Discover how you can unlock exclusive travel promos with the GCash Card
Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore – these are just some of the top destinations of Pinoy travelers last year. Whether it’s a quick getaway, an adventure abroad, or a return trip to your favorite country, making your #travelgoals a reality starts with good planning.
With 2025 well underway and everyone eager to tick off the countries on their bucket lists, here are a few tips and tricks for a fun, stress-free, and memorable trip abroad while ensuring you always get the most out of your money.
Create a travel budget and track all your expenses
It is so easy to get carried away by the sheer excitement of traveling abroad. This excitement can sometimes lead travellers to make expensive mistakes, such as booking overpriced hotels, planning too many costly activities in their itinerary, or purchasing excessive clothes and souvenirs that exceed their baggage allowance.
While it’s wonderful to splurge once in a while for a trip abroad, setting a budget can help you financially stay on track and prevent unexpected expenses. Who knows? You might save enough to be able to go on another trip later in the year!
An easy way to keep an eye on your budget is by tracking all your expenses in a notebook, an online spreadsheet, or an app – what matters is finding what works best to help you stay on top of your expenses so you can see where you can ease off on spending.
Research, research, and research
With a set budget in mind, your next planning focus would be finding the most ideal flights, accommodations, and tours. Now, research options to see if they meet your needs. Researching for your trip can be as simple (and fun!) as reading blog posts and watching travel videos about your dream destination. You can also check out reviews of certain hotels, restaurants, and activities to see whether they’re worth booking or not.
Before you finalize anything, make sure you also take a look at online promos and discounts, because it’s usually cheaper to book in advance online, rather than when you get to your destination. Also, make sure the travel apps and websites you’ll be booking on are safe and legit!
Get exclusive deals with your GCash VISA Card
One way you can unlock exclusive travel deals is by paying with the GCash VISA Card. Available in 200+ countries and territories and with over 80 million merchants, the GCash Card opens up endless possibilities – from the planning stages of your trip until you’re at your destination.
Using your GCash Card to pay for hotel bookings at Agoda gives you an exclusive 8% discount. Lifestyle and travel content creator Kara Rodriguez knows all about this convenient deal. During her recent stay in Cebu with her mom, she was able to take advantage of a hotel booking discount that provided everything she needed to truly connect with her mom! Check out her vlog here, and remember that with smart planning and your GCash Card always on hand, you can secure deals just like Kara did.
But that’s not all! You can also book hotel stays with IHG and use your GCash Card for up to 20% off in participating hotels in Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, the Maldives, Laos, Japan, Micronesia, Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific Islands!
Enjoy your travel adventure
With your bookings finalized, time to pack your bags, grab your passport, and get your OOTDs ready. Take lots of photos and videos, check out your destination’s hottest food and culture spots, and make unforgettable memories. Most of all, don’t forget to bring the all-new VISA-powered GCash Card with you for more convenient travels!
Easily order one without the need for required documents through the GCash app; turn your #travelgoals into a reality! To learn more, visit GCash at www.new.gcash.com/services/cards.
Do you believe that certain bank transactions are exclusive to the counter? Not anymore! With BDO’s Universal Teller Machine (UTM), everyday banking has become simpler and more convenient, giving you more ways to choose how you bank.
Whether you need to deposit your cheque, update your passbook, or make cardless transactions, the UTM enhances your banking experience with advanced self-service options.
“By integrating digital innovations into our expansive branch network, we empower more customers to bank in ways that suit their diverse lifestyles and needs,” says Cora A. Mallillin, BDO Branch Banking Group Head and Executive Vice President. “That’s why we are expanding the rollout of UTMs to more branches nationwide. With around 500 UTMs already installed, mostly in Metro Manila, more customers can enjoy flexible and hassle-free transactions.”
So the next time you plan a visit to a BDO branch, discover the following features that make the UTM smart and unique:
Fast check deposit, check! Now you can walk up to the UTM and deposit checks–as easily as depositing cash in a machine. The UTM lets you view your cheque details before completing the transaction, giving you peace of mind with an SMS afterwards.
Update your passbook on the go. With the UTM, you can update your passbook at your own convenience—simply insert your passbook once prompted. Within seconds, the UTM will automatically update your records, saving you more time for things that matter.
