September and October were extra exciting for BTS fans as SM Malls in the East hosted fan gatherings for RM, Jung Kook, and Jimin. Virgo Vibes: RM and Jung Kook Day Fan Gathering at SM Center Antipolo Downtown and SerendiPARK: Jimin Day Fan Gathering at SM City San Mateo drew enthusiastic BTS ARMYs for celebrations of music, fun and love for their idols.

In partnership with ARMYs of the East PH, a local BTS ARMY fanbase, these events showcased how SM Malls in the East have become safe and creative spaces for fans to express their love and connect with fellow enthusiasts. 

The gatherings were filled with heartfelt tributes, photo opportunities, fan interactions, that captured the joy of being part of the ARMY community.

Next on the lineup is Moon Bear: Jin and V Fan Gathering on November 30 at SM City East Ortigas. As part of the SM Fandom campaign, SM Malls in the East invites not just ARMYs but all fandoms to join the fun. Come celebrate your love for music, pop culture, and everything fandom at SM!

MANILA, Philippines — Whether you’re chasing a new personal best, making memories with your kids and fur babies, or simply out to enjoy the run with friends, McDonald’s Stripes Run 2025 is the run that should be on your calendar to end the year!

Get ready for Stripes Run 2025 on December 7, 2025 at the SM MOA Concert Grounds! It’s more than a race, it’s a feel-good experience where families, friends, and fur babies run together for fun and for a cause.

Here’s why you and your family and friends should register and be part of Stripes Run 2025!

Don’t be the last to join. Register for the Stripes Run 2025 now and choose your category https://bit.ly/McDonaldsStripesRun2025.

GCash, the country’s leading finance super app, continues to set the gold standard in digital trust and cybersecurity as Miguel Geronilla, Chief Information Security Officer of Mynt, the holding company of GCash, was recognized by PhilSec, the Philippines’ premier cybersecurity conference, as the PhilSec Summit 2025 Digital Leader of the Year.

The award affirms Geronilla’s trailblazing leadership in shaping a resilient and future-ready cybersecurity infrastructure that protects the millions of GCash users across the country. Under his leadership, GCash has advanced a proactive, intelligence-led approach to digital security.

Since 2021, the Philippine Security Summit (PhilSec) has been at the forefront in securing the nation’s digital landscape. Every year, PhilSec gathers government, industry, and cybersecurity leaders to address threats and build resilient digital infrastructure. Its commitment to awareness, knowledge exchange, and strong security practices is vital for the Philippines’ digital future.

“At GCash, trust is not a feature—it’s our foundation. This recognition reflects years of relentless work to make digital finance safe and secure for every Filipino,” Geronilla said in his acceptance remarks.

Geronilla was lauded for driving multi-sectoral partnerships and pioneering AI-powered fraud detection systems, real-time scam alert rollouts, and a fast-track reporting mechanism that supports law enforcement. These efforts have helped fortify the country’s transition to a secure, inclusive cashless economy.  

The PhilSec Awards, co-presented by the National Privacy Commission (NPC), the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), honor individuals and organizations advancing the country’s cybersecurity posture. 

With this award, Geronilla further emphasized the enduring commitment of GCash to cooperation across sectors. “GCash remains committed to upholding the integrity of digital transactions—protecting every scan, send, and swipe,” added Geronilla.

At the core of the digital security strategy of GCash is a whole-of-society approach, realized through sustained cooperation with key government agencies, including the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the NPC, and the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (DICT-CICC). These partnerships align response protocols, deepen intelligence sharing, and promote inclusive cybersecurity literacy nationwide, ensuring that digital safety is not only a corporate priority but a shared national mission.

For more on GCash’s security programs and inter-agency partnerships, visit www.gcash.com/security or follow @gcashofficial across platforms.

ICYMI: Maya, the #1 Fintech Ecosystem and #1 Digital Bank in the Philippines, just dropped its newest Pink Glitter Edition Maya Visa Card, and everyone is raving about it. This isn’t just another card in your wallet, it’s the card you’ll want to carry, use, and show off every single day.

