MANILA, PH- December 2025-Sun Life Philippines has officially ushered in the festive season with its Brighter Holidays campaign, turning Boracay Island into a radiant holiday destination. The celebration began with a tree lighting ceremony that illuminated Laketown with a dazzling Christmas tree.
As part of the activation, Sun Life-branded paraws cruise alongthe Boracay coastline, while on land, Sun Life’s paro/s that symbolize hope and togetherness can be found all over the island. These activities showcase Sun Life’s dedication to sparking hope and fresh beginnings, empowering every Filipino to embrace the season as they pursue brighter financial and health goals for the future.
To make the holidays brighter for more Filipinos, Sun Life has partnered with the NVC Foundation to support its Mingo Meals Nutrition Program, with Sun Life advisors pledging their commitment to this meaningful cause. This will provide a month’s worth of nutritious meals to undernourished children from the Ati Community in Boracay.
The festivities will culminate on December 31 with Boracay’sofficial New Year’s Eve Countdown at Station 2 Beachfront, Boracay. Guests canenjoylive music, raffle prizes, and more activities starting at 10:00PM. Everyone is invited to join this unforgettable orgettable celebration celebration and welcome 2026 under the stars
Bringing more excitement to the celebration, Sun Life is inviting guests to spot its Christmas tree, paraws, and paro/s, and join the #SunLife BrighterHolidays social media promo. Just post a photo or reel on Facebook or TikTok, tag @sunlifeph, use the hashtag #SunLife BrighterHolidays, and make the post public
for a chance to win VIP tickets to BAGETS: The Musical, a Garmin smart watch, or e-gift certificates. The promo runs until January 4, 2026, and winners will be selected via raffle draw.
“Boracay is a beloved destination for Filipinos and visitors alike, and we’re excited to bring the joyous spirit of the holidays to the island,” said Carla Gonzalez-Chong, Chief Client Experience and Marketing Officer of Sun Life Philippines. “As we celebrate Brighter Holidays in Boracay, we reaffirm Sun Life’s promise to help Filipinos build a brighter future
Brighter Holidays reflects Sun Life’s dedication to creating meaningful experiences and fostering hope for a brighter tomorrow for every Filipino.
To learn more about Sun Life Philippines, visit www.sunlife.com.ph. Stay updated by following Sun Life Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
SM Supermalls Regional Operations Head for Bulacan and CAMANAVA, Ana Datu, an SM employee-volunteer, delivers immediate relief to a resident impacted by flooding.
In a country visited by an average of 20 typhoons a year and prone to earthquakes, communities across the Philippines often face the daunting task of having to rebuild lives overnight. During these moments, collaboration becomes a lifeline, especially for thousands of Filipinos whose lives have been upended by disasters.
For the SM Group, helping communities get back on their feet is more than just a responsibility: it is a shared commitment woven into its culture of service. At the heart of this mission is Operation Tulong Express (OPTE), SM Foundation’s disaster response initiative.
Carried out through close coordination among SM Foundation, SM Markets, and SM Supermalls, OPTE brings together dedicated volunteer teams united by a shared commitment to serve those in need. SM Markets employees assemble Kalinga Packs in warehouse hubs that double as packing centers, while SM trucks and vans transport the goods to affected areas. On the ground, employee-volunteers from across the foundation and SM Supermalls lead the relief distribution in the spirit of bayanihan, personally delivering essentials and—in harder-hit areas—supporting medical missions that offer free consultations, first aid, and medicines.
For Andrea Rodriguez, SM Supermalls Regional Operations Head for Pampanga, service is rooted in lived experiences, especially since her family was among those affected by the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991. Years later, she witnessed devastation firsthand during the 2019 earthquake that affected her province and the rest of Luzon.
“We were at the forefront during that time na tumutulong. In fact, as soon as tumigil ang pagyanig nung time na ‘yun, all hands on deck na kami,” she recalled. Her first OPTE experience came earlier when, as a new SM employee, flooding hit communities near the San Fernando mall. “Hindi ko pa nun alam kung ano yung OPTE, pero ‘yung mga kasama ko sa mall, sabi nila, may opportunity para makatulong dun sa mga nabaha nearby. Sabi nila, ‘sama tayo,’” she shared. One of her most vivid memories was when they provided support to an 80-year-old resident in a remote barangay in Angeles following widespread floods during the pandemic. “Nung inabutan namin, umiyak siya nang umiyak. Sabi niya, hindi siya makapunta dun sa barangay hall kasi binaha ang bahay niya… Sabi niya, parang akala niya, makakalimutan na siya. Pero ang saya-saya niya na pinuntahan namin siya, na may pag-asa,” Andrea shared.
According to Ana Datu, Regional Operations Head for Bulacan and CAMANAVA, the company’s strong culture of helping others has shaped the way employees live and work. Because of this, lending a hand has become second nature. “We normally conduct OPTE in basketball courts so that mas marami ‘yung mapuntahan namin. But we also take time to go to the eskinitas — na kung minsan may naiiwan na mga bata at matatanda. Kapag nakita mo sila, parang may lungkot. ‘Nakalimutan kami, naiwan kami kasi nandun sila lahat sa basketball court,’” she shared. “But when they see us there with the Kalinga Packs at inabot mo ito sa kanila, they feel ‘Wow! Hindi kami nakalimutan. These are the people who remember us.’”
“When I joined SM, I learned that community service and social responsibility are a big thing here. It has been a culture. It has been a habit. And it’s not difficult to imbibe this because you see it, and it transcends. It starts from the leaders, trickling down to the entire team. So, everybody’s moving,” she added.
Regional Operations Head Ana Datu delivers essential relief to a flood-impacted resident, embodying the spirit of SM’s volunteerism. She ensures even those in hard-to-reach areas feel: “Wow! Hindi kami nakalimutan.” Both Ana and Andrea highlighted how volunteering shaped their outlook on work and in life. “If you see the environment and the environment forges you to help and to be empathetic to the plight of everyone surrounding the community, surrounding the mall, your community; then mai-imbibe mo siya,” Ana said.
A heartfelt embrace from a CAMANAVA resident receiving essential relief. By reaching deep into communities, SM volunteers ensure those affected feels remembered and supported, embodying the commitment of OPTE. “It’s really great to be part of a team, a group that is able to support and help the community in good times and in bad times,” Andrea capped. Operation Tulong Express (OPTE), a social good collaboration of SM Foundation, SM Supermalls and SM Markets, is the group’s disaster response initiative that provides immediate relief and essential goods to communities affected by calamities. In heavily impacted areas, it also deploys medical missions that offer basic healthcare and first aid.
Finding a way to cover daily expenses is no longer a problem with the help of a solution like GCredit
Electricity, water, internet, groceries–every day, it feels like there’s always something new we need to pay for. Now that the school year is in full swing, daily allowances and baon groceries have become part of the weekly routine. And just when we think we’ve finally caught up, here comes the surprise gastos—plus with the holidays slowly creeping in, it feels like there’s always something new to budget for.
As much as we try to cover everything, there are times when our budget just isn’t enough, no matter how hard we try to save and budget our expenses. Sometimes, we just need a little help to get through the tough days, especially during Petsa de Peligro. Thankfully, with GCash, it’s now easier to manage bills even without a credit card and without needing to borrow money from friends and family.
GCredit – Your Trusted Financial Lifeline
If you’re a GCash user, you already have a solution at your fingertips. GCredit, powered by CIMB, gives you an always-ready credit line you can use to cover urgent expenses. The best part? It’s designed to be manageable, with a low daily interest rate of 0.17 percent—equivalent to just ₱1.70 for every ₱1,000 spent. You can also pay as little as 10 percent of your total due, giving you the flexibility to stay on top of expenses even while waiting for your next paycheck, bonus, or allowance.
Not sure where you can use GCredit? It comes in handy for everyday needs like:
Bills Payments: When your electricity bill spikes or your payday doesn’t align with your water bill’s due date, use GCredit to avoid late fees and disconnections.
Internet and Landline: When you need to stay connected, you can use GCredit to cover your bills and avoid disconnection, so you’re always in touch with family, work, and friends.
