OEd Marks LIMITLESS Commencement 2026 with Three-in-One Celebration of Excellence and Gratitude

From doctoral hooding and board examination excellence to heartfelt family tributes, OEd's 2026 commencement celebrates academic achievement without boundaries.

Online Education (OEd), a pioneer in distance learning in the Philippines, marked a major milestone with its 2026 Commencement Exercises, bringing together graduates, families, and the academic community for a memorable three-in-one graduation celebration.

Carrying the theme “LIMITLESS: The Digital Pulse of Success,” the event highlighted OEd’s continued commitment to delivering flexible, accessible, and world-class education to Filipinos around the globe, regardless of their location, time zone, or individual circumstances.

The commencement also celebrated the determination and achievements of graduates who successfully managed their studies alongside professional responsibilities, family commitments, and other personal challenges. Their accomplishments demonstrated how technology-enabled education can create opportunities for learners to pursue their academic goals while balancing the different demands of everyday life.

Three Celebrations, One LIMITLESS Achievement

OEd celebrated this important milestone through three major ceremonies held within a single day, gathering graduates, their families, educators, and members of the academic community for a memorable occasion.

The festivities opened with the Virtual Graduation at 10:00 a.m., giving graduates from various locations, including those based overseas, the opportunity to join the celebration through OEd’s digital platform.

At 12:15 p.m., the community came together for the Baccalaureate Mass, a moment dedicated to thanksgiving, prayer, and reflection. The celebration continued with the Face-to-Face Commencement Exercises at 3:00 p.m. at The Proscenium Theater, Rockwell Center, Makati City. Graduates attended alongside their families as they received formal recognition for their academic accomplishments.

The onsite ceremony included the presentation and confirmation of graduates from undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs, showcasing the wide range of academic opportunities offered by OEd and the diverse experiences of its students.

By combining virtual participation with the traditions of an in-person graduation, OEd created a three-part celebration that allowed graduates to honor their achievements both online and face-to-face.

The Birthplace of Board Topnotchers

One of the most anticipated highlights of the face-to-face commencement was the Tribute to Board Topnotchers and Passers, recognizing OEd graduates who achieved remarkable results in national professional licensure examinations.

During his address, Dr. Amable C. Aguiluz IX, Vice Chairman, CEO, and Founder of OEd, highlighted the institution's growing recognition as the “Birthplace of Board Topnotchers.” He emphasized that the flexibility of online education can go hand in hand with academic excellence and strong professional outcomes.

Among OEd's notable 2026 achievements were the impressive results of its graduates in the Real Estate Appraiser Licensure Examination. Leading the group was Mina Isobel Tormes, who secured Top 1 nationwide, followed by Blue Sander Falag-ey at Top 2 and Allen Varquez at Top 9.

The institution also recognized its successful examinees in the Real Estate Brokers Licensure Examination, where Tormes earned Top 5, Falag-ey placed Top 7, and Analyn Doctor secured Top 9, alongside 27 other successful examinees.

Adding to these accomplishments, John Paul Villanueva earned Top 7 in the Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers, further demonstrating OEd graduates' achievements across different professional disciplines.

These outstanding results reflected the institution's commitment to providing quality education and effective academic preparation. They also demonstrated how students can pursue professional excellence through flexible, technology-enabled learning.

Another meaningful part of the commencement was the Doctoral Hooding Ceremony, a distinguished academic tradition honoring individuals who successfully completed the highest level of academic study. The ceremony recognized their dedication to advanced scholarship, research, professional growth, and lifelong learning.

A Message of Purpose and Perseverance

Adding an inspiring touch to OEd's 2026 Commencement Exercises was Arun O. Gogna, who served as the event's commencement speaker. He shared a meaningful message with the graduating class as they prepared to take on new opportunities and challenges in their personal and professional lives.

His address encouraged graduates to appreciate the hard work behind their academic achievements while recognizing the greater responsibilities and possibilities that come with earning a degree.

For many OEd students, reaching graduation day was the result of years of dedication and sacrifices. Beyond completing academic requirements, they had to balance demanding work schedules, family responsibilities, and personal challenges while staying focused on their educational goals.

The ceremony honored these stories of determination, particularly those of working professionals, parents, and overseas Filipinos who pursued higher education through OEd's flexible digital learning platform.

Gogna's presence added depth to the celebration, reminding graduates that education is not measured solely by academic achievements. Its true value is also reflected in how individuals use their knowledge, values, and abilities to make a meaningful contribution to their chosen professions and communities.

“ILY TY”: The Most Heartfelt Moment of the Celebration

Beyond the academic achievements and professional milestones, one of the most touching moments of OEd's 2026 Commencement Exercises was a special tribute dedicated to the families and loved ones who played an important role in every graduate's success.

During a meaningful segment featuring the graduation song “ILY TY (I Love You, Thank You),” graduates were invited to approach their parents, siblings, partners, friends, and other loved ones to express their gratitude personally. They were encouraged to share two simple yet powerful messages: “I love you. Thank you.”

The emotional moment recognized the sacrifices, encouragement, and constant support of the people who stood beside the graduates throughout their educational journeys, especially during the challenges of remote learning.

For working students, parents pursuing higher education, and Filipinos studying from overseas, the tribute carried an even deeper meaning. Behind every diploma were countless hours of studying, busy schedules, personal sacrifices, and the support of people who continued to believe in their dreams.

The segment added a deeply personal touch to the commencement, highlighting that while education may take place through digital platforms, the human connections and support systems behind every achievement remain invaluable.

It served as a beautiful reminder that every graduate's success is also a shared achievement made possible by the love, sacrifices, and unwavering support of the people who never stopped believing in them.

Celebrating Success Beyond the Stage

Before the formal commencement exercises began, graduates, parents, and guests enjoyed a special buffet cocktail reception at The Black Box of The Proscenium Theater. The gathering followed the virtual graduation and thanksgiving Mass, giving everyone time to relax and celebrate ahead of the day's main ceremony.

The reception brought families together, gave graduates the chance to reconnect with fellow students, and allowed members of the OEd academic community to share in the excitement of this important milestone.

With delicious food, refreshing drinks, lively conversations, and commemorative photographs, the gathering created a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It was a fitting start to a memorable day filled with academic recognition, personal achievements, and meaningful connections.

LIMITLESS: Where Digital Learning Meets Real-World Success

For OEd, the theme “LIMITLESS: The Digital Pulse of Success” represented more than a graduation message. It reflected the institution's continuing vision of making quality education accessible to Filipinos around the world.

As a pioneer in Philippine distance education, OEd has championed a learning model that allows students to pursue academic qualifications without being confined by traditional schedules or geographical limitations.

Its flexible online platform provides opportunities for working professionals, parents, overseas Filipinos, and individuals seeking to advance their education while managing their existing responsibilities.

The 2026 commencement demonstrated that while the classroom may be digital, the achievements are real, the sacrifices are meaningful, and the professional opportunities ahead are boundless.

From the recognition of board topnotchers and doctoral graduates to the inspiring commencement message and emotional tribute to families, the celebration reflected the many dimensions of success made possible through education.

As the graduates of 2026 move forward, OEd continues to uphold a vision rooted in accessibility, innovation, and academic excellence.

Because at OEd, education goes beyond borders, learning goes beyond classrooms, and success knows no limits.

m360 Acquires Concati to Strengthen Digital Security and Customer Engagement

“Concati brings the APIs and capabilities needed across the customer journey into one platform. m360 already helps businesses reach their customers. With Concati, it can also help with what comes before and around that message, confirming customers are real, verifying who they are, assessing risk, and engaging them. With the implementation of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Circular 1213, businesses are no longer concerned with just delivering messages and reaching their target markets. They also need to establish and support safer, more relevant digital transactions for customers. This will reassure and protect Filipinos against online scams and hacking.” ~Mon Hirang, m360 President and CEO

Acquisition expands m360's capabilities beyond messaging to support safer, more seamless digital customer experiences

m360 has acquired Concati as part of its efforts to expand beyond messaging services and provide businesses with more comprehensive customer engagement and digital security solutions. m360 operates under Brave Connective, a company within Globe-backed 917Ventures.

The acquisition combines messaging, identity verification, and fraud prevention capabilities into a single platform designed to support safer digital transactions. Through the expanded services, businesses will be able to authenticate customer identities, evaluate potential risks, and communicate with customers through more secure digital channels.

The move comes amid continuing concerns over online scams in the Philippines. A November 2025 study conducted by the GSMA revealed that 52% of Filipinos had experienced scams at least once. Among those affected, approximately two-thirds reported suffering financial losses.