Cardless transactions, cool! No card? No worries with the UTM. Choose your way: scan your fingerprint to access your account or generate a QR code via the BDO Online or BDO Pay app. It’s that easy, simple, and seamless.
Join the many BDO clients who have discovered UTM in BDO branches and are sharing their wow experiences on social media. Find the BDO branch and UTM near you by visiting www.bdo.com.ph and going to the branch and ATM locator.
2GO, the Philippines’ leading shipping and logistics solutions provider, proudly received the 2024 Superior Shipping Line Award during the 2025 Toyota Supplier Conference and 25th Toyota Supplier Club General Assembly held at the Grand Hyatt Manila. This recognition underscores 2GO’s continued commitment to reliability, operational excellence, efficiency, and outstanding customer service in the logistics industry, particularly in support of automotive giant Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation.
The team’s consistent performance and alignment with Toyota’s service requirements have made it a standout partner in Toyota Motor Philippines’ extensive supply chain network.
“We are deeply honored to receive these prestigious awards, especially the 2024 Superior Shipping Line Award,” said Sharon Musngi-Ngo. “This recognition is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of our team, who continuously strive to exceed expectations in integrity, reliability, efficiency, and service excellence. Our partnership with Toyota Motor Philippines is built on mutual trust and a shared commitment to operational excellence, and we look forward to continuing this successful collaboration.”
In addition to this major honor, 2GO was also recognized during the 2025 Annual Vehicle Logistics Conference, bringing home a total of four awards: the 2024 Most Outstanding Performer – Shipping Line (Large Category), the Capacity & Service Enhancement Award, the 2024 Shipment Compliance Key Performance Indicator, and the 2024 Safety Key Performance Indicator Award. These accolades reflect the 2GO Sea Solutions team’s strategic efforts in optimizing capacity, meeting key performance indicators, and prioritizing efficiency and safety in every aspect of shipping operations.
The annual Toyota Supplier Conference and Toyota Supplier Club General Assembly are landmark events in the automotive industry calendar. Organized by Toyota Motor Philippines, these gatherings celebrate and honor the achievements of key suppliers and logistics partners. The 2025 edition also marked the 25th year of the Toyota Supplier Club, making the event even more significant. It comes on the heels of Toyota’s record-breaking performance in 2024, where the brand sold 218,019 vehicles and secured a 47% market share, earning its 23rd consecutive Triple Crown as No. 1 in sales, production, and exports in the Philippine automotive industry.
2GO’s 2024 performance and 2025 recognition are evidence of its strategic emphasis on efficiency, innovation, and high-quality service.
Setting the national standard for maritime transport and logistics solutions, 2GO is a reliable logistics partner of Toyota and other top brands.
Dining out is much more delicious with a discount—especially if it’s up to 55% off! All you have to do is pay the bill with your BDO Credit Card through BDO Pay.
This April, BDO Elite and Gold Credit Cardholders can enjoy 50% off and an extra 5%off when paying through BDO Pay in these restaurants:
Botejyu: An authentic Japanese traditional cuisine restaurant serving a variety of dishes – from sushi and ramen to the signature okosoba or okonomiyaki. Dine in with a minimum of P3,000 and get 55% off using BDO Elite or Gold Credit Cards on BDO Pay.
Greyhound Café: Craving Thai food? Greyhound Cafe offers ‘Thai food with a twist’. Pay using your BDO Elite or Gold Credit Card through BDO Pay and get 55% off a minimum dine-in bill of P3,000.
Standard, Classic, or Co-Brand BDO Cardholders can also enjoy 30% off plus an extra 5% off with BDO Pay.
Ready to enjoy this deal? Download the BDO Pay app, sign up for an account, and link your BDO Credit Card. After the app launches, use its scanning feature to settle your restaurant bill, which will subsequently charge your credit card.
Get it while it’s hot—these discounts are valid Monday through Friday until April 30, 2025, only!
For more promo details, visit the BDO website and search for the restaurant’s name.
Summer is now underway and brings with it a season of leisurely holidays and thrilling trips. Although everyone has their ideal summer bucket list, we could all use a suggestion or two to make the most of this season. Count on no less than renowned fashion and lifestyle star Heart Evangelista to help you make this summer the best ever. Heart, who was just introduced as the face of the GCash summer campaign, tells tales and glimpses of how she intends to realise her fantasy summer. Heart spills it all from the ideal day in one of her beloved locations, her tried-and-true travel tips, and even her most recent finding on the best method to pay when travelling.