Groceries: When prices rise or your budget falls short at the grocery store, GCredit helps you buy what you need so you never have to cut back on meals.
Make everyday spending easier with GCredit
With so many everyday expenses now payable through GCredit, GCash makes it simple to get through tough times with less stress:
Low interest: Interest is only 0.17% per day, and the earlier you pay, the less interest you need to pay.
Flexible payments: No need to pay the full amount right away. Just pay at least 10% of your total due, and you’re set.
Borrow up to ₱50,000: Access your credit line directly from the GCash app– fast, easy, and convenient.
Before you use GCredit to manage your bills, make sure you’re an eligible user. On your GCash app’s home screen, tap on “Borrow” and look for “GCredit.” If you’re not yet eligible, the app will guide you on the steps to qualify. Users must also remember that GCredit is available to Filipino citizens aged 21–65 with a fully verified GCash account.
Once eligible, you’ll see your available credit limit. You’ll also receive an SMS to activate GCredit and be instructed to follow these steps:
Confirm your email address
Verify your personal details and other required information in the app
Review and submit your application
Once you’ve completed the steps, you’ll receive a confirmation via email that your GCredit is activated, and you’re ready to use it for your day-to-day needs! Just remember to use GCredit responsibly–read the terms and conditions and make sure you have a payment plan in place.
Whether your bills are going up, piling up, or coming in faster than expected, you no longer have to worry about how to pay. With GCredit, you have a reliable safety net for both personal needs and family expenses. From electricity and water to internet and groceries, you’ve now got a fast and flexible way to stay on top of your bills with GCredit!
With the holiday rush officially starting, here’s a tip to instantly save time and grab a little extra cash: You can now use GCash to pay for your MRT-3 trips, and for a limited time, you’ll get a PHP 5 fare discount!
Under the GCash Murang Sakay promo, you automatically get PHP 5 off your fare when you pay with GCash from December 8–22. No registration needed—the discount is deducted instantly. Note: P28 is initially deducted upon entry, and the change will be returned to your GCash wallet after you exit.
If you haven’t set it up yet, here are three ways you can use GCash to pay for your MRT-3 rides:
Tap to Pay: Use your NFC-enabled Android phone as a digital ticket after a one-time activation on the app.
GCash Visa Card: Tap the card upon entry and exit, working like the traditional ticket system, ideal for situations with a spotty signal or low battery.
Scan GCash Commute QR: Generate a Commute QR code on the GCash app, which acts as a digital ticket without needing station details.
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.
MANILA, Philippines – Today’s new generation of entrepreneurs has to navigate a fast-changing business landscape. Technology and customer habits are constantly evolving, so many new business owners are seeking smarter, simpler ways to streamline their daily operations while ensuring they manage and grow their businesses effectively.
For Marc Gan, Ched Hilado, and Princess Potot, GCash for Business has become their partner in making many aspects of running their businesses easier each day. With GCash for Business and its various products, they can manage transactions more efficiently in-store, receive payments daily on a separate business wallet, and even pay their suppliers through an exclusive portal.
Here’s how they experience easy everyday with GCash for Business and why these tools should be on your radar if you’re a small biz owner:
1. Seamless payments save time and add convenience
Running Davao’s newest hangout, Habits Coffee + Cocktail Bar, means staying quick on your feet, something co-founders Marc Gan, Melvin Teves, Jahnikka Baricuatro, and Franz Villanueva know well. With GCash SoundPay, their transactions are faster and smoother, allowing them to keep up with their customers.
GCash SoundPay is a portable device that provides instant confirmation anytime, anywhere. It allows customers to make cashless payments by simply scanning the merchant’s GCash QR code. Once payments are made, it generates an instant audio confirmation. Payments through GCash SoundPay are sped up and secure.
“The instant voice confirmation for every successful payment means we never miss a sale, and our customers love the convenience. It’s simple for our staff to use, and it helps keep our operations running smoothly,” the team shares.
Before GCash SoundPay, Marc and his team handled a lot of cash, which often slowed down service. Now, with instant voice confirmation letting both staff and customers know that the payment went through, Marc and his team can speed things up at the counter.
