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For many Filipinos, conversations about money are often difficult to have. Whether it’s discussing income, acknowledging financial hardships, seeking assistance, or establishing financial boundaries with family and friends, money remains a delicate subject shaped by both personal experiences and deeply ingrained cultural values.

In the latest episode of its Moneygurado docuseries, The Price of Hiya: Why Filipinos Fear Talking About Money, Metrobank examines how hiya—one of the country’s most deeply rooted cultural values—continues to shape the way Filipinos perceive, discuss, and navigate their financial lives.

With the bank’s advocacy to promote financial mindfulness, the episode encourages viewers to look beyond financial habits and examine the cultural beliefs that often influence them. By understanding these underlying behaviors, Filipinos can build healthier and more mindful financial habits.

Featuring historian Prof. Xiao Chua, the documentary traces the origins of hiya, explaining that it has long been associated with dignity, honor, and respect rather than simply shame. The episode places money decisions within a broader historical and social context, showing how values that once helped strengthen communities continue to shape everyday financial behavior today.

“Financial decisions are shaped not only by income but also by the values, experiences, and beliefs we carry with us,” said Metrobank Chief Marketing Officer Digs Dimagiba.

“Through Moneygurado, we hope to encourage more open conversations about money by helping Filipinos recognize the longstanding values and norms that shape their everyday financial choices. Greater awareness is often the first step toward making more intentional financial decisions.”

Understanding the cost of silence

Drawing from this historical perspective, Chua explains how hiya continues to influence the way many Filipinos approach money today.

Whether avoiding conversations about debt, hesitating to negotiate financial arrangements, or feeling uncomfortable discussing savings and long-term goals, many Filipinos have learned to treat money as a private subject. While these behaviors often stem from respect and consideration for others, they can also discourage people from seeking guidance, preparing for financial challenges, or building healthier habits when it comes to money.

By placing these experiences within a broader historical context, The Price of Hiya encourages viewers to rethink the idea that financial conversations should be uncomfortable. Instead, it reframes these discussions as opportunities to build greater confidence, strengthen family relationships, and make more purposeful financial choices.

Ultimately, the episode reminds viewers that meaningful financial progress begins by breaking the silence around money. More open conversations at home, in schools, workplaces, and communities can help normalize discussions about finances and empower more Filipinos to make informed decisions for their future.

Continuing the conversation on financial mindfulness

Launched earlier this year, Moneygurado brings practical money guidance closer to Filipinos by grounding financial concepts in real-life stories, cultural realities, and everyday experiences. Its docuseries explores how familiar Filipino values like resilience, utang na loob, hiya, and delayed gratification influence everyday money management practices, helping viewers better understand themselves before encouraging meaningful action.

Following earlier episodes that explored resilience and responsible borrowing, The Price of Hiya expands the discussion by looking at how cultural beliefs shape financial behavior and why fostering more open conversations about money can empower Filipinos to develop healthier financial habits.

To watch the full Moneygurado series and learn more, visit https://earnest.metrobank.com.ph/moneygurado.

 

 

 

 

Automatic, no-cost setup gives small businesses a place in AI shopping results, even as Filipino firms adopt AI far more slowly than they get online.

• Every HitPay Online Store in the Philippines are now set up to be found by AI shopping assistants, at no extra cost.
• HitPay’s focus today is discovery; completing a purchase inside an assistant is still emerging industry-wide.

HitPay, a payments platform serving small and medium-sized businesses across Southeast Asia, has announced that all HitPay Online Stores in the Philippines are now automatically discoverable through AI shopping assistants. This feature is enabled by default at no extra cost, requiring no additional setup, technical support, or developer involvement. It is available to all active HitPay online stores in the country, with merchants only paying the platform’s standard transaction fees.

For many small businesses in the Philippines, social media has long been the primary way to attract and engage customers. Today, Six in ten Filipinos rely on social platforms as their main source for researching brands, surpassing traditional search engines. While social media continues to play a vital role, AI-powered shopping assistants are emerging as a complementary channel for product discovery.

Shoppers are increasingly asking AI assistants such as ChatGPT and Perplexity what to buy rather than searching themselves. About 900 million people now use ChatGPT every week, and AI is already part of how this region shops. Data from Bain shows 39% of Asia-Pacific consumers say they already use AI when shopping online, and another 40% intend to.

McKinsey projects this AI-led commerce could account for US$3–5 trillion in retail spending worldwide by 2030. The businesses that appear in those answers are the ones an assistant can read, and for most small merchants, that has not been true until now.

In the Philippines, only about 14.9% of local firms use AI tools, even though 90% own computers and 81% have an internet connection. The appetite is clearly there: 77% of Filipino MSMEs say they want to adopt digital tools, while only 16% actually do. In a country where micro and small businesses make up majority of enterprises, that gap increasingly decides who gets found when a customer asks an assistant for a recommendation.

Every HitPay Online Store now carries a clear signboard AI assistants can read. Each store publishes a machine-readable version of its catalogue, product names, prices and stock levels, that refreshes through the day, so an assistant draws on current information rather than an outdated page. Each store also carries a signal that identifies it to AI shopping agents as open for business. Together, they give a small seller a genuine chance of surfacing when a shopper asks an assistant for a recommendation.

Completing a purchase inside an AI assistant is still settling as an industry standard, and several large platforms have scaled back in-app checkout while the underlying rails develop. HitPay’s current focus is discovery, making sure smaller sellers are visible at the point where shopping behaviour is changing, so they move ahead of broad adoption rather than chase it.

“Filipino entrepreneurs are among the most resourceful sellers anywhere. They have built real businesses on GCash, on QR, inside their phones, often without a website at all. What held them back from AI was never ambition, and it was never connectivity, it was the technical setup the tools quietly assume. We have removed that. As more customers ask an assistant what to buy, a small seller in Manila or Cebu should have the same chance of showing up as any large brand, from the moment they open. That is where commerce is heading, and we want Filipino merchants there first,” said Aditya Haripurkar, Co-Founder and CEO of HitPay.

This feature is integrated into HitPay Online Store, the company’s ecommerce website builder and online checkout solution. It enables merchants to accept payments through GCash, Maya, QR Ph, and over 50 other payment methods available across Southeast Asia.

 

 

 

Eastern Communications emphasized the importance of digital infrastructure in driving regional development during the 10th Convergence of Luzon ICT Champions Conference and Exhibit (CLICKCONEX) 2026.

Jointly organized by the National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP), the Naga City Government, and the ICT Council of Bicol, the event convened representatives from government, business, and the technology sector to exchange insights on advancing digital transformation and strengthening regional competitiveness.

The event featured a distinguished roster of keynote speakers, including Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, and Senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan.

As one of the conference’s keynote speakers, Eastern’s Chief Revenue and Innovation Officer, Edsel Paglinawan. Paglinawan discussed how telecommunications infrastructure has evolved from a basic utility into a strategic enabler of innovation, economic growth, and regional digital transformation.

In his presentation, “Beyond Connectivity: Telecommunications Infrastructure as the Growth Engine of Regional Economies,” Paglinawan said a nation’s progress has traditionally been measured through physical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, airports, and seaports that connect people and commerce. Today, he said, digital infrastructure has become equally critical, enabling the country to connect with the global economy and supporting innovation, productivity, and inclusive regional development.

“Whether it is building international connectivity, strengthening network resiliency, supporting hyperscaler investments, or enabling digital ecosystems, these require collaboration across the industry,” Paglinawan mentions.

As technology continues to evolve, telecommunications companies are the frontliners witnessing how digital infrastructure has transformed from a utility into a growth engine, enabling economic resilience and regional competitiveness. More than connecting people and businesses, telecommunications now empower innovation ecosystems, expand access to digital services, and create opportunities for communities to thrive. For Eastern Communications, the challenge is no longer proving the value of digital infrastructure but ensuring that its benefits are accessible to every Filipino.

“At Eastern Communications, we remain committed to being partners in that journey. Because beyond connectivity, our mission is to help build stronger regions, more competitive businesses, and a more digitally empowered Philippines,” said Paglinawan.

Eastern Communications remains committed to strengthening its digital infrastructure and ICT solutions, empowering businesses and communities to advance their digital transformation efforts across the country.

To discover how Eastern Communications supports organizations in building future-ready digital infrastructure, visit www.eastern.com.ph.

 

 

 

Send money anytime without paying extra charges. Whether you’re making everyday transfers through InstaPay or sending larger amounts via PESONet, you can now enjoy zero transfer fees on all eligible transactions made through the Metrobank App.

Find out more here: https://www.metrobank.com.ph/articles/zero-instapay-pesonet-fees-via-metrobank-app

If you need assistance or have any questions, send us a private message and our Community Managers will be happy to help. For account-specific concerns, you may contact the Metrobank Contact Center at (02) 88-700-700 (domestic toll-free: 1-800-1888-5775). For general inquiries, email [email protected].

Metrobank is regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (https://www.bsp.gov.ph/).

Deposits are insured by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) up to ₱1 million per depositor.

 

The Conrado Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation, Inc. (Alcantara Foundation) was named a Finalist in the Outstanding CSR Project for Arts and Culture category at the 2026 CSR Guild Awards, held on June 30, 2026, at The Westin Manila in Mandaluyong City. The recognition honors the Foundation’s corporate social responsibility initiative in partnership with Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev).

