in Spain, and cat therapy for hospitalized children in Italy.
The inclusion of Brave Tails places the Philippines alongside these global initiatives, reflecting the growing recognition of animal-assisted approaches in supporting human health and wellbeing.
“At the Royal Canin Foundation, we support initiatives that highlight the role of pets in human health and welfare. Brave Tails is a strong example of how the human-animal bond can meaningfully support wellbeing in sensitive contexts.” — Carlos Andres-Luna, Royal Canin Foundation President
Enabling impact at scale
Through the Foundation grant, PHABI will expand Brave Tails to reach more survivors and care providers, strengthen its trauma-informed animal-assisted services, and advance sustainable, evidence-based approaches to support wellbeing in the Philippines.
The program builds on PHABI’s work through Communitails in advancing the human-animal bond across healthcare, education, and community settings, while promoting both human wellbeing and ethical animal care.
The grant further reinforces the ongoing collaboration between Royal Canin Philippines and Communitails, grounded in a shared commitment to advancing responsible pet care, community wellbeing, and education on the role of pets in society. Previous initiatives have included outreach and advocacy efforts such as storybook reading programs and community education initiatives that promote empathy and responsible pet ownership.
“Our partnership with Communitails reflects a shared commitment to both human and animal wellbeing. We are proud to see a Philippines-led initiative gain global recognition and support through this grant.” — Gerard Poa, Royal Canin Philippines Market Head
Advancing a shared purpose
Together, the Royal Canin Foundation and its partners remain committed to supporting initiatives that demonstrate the positive impact of pets on human health worldwide.
The Foundation also aims to advance knowledge and understanding of the human-animal bond, contributing to insights that can be shared globally to ultimately benefit both people and pets. By funding programs such as Brave Tails, the Foundation contributes to building healthier, more resilient communities.
Ayala Land, Circuit Makati, and Samsung Performing Arts Theater, with the support of GCash, are proud to present a landmark holiday event this December: The Nutcracker, one of the world’s most beloved classical ballets, staged for the very first time at Samsung Performing Arts Theater. Running from December 11 to 13, 2026, the show will feature the artists from Ballet Manila, the country’s premier classical ballet company, together with the dancers of Steps Dance Studio, one of the Philippines’ largest dance schools.
For generations, The Nutcracker has been synonymous with the spirit of Christmas, enchanting audiences around the world with its breathtaking choreography, unforgettable characters, and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. First premiered in 1892, the ballet has become one of the most performed and beloved works in the classical repertoire, offering a timeless celebration of imagination, family, and the joy of the holiday season. Its debut at Samsung Performing Arts Theater marks a significant milestone for the venue, reinforcing its commitment to presenting world-class productions while creating unforgettable cultural experiences for audiences in the Philippines.
This landmark staging brings together some of the country’s most accomplished artists and creatives. Internationally acclaimed designer Gino Gonzales, recipient of the 2024 CCP Gawad Para sa Sining for Theater, will create the production’s enchanting sets and costumes, while the atmospheric lighting design will be crafted by Monino Duque, recipient of the 2023 Aliw Awards Lifetime Achievement Award. The production will be restaged by acclaimed ballet coach and choreographer Jeffrey Espejo, whose artistic vision will bring new life to this treasured classic while honoring its enduring legacy.
Set on Christmas Eve, The Nutcracker follows young Clara as she receives a beautifully crafted Nutcracker doll that becomes the gateway to an extraordinary dream. As midnight strikes, the toy comes to life, leading her through an unforgettable adventure filled with courageous battles, enchanted forests, and dazzling kingdoms. Together they defeat the fearsome Mouse King before journeying through the sparkling Kingdom of Snow and arriving in the magnificent Land of the Sweets, where the Sugar Plum Fairy welcomes them with a breathtaking celebration of dance inspired by confections and cultures from around the world. Blending fantasy with extraordinary artistry, The Nutcracker continues to capture the hearts of audiences of every generation, reminding us of the wonder that Christmas brings and the limitless power of imagination.
With its distinguished artistic team, spectacular production design, and extraordinary cast of performers, this inaugural production promises an unforgettable theatrical experience for families, longtime ballet lovers, and first-time audiences alike. More than a performance, The Nutcracker invites audiences to rediscover the childlike wonder of the season and celebrate the joy of Christmas through one of the world’s most treasured ballets.
Tickets for The Nutcracker will be available exclusively through TicketWorld beginning July 15 at 10:00 a.m.
For more information, please follow the official Nutcracker page on Facebook and Instagram and the official venue Samsung Performing Arts Theater on Facebook and Instagram.
Not every dream unfolds exactly as planned, and the journey toward making it a reality isn’t always a straight path. Sometimes it calls for unwavering perseverance. Other times, it means finding the courage to take a second chance. And often, true progress comes from knowing when to ask for help so you can keep moving forward.