2. Accurate payments and proper recording mean no missed sales
From just selling their burgers at weekend markets to now running three branches across Bacolod and Dumaguete, Das Burgery owner Ched Hilado knows firsthand how managing cash payments can be a headache and lead to errors. Since onboarding with
GCash for Business and deployingGCash SoundPay to all her branches, the experience has improved greatly for her and her team.
“When we receive the audio payment confirmation that indicates payments are received, we are assured that the money has entered our account,” she explains.
3. Organized finances help business owners plan for growth
For 3rdfloorespresso Cafe in Butuan City, owner Princess Potot recalls the struggles of mixing personal and business funds in her personal GCash wallet before she switched to GCash for Business.
She explains, “I had a QR for GCash, but it’s personal. So, what happens is that it’s connected to my personal money, which is a long process when it comes to recording, accounting, because your personal transactions are mixed up.”
Princess highlights how the new GCash for Business Portal changed that. With the new GCash for Business Portal, businesses get access to an easy-to-use platform to track and manage all online transactions in one place. It includes a simple, easy-to-use payments tracker and management system, no wallet limit when receiving cashless payments from customers, and no transaction fees when paying suppliers through GCash or bank transfers..
“It’s really easy when it comes to recording sales. It’s very friendly for new business owners, because it can do your records, manage your finances, and all the things that help you do your work easier” says Princess.
Enter Your Easy Era with GCash for Business
If you’re a small business owner looking to enter your “easy era,” these new solutions from GCash for Business offer a simple way to modernize how you manage payments so that you can focus on what really matters: growing your business. Aside from GCash SoundPay and the GCash for Business Portal, the new GCash PocketPay is a recently-launched innovation made especially for MSMEs that turns their phone into a POS machine! It enables business owners to use their Android NFC-enabled smartphone to accept credit card or debit card payments, track inventory and business transactions through the same phone, and get fast settlements for every payment.
Signing up for these solutions is as easy as 1-2-3!
1. Create an account on the GCash for Business Portal. You can get started as a merchant using just your verified GCash account of at least 12 months to qualify for a Starter Plan.
2. Order a GCash SoundPay device or GCash PocketPay.
3. Wait for your email confirmation on your GCash SoundPay delivery, or download GCash Pocketpay on the Google Play Store.
For more information on how GCash helps empower businesses, visit GCash for Business.
With GGives, lessen the stress of gift-giving and become the ultimate gift master for people who deserve your best
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 parentsto 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!
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!
Ituloy ang travel goals with the fam with GCash GGives, GCredit, and GInsure!
Who said you need a long weekend, a 10-page itinerary, or a fully loaded bank account to take your much-anticipated holiday vacation? Sometimes the best vacations are the ones you can grab right now—no drama, no waiting, no “maybe next sweldo.” That’s exactly why Clark, Pampanga, is the ultimate quick escape: close enough to the city for a stress-free drive, but far enough to feel like you’ve stepped out of your routine.
And with GCash in your pocket, planning (and paying for) a short-but-sulit family getaway becomes effortlessly doable. From accommodation bookings with GGives, to merienda and activity stops with GCredit, to being protected with GInsure Travel Protect, everything you need for a spontaneous 48-hour reset is already in your phone.
Day 1 — Ease Into Vacation Mode
● 11:00 AM – Smooth Start: Pickup and Drive to Clark- Kick off the getaway with a smooth, no-stress pickup and an easy drive to Clark—because the best vacations start when you’re not the one navigating.
● 12:00 NN – Lunch: Fuel up with a big and delicious lunch, wherever your cravings lead—be it Rumpa for comfort food, Café Mesa for something cozy, or Amare for wood-fired pizza perfection. The best part is that most of these restaurants accept GCredit as a payment method.
● 1:00 PM – Dinosaur Island Adventure: Step into full Jurassic energy at Dinosaur Island Adventure, where life-size dinos, roaring exhibits, and quirky dino dances deliver instant family fun, especially for the kids—prebooked on Klook and paid with GCredit for a quick, secure, cashless adventure.
