GCash Connects Filipino Values to Global Relevance at BrandCon PH 2025

As Filipino brands embrace culture both as an identity and a bridge to global relevance, industry leaders are calling for innovation rooted in authenticity and purpose.

This was the key message at the inaugural BrandCon PH 2025, organized by The Business Manual (One Mega Group). With the theme “Building Brands that Move the Nation Forward,” the event emphasized how cultural insight, brand longevity, and innovation can collectively drive sustainable growth and nation-building.

Among the leading voices at the event was GCash, the country’s leading finance app, with chief marketing officer Neil Trinidad sharing how the brand’s deep understanding of the Filipino culture has shaped its identity, guided innovation, and strengthened its global resonance.

“Money is a sensitive topic in the Philippines,” Neil shared. “But values like belongingness, progress, and bayanihan helped shape our identity. These became the lens through which GCash built its brand—guiding our rise as the country’s first $5-billion unicorn.”

He added, “For tech brands, you're always looking for a problem to solve. What friction or problem do our consumers have that no one else is addressing today? If you're able to understand that problem, you're able to create a solution, test it right away, improve on it, and then you're actually adding value to their lives. And therefore, you become indispensable in their everyday lives.”

This perspective led to innovations like GLoan Sakto—a micro-loan service allowing users to borrow as little as ₱100, payable within 14 days and with zero interest. By designing products that answer real, everyday needs, the idea of borrowing money is reframed —from a source of shame into an act of diskarte, empowering users to take control of their finances without stigma.

Beyond product innovation, Neil emphasized how culture provides the foundation for sustainable brand growth. By aligning solutions with values that matter to Filipinos, GCash has been able to scale quickly while maintaining deep local resonance.

“When you root your brand in culture and purpose, you don’t just speak to local audiences—you create something the world wants to be part of. That’s how Filipino brands can thrive on the global stage,” Neil concluded.

The first-ever BrandCon PH brought together brand builders, marketers, advertisers, agency leads, creatives, and founders to explore how businesses can stay relevant, resilient, purposeful, and ready to lead—while helping shape Filipino culture and identity in today’s fast-paced and competitive market.

Joining the conversation were industry leaders from Unilever, the global consumer goods powerhouse behind some of the world’s most trusted brands; GIGIL, the multi-awarded independent creative agency renowned for its daring, culture-shaping campaigns; Pickup Coffee, the fast-rising homegrown brand making quality coffee more accessible to Filipinos; and Baken, the innovative local food brand gaining a loyal following for its playful take on an everyday favorite.

By keeping cultural insight at the heart of its strategy, GCash continues to design solutions that reflect Filipino values—helping people move forward and allowing local identity to resonate on the global stage.

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

Converge Goes Beyond Connectivity with New Super FiberX and GameChanger Plans

Manila, Philippines — Converge officially unveiled its latest plans during X4U: Amped Up Life with the Power of X, held at the Trinoma Activity Center. As part of the three-day XLounge MNL activation, the launch treated attendees to an exhilarating evening of immersive experiences that featured interactive games, live music performances, and exclusive prizes.

The Philippines’ top-performing Internet provider revealed the upgraded Super FiberX ULTRA, its most affordable 1 Gbps plan yet — delivering top-tier speeds at an unbeatable value.

Previously peaking at 800 Mbps, this all-new Gigabit plan embraces the future of connectivity — that’s 200 Mbps more speed for the same price. Now, Converge subscribers can take advantage of colossal speeds for their data-intensive digital needs for ₱2,599/month. 

“We pride ourselves on offering the best residential plans and delivering unparalleled online experiences for our loyal subscribers. With Super FiberX Ultra, households can now enjoy uninterrupted online activities simultaneously without compromising performance,” says JP Aguilar, SVP – Consumer Business Group Head.

For subscribers seeking high-end speed at a more affordable price, Converge also launched Super FiberX PRIME, a new plan that offers speeds of up to 800 Mbps for ₱2,099/month. This latest internet bundle expands the Super FiberX lineup, giving customers more choices across a wider range of speeds and price points — perfect for those who want top-tier performance while enjoying greater savings.

A Value-Packed, Lag-Free Plan for Gamers

Apart from the new Super FiberX plans, Converge unveiled yet another breakthrough at the event—GameChanger EZ, its most affordable pure-fiber broadband plan dedicated to gamers and gaming enthusiasts! With speeds of up to 400Mbps, subscribers can enjoy premium network prioritization for only ₱1,800/month.

Network gaming prioritization is a unique feature for GameChanger fiber plans, and a first in its category. This proprietary Converge technology intelligently prioritizes gaming traffic over the network, ensuring faster response times and a seamless experience even during peak hours. It minimizes latency, packet loss, and jitter for smoother, lag-free gameplay.

Endorsing this latest plan is actress, cosplayer, and GameChanger Ambassador Myrtle Sarrosa a.k.a. Yuwin, Converge’s fiber-powered gaming bestie. As a gamer and online streamer herself, Myrtle knows the importance of having an uninterrupted, high-speed connection.