“m360’s more than 950 clients can now access an integrated messaging and secure customer platform with Concati. Every business going digital needs the same building blocks, Concati puts all of them in one place, with a partner you can trust. Businesses get one place to build; providers get one place to reach them. This is a healthy ecosystem that will help the whole market.” ~Vince Yamat, CEO and Managing Director of 917Ventures

Meanwhile, BSP Circular No. 1213, issued in May 2025, outlines requirements for BSP-supervised financial institutions under Republic Act No. 12010, also known as the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA). These measures include enhanced authentication procedures, real-time fraud monitoring, and payee verification to strengthen protection against financial scams. The law also provides for reimbursement in certain circumstances when financial institutions fail to fulfill their obligations.

“With the support of Globe-backed 917Ventures, the acquisition is designed to help businesses connect with customers more meaningfully and make better-informed decisions. It also aims to support more trusted digital interactions.” ~Nikko Acosta, Group CEO and President, Brave Connective Holdings, Inc. 

Vince Yamat, CEO and Managing Director of 917Ventures, said Concati was developed to bring together vetted telecommunications and non-telecommunications application programming interfaces (APIs), allowing businesses to access essential digital services more conveniently.

About m360

m360 is a Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) provider under Brave Connective Holdings, Inc., Globe  portfolio company. We help businesses connect with their customers through SMS, Viber, WhatsApp, and other messaging channels - enabling real-time, scalable, and meaningful communication across industries.

At m360, we believe that how we work matters as much as what we build. We are guided by five core values - Accountability, Collaboration, Innovation, Integrity, and Care - and we are committed to using our platform not just as a business tool, but as a force for genuine social good.

For more information, please visit m360 official website: https://www.m360.com.ph/

SM City Grand Central, SM City Valenzuela, and SM Center Sangandaan Illuminate the Holidays with Christmas Sparkle

Christmas magic comes in three different forms this year at SM City Grand Central, SM City Valenzuela, and SM Center Sangandaan, where spectacular holiday installations transform their mall atriums into enchanting destinations filled with color, imagination, and festive charm.

Part of SM Supermalls' “SM Magical Sparkle” Christmas campaign, each centerpiece presents a unique interpretation of the holiday season, turning the traditional Christmas tree display into an immersive experience for shoppers, families, and visitors.

At SM City Grand Central, the festive celebration takes inspiration from the romantic beauty of Venice through its “Venetian Wonderland” installation. Inspired by the colorful island of Burano, the display features a magnificent 34-foot multi-tiered Christmas tree surrounded by pastel-colored façades, a sparkling canal, a Venetian gondola, and a cheerful gondolier elf.

Brick arch bridges, glowing street lamps, Christmas greenery, and market-inspired stalls complete the European holiday atmosphere. The gondola, canal, and vibrant houses also provide charming photo opportunities, inviting visitors to explore the display, capture memories, and enjoy the festive surroundings.

Meanwhile, SM City Valenzuela welcomes visitors into a magical nighttime setting with “Once Upon a Moonlit Christmas.” Its centerpiece is a towering 34-foot Christmas tree decorated in shades of crimson, violet, and gold, standing beneath a radiant star. Adding to the dreamy atmosphere are a metallic gold crescent moon, silver reindeer, crystal drapes, and illuminated stars.

A luxurious velvet-red throne accented with gold details and surrounded by presents completes the fairytale-inspired scene. Serving as a special photo spot for families and friends, the installation creates a celestial Christmas setting filled with shimmering gold and silver accents.

At SM Center Sangandaan, the holiday experience takes on a playful and youthful personality through “Sweet Plushie Holiday.” The atrium is transformed with towering Christmas trees, oversized candy canes, sweet-inspired decorations, and plush-inspired elements in festive shades of red, silver, and gold.

Reflecting today's visual and social media culture, the installation offers a fun backdrop for photographs, content creation, and shared holiday moments. Its launch celebration featured Gen Z music, dance numbers, festive performances, and a tree-lighting ceremony highlighted by a spectacular shower of red, silver, and gold confetti.

Three malls, three imaginative Christmas themes, and one shared celebration of holiday magic.

From the Venetian-inspired canals of Grand Central to the celestial wonderland of Valenzuela and the candy-colored atmosphere of Sangandaan, each installation offers a different way to experience the season.

Beyond their decorative appeal, these Christmas centerpieces create welcoming spaces where families and friends can gather, take photographs, make memories, and enjoy a little festive escape from their busy holiday schedules.

