Customers can link EastWest Visa and Mastercard cards to Garmin wearables for faster, easier contactless payments

[MANILA, Philippines – June 2026] East West Banking Corporation (EastWest) is making payments move with the customer through the launch of Garmin Pay for eligible EastWest cardholders.

With Garmin Pay, EastWest customers can make contactless payments using compatible Garmin smartwatches—devices commonly used for fitness and everyday activity tracking. From workouts to errands, customers can simply tap their watch at any contactless-enabled terminal—no cash, no physical card, and no mobile phone needed.

The launch allows EastWest customers to enroll eligible Visa debit and credit cards, as well as Mastercard credit cards, into Garmin Pay. Customers may also link multiple EastWest cards and choose which one to use, giving them more flexibility and control over everyday spending, whether locally or abroad.

“At EastWest, we are focused on making everyday moments simpler and more seamless for our customers,” said Norman Martin C. Reyes, EastWest SVP and Head of Bank Marketing and Cash Management. “Whether you’re biking, running, grabbing a quick coffee, or heading out for an errand, you can leave your wallet and phone behind—just tap your watch and you’re done. It’s one less thing to carry, and one less thing to worry about.”

Garmin Pay adds another layer of ease to EastWest’s expanding digital payments ecosystem, which includes EastWest Pay, the Bank’s proprietary mobile payment app, and Google Pay for mobile contactless transactions. With these solutions, EastWest customers can choose how they want to pay depending on their lifestyle, device, and everyday needs.

For customers who are always on the move, Garmin Pay brings together speed, security, and convenience in one wearable payment experience. Card details are protected, transactions are contactless, and payments may be made wherever contactless payments are accepted.

“How Filipinos pay continues to evolve, with customers expecting solutions that are fast, flexible, and easy,” said EastWest CEO Jerry Ngo. “By enabling both Mastercard and Visa credit and debit cards on our digital payment solutions, we are giving our customers greater control and convenience, while continuing to make banking easier and more relevant to their everyday lives.”

Known for its GPS-enabled smartwatches and fitness-focused wearables, Garmin has become a trusted companion for customers who lead active, health-conscious lifestyles. Garmin Pay is now available to EastWest customers with eligible Mastercard and Visa credit and debit cards and compatible Garmin wearables.

To know more, visit https://www.eastwestbanker.com/pages/garmin-pay.

EastWest is advancing a smarter, easier and more customer-focused model of banking--using data to deliver more relevant financial options, improving everyday service experiences, and helping broaden investor access to one of the country’s landmark public offerings.

These initiatives earned EastWest three major recognitions from Asian Banking & Finance (ABF): Mid-Sized Retail Bank of the Year – Philippines and Analytics Initiative of the Year – Philippines, both for the second consecutive year at the Asian Banking and Finance Retail Banking Awards, and its first IPO Deal of the Year – Philippines award at the Asian Banking and Finance Corporate and Investment Banking Awards.

The awards demonstrate the impact of EastWest’s continued push to make banking more intuitive, accessible, and relevant to customers’ evolving financial needs. The Bank combines digital convenience with personal, advisory-led service across its store network which provides customers with more ways to transact, seek guidance, and manage their money with confidence. In 2025, digital transactions accounted for 51% of total transactions, while new digital onboarding capabilities enabled customers to open accounts and access services with less time and effort.

EastWest also completed customer journey improvements across digital onboarding, dispute resolution, complaints handling, and in-store experience. These enhancements helped drive an eight-point improvement in the Bank’s Net Promoter Score and a lower complaints ratio, reflecting stronger customer experience outcomes.

“Our progress begins with understanding what customers genuinely need and removing the friction that can get in their way,” said Ms. Ivy B. Uy, EVP and Head of Branch Banking Group. “Whether they are opening an account, exploring an investment, growing a business, or planning for the future, we want every interaction with EastWest to feel more relevant, thoughtful, and easy.”

The same customer-first discipline also shaped EastWest’s award-winning analytics initiative. As market conditions evolved and customer preferences shifted, the Bank used data-driven insights to better understand how customers manage savings, investments, and liquidity across different life stages and financial goals.