The award highlights the collaborative efforts of Alcantara Foundation and Alsons Dev to advance Davao City’s creative sector. Among the project’s key achievements is the 2025 Culture, Arts, and Heritage Summit, which brought together more than 300 artists, cultural practitioners, and representatives from government, academia, and the private sector. The summit served as a platform to identify the industry’s priorities, develop collaborative strategies, and foster a more supportive environment for the growth of the local creative community.

The CSR Guild Awards, a recognition program of the League of Corporate Foundations (LCF), honors corporate social responsibility initiatives and collaborations of its member organizations across the country that drive meaningful and sustainable social impact.

“This recognition affirms something we have long believed—that culture is not peripheral to development; it is central to it,” said Miguel Rene A. Dominguez, President and CEO of Alsons Dev. “We remain committed to creating opportunities for partnerships across sectors because lasting progress is built when we nurture communities that are both livable and culturally vibrant.”

The Alcantara Foundation serves as the corporate social responsibility arm of the Alcantara Group, with Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev) among its member companies. Through the Foundation, Alsons Dev carries out its CSR initiatives based on the belief that sustainable community development goes beyond building physical spaces. It also involves promoting and preserving culture, the arts, and heritage to strengthen local identity, encourage greater cultural appreciation, and inspire pride within communities.

 

 

 

 

Building on a record-breaking inaugural edition — 638 proposals from 55 countries — the 2026 campaign’s new Top 20 Mentorship Program pairs finalists with industry experts to turn innovative concepts into practical, market-ready solutions, and invites even more innovators worldwide to apply. 

Following the global unveiling of the Go Healthy with Taiwan 2026 campaign at a press conference in Taiwan on May 27, the initiative has officially opened its call for proposals from innovators, startups, researchers, academic institutions, and organizations around the world, including those from Philippines. Participants are encouraged to harness Taiwan’s technologies, products, and business models to create scalable solutions that promote better health and wellness. Adding to this year’s program is the new Top 20 Mentorship Program, which gives every finalist one-on-one guidance from industry experts, offering innovators an even greater opportunity to refine and advance their ideas.

Led by the International Trade Administration (TITA) under Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and organized by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), the campaign carries the theme “Designing Healthier Futures Together.” It highlights Taiwan’s expertise in smart healthcare, medical devices, sports and fitness technology, healthy ageing, and wellness, while encouraging participants to apply these strengths to develop impactful solutions for communities, workplaces, cities, and institutions across the globe.

After a highly successful inaugural edition that far exceeded its target of 100 proposals by receiving 638 submissions from 55 countries, the 2026 campaign introduces a new Top 20 Mentorship Program to help finalists refine business models, validate market opportunities, accelerate commercialization, and strengthen international partnerships.

The impact of last year’s campaign is already evident. In Ukraine, the winning team successfully deployed Taiwanese medical equipment in healthcare facilities and reinvested its entire prize award to expand equipment procurement and hospital donations. Switzerland’s Perovskia partnered with Everlight Chemical, resulting in research published in Nature, with pilot production expected in 2026. In the United States, Ideas Lab collaborated with the Taiwan Institute of Sports Science (TISS) to deploy AI-powered motion analysis technology, broadening access to professional-grade sports training.

How to Submit a Proposal

Eligible participants can submit their proposals through the official Go Healthy with Taiwan website. Proposals must be submitted in English and should outline the proposed solution, its expected impact, and how it integrates Taiwanese products, technologies, services, or business models. Submissions will be evaluated based on predefined judging criteria.

Submission Details & Deadlines

• Applications:https://bit.ly/GoHealthywithTaiwan2026PH
• Submission Deadline:August 1, 2026 (23:59 GMT+8)
• Note:Applications cannot be modified after submission.

The top three winning proposals will each receive US$30,000, while the Top 20 finalists will receive personalized mentorship from industry experts. The six finalists will also be invited on a sponsored visit to Taiwan to engage with leading Taiwanese enterprises, experience the country’s health innovation ecosystem firsthand, and compete in the final round.

The global health sector is being transformed by AI, preventive care, and longevity-focused technologies, creating new opportunities across healthcare, hospitality, insurance, workplace wellness, and sports science. With proven strengths in smart healthcare, digital health, and systems integration, Taiwan offers technologies that can be readily adapted across global markets. As India continues to emerge as a hub for digital health and wellness entrepreneurship, the campaign provides a platform to scale promising ideas through collaboration with Taiwan.

To learn more about the Go Healthy with Taiwan 2026 campaign, visit the official website at https://gohealthy.taiwanexcellence.org/.