Through its SM Magical Sparkle campaign, SM Supermalls brings the spirit of Christmas to life across three distinct worlds, inviting everyone to discover their own special way of celebrating the holidays.

Beyond the Label of Solo Motherhood: TECNO and Angélica Dass Launch the Philippines Portrait Gallery for 100 Portraits of Becoming

“What moved us about the Philippines chapter was seeing how naturally motherhood, work, ambition and personal identity can coexist in the same life. We hope technology can play a small part in helping people be seen more fully, and their stories better understood.” ~Jack Guo, General Manager of TECNO

Philippines Portrait Gallery of “Seeing Beyond Labels”

The gallery brings together 20 Filipinos whose lives intersect with solo motherhood, revealing the diverse roles, relationships and ambitions that extend far beyond a single label.

TECNO has partnered with internationally acclaimed artist Angélica Dass to introduce the Philippine chapter of 100 Portraits of Becoming, a global portrait photography project celebrating personal stories and individual identities. The latest collection features 20 individuals and their compelling life experiences, now available through TECNO’s global story archive.

Spanning two years and five countries, the documentary portrait initiative uses TECNO Universal Tone imaging technology to capture diverse human experiences. The Philippines serves as the project's second chapter, following its successful debut in Kenya.

Titled “See Beyond Labels,” the Philippine collection features portraits of 20 individuals in Manila whose lives are connected to solo motherhood in different ways. Through their stories, the project highlights how people cannot be defined by a single social label or title such as “solo mom.” Instead, every individual carries multiple identities shaped by relationships, responsibilities, personal goals, and life experiences.

The campaign draws inspiration from the realities of Filipino families. Publicly available figures estimate that the Philippines has approximately 14 to 15 million solo parents, with women representing around 95% of this population. Meanwhile, an estimated 2.19 million Filipinos worked overseas in 2024, of whom 57.2% were women working as Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

Beyond these statistics are individual stories that reflect the complexity of family life, identity, and personal aspirations. The Philippine chapter seeks to bring these often-overlooked experiences into focus through powerful visual storytelling.

Photographed using the TECNO CAMON Slim 5G equipped with TECNO Universal Tone, the collection also reflects the smartphone's “Make It Lighter” philosophy. The concept emphasizes making expressive photography more accessible, intuitive, and inclusive through technology.

The Stories Behind the Portraits of 20 People

Through the featured portraits, the broader realities of Filipino family life are brought into a more personal perspective, highlighting diverse experiences involving careers, relationships, caregiving, and personal growth.

Angélica Dass taking portrait photos in Manila

The collection brings together stories from solo mothers who are raising children independently, adults who grew up in solo-parent households, members of multigenerational families, Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) caregivers, and media and community advocates who work closely with women and families. Their experiences shed light on a common social issue: the tendency to judge people based on a single label rather than recognize their full identities and capabilities.

The conversations explored important questions about motherhood, professional aspirations, family responsibilities, and identity. They examined how women balance raising children with career goals, how adults look back on growing up with solo parents, and what forms of support, personal decisions, and practical wisdom help families manage everyday challenges.

Together, these narratives present a more complete picture of contemporary family life. They highlight women pursuing meaningful careers while raising children, extended families sharing caregiving duties, grown children finding inspiration in their mothers, and individuals continuing to work toward their personal dreams and ambitions.

Portraits of 20 people connected to solo motherhood

Portraits of 20 people connected to solo motherhood from the Philippines chapter now are joining the global 100 Portraits of Becoming on TECNO’s official website, where their images and stories can be explored together.

Her Many Ways of Becoming

Among the 20 individuals featured in the project is Ely Haig, a solo working mother, family breadwinner, advertising professional, and competitive amateur padel player.

Ely embraced motherhood at a time when her career was beginning to gain momentum. She initially put several professional opportunities on hold, choosing instead to prioritize the needs of the people around her. Eventually, she discovered a new approach to balancing her responsibilities by identifying what truly mattered to her and finding ways to make space for her career, daughter, side projects, and passion for padel.

“Being a good mother shouldn’t mean leaving yourself behind. I want people to see more than a solo mom. A mother, yes, but also a creative, a career woman, an athlete, still becoming.” ~Ely Haig, a solo working mother, breadwinner, advertising professional and competitive amateur padel player

The Portrait of Ely Haig

Twinkle Dimayuga Zamora raised two children as a solo mother before turning her own experience into community support. She later founded MAMA, Mothers Advocating through Ministry and Action, an initiative supporting solo mothers and their children. Her diskarte is simple: ask for help, communicate openly and build a village. 