These insights gave EastWest Stores and relationship managers a stronger basis for meaningful customer conversations, enabling more personalized guidance on fixed-income investment options while supporting both immediate needs and long-term financial planning.

Beyond retail banking, EastWest was also recognized for its role in expanding access to the Philippine capital market as a Domestic Participating Underwriter for the initial public offering of Maynilad Water Services, Inc.

Completed in November 2025, the transaction became one of the largest initial public offerings in Philippine history and drew strong investor interest, reinforcing confidence in the country’s capital markets.

Through its distribution network and client relationships, EastWest helped support domestic and retail investor participation, contributing to a more diversified shareholder base. The offering also strengthened Maynilad’s capital base for long-term water and wastewater infrastructure investments while broadening its access to funding.

“These recognitions reflect different strengths of the Bank, but they are connected by one purpose: creating meaningful value for the people and institutions we serve,” Uy added. “They encourage us to keep listening, learning, and finding better ways to help our customers move forward.”

EastWest’s latest ABF wins validate its customer-focused growth strategy: using insight to make financial decisions more relevant, improving access across physical and digital channels, and connecting more Filipinos to opportunities in banking and investment.

CEO Jerry Ngo shares bank’s success story on its employee retirement readiness program

EastWest CEO Jerry Ngo speaks at the BSP-sponsored PERA@Work Forum on advancing retirement readiness among Filipino workers

[MANILA, Philippines] — East West Banking Corporation (EastWest) championed the role of employers in strengthening retirement readiness among Filipino workers at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)-subsidized PERA@Work: Powering Employer-led Retirement Security Forum. 

Speaking at the forum, EastWest CEO Jerry G. Ngo shared the Bank's experience as the first universal bank in the Philippines to launch a voluntary Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA) contribution program for employees.

“Financial empowerment is not only about access to products. It is also about building the knowledge and confidence to plan ahead,” Ngo said. “By facilitating access to PERA, EastWest is helping employees take a more active role in shaping their long-term financial future.” 

Launched in April 2026, EastWest's voluntary PERA program complements the Bank's existing retirement benefits and forms part of its broader employee financial wellness strategy. The Bank partnered with DragonFi Securities for its employee PERA program, while EastWest PERA products are also available to customers through partnerships with DragonFi and Luna Securities, expanding access through digital investment platforms. 

“PERA does not have to be complicated. But it can be meaningful. It can support employee financial wellness, strengthen your total rewards proposition, and help build trust by showing employees that the company is helping them prepare not only for work today, but for life later on,” Ngo continued.

Ngo also highlighted PERA's role beyond retirement planning, describing it as a practical gateway to investing and financial literacy. 

“PERA is not only a retirement account. It is a financial wellness platform,” Ngo continued. “The bigger opportunity is helping employees think more broadly about saving, investing, and building long-term financial resilience. When people gain the confidence to start investing for the future, everyone benefits.”

Ngo encouraged organizations to explore PERA as part of their employee financial wellness programs, noting that employers can help strengthen retirement readiness through education, access, and long-term financial planning. 

The BSP forum brought together more than 300 attendees and leaders from government, banking, trust, investment, and corporate sectors to discuss how broader PERA adoption can help improve retirement security among Filipino workers.

To know more about EastWest PERA products, contact your EastWest Relationship Manager or visit www.eastwestbanker.com.

MANILA, Philippines | 2 July 2026 — The momentum of the GAC AION UT continued to build in May 2026, with monthly global sales reaching 3,331 units, a 60% increase month-on-month, making it the fastest-growing Chinese-brand electric hatchback in its segment. Following its official Philippine launch in May 2026, the AION UT has rapidly gained traction among local urbanites.

The AION UT’s rise is supported by prestigious global accolades, including "The Most Valuable EV Award" at the Bangkok International Motor Show, "Best Compact Electric Vehicle Award" in Mexico, and "BEST SUBCOMPACT HATCHBACK 5 Dr.EV" at Thailand's CAR OF THE YEAR 2026, alongside widespread praise from global media and customers. Beyond its product excellence, the vehicle has solidified its reputation as a "Chinese global bestseller" through successful cross-industry collaborations in sports and entertainment across South America and Hong Kong, strengthening its resonance with the youth demographic and reinforcing its status as a global trendsetter. 

Since its global debut in 2025, the AION UT has expanded and become popular across Thailand, Australia, Latin America, and Europe. Its success is rooted in exceptional product strength: designed by GAC's Milan Design Center, the AION UT combines "Digital Magic Cube" aesthetics with a stylish fastback silhouette. While categorized as a compact hatchback, it surprises drivers with its "Big Car Energy", offering a class-leading 2,750mm wheelbase that provides an open, lounge-like cabin environment. Additionally, its Magazine Battery 2.0 technology maintains an impeccable "Zero-Spontaneous-Combustion" safety record.

"We are thrilled to bring another global hit from GAC's line of innovations to the Philippines through the AION UT," said Steven Wang, Senior Vice President of GAC International. "This milestone allows us to further serve and diversify our brand offerings in the local mobility scene. We are confident that the AION UT will bolster dynamic, safe, and sustainable driving for Filipinos this 2026".

Filipino Drivers Embrace the AION UT

As the AION UT hits Philippine roads, early adopters are already experiencing the benefits of the transition to electric mobility. Paul Lacson, a Silay City government employee and GAC car owner, shared his experience with his new Rococo White AION UT.

"I also have a two-year old GAC Emzoom, and the quality of the brand made me confident in choosing the AION UT. Since the fuel crisis, I've been using the AION UT for everyday commutes. The drive comfort is very good, and the power for its size is very strong, especially on the highway. I took it on an out-of-town trip and for a 100-kilometer stretch, I only used 20% of the battery. It's been a game-changer for my family".

Lacson noted that he compared the AION UT against several other EV and hybrid competitors but found the GAC offering superior in terms of features and overall value. "Features-wise, the AION UT was more advantageous. It's spacious, efficient, and the cost savings are better for my family. I didn't listen to the naysayers, I checked out the brand and the cars myself, and both had been truly better for fuel and energy efficiency compared to my older cars."

For Jeff Filio, a Quality Analyst and a first-time EV owner, the AION UT proved to be the right choice after researching his options. "I was looking at other brands, but after I saw the AION UT in an ad, I looked into it further and saw the higher range and better tech. It was actually the first release of the Aion UT at GAC Kawit," said Filio. "We got the two-tone unit, which is exactly what my wife and I like. Picking up the unit was a special family experience.  It was my grandma’s birthday, and we all had a lot of fun. My gut feeling, based on research and reviews, was right; I really like it, and the GAC app is also very handy".

New GAC Aion UT owner Jeff Filio (rightmost) received his two-tone EV hatchback in early June. 

Driving Global Globalization

The rapid rise of the AION UT reflects the accelerated rollout of GAC's strategy. As GAC approaches the major milestone of its 30-millionth vehicle rollout, the AION UT serves as a testament to the brand's ability to harmonize international engineering with localized needs.

Pricing, Variants, Warranty and Availability
The all-new GAC AION UT is available in a vibrant, gemstone-inspired palette of exterior colors, including single-tone options and striking contrast roofs, matching its youthful, tech-forward aesthetic. These include Champs-Elysees Beige, Emerald Green, Rococo White, and Seine Silver, plus a two-tone combination of Rococo White and Emerald Green.  Customers may now reserve for an AION UT at any GAC dealership nationwide.

The Aion UT Elite can be had for as low as PHP 998,000, which includes an introductory PHP 50,000 discount, now extended until July 31, 2026. An additional special promo discount of PHP 20,000 is available for the first 400 units sold.

GAC has leveraged 20 years of collaboration with Toyota and Honda to emerge as a dominant force in automotive tech. A legacy of world-class manufacturing and hybrid expertise ensures that every GAC vehicle adheres to the most stringent quality and performance benchmarks. By harmonizing international engineering with localized precision, GAC delivers high-performance durability tailored specifically for the Filipino driver’s peace of mind.

GAC Philippines also provides a “zero-anxiety” ownership experience through its growing nationwide network of 30 dealerships, a dedicated parts warehouse, and comprehensive aftersales support. For internal combustion vehicles, customers can enjoy warranties of up to 5 years or 150,000 km. Meanwhile, EV models come with an 8-year or 160,000 km warranty, as well as an 8-year or 200,000 km warranty for the core three-electric system. All new owners also receive two years of free roadside assistance.

Visit a GAC dealership near you or explore the new energy lineup of  GAC Philippines gacgroup.com/en-ph/test-drive. For the latest news and updates, follow on Facebook and Instagram @gacmotorph.

MANILA, Philippines | 13 July 2026 — GAC International Philippines has been officially welcomed as a member of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI), the premier organization shaping the local automotive industry. This milestone enables GAC Philippines to collaborate directly with industry stakeholders, contributing to the development of national policies, programs, and standards designed to advance the Philippine automotive sector.

Steven Wang, Senior Vice President of GAC International, stated, "Joining CAMPI is a significant honor and a pivotal chapter for our operations. We are eager to leverage this partnership to accelerate our growth in the Philippine market. As we continue re-consolidating our presence in the country, this membership underscores our deep-rooted commitment to providing Filipinos with world-class engineering and a comprehensive, future-ready automotive experience."

In early 2026, GAC Philippines completed a strategic reorganization, transitioning to a wholly-owned local subsidiary under GAC International. Their re-entry into the market is anchored by the "ONE GAC" brand philosophy, which unifies GAC MOTOR, AION, and HYPTEC under a single, integrated brand. By centralizing operations, the brand now delivers a consistent standard across sales, service, and customer experience. This unified banner empowers the company to showcase a diverse, high-tech product portfolio, ensuring that every Filipino customer benefits from faster parts availability, optimized aftersales support, and tighter coordination across the nationwide dealer network.

GAC has leveraged 20 years of collaboration with Toyota and Honda to emerge as a dominant force in automotive tech. A legacy of world-class manufacturing and hybrid expertise ensures that every GAC vehicle adheres to the most stringent quality and performance benchmarks. By harmonizing international engineering with localized precision, GAC delivers high-performance durability tailored specifically for the Filipino driver’s peace of mind.

GAC Philippines also provides a “zero-anxiety” ownership experience through its growing nationwide network of 30 dealerships, a dedicated parts warehouse, and comprehensive aftersales support. For internal combustion vehicles, customers can enjoy warranties of up to 5 years or 150,000 km. Meanwhile, EV models come with an 8-year or 160,000 km warranty, as well as an 8-year or 200,000 km warranty for the core three-electric system. All new owners also receive two years of free roadside assistance.

Visit a GAC dealership near you or explore the new energy lineup at gacgroup.com/en-ph/test-drive. For the latest news and updates, follow on Facebook and Instagram @gacmotorph.

MANILA, Philippines | 27 July 2026 — GAC Philippines is strengthening its support for Philippine sports through a strategic partnership with Cignal TV and TV5, connecting the global mobility brand with Filipino fans across some of the country’s biggest basketball and volleyball leagues.

By teaming up with the official broadcast homes of the PBA Governors’ Cup, Premier Volleyball League On Tour and Invitational Conference, and UAAP Season 89 Men’s Basketball, GAC connects its lineup of smart, high-performance vehicles with some of the country’s most anticipated basketball and volleyball action.

Echoing the brand’s initials with its sports marketing campaign, Go Above Competition, GAC brings this mindset to life both on the court and on the road, accelerating its brand presence in the Philippine market through high-energy fan engagement.

Throughout the partnership, fans can look forward to GAC broadcast integrations, custom player features, and highlights celebrating game-changing plays. These activations are designed to bring GAC closer to millions of sports fans nationwide while extending the brand’s global sports marketing tradition to the Philippines.

The partnership also reflects how GAC vehicles support the varied lifestyles of Filipino sports fans and active families. From the all-electric AION V and AION UT, designed for smart and efficient everyday mobility, to GAC’s versatile lineup of MPVs offering space and comfort for families, teams, and their gear, the brand provides mobility that complements life both on and beyond the court.

The local initiative reflects GAC International’s global drive to align its core values of perseverance, teamwork, and innovation with the energetic spirit of athletics. In the automotive industry, building world-class mobility demands constant drive, precise engineering, and relentless self-improvement.