Joining the Go Healthy with Taiwan 2026 global contest is simple. Interested participants only need to submit their innovative proposal through this e-Form: https://bit.ly/GoHealthywithTaiwan2026PH. Once completed, the submission will

• Schneider Electric said electrification, digitalization, and automation are already proving foundational for long-term resilience across the regions.
• The company added that energy resilience has become a business imperative, as rapid development, tightening grid conditions, and global shifts highlight the need for reliable and efficient infrastructure to support long-term competitiveness.
• Cross-sector collaboration is critical to scaling solutions, with Innovation Day Cebu serving as a platform to strengthen partnerships and advance sustainable infrastructure development.

The Philippines’ energy challenges have long persisted, but the growing pace of investments, infrastructure expansion, and increasing power demands across the Visayas and Mindanao have made the need for smarter solutions more urgent. In response, Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy technology with nearly 190 years of innovation, is working alongside industries, building owners, and government agencies in the regions to advance more resilient energy systems through electrification, digitalization, and automation. During Innovation Day Philippines 2026: Powering Progress through Future-Ready Industries, held on June 24 at Bai Hotel in Mandaue City, the company showcased how these strategies can help drive sustainable progress across various sectors.

As the Visayas and Mindanao continue to draw investments and accelerate infrastructure development, the technologies underpinning this growth are advancing as well. Schneider Electric said it is supporting this transformation by promoting electrification, digitalization, and automation, which have become key drivers of long-term resilience and sustainable development across both regions.

“Together, this strategy provides organizations with greater visibility and control over energy use, enabling a more responsive and efficient approach to operations,” said Ireen Catane, Country President of Schneider Electric Philippines. “As energy reliability becomes increasingly critical, these capabilities help improve operational performance and efficiency.”

Building on the region’s momentum

As development accelerates, Visayas and Mindanao are already building the infrastructure foundation for long-term growth.

In Visayas, investment approvals reached PHP 27.96 billion across 22 projects in 2024, along with developments such as the New Cebu International Container Port and upgrades to the Bohol-Panglao International Airport. In Mindanao, World Bank-approved projects are expected to improve transport connectivity and health services for at least 19 million Filipinos. As these developments progress, their continued success will depend on energy infrastructure that is resilient, efficient, and intelligent; and managing demand has become as important as securing supply.

Recent power outlooks show the Visayas grid may continue experiencing yellow alerts despite imports from Luzon and Mindanao, while Mindanao’s reserve margins are also expected to tighten in coming years. Energy resilience is becoming a key factor in business continuity and long-term competitiveness across both regions.

Global pressures

During the event, Schneider Electric highlighted three global forces: rising electricity demand outpacing grid expansion, rapid digital transformation, and shifting supply chains that favor resilient and efficient regions. The company said sustainability has become a business requirement tied to efficiency, resilience, and competitiveness.

“Visayas and Mindanao are already in this environment. By understanding where and how energy is consumed, organizations in these regions can make better decisions that reduce costs, improve reliability, and support growth,” said Harold Lim, Country Solutions Head of Schneider Electric Philippines.

The case for collaborations

Innovation Day Philippines 2026 convened industry leaders, government officials, and developers for a day of dialogue on the future of energy and infrastructure in the Visayas and Mindanao.

Atty. Kvyn Honoridez delivered the keynote message on behalf of Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano, alongside Atty. Nancy Fajardo, Executive Director of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). Their addresses were followed by segment spotlights on grid modernization, urban development, and manufacturing automation.

Panel discussions and fireside chats featured Hon. Greg Gasataya, Mayor of Bacolod City; Anton Perdices, Chief Operations Officer – Distribution Utilities, AboitizPower Corporation; Engr. JP Claudio, Visayas and Mindanao Operations Director, Ayala Property Management Corporation; Engr. April Joy Medico, Economic Zone Deputy Administrator, Mactan Economic Zone; Felix Taguiam, Regional Governor for Central Visayas, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and Allan Roy Calderon, SVP – Corporate Solutions Head, UnionBank of the Philippines, alongside Schneider Electric leaders. The event concluded with a call to action for stakeholders to collaborate on pilot projects and regional initiatives.

Building a more resilient energy future for the regions will take more than technology, it will need collaboration across government, regulators, and industry partners. “Strengthening partnerships across the public and private sectors is key to building systems that support long-term growth,” said Atty. Norman Ocana III, Head of Government Affairs of Schneider Electric Philippines.

With investments continuing to grow alongside increasing energy demands, the adoption of electrification, digitalization, and automation has become more essential than ever. Through Innovation Day in Cebu, Schneider Electric highlighted how these technologies can be implemented at scale, while showcasing the Visayas and Mindanao as key drivers of the country’s energy transition.

Recognized by TIME Magazine and Statista as the world’s most sustainable company for three consecutive years, and honored by Corporate Knights and Sustainability Magazine for its leadership in sustainability, Schneider Electric continues to support industries and institutions around the world in expanding access to clean electricity, lowering carbon emissions, and improving operational resilience.