“Sometimes the strongest thing a mother can do is say, ‘I need help.’” ~Twinkle Dimayuga Zamora, raised two children as a solo mother before turning her own experience into community support

The Portrait of Twinkle Dimayuga Zamora

Eunice N. Angeles, a fourth-year nursing student, was raised by a solo mother who later became an OFW in Qatar. Growing up, she watched her mother keep finding opportunities and making difficult choices to create a better future for them both. That confidence became something Eunice feels she inherited. 

“I want people to see what I grew up with: confidence, determination and the courage to find my own way.” ~Eunice N. Angeles, a fourth-year nursing student, was raised by a solo mother who later became an OFW in Qatar

The Portrait of Eunice N. Angeles

These stories reflect different expressions of their own diskarte: the wisdom, resourcefulness and choices women draw on to navigate life in their own way. More stories from the 20 portraits can be explored in the Philippines gallery of 100 Portraits of Becoming, part of TECNO’s global story archive.

An Opportunity to See Behind the Portraits

For Angélica Dass, the Philippines chapter is an opportunity to move from a shared social context to the individual lives within it. Across the 20 portraits, she encountered different ambitions, relationships, personalities and ways of navigating everyday life.

Renowned photographer Angélica Dass captures portraits using the TECNO CAMON Slim 5G in Manila, Philippines.

“What stayed with me was the realization that ‘solo motherhood’ is only one part of a person's identity. Through the stories shared with me and the moments we created during the portrait sessions, I was reminded that behind every label there is a person with their own ambitions, relationships, choices, and dreams. No single label can tell us everything about who someone is.” ~Angélica Dass, Renowned Photographer captures portraits using the TECNO CAMON Slim 5G in Manila, Philippines

To capture genuine experiences, the portraits were taken in different locations across Manila, using settings that reflect each participant's everyday environment. These included their workplaces, family homes, and familiar community spaces that hold personal significance.

This creative direction reflects the campaign's central message of looking beyond labels and highlighting the different dimensions of people's lives. Through the photographs, the project captures professional pursuits, personal ambitions, relationships, humour, and everyday routines—showing the many experiences that shape an individual beyond a single role or identity.

From Kenya to the Philippines, and Beyond

All 20 portraits featured in the Philippine collection were captured by internationally acclaimed artist Angélica Dass using the TECNO CAMON Slim 5G, powered by TECNO Universal Tone technology.

Designed to deliver more accurate skin tone representation across a wide range of complexions in mobile photography, TECNO Universal Tone plays an important role in the project's visual storytelling. Within 100 Portraits of Becoming, the technology reinforces the campaign's message of recognizing individuals in their authentic form while appreciating the unique qualities that make each person different.

The Philippines is the second destination of the international initiative, following its launch in Kenya in July 2026. Over the course of two years, the project aims to feature 100 portraits across multiple countries, creating a growing archive of individuals, personal stories, and possibilities.

While the Kenya chapter explored how people move beyond inherited perceptions of their communities and future prospects, the Philippine installment focuses on family, identity, and the many responsibilities and roles people embrace. It encourages audiences to look beyond initial impressions and discover the person, relationships, and aspirations behind every label.

With the Philippines now included in the global collection, the project will continue expanding to other countries, bringing more portraits and personal narratives that celebrate the different ways people grow, evolve, and become.

For any related media queries, please contact pr.tecno@tecno-mobile.com.

About TECNO

As a global innovative technology brand with operations in over 70 markets, TECNO has been committed to revolutionizing the digital experience in global emerging markets, relentlessly pushing for the perfect integration of contemporary, aesthetic design with the latest technologies and AI. TECNO offers a wide range of smartphones, smart wearables, laptops and tablets, smart gaming, HiOS operating systems and smart home products. Guided by its brand essence of “Stop At Nothing,” TECNO is committed to unlocking the newest technologies and AI-powered new experiences for forward-looking individuals, inspiring them to never stop pursuing their best selves and their best futures. For more information, please visit TECNO’s official site: www.tecno-mobile.com.