All glitter. No filler.
The Pink Glitter Edition Maya Visa Card delivers on all fronts: design, function, and benefits. Its matte glitter finish gives it a premium, polished look while ensuring it slides smoothly into ATMs and payment terminals for easy, worry-free transactions.

It’s the perfect mix of style and smarts: cool enough to match your everyday aesthetic, practical enough to keep your finances on track, and designed so that even the little things including your daily coffee run, a grocery haul, or weekend shopping spree, actually work for you.

And it’s not just about looks. This globally accepted debit card lets you pay, shop, and withdraw anywhere Visa is accepted, all while helping your money grow with up to 15% p.a. interest on Maya Savings.

Your Ticket to Once-in-a-Lifetime Moments
Using the Pink Glitter Maya Visa Card doesn’t just reward you financially, it could literally take you places. From October 1 to November 11, every swipe with this glittery card could take you straight to the BLACKPINK [DEADLINE] World Tour in Manila. Thanks to Visa and Maya, your everyday spending might just score you VIP fan packages or even daily ticket giveaways! 

The Pink Glitter Maya Visa Card isn’t your only way in. You can also use:
 The Maya Black Visa Credit Card —   a sleek, numberless card that gives you instant miles and global airport lounge access for no annual fees. Perfect for travelers and lifestyle enthusiasts .
 The Maya Visa Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card — your cashback card for everyday purchases. Earn 5% at Landers, 2% on dining, and 1% on everything else every time you swipe.

Here’s how to join:
1. Open the Maya app and go to the Tickets tab.
2. Tap “Join today’s giveaway” to start earning entries for the monthly and daily giveaways.
3. Get and/or use your Maya Visa Landers Credit Card, Maya Black Visa Credit Card, or Maya Visa Debit Card to earn raffle entries

A minimum spend of ₱500 in a single transaction qualifies you for one daily entry.

With Maya, your everyday doesn’t have to stay ordinary. It’s your go-to that makes spending smarter, saving easier, and moments more rewarding, whether you’re chasing miles, cashback, or the concert of your dreams.

Stay updated by visiting maya.ph or mayabank.ph, and follow @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (www.bsp.gov.ph). Deposits are insured by PDIC up to ₱1 million per depositor.

Ivan Corcuera, Head of Insurance Investments at Sun Life Investment Management and Trust Corporation

MANILA, PH – October 2025 – In the world of financial planning, one solution that has sparked both interest and debate over the years is a Variable Unit-Linked (VUL) insurance plan. While it became well-known for offering life insurance with an investment component in one package, it has also garnered mixed feedback, often with negative reactions from Clients who felt their investments did not grow as expected.

“VUL has been misunderstood by many,” shares Ivan Corcuera, Head of Insurance Investments at Sun Life Investment Management and Trust Corporation. “It’s not a one-size-fits-all product, and it’s certainly not a shortcut to wealth. It’s a financial tool designed to protect first and grow second.”

A life insurance plan that combines lifelong protection and fund accumulation, VUL’s core purpose is to provide a substantial financial shield for a family when they need it most. The opportunity for growth, while a powerful and valuable feature, is a secondary benefit.

Understanding the Nature of VUL

To understand VUL, think of it as a single product with two distinct functions.

Its primary function is life insurance coverage, which provides a death benefit payout to beneficiaries upon the insured’s passing. This is the financial shield that ensures the family’s future is secure, covering essential needs like education, outstanding loans, and daily living costs.

Its secondary function is the investment component. A dedicated portion of the premiums paid is invested in expertly managed funds, offering the potential for the policyholder’s money to grow over time. This accumulating value, known as the fund value, can be accessed during the policyholder’s lifetime for future financial goals. This fund value is tied to the performance of the investment funds chosen, which means its value can potentially grow higher, but it can also decrease based on market movements. “The investment side of VUL is a long-term play,” says Corcuera. “It’s about building value gradually, aligned with your financial goals.”