"Bringing our global sports marketing tradition to the Philippines is an exciting step as we deepen our roots in the country," said Steven Wang, Senior Vice President of GAC International. "Sports embody energy, endurance, and relentless determination, which are values that lie at the very core of GAC’s brand DNA. Through this partnership with Cignal TV and TV5, we aim to inspire Filipino sports enthusiasts by bringing together the dynamic spirit of competition and our commitment to world-class mobility."

Globally, GAC International’s sports marketing footprint spans top-tier athletic disciplines across multiple continents. GAC has served as an official sponsor for storied football clubs like Mexico's Deportivo Toluca FC and Australia’s Sydney FC, while supporting cricket’s international Global Super League in the Caribbean and sponsoring major European golf events like the Rosa Challenge Tour in Poland. From backing official mobility fleets for China's 15th National Games to sponsoring endurance events like the Bolivia Half Marathon, GAC consistently aligns its high-performance vehicles with the energy, teamwork, and competitive spirit of global sports.

For the latest news and updates, follow @gacmotorph on Facebook and Instagram.

Hundreds of sari-sari store owners, vendors, and other small business owners join the Wais Tindera Caravan in Cebu

Over 200 nano, micro, small, and medium enterprises (NMSMEs), including sari-sari store owners and vendors gathered at the Wais Tindera Caravan in Cebu to deepen their understanding of digitalization and responsible borrowing. 

In celebration of MSME Month, GCash reinforces its commitment to being the trusted growth partner of Filipino NMSMEs, powering every stage of their entrepreneurial journey. GCash continues to champion local businesses by providing easier access to the integrated financial and digital tools they need to sustain their livelihoods, navigate uncertainty, and drive the Philippine economy.

The Wais Tindera Caravan serves as the Financial Literacy x Business Literacy (FinLit x BizLit) of GCash and Fuse Financing designed for Filipino micro-entrepreneurs. The program provides lessons on budgeting, pricing, inventory management, sales tracking, and business growth. The caravan also tackled the risks of predatory lending as many micro-retailers still rely on informal lenders, including the “5-6” system, which often carries high interest rates and can lead to cycles of debt. 

Digital financial tools were also introduced, like GLoan Negosyo—a Fuse cash loan product designed to meet NMSMEs' urgent funding needs—and GCash Pera Outlet Plus (GPO Plus), which enables store owners to earn extra income by offering cash-in, cash-out, bills payment, and other digital transactions to their communities.

"Through the Wais Tindera Caravan, we aim to equip NMSMEs with the practical financial and business skills needed to make informed decisions, manage their finances effectively, and adopt responsible borrowing practices to grow their businesses sustainably." said Kevin Yu, Head of B2B lending at Fuse Financing.

Responsible Borrowing for NMSMEs

A key focus of the Cebu leg was responsible borrowing. Participants learned how to assess whether a loan is necessary for business growth, borrow within their capacity to repay, and use credit for productive purposes such as inventory expansion. 

Sessions also covered how to understand loan terms, interest rates, and repayment obligations before borrowing. The program highlighted how formal lending solutions can support business growth when used with proper planning.

Through this campaign, entrepreneurs learned about excessive interest rates, lack of transparency, and unsustainable repayment terms. 

Partner in every stage of growth

The caravan underscores the commitment of GCash to empowering Filipino MSMEs at every stage of growth. By introducing innovations like GCash SoundPay Plus and GCash EasyPOS, the platform helps small businesses seamlessly adopt digital QR and card payments, driving operational efficiency.

Beyond accessible payment solutions, GCash fosters grassroots, community-wide economic growth. Through GCash Pera Outlet Plus, neighborhood merchants can earn extra income by providing vital Cash In and Cash Out services to their localities, while accessible insurance offerings protect these grassroots businesses from unexpected financial shocks.

The caravan, in addition, addressed the digital trust gap as well among small business owners who may be hesitant to adopt digital financial services. Sessions explained how digital payments work, how to use GCash safely and securely, how responsible use of digital tools can help build a financial track record, and gain access to formal financial products and services.

The Wais Tindera Caravan supports the “Finance for All” mission of GCash. Financial literacy remains central to the program, with participants learning skills they can apply immediately and tools they can integrate easily. 

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