About “100 Portraits of Becoming” by TECNO and Angélica Dass

“100 Portraits of Becoming” is a global portrait project created by TECNO together with internationally recognized artist Angélica Dass. Over two years, it will produce one hundred portraits across five countries — Kenya, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Brazil — pairing Dass’s portrait methodology with TECNO’s Universal Tone inclusive imaging technology. Each portrait moves beyond a face to the person behind it: to lives unfolding across different cultures, generations and moments of social change. One hundred portraits become one hundred ways of seeing humanity — and one growing archive of who we are, told by the people living it. To learn more, please visit: https://www.tecno-mobile.com/100portraitsofbecoming/.

SM Investments earns third consecutive Five Golden Arrow Award

“We aim to continuously create long-term value for our stakeholders, and strong governance is central to that.” ~Amando M. Tetangco Jr., Chairman of the Board, SM Investments

For its commitment to high standards of corporate governance, SM Investments receives its third consecutive Five Golden Arrow Award from the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD). In photo (from left): Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. Trustee and Honorary Fellow of ICD; Frederic C. DyBuncio, President and CEO of SM Investments; Atty Benedicta Du-Baladad, Trustee and Chairperson of ICD; and Tomasa H. Lipana, Fellow of ICD and President of ICD.

SM Investments Corporation, the parent company of the SM Group, has once again earned the Five Golden Arrow Award from the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD), marking its third consecutive year of receiving the highest distinction under the organization's corporate governance awards program.

Other SM Group companies and affiliated corporations were also recognized. SM Prime Holdings, Inc. and China Banking Corporation (Chinabank) received Five Golden Arrows, while BDO Unibank, Inc. and Belle Corporation were awarded Four Golden Arrows.

The awards evaluate corporate governance practices, including the protection of shareholder rights, disclosure of material information, and the effectiveness of board oversight. The 2026 recognition is based on the results of the 2025 ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard assessment.

SM Investments' Board is headed by an independent Chairman, with Tetangco serving as the company's first independent Chairman. He previously served two terms as Governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

The Board provides oversight of the parent company's overall strategy, risk management, and major investment decisions across its retail, banking, property, and portfolio businesses. Its responsibilities include guiding investment priorities, managing financial obligations, and determining shareholder returns. Meanwhile, each operating company maintains its own board and management team, which remains accountable for its respective business operations.

“The achievement reflects SM Investments' continuing commitment to integrity, transparency, accountability and responsible stewardship, with sound corporate governance serving as a foundation for sustainable growth and long-term stakeholder value.” ~Frederic C. DyBuncio, SM Investments President and CEO

The ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard (ACGS) evaluates companies across several key areas, including shareholder rights and equitable treatment, sustainability and resilience, stakeholder engagement, transparency and accountability through timely disclosures, and the Board's strategic direction and accountability. The assessment also serves as a reference for investors in comparing corporate governance standards and practices among companies.

The recognition comes as SM celebrates 68 years since the opening of its first Shoemart store. Throughout the Group's expansion and business growth, the founding values of trust and integrity have remained central to its corporate governance and the way it manages its businesses.

About SM Investments Corporation

SM Investments Corporation (SM) is an owner-operator of market-leading businesses in retail, banking, and property, with investments in high-growth opportunities in the Philippine economy. Through its portfolio, SM generates resilient cash flows and reinvests with discipline to compound value over the long term.

Its retail operations are the largest and most diversified in the country. Its property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the largest integrated property developer in the Philippines. Its banking interests include BDO Unibank, Inc., the country’s largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, one of the country’s largest private domestic banks.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com

GCash reminds users to stay vigilant vs scams ahead of All Saints Day

GCash reminds users to stay vigilant vs scams ahead of All Saints Day

Stay protected this Undas: Enable in-app OTP, avail of Scam Protection Insurance for upgraded account security and protection, and manage your account with the GCash Security Center.

As millions of Filipinos get ready to travel to their home provinces for All Saints' Day, GCash is reminding the public to remain vigilant against online scams and fraudulent activities. The digital financial services platform warns that scammers may take advantage of the busy travel season, when people are often distracted by preparations, last-minute bookings, and other holiday arrangements.

With online transactions and digital activity typically increasing during the holiday period, fraudsters may use fake promotional offers and deceptive messages to trick unsuspecting users. GCash encourages everyone to stay cautious and verify suspicious offers or communications before engaging with them. GCash shares tell-tale signs of the most common scams to watch out for:

• Spoofing

Links sent via SMS or messenger apps may lead to fake websites designed to steal login credentials. Malicious QR codes can also redirect users to fraudulent payment portals. During Undas, when messaging activity surges, even seemingly authentic messages can hide these threats. Users are advised to be extra vigilant.

• Thread hijacking 

Authorities have reported scam messages appearing inside legitimate SMS conversation threads, making them look authentic. This tactic underscores why users should never trust a sender’s name alone. Always double-check and verify before sending money or payments.

• Activate In-app OTP

Fraudsters may pose as GCash agents offering “account verification” or “cashback.” GCash will never ask for your MPIN, OTP, or personal details. For added protection, users are encouraged to turn on in-app OTP, which generates one-time passwords directly inside the GCash app instead of relying on SMS.

Remember: GCash will never send links via SMS, email, or chat apps. Only transact through the official GCash app or verified GCash channels on Facebook and Messenger.

Take charge of your account security with GCash Security Center

The new GCash Security Center, accessible directly through the app, gives users greater control over safeguarding their accounts, funds, and transactions from scams, fraud, and unauthorized access. This centralized security hub brings together several user-managed protection features designed to help prevent suspicious activities and strengthen account safety.

Among its key tools is Lock My Account, which allows users to immediately freeze their GCash accounts and block outgoing transactions, even if their phones are lost or compromised. Money Lock via GSave provides another layer of protection by keeping funds separate from the balance available for everyday transactions. Meanwhile, the Subscription Center lets users check and disconnect merchants or apps linked to their accounts, helping prevent unwanted future payments.

Take advantage of scam protection insurance

As scammers continue to find ways to exploit consumers' vulnerabilities, GCash users can strengthen their financial protection by subscribing to Scam Protection Insurance through GInsure. Underwritten by CHUBB Philippines, the insurance provides coverage of up to ₱15,000 for eligible losses resulting from covered fraudulent activities, including social engineering, account takeover, and online shopping scams.

For as low as ₱20 per month, eligible users can access additional financial protection and peace of mind through the new auto-renew feature. Coverage for fraudulent transactions remains subject to the policy's terms and conditions. As an insurance product, claims for covered scam-related losses are paid by the insurance underwriter, not deducted from the GCash wallet of the recipient.

Report and stay informed

GCash encourages users who receive suspicious messages or encounter possible phishing attempts to report them immediately through the Help Center within the GCash app. Its security teams continuously monitor submitted reports and take appropriate action against reported scams to help safeguard users.

Suspected fraudulent activities can also be reported through the official GCash Help Center at help.gcash.com. Customers simply need to message Gigi and type, “I want to report a scam.” For additional inquiries and assistance, users may also call the official GCash hotline at 2882.

By remaining vigilant, staying informed, and knowing where to report suspicious activities, Filipinos can better protect themselves against online fraud and enjoy a safer, more worry-free Undas with their families.

For more information, visit https://www.gcash.com.

About GCash

GCash is the Philippines’ #1 Finance Super App and Largest Cashless Ecosystem. Through the GCash App, users can easily purchase prepaid airtime; pay bills via partner billers nationwide; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts; purchase from over 6 million partner merchants and social sellers; and get access to savings, credit, loans, insurance and invest money, and so much more, all at the convenience of their smartphones. Its mobile wallet operations are handled by G-Xchange, Inc. (GXI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt, the first and only $5 billion fintech unicorn in the Philippines.

GCash is a staunch supporter of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly UN SDGs 5,8,10, and 13, which focus on safety & security, financial inclusion, diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, respectively.

Merry & Massive deals at Toy Kingdom's Toy Warehouse Sale

Toy Kingdom is welcoming the holiday shopping season with the return of its much-anticipated Toy Warehouse Sale, happening from November 5 to 8, 2026. The four-day event promises exciting finds for early Christmas shoppers, bargain hunters, kidults, and toy collectors.

Featuring more than 300 participating brands and thousands of discounted items, the sale offers a wide selection of toys for different ages, interests, and budgets. Shoppers can enjoy discounts of up to 70% off selected branded toys, while collectors and kidults can hunt for rare finds, nostalgic favorites, and highly sought-after additions to their collections.

For those getting an early start on their holiday gift shopping, the event is also an opportunity to discover special deals available exclusively during the sale.

Toy enthusiasts and shoppers can visit the Megatrade Hall at SM Megamall for four days of savings on toys, games, and more. The event is open to everyone, with no registration required. Doors open at 1:00 PM on November 5.

For more information about Toy Kingdom Toy Warehouse Sale 2026, follow on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok or visit toykingdom.com.ph.