Importantly, the fund value is not just for future financial goals – it also helps keep your policy active. A portion of the fund value is used to pay for the cost of insurance and any applicable charges. Corcuera explains, “This means that while the fund value offers the potential for growth, it also ensures that your life insurance protection remains in force. That’s why it’s important to monitor how your fund is performing and ensure that it’s aligned with your needs.”

How Your Premiums Work

When a premium is paid for a VUL policy, that amount is not simply merged into a single pool. First, a premium charge is deducted from it to cover distribution and administrative expenses, which gradually diminishes over time. After this deduction, the remaining amount is allocated to the policyholder’s chosen investment fund and converted into fund units based on the current Net Asset Value Per Unit (NAVPU). These units represent the investment component of your policy and are linked to the performance of the funds you select, which means their value can rise or fall depending on market conditions.

“The fund units serve a dual purpose,” explains Corcuera. “It’s a balancing act between protection and growth.” A portion of these units is deducted to pay for insurance and periodic charges, ensuring your policy remains active and your life insurance coverage intact. The remaining units continue to accumulate and determine your policy’s fund value, which can potentially grow over time. The fund value can be accessed during your lifetime for future financial goals, offering flexibility while maintaining the core purpose of protection.

The VUL Protection-First Mindset

It is important to view VUL as a protection-first insurance solution, not as a purely investment vehicle like a mutual fund or stock trading account. “The real strength of VUL lies in its ability to provide a guaranteed benefit to your loved ones,” Corcuera emphasizes. “Unlike a pure investment where beneficiaries only receive the value of accumulated savings, a VUL ensures that they receive a predetermined, substantial amount.”

Think of VUL not as a strategy for quick gains, but as a long-term commitment to secure your loved ones’ financial future. “VUL is your shield and your tool for financial growth,” Corcuera concludes. “But like any tool, it works best when used and understood correctly with clarity, commitment, and guidance.”

Learn more about VUL by visiting www.sunlife.co/VUL101 or talk to a Sun Life financial advisor today to find the VUL solution that matches your protection needs and long-term goals.

Retirement is a chapter in life that many look forward to, yet few are truly prepared for.

An online survey by Sun Life Asia across the Philippines, mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Malaysia Singapore, and Vietnam conducted in July 2024 revealed that 21% of retirees in the Philippines had not planned their retirement expenses and close to half express regret over past financial decisions, with 73% saying they have not saved enough for retirement.

Today, many Filipinos live well into their seventies, and many may outlive their retirement savings, as the cost of living doubles approximately every eight to 10 years, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). Additionally, major illnesses that come with age can deplete years of hard-earned savings.

These realities highlight the urgent need to plan early. To guide Filipinos on this journey, Sun Life Grepa Financial, Inc. (SLGFI) recently hosted a webinar, “Pamana, Property, and Peace of Mind: Retirement and Asset Planning for Every Filipino.”

The session addressed common misconceptions that often prevent Filipinos from prioritizing retirement and estate planning:

1. “I’m too young to start.”
   One is never too young to start preparing for retirement. The key is time – starting early allows your savings and investments to grow through compounding, where earnings generate more earnings. Waiting too long could also lead to higher costs, as insurance premiums tend to increase with age.
2. “I don’t have assets to protect.”
   Some believe estate planning is only for the rich. In truth, even modest savings, pensions, life insurance, or a small family home, are worth safeguarding. Retirement planning is about protecting what you’ve worked hard for to ensure your family’s security in the future.
3. “My children will take care of me in the future.”
   It’s common for Filipino parents to assume their children will support them in their old age. However, by the time one retires, children often have families and responsibilities of their own. Depending solely on them can create financial and emotional burdens, which can lead to strained relationships in the family.
4. “I’ll plan later when I have more money.”
   Accidents and emergencies can happen anytime. Planning for the future now gives families protection and peace of mind early on. Plus, one does not need a significant amount of money to start planning for retirement. Small steps such as creating an emergency fund, writing a will, or designating beneficiaries can already make a difference.
5. “Planning is too complicated and only for experts.”
   While legal and financial terms may sound overwhelming, the first steps are simple: organize financial and legal documents, grow your savings, secure basic insurance, and communicate openly with family members to avoid disputes in the future. These actions provide ample protection for the retiree and their family without requiring expert knowledge.