“Yes, having fast, fiber-powered Internet is important, but what I love about Converge is their network prioritization for us gamers. They make sure we enjoy smooth streaming and lag-free gameplay, which is crucial for winning multiplayer battles,” Myrtle shares. “And with the GameChanger EZ, it’s now easier to dominate online games. It really lives up to its name because it’s a true game-changer for us.”

Converge also announced that the first 100 EZ Plan subscribers who sign up by December 31, 2025, will each get a free TUF Gaming Mouse and Steam credits from Razer Gold worth ₱250.

A Chance to Win BIG For New Subscribers

A super giveaway for new FiberX subscribers also awaits! Christmas to the Power of X will give subscribers a chance to be one of 300 winners of a Samsung 55” QLED TV worth P34,000! The nationwide raffle is open to all new FiberX customers who apply and successfully subscribe from November 15, 2025, to December 31, 2025. Announcement of winners will be on January 15, 2026.

Go Beyond Connectivity with Converge’s Most Powerful Plans Yet

Unlock unlimited possibilities with Converge’s latest plans, offering a complete digital experience for the whole family. Converge offers the fastest Internet in the country, based on Ookla® Speedtest Intelligence® data for Q1-Q2 2025. It also offers the Best ISP Video Experience and Best ISP Gaming Experience, according to the Ookla® Speedtest Awards.

Whether for buffer-free streaming, smart home living, or competitive gaming, Converge’s newest FiberX plans ensure that every Filipino can experience the Power of X, superior speed, reliability, and innovation at every price point. 

• Super FiberX ULTRA – ₱2,599 | Up to 1 Gbps | WiFi 6 Modem + Xperience Hub + SkyTV Premium (86 channels)

• Super FiberX Prime – ₱2,099 | Up to 800 Mbps | WiFi 6 Modem + Xperience Hub + SkyTV Standard (60 channels)

• GameChanger EZ – ₱1,800 | Up to 400 Mbps | Xperience Hub + SkyTV Standard (60 channels) | Network Gaming Prioritization + WiFi 6 Modem

Super FiberX Ultra is Converge’s most packed Gigabit plan to date, offering speeds of up to 1 Gbps. For only ₱2,599/month, subscribers receive a dedicated WiFi 6 modem that can smoothly handle multiple devices, the Converge Xperience Hub, and a SkyTV Premium subscription that unlocks 86 channels for extensive entertainment.

Super FiberX Prime offers speeds up to 800 Mbps for ₱2,099/month. It comes with a dedicated WiFi 6 modem, the Converge Xperience Hub, and a SkyTV Standard subscription with 60 channels for all-day entertainment. With unbeatable speed and value, the Prime plan outpaces and outvalues the competition, offering 100 Mbps more for up to ₱800 less — that’s around 14% more speed at 35% lower cost (cheaper per Mbps). 

Completing the lineup of Super FiberX plans is the Super FiberX Max, which offers speeds of up to 400 Mbps for ₱1,599/month. It also comes with a dedicated WiFi 6 modem, the Converge Xperience Hub, and a SkyTV Standard subscription.

GameChanger EZ joins Converge’s suite of GameChanger plans, offering speeds up to 400 Mbps. For only ₱1,800/month, subscribers can enjoy network prioritization, low latency, and low jitter for high-speed, uninterrupted gaming.

The WiFi 6 modem included in Converge’s Fiber plans offers up to three times better wireless performance, with improved speed, better coverage, and better device management. The Converge Xperience Hub is a Google-certified Android TV box that enables users to download apps, including YouTube, Spotify, and various streaming services such as Netflix. It can also access games, support 4K streaming, and access Google’s integrated assistant.

For more information on Converge’s fastest fiber Internet plans, visit www.convergeict.com and gofiber.ph 

PLDT Enterprise Champions Innovation-Driven Industry Collaboration at the GSMA Digital Nation Summit 2025

Every digital transaction – from paying bills to running a business – depends on one thing: trust. At the GSMA Digital Nation Summit 2025, PLDT Enterprise showcased how secure and collaborative technologies are helping build that trust across the Philippines.

Building on the recent launch of SmartSafe – the country’s first telco-powered anti-fraud API suite that adopts GSMA Open Gateway standards – the corporate business arm of PLDT Inc. (PLDT) joined top technology players, telcos, and policy leaders at GSMA’s Summit to champion innovation and partnership.

Led by PLDT Senior Vice President and Head of Enterprise Business Group, Blums Pineda, PLDT Enterprise joined several sessions exploring how GSMA’s Open APIs and ecosystem partnerships can accelerate the country’s journey towards a fully digital nation.

“Leveraging on GSMA-certified innovations like SmartSafe, which the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has encouraged other telcos to adopt, we believe that progress will require the collective strength of our ecosystem. Our vision is a connected Philippines powered by collaboration, where industries, developers, and government work together through shared platforms and open innovation,” Pineda explains.

Powering the next phase of digital growth through Open APIs

A panel discussion on “Connecting Possibilities: How Open APIs are Powering the Next Phase of Digital Growth” featured PLDT First Vice President and Head of Enterprise Product Management and Innovations, Nico Alcoseba, who detailed how APIs and GSMA Open Gateway are shaping innovation through open collaboration. These technologies unlock new possibilities for businesses through seamless integration, smarter services, and greater customer value – exemplified by PLDT Enterprise’s recently launched SmartSafe, a real-world example that strengthens digital trust through API-powered solutions.

Meanwhile, a roundtable on “Telco APIs Powering the Next Wave of Fintech Security and Growth” had PLDT Enterprise Senior Manager and Head of Enterprise Innovations and Product Development, Mickey Ruiz, discuss how telco-enabled APIs can strengthen digital trust and fuel innovation across the financial technology ecosystem.

At the main plenary, PLDT and Smart Head of Network Strategy, Eric Santiago, and PLDT Enterprise Head of Strategic Business Development, Mobile Private Networks, IoT and Emerging Technologies, Gio Abaquin, underscored how future-ready connectivity is powering digital transformation across industries and communities nationwide.

Furthering PLDT Enterprise’s commitment to inclusive growth, Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Management at PLDT and Smart, joined the panel “Empowering MSMEs: Advancing Digital Skills for Inclusive Philippine Growth.” She discussed how the eBizNovation program is enabling MSMEs to embrace digital tools and training that expand opportunities and boost competitiveness.

Empowering healthcare through innovation

Beyond APIs and digital services, PLDT Enterprise continues to lead innovation in other sectors that rely on connectivity and collaboration. During the Summit, the company formalized a strategic partnership with Germany-based health tech innovator apoQlar through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing led by Pineda and witnessed by Julian Gorman, Head of Asia Pacific at GSMA, and Terence Wong, GSMA’s Head for 5G Industry and IoT Community.

The collaboration pioneers the use of Mixed Reality (MR) technology in Philippine healthcare through HoloMedicine, a cloud-based solution that is powered by the 5G network of PLDT’s wireless subsidiary, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart). The technology enables health professionals to visualize and interact with medical imaging and patient data in real time, without complex hospital IT integration.

Advancing the Philippines towards a digital nation

From championing open and secure innovation to forging new partnerships, PLDT Enterprise’s participation at the GSMA Digital Nation Summit 2025 reflects its continuing role as a catalyst for digital transformation across industries as well as for the entire nation. “As PLDT Enterprise continues to expand its API ecosystem and enterprise innovations portfolio, we remain steadfast in our goal to power progress through trusted, connected, and collaborative technologies,” Pineda says.

ePLDT Achieves Another Solution Designation as a Microsoft Partner

ePLDT, the ICT arm of PLDT Group, announced its newest designation as a Microsoft Solutions Partner for Security, a recognition of the company’s dedication to skilling and expertise in delivering best-in-class, end-to-end security solutions across the Microsoft cloud suite.

The Solutions Partner designations are part of Microsoft’s AI Cloud Partner Program, which identifies and differentiates service partners with broad technical capabilities, a dedication to competency development and training, and a proven ability to successfully deliver solutions for customers within a specific Microsoft Cloud key area.

The Solutions Partner for Security designation signifies ePLDT’s capability to help its clients safeguard their entire organization with integrated security, compliance, and identity management solutions.

“Security has become a business imperative, and this recognition from Microsoft further solidifies ePLDT’s commitment in helping organizations address today’s evolving threat landscape,” said Victor S. Genuino, President and CEO, ePLDT

Enterprise and small-to-medium business clients can be assured that ePLDT has the certification and expertise to provide top-level security services and consistently deliver measurable outcomes in safeguarding digital environments. The designation reinforces ePLDT’s capability to offer advanced security services from the Microsoft portfolio, including threat detection, response, and remediation.

“This designation exemplifies ePLDT’s commitment to helping our joint customers unlock the full potential of Microsoft Cloud Security solutions,” said Peter Maquera, CEO, Microsoft Philippines.

Playing a pivotal role in driving digitization in the Philippines to generate inclusive economic growth, ePLDT has consistently emphasized the critical importance of cybersecurity for businesses undergoing digital transformation.

By continuously building on its cybersecurity expertise and providing robust security solutions that help businesses protect their data and maintain operations even during cyberattacks, ePLDT enables its customers in various industries to confidently embrace digital transformation initiatives.

Security Bank Earns Three Golden Arrow Awards for Leadership in Corporate Governance

Makati, Philippines – Security Bank Corporation received three Golden Arrows from the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) for excellence in corporate governance, underscoring its commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership.

Presented on October 23, 2025, at Okada Manila, the recognition was based on the Bank’s ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard (ACGS) rating of 100–109 points, placing Security Bank among the region’s top companies in upholding best governance practices.

“Receiving the Three Golden Arrows is a proud moment for Security Bank as it affirms the strength of our governance framework and the trust placed in us by our stakeholders,” said Atty. Cirilo P. Noel, Chairman of Security Bank. “This recognition motivates us to push further—enhancing our practices, fostering accountability, and creating sustainable value for the communities we serve.”

This milestone strengthens Security Bank’s commitment to its BetterBanking promise—continuing to lead with integrity, enhancing its governance framework, and embracing evolving standards that shape a more resilient and forward-thinking financial institution.