“Summers are always so special to me. Ever since I was a kid, it’s the season I look forward to the most because summer meant travelling and making new memories,” she shares.
Recently ruling Paris and Milan Fashion Weeks, the actress admits that her ideal summer vacation this year is not too far from home: “Japan—I love it this season. It’s also a special place that I love visiting with my husband and our kids. My sisters and I also have many great memories there.”
Heart remembers all the excursions she has taken in Tokyo and has already developed the ideal schedule for the city she wishes everyone to visit: “I’ll start with sushi in Omotesando, then coffee in a quaint cafe in the area, followed by hours of vintage designer shopping. I’ve found so many treasures at great prices over the years—from bags, shoes, jackets, and jewellery. I’ll end the day getting lost in Don Quijote buying anik-anik, then eat snacks at a convenience store before calling it a day. I’m getting excited just thinking about it!”
Photo taken by: Nikko Mendoza Heart Evangelista on a night out in Paris during Fashion Week 2025
Given her frequent travels, often hopping between Manila and other destinations around the world, it’s safe to assume that Heart has already perfected her pre-travel preparations. Of course she has. She has the crucial stuff organised in her thoughts weeks before a trip—we’re talking about clothes and shopping. Her mindset for the season dictates how she prepares outfits in advance and dedicates at least a day to packing and organising, which naturally includes budgeting. “I’m better at budgeting now! I’ll set a budget for the trip, transfer it to my GCash account, and use my GCash Card for the trip. That way, I have better control of my spending. It’s so convenient,” she shares.
Heart dreams of a summer journey reminiscent of a montage of her travels in real life in the recently released GCash film featuring the actress. One moment, she was shopping for a purse in Japan; the next, she was enjoying a mango shake in beautiful Boracay—all with her reliable travel companion, her GCash card.
Heart remembers an occasion when GCash demonstrated its simplicity even more: “I was shopping in an airport abroad when I found a lipstick that I knew a dear friend had been looking for. Even though it was already late in Manila, I called my friend, who became ecstatic and asked me to purchase all the stocks they had. I immediately tapped my GCash Card, and that was that! I tapped my GCash Card, and the exchange rate was also really good. She also added that she and her team rely heavily on their GCash cards when abroad to be stress-free. “We use it for cabs, booking cars, buying snacks, shopping—everything!”
Photo taken by: Nikko Mendoza Heart Evangelista in Paris during Fashion Week 2025
Heart advises GCash users to maximise the tools and services on the app they could be overlooking to have a fuss-free journey. Although most users just know the ease of sending money and paying basic bills on the app, GCash really offers many services that can save you valuable time and money, particularly when travelling. First of all, your GCash Card serves as a debit card for convenience in transactions and may be used to withdraw money from ATMs at reasonable exchange rates, relieving you of concern about locating money changers overseas. “The GCash Card is the best way to pay abroad for me. The card’s low forex and service fees, along with its absence of hidden charges, are truly life-changing, according to Heart.
Another advantage of GCash’s GlobalPay function is that it lets customers quickly pay via QR in chosen stores, unlocking discounts and rewards overseas. Using Scan To Pay in a few chosen stores until April 30, 2025, will allow you to earn a 10% discount in Japan. One other feature Heart strongly recommends is GInsure: “Travel insurance is truly important—you never know what’s going to happen. Many people forget about this, but this is a tip I always give for a stress-free trip. Once you have insurance, you can have the best summer,” she says. Users can effortlessly purchase travel insurance for international trips with GInsure, which covers trip cancellations, lost baggage, flight delays, medical emergencies, and more for as low as P350 and offers coverage up to P2.5 million.
When asked how she thinks summer trips can be both memorable and rewarding, Heart says not to forget to live in the moment. “Enjoy the moment when you’re finally on the trip you planned and saved up for. Remember, it’s a summer trip to make memories and milestones—take many photos and, yes, reward yourself with delicious food and indulge in a bit of shopping with GCash. I’m serious!”
The globe is Heart’s runway, and she is eager to bring her ideal summer to pass. “Elevated basics and understated elegance are my mood board for this summer trip. I’ll pair my neutral outfits with an intriguing bag in tow—with my GCash Card inside, of course,” she quips. Like Heart, we can all support GCash to bring our ideal summers to pass. GCash is your dependable friend, whether your trip is local, overseas, or just staycations—cozying up in hotels. With your GCash Card, enjoy cashless transactions, use Global Pay to unlock benefits, and stay safe and secure with GInsure. Are you planning to indulge in some summer shopping? Using GGives will help you pay less. There are numerous opportunities.
Download the GCash app to find out how you may spend your summer to remember. View Heart’s fantasy summer film on GCash’s social media pages.
Uratex, the country’s leading foam manufacturer and sleep solutions provider, reaffirmed its commitment to product quality, operational excellence, and long-term customer trust with a full-day tour of its flagship facility in Plaridel, Bulacan, and a celebration at RONAC Living Gallery in Mandaluyong. The “Tried, Tested, Trusted” event honours the brand’s 17th straight Trusted Brand Award from Reader’s Digest.
Uratex Philippines hosted members of the media for a walkthrough of its largest and most technologically equipped facility in Plaridel, Bulacan. Uratex has received the Platinum Most Trusted Brand Award in the mattress category for 17 consecutive years.
The campaign highlights Uratex’s position as the nation’s leading maker of mattresses and foam products, emphasising that trust is gained not only through brand longevity but also through continuous daily execution across systems, teams, and customer touchpoints.
“Having been recognised as a trusted brand for 17 years is a meaningful affirmation for us,” stated Uratex’s managing director, Peachy Medina. “Trust is earned, and we think it’s built through how we serve people—whether it’s through the products we make, the service we give, or the promises we keep.”
Uratex, currently in its 57th year, remains a household name synonymous with innovation, comfort, and durability. The “Tried, Tested, Trusted” event emphasises the brand’s basic values and its long-standing pledge of dependability towards Filipino families and institutions.
Mrs Natividad “Naty” Cheng – Uratex Philippines Founder and Chief Executive Officer. Uratex has received the Platinum Most Trusted Brand Award in the mattress category for 17 consecutive years.
“For over five decades, we’ve stood by our customers through comfort, quality, and care,” stated Mrs Natividad Cheng, Uratex’s CEO. “Trust is something we earn each night. And we are pleased that we continue to be a brand that Filipinos can trust.”
The Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand Awards are based on consumer surveys done in different Asian countries to assess opinions of brand trust, quality, value, and willingness to purchase. Uratex has achieved the Platinum Most Trusted Brand Award in the mattress category for the past 17 years.
From left: Sheron White – Reader’s Digest Advertising and Retail Director for the Asia & Pacific Ressfgion, Natividad Cheng – Uratex Philippines Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Maricarl Garcia – Reader’s Digest Advertising Sales Director for the Philippines Uratex has received the Platinum Most Trusted Brand Award in in the mattress category for 17 consecutive years.
A closer look at Uratex’s operations
The day started with a tour of Uratex’s largest and most technologically advanced facility in Plaridel. The complex, which has been operational since 2000 and spans over 450,000 square meters, is critical to the company’s national manufacturing and distribution efforts.
The plant guided the guests through its major zones, starting with the section for producing foam blocks, which combines raw materials under strict quality norms. From there, the group proceeded to the curing and cutting stations, where newly created foam blocks were stabilised and shaped using automated technologies designed to maximise yields and limit material waste.
The fabrication, assembly, and packing departments demonstrated Uratex’s ongoing process efficiency advancements, particularly the recent inclusion of automated mattress assembly lines in 2023. The automated technologies enable increased production rates, assure uniform bonding across the numerous foam layers used in mattress layouts, and provide a smooth flow.
Guests also toured the company’s in-house product testing and research facility, where engineers and specialists undertake durability tests, density checks, and performance evaluations. These measures are an integral part of the company’s quality assurance program and are compliant with ISO 9001:2015 requirements.
The warehousing and delivery sectors rounded out the trip, with modernised racking systems and organised loading zones to ensure the smooth movement of finished goods across the country.