● 6:00 PM – Airbnb Check-In: Now, it’s time to settle into your Airbnb—which conveniently has been prebooked and paid in installments with GGives, turning big vacation costs into chill, manageable payments—then enjoy a homey, budget-friendly dinner that doubles as the perfect family bonding moment and preparation for the next day of activities.
Day 2 — Explore, Eat, and Enjoy
● 10:00 AM- 2 PM – Free Time: Sneak in some rest, stroll the nearby parks, even visit the Clark CityFront Mall, or prep for the day before the family action kicks off.
● 4:00 PM – SciENSE Museum: More than just fun destinations, the family can also go for an educational trip and explore science through interactive exhibits and playful learning in the Clark’s SciENSE Museum —tickets of which can be prebooked thanks to Klook and GCredit.
● 5:00 PM – Early Dinner and a Comfy Nightcap: After an eventful day, you and the family can unwind over a cozy meal at Aling Lucing’s Sisig, Balai Dangwa, or even Cafe Adriatico. To cap off the family’s night, you can go back to your Airbnb to rest, chat, and enjoy your last day.
Day 3 — A Soft Landing Back to Reality
● 7:00 AM – Optional Stroll at Clark Parade Ground: a refreshing reset in the local park with the kids might do you good before easing your way back to the city—and to reality.
● 11:30 AM – Checkout and Facing Reality: Grab a quick lunch with the family before heading back to the city—48 hours away, but everyone returns refreshed and ready to tackle the metro bustle.
From ‘Someday’ to ‘Today’: How GCash Powers Your Family Getaway
No more overthinking, no more “next year na lang.” Tuloy ang travel goals this holiday season—because real travel freedom isn’t about how light your luggage is, but how light your worries are. With GCash, you can plan your family’s trip from start to finish.
Between food trips, small treats for the kids, and pasalubong for the relatives, expenses can add up quickly — but they’re easier to handle with manageable payment options. That’s where GCredit steps in. With a flexible credit line of up to ₱50,000 (eligibility-dependent), it covers spontaneous stops, activities, meals, and mall moments—keeping your family’s trip smooth, and your family’s holiday worry-free.
For bigger expenses like accommodations and flights, GGives has you covered. Lock in deals of up to ₱125,000 while prices are still low, then pay later in easy, budget-friendly installments. No more “book now, cry later”—just stress-free planning with no down payment required. Book early, save money, and still have room in the budget for more activities and luho for you and your kids—the real travel win.
When the unexpected strikes during the family trip, GInsure Travel Protect has your back. For as low as ₱103, the Standard Travel Protect Saver Plus covers local travel hiccups, emergency medical assistance, and personal accidents—up to ₱750,000. Delays can’t ruin your trip when peace of mind is just a tap away.
Who says a proper reset with the fam has to wait for payday or a month-long vacation? With Clark and GCash, a doable, affordable, stress-free 48-hour family holiday getaway is just a weekend away. From spontaneous meals to last-minute activities and worry-free travel protection, GCash makes it all smooth and simple.
So stop saying “Sana soon”—it’s time to make it “Pwede now.”
If you’re eligible, you can activate GGives by going to “Borrow” then clicking “GGives”. Fill out the quick application form, and once you’re activated, you’ll see your available credit limit! Note that your offer is subject to regular evaluation. To activate GCredit, go to “Borrow” then click “GCredit.” Fill out your details, complete your registration, and submit to view your credit limit.
With GInsure on GCash, you can secure comprehensive travel insurance in just a few taps, ensuring that your adventures are protected.
Ready to hop on your next flight? Download the GCash App on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei App Gallery. Kaya mo, i-GCash mo!
Access GCredit and GGives through your GCash dashboard or find them under “Borrow.” No GCash yet? Download the GCash App on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei App Gallery.
In the Philippines, the holiday season stretches long and wide, starting as early as September, building toward Simbang Gabi, Noche Buena, and back-to-back reunions that fill homes, churches, and town plazas. Families gather, lechon tables appear, and streets light up with parols as the country embraces the most festive weeks of the year. But even as celebrations surge, so do heart-related emergencies.