It’s this spirit of courage and perseverance that takes center stage in the sixth installment of this year’s #GCashStories, the flagship campaign from the country’s No. 1 Finance Super App and Largest Cashless Ecosystem. Themed “Kasama Mo Mangarap,” this latest chapter reveals the deeply inspiring real-life journey of Atty. Sheila Gomez—a former legal aide whose lifelong dream of becoming an attorney was realized through sheer determination and responsible financial choices, with the timely support of GLoan.“Our GCash Stories campaign showed us that the most powerful script is that of real life,” said Neil Trinidad, Chief Marketing Officer of Mynt. “Progress becomes possible when people are given the right support at the right time. At GCash, we believe our role goes far beyond providing financial tools—we want to empower Filipinos to keep moving forward. Every Filipino deserves to dream and deserves a second chance in pursuing just that. We take immense pride in Sheila’s journey because it is living proof that digital financial inclusion doesn’t just solve a temporary problem; it turns everyday obstacles into real, lasting possibilities – dreams achieved.”
More Than Just a Story: The #GCashStories Movement
GCash Stories is a celebration of real Filipinos whose journeys remind us that progress is often built through everyday acts of courage, determination, and hope. Over the last three years, the campaign has evolved into a nationwide movement that transcends storytelling, capturing a rich collection of lived experiences that reflect the aspirations, challenges, and triumphs of underserved communities across the country and their individual stories of progress with the help of GCash.
By welcoming Atty. Sheila into this portfolio, GCash continues to spark vital conversations about financial inclusion. Her story adds to a powerful legacy of real-life breakthroughs previously featured by the brand:
Cocoy, a laid-off bartender who turned into a successful business owner with the help of GLoan.
Alma, a well-loved university employee who lost her home to Typhoon Ulysses but rebuilt it through community crowdfunding via GCash Send Money.
Turing, a drag queen and breadwinner who sustained her family during the pandemic by digital tipping via GCash QR.
Adz, a champion para-athlete who raised funds via GCash Send Money to advocate for the new generation of para-athletes.
Rhea Inayan, Ang Bayani ng Barangay from Bacolod City, who empowered a community through her GCash Pera Outlet, bringing essential financial services directly to her neighborhood
“At the heart of every GCash Story is a real story of financial progress,” said Lourdes Batac, GCash Head for Communication Strategy.“At the end of the day, GCash’s own narrative is not just about the products we’ve made, but how our products have transformed the lives of everyday Filipinos. We owe it to Cocoy, Ate Alma, Turing, Adz, Rhea, and Sheila for allowing GCash to share their story so that more Filipinos today can clearly imagine their own financial progress journey.”
Meet Atty. Sheila Gomez: From Dreamer to Lawyer
For Atty. Sheila Gomez, becoming a lawyer was a dream built on years of sacrifice. While working full-time as a legal aide, she tirelessly juggled the demands of her day job with the rigorous, exhausting requirements of law school, balancing long days at work with late nights of studying.
However, as law school expenses began to pile up alongside everyday living costs, Sheila faced an overwhelming reality familiar to millions of working Filipinos: the heavy weight of financial anxiety. Every enrollment and exam season brought a persistent fear of falling short. Rather than putting her life’s calling on hold, she made the decision to turn to GLoan as her silent, reliable personal partner.
The loan provided her with the immediate financial flexibility to cover her law school expenses, allowing her to stay completely focused on her goals without compromising her self-worth or hiding in shame. Armed with this support, she successfully passed the Bar. Today, she continues her journey of financial progress as an active user of GCredit and GGives, proudly declaring, “Ako si Sheila, at ito ang aking GCash Story.”
“One of the biggest lessons I learned is that perseverance doesn’t always mean doing everything on your own. Sometimes, it means having the courage to seek the right support,” Atty. Sheila Gomez shared during a fireside chat. “It’s unfortunate that many Filipinos see loans in a negative light, but when used responsibly and with a clear purpose, borrowing can be a powerful tool and a smart investment that moves you closer to your dreams. I’m grateful that GLoan gave me that opportunity.”
Fuse and GCash: Championing Fair and Respectful Lending
Atty. Sheila’s story highlights a critical reality in today’s economic landscape. Amidst inflation and a challenging local economy, many Filipinos still face predatory lenders or rigid, traditional systems that leave them feeling trapped rather than helped.
Celebrating its 10th year, Fuse Financing Inc., the lending arm of GCash, steps in to actively destigmatize the lending category, championing fair, transparent, and respectful financial practices. Proving that responsible lending should empower the borrower, protect their dignity, and provide a clear path forward, not a cycle of debt.
“Since our inception, we have pursued our mission: ‘Fair loans that spark better every day for all Filipinos,’” said Tony Isidro, President and CEO of Fuse Financing Inc. “Everything we do rests on three core commitments: to provide fast, collateral-free loans; to ensure a safe and secure credit experience; and most importantly, to enable Filipinos to borrow with dignity. When paired with discipline and perseverance, responsible borrowing becomes a stepping stone to lasting financial progress.”
Enabling Every Filipino’s Journey Toward a Better Future
While Sheila’s triumph takes center stage, hers represents the millions of borrowers who turn to GLoan to continue their education, scale their livelihoods, support their families, and overcome unexpected challenges.
Through these collective experiences, GCash lives out its ultimate vision of Finance for All. By meeting Filipinos exactly where they are, GCash reinforces the universal truth that every individual has the right to dream and achieve those dreams, no matter their socioeconomic situation.
Inspired by Atty. Sheila and ready to move forward? Access GLoan through the GCash dashboard or find it under “Borrow.” Download the GCash app on the App Store or Google Play now and jumpstart your dreams. Kaya Mo. I-GCash mo.