Sun Life Grepa’s Commitment
Life insurance plays a vital role in retirement and estate planning because it provides instant liquidity that helps families handle estate taxes and legal fees without added financial strain.

Recognizing this need, Sun Life Grepa offers these solutions that help Filipinos prepare for retirement and protect what matters most—their family and legacy:
 Sun Grepa Secure Income: A life insurance product that offers guaranteed yearly payouts, offering a stable income stream during one’s retirement years plus scheduled lump sum bonuses at advanced ages to support other needs.  

 Sun Grepa Legacy: A protection and savings plan that helps preserve wealth and ensures a smooth transfer to loved ones through guaranteed benefits. It provides lifetime insurance coverage and annual cash benefits that can serve as extra income during retirement, while also securing funds to help heirs settle estate taxes.  

 Sun Grepa Power Builder 1: A one-time payment plan that combines guaranteed life insurance protection with flexible investment options. It allows funds to grow faster with no upfront charges and comes with guaranteed acceptance. 

Retirement and asset planning may seem daunting, but with the right guidance, every Filipino can enjoy their golden years with independence, dignity, and comfort.
For more information on retirement and estate planning solutions, talk to a Sun Life Grepa advisor or visit www.sunlifegrepa.com.

There is a common notion that OFWs have unlimited funds, and as such, relatives and friends tend to expect them to spend during gatherings or borrow from them for certain needs. This is why setting financial boundaries is important. It’s a delicate and sensitive conversation, but it’s also an act of responsible love.

Begin this conversation by communicating your goals. Explain that work is being done towards an important long-term goal, such as starting a family or buying a home. This helps relatives and friends understand that money is allocated for the family’s future, not just current wants.

It is also acceptable to politely decline loan requests, especially those that are not for critical emergencies. Should you opt to lend, anticipate the possibility that they may not pay you back and consider how it can affect your own expenses and future goals.

3. Have a family financial planning session.
Use your time at home to have a discussion with your family on financial goals. Whether you are saving for a house, a child’s education, retirement, or your plan to come home for good, open communication is key.

To make the session more productive, consider inviting a Sun Life financial advisor to guide the conversation. Advisors can help assess your current financial standing, clarify insurance needs, and recommend suitable investment options. Their expertise can also help family members understand the importance of financial planning.

To keep the session engaging, especially for the younger family members, your advisor can incorporate Sun Life’s original board game, Play for Life: A Game of Choices. There is a version developed specifically for OFWs and their families to have a fun and educational way to learn about financial literacy and spark meaningful conversations.

As you enjoy your homecoming, don’t forget to mind your well-being too. Being an OFW, protecting all your hard work also means securing your health because this is directly tied to your and your family’s financial security. This is why Sun Life Philippines created Sun Life OFW Health Protect, the first insurance solution made of Overseas Filipinos, which offers comprehensive life and health protection tailored to your evolving needs. This solution provides coverage up to age 100, access to 24/7 teleconsultations with Filipino doctors, and flexible payment terms depending on the contract duration.

While you’re in the Philippines, this may be a good time to talk to a Sun Life advisor to ask about Sun Life OFW Health Protect, so you can give yourself the ultimate pasalubong: the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your future is protected against unexpected health crises.

Homecoming season is a beautiful time in every OFW’s journey. It is a time to celebrate, reconnect, and reflect. By budgeting wisely and planning with your family, you can turn your homecoming into a powerful step forward, not just for yourself but for the people you love. Your hard work deserves nothing less than a brighter, healthier future.

To know more about how Sun Life helps overseas Filipino workers come home for good, visit
www.sunlife.co/HomeForGood.