With the Department of Health (DOH) observing a yearly rise in cardiovascular emergencies, ranging from stroke and heart attack to sudden cardiac arrest, the toll of holiday stress and excess has become increasingly evident. During DOH rounds in 2023, the government-run Philippine Heart Center (PHC) reported a steady uptick in cases, with stroke incidents climbing from 38 in December to 42 in January 2024—the highest monthly count that year. The surge reflects a familiar holiday pattern, when celebrations often bring excessive drinking, lack of sleep, heightened stress, and indulgent food choices that quietly raise blood pressure and strain the heart. In such moments, knowing how to perform CPR can mean the difference between life and loss.
It is against this backdrop that Bell‑Kenz Pharma is scaling up its Sagip CPR initiative. With the high-stakes holiday season ahead, the campaign is bringing lifesaving, hands-on training in hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) use to communities, schools, and workplaces across the country. Bell-Kenz hopes to build a nationwide network of first responders—one million strong—ready to intervene in cardiac emergencies.
“This underscores our broader commitment to promoting both access to quality care and public health education,” said Dr. James Cayetano, cardiologist and president of the Bell-Kenz Foundation, noting that empowering communities remains central to the effort. “By supporting grassroots initiatives and offering the tools and knowledge to manage their well-being, Bell-Kenz continues to advocate for a healthier, more informed Filipino society.”
Sagip CPR shifts heart-health education from passive awareness to active preparedness, empowering ordinary citizens to become first responders in the critical moments of a cardiac emergency. As families gather for holidays, the campaign carries a timely reminder—preparation should extend beyond the table and into the hands that may one day save a life.
Training for the Moments That Matter Most
Sagip CPR launched in Cagayan de Oro on August 14, 2025, training hundreds of students, police, and volunteers at PHINMA COC on Check‑Call‑Compress and AED use. Supported by the Philippine Heart Association – Northwestern Mindanao, PHINMA COC, CDO Police, City Scholars Association, and the CDO DRRM Department.
The Sagip CPR campaign has steadily expanded its reach, bringing lifesaving training to everyday spaces where emergencies can strike without warning. With the holiday season drawing families back home and communities gathering for year-end celebrations, the campaign ensures preparedness grows alongside festivity.
Launched in Cagayan de Oro in August 2025, Sagip CPR has quickly moved beyond its pilot stage, gaining ground in communities across the country. Within its first month, the program had already secured key linkages, among them the Philippine Navy and the local government of Vigan, widening its reach from coastal installations to university halls and community centers.
Hundreds of Philippine Navy officers, recruits, and staff gained lifesaving skills in hands‑only CPR and Basic Life Support during specialized training on September 18 at Bonifacio Naval Station and September 22 at Naval Base Heracleo Alano, with expert guidance from the Philippine Heart Association – Council on CPR.
The expansion reflects a coordinated effort across sectors. Local governments, uniformed services, health organizations, and academic institutions have all come on board, recognizing CPR training as a shared public responsibility. Each linkage strengthens the program’s foundation and pushes Bell-Kenz closer to its goal of training one million Filipinos in hands-only CPR and AED use.
Recent sessions in Malolos, Bulacan, and Tabaco City, Albay underscore the urgency of the mission. Trainers emphasized that cardiac emergencies do not wait for ideal conditions. Flooded roads, bad weather, or distance from hospitals can delay emergency response — making bystanders the first responders in critical moments.
Together, these efforts point to a clear shift: lifesaving knowledge is moving from specialized rooms to everyday spaces, and CPR is becoming a skill expected not just of medics, but of ordinary citizens. With momentum building, Sagip CPR is laying the groundwork for a nation where readiness is common; confidence is shared, and every community is better equipped to protect its own.
Readiness Beyond the Season
La Consolacion University in Malolos, Bulacan, opened its Kalinangan Auditorium to thousands of students and nearby fisherfolk communities on October 10, 2025, for a hands-on Sagip CPR session that turned heart health awareness into real-life readiness.
As families prepare for Noche Buena tables, midnight fireworks, and long-awaited reunions, Sagip CPR is reminding Filipinos that holiday readiness is not just about gifts, travel plans, and joyous cuisine. It also means being equipped for the unexpected. In a season defined by care, togetherness, and celebration, knowing how to respond when a heart suddenly stops becomes a quiet but powerful expression of responsibility.
In the coming weeks, Sagip CPR will continue its rollout in Batangas, Bulacan, Iloilo, Manila, and more partner institutions, bringing hands-on CPR and AED training to campuses, barangay halls, civic groups, and local government units. Each session expands a growing network of civilian responders, everyday Filipinos capable of stepping forward in those urgent first moments when every second matters.
Beyond the festivities, the mission continues. Bell-Kenz’s Sagip CPR will sustain its training drives into 2026 as it advances toward one million trained Filipinos, proving that heart care isn’t just about prevention, it’s about empowerment. When more communities are ready to save lives, the entire country becomes safer, one trained hand at a time.
For more information about Sagip CPR, visit https://www.bell-kenz.net/.
Here’s Your Ultimate Checklist for a Trip That’s Worth It
MANILA, Philippines – For many of us, a holiday trip isn’t just a break – it’s the moment we look forward to all year, the hard-earned vacation after months of juggling work. But as every traveler knows, holiday travel often brings added stress. With hotel and flight bookings filling up fast, experiences selling out quickly, and larger crowds of travelers everywhere, the trip you’ve been anticipating can easily become stressful.
This year, make it different. A truly worthwhile holiday trip starts with being prepared for everything. As you start getting ready, check out these four pro tips to make sure that every second of this long-awaited trip is worth it.
Arrive earlier than normal during the holiday rush
With reports of long lines at the bag drop and longer queues at immigration, traveling during the holidays calls for being just a little bit earlier than usual – and doing everything you can ahead of time.
Check in online through your airline’s app or website, complete your e-travel in advance, and keep all your documents organized in one secure, easy-access pouch with digital copies also ready and saved on your phone. A few extra steps of preparation can save you a lot of airport stress later.
Leave a little room for spontaneous moments
Theme parks, ski passes, and city tours sell out fast in December. Of course, it helps as early as possible – but sometimes, even that can’t be helped. Here’s a pro tip: when planning your itinerary for a city or area, secure at least one main activity—the non-negotiable experience you really want to do—then leave space for spontaneous adventures and exploring on your own.
Monitor the weather, and pack for it
Experiencing a “white Christmas” is on many people’s bucket lists this year. If you’re flying to Seoul, Nagoya, New York, or any other snowy destination, make sure you’ve packed your thermals, layers, and warm socks. Also, have a coat ready at the plane, so you don’t get too cold upon arrival!
Use GCash to pay for an ultimate guilt-free, shock-free spending holiday
One of the biggest stressors while traveling is managing expenses. Bill shock from credit cards, unexpectedly high exchange rates, hidden fees, and overspending that you only realize weeks later can quickly disrupt a trip meant to be relaxing. This year, you can avoid all that with GCash and by following its simple shock-proof, worry-proof shopping method: Scan-Swipe-Tap.
When you pay with GCash abroad, you gain real-time control over your spending, enjoy low forex rates that update instantly in the app, avoid hidden service fees, and benefit from fast, convenient transactions all throughout your trip. Here’s how:
Scan: Pay with GCash to Scan to Pay at merchants abroad. Simply look for the Alipay+ logo when paying in-store or ordering at restaurants. This way, you don’t need to scramble for cash, and you can even unlock exclusive promos along the way!
Swipe: You can also pay with the GCash Visa Card abroad, especially for the bigger items you’ve saved up for. Unlike credit cards with high FX fees, there are no additional charges with the GCash Visa Card. Your transactions are automatically recorded in-app, so you always see how much you’ve spent – no bill shock.
Tap: For Android users, take your payments even further with the new GCash Tap to Pay feature. Just tap your phone on any NFC-enabled terminal and pay within seconds – perfect for major shopping hubs and seamless checkouts in crowded places where convenience is key.
Don’t forget these 4 pro-tips and make sure you Scan–Swipe–Tap for a trip that’s easier, lighter, and truly worth it—just as a holiday should be.