Throughout the walkthrough, Uratex representatives emphasised how the company’s use of lean manufacturing, automation, and real-time monitoring technologies helped it meet volume and quality targets.
The facility employs more than 500 people, the majority of whom are involved in plant operations. The rest help with administration, engineering, warehousing, and quality assurance. Production runs in various shifts to accommodate national demand and support distribution throughout Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
“This is our opportunity to express gratitude and to reaffirm what we stand for,” Medina told the crowd. “We may be known for our foams and mattresses, but more than that, we want to be known for being reliable—whether you’re a customer, a partner, or a team member.”
Uratex also reaffirmed its ongoing expansion ambitions, including the construction of its distribution centre, which aims to increase capacity and improve delivery services at key locations. Future years are likely to see the publication of additional information.
We are celebrating our partners and milestones.
The Trusted Brand Recognition was held at the RONAC Lifestyle Centre in Mandaluyong, where the company conducted a program focused on dialogue, acknowledgement, and appreciation.
Mrs Cheng, Mr Eddie Gallor, executive vice president of automotive, and Mr William Lee, executive vice president of furniture and bedding, participated in a fireside talk that kicked off the event. Their debate revolved around Uratex’s strategy for operational integrity, leadership, and brand durability.
Uratex Philippines’ Pillars of Trust, top management, and its most trusted brand ambassadors and personality guests at the Tried, Tested, Trusted Media Event, which marks its 17th consecutive Trusted Brand Award from Reader’s Digest. From left: Hector Go – Manufacturing Director, John Rosagas – Uratex Group of Companies’ General Manager, Stephen Lee – Uratex Philippines PSleep Business Unit Director, Eddie Gallor – Uratex Philippines Executive Vice President for Automotive, Dindo Medina – Uratex Direct to Consumer Director, Atom Araullo – Filipino Broadcast Journalist and 2024 Reader’s Digest Platinum Awardee for Trusted TV Platform, Alyssa Valdez – Filipino Volleyball Player and 2025 Reader’s Digest Most Trusted Sports Personality, Natividad “Naty” Cheng – Uratex Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Pauleen Luna-Sotto – Filipino Actress and Host, Bigboy Cheng – DJ, Vlogger and Uratex Philippines PR Director, Janeena Chan – Filipino Actress and Host, Peachy Medina – Uratex Philippines Managing Director, William Lee – Uratex Philippines Executive Vice President for Furniture & Bedding, Christian “Kurt” Cheng – Uratex Philippines Junior Category Manager
Medina then delivered a statement in which he stressed the values that guide the company’s course, as well as the necessity of honouring the trust placed in them by customers, partners, and communities.
Uratex also recognised its most trusted partners, including the Philippine Orthopaedic Association and the Philippine Society of Sleep Medicine, for their ongoing collaboration in improving sleep health and standards.
Before presenting Uratex with its 17th Most Trusted Brand Award in the mattress category, Reader’s Digest defined the award’s standards. Mrs Cheng accepted the prize on behalf of the company and delivered a heartfelt speech.
“For almost five decades, we have worked tirelessly to provide Filipino families with quality and care. Receiving this prize again is quite special”. It’s a reminder that our work matters and that we must always uphold the trust placed in us,” she said.
Trust via execution.
The “Tried, Tested, Trusted” event highlights Uratex’s operational backbone. With over six decades of sustained development, the brand’s foundation is still based on product quality, service reliability, and long-term partnerships with customers and communities.
Medina stated that, while honours and achievements are causes for celebration, work continues every day on the company floor, in distribution channels, and in homes across the country.
From left: Janeena Chan – Filipino Actress and Host, Alyssa Valdez – Filipino Volleyball Player and 2025 Reader’s Digest Most Trusted Sports Personality, Pauleen Luna-Sotto – Actress and Host, Atom Araullo – Filipino Broadcast Journalist and 2024 Reader’s Digest Platinum Awardee for Trusted TV Platform, Bigboy Cheng – DJ, Vlogger and Uratex Philippines PR Director
“What we do every day is really about helping people sleep better, live better, and trust that we’re here for the long run,” she told me. “That trust is not something we take for granted—it’s what pushes us to do better every day.”
Uratex approaches 2025 with a renewed focus on manufacturing innovation, nationwide accessibility, and strengthening its guarantee of trust for future generations.
