While the world hasn’t mastered teleportation (yet!), international travel is more accessible than ever. But savvy travelers know there’s a less glamorous side to globetrotting: foreign transaction fees, confusing exchange rates, and the endless quest for the best deals.

Fear not, fellow adventurers! GCash is your passport to stress-free international travel, with its seamless Scan-to-Pay feature in over 90 million stores powered by Alipay+ —including retail stores, food establishments, groceries, and convenience stores. Simply scan the QR code or generate a code for the merchant to scan and you’re all set! You'll even receive a receipt showing the amount in both Philippine Pesos and the local currency, making it easy to track your spending.

With the help of GCash, say goodbye to financial stress and hello to a seamless and rewarding travel experience.

Spice Up Your Trip with Flavorful Food Perks

Shop 'Til You Drop with Unbelievable Shopping Deal

For a truly luxurious shopping experience, head to Singapore. Discover high-end brands at ION Orchard or explore the Japanese department store Takashimaya. Find unique souvenirs and local snacks at YueHwa, or stock up on groceries at Sheng Siong, where GCash users can unlock exclusive discounts like SGD 2 off with a minimum spend of S$2.10, SGD 3 off with a minimum spend of S$3.10, and SGD 15 off with a minimum spend of S$50.

Temples, Towers, and Theme Parks: Score Easy Access on Amazing Attractions

With GCash's Scan-to-Pay feature through Alipay+, purchasing tickets and accessing these attractions is seamless and efficient, saving you precious time and hassle.

To know more about the exclusive discounts and active Alipay+ merchants, see here.

So, pack your bags, ready your itineraries, and download the GCash app, to ensure a fun, seamless, and non-stop adventure!

Ready to go on your next concert trip? Download the GCash App on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei App Gallery. Kaya mo, i-GCash mo!

SM Supermalls President Steven Tan has made waves in the international business scene by being honored by GuanDian, the leading supplier of industry information and data in China, with the "Award for Most Prominent Commercial Real Estate Contributor of the Year" at the 2024 GuanDian Commercial Annual Meeting's "Performance Index: 2024 Commercial Real Estate (CRE) Performance" in Shanghai, China, on October 31, 2024. This recognition highlights Mr. Tan’s exceptional leadership and significant contributions to the commercial real estate industry.

SMChina is also recognized in GuanDian’s "Performance Index: 2024 Commercial Real Estate Performance. (L-R): China Real Estate Association Secretary-General Cai Yun presents SM Supermalls President Steven Tan with the "Award for Most Prominent Commercial Real Estate Contributor of the Year" from GuanDian, the leading supplier of industry information and data in China.

SM Supermalls prioritizes adapting to evolving customer needs and gaining competitive edges through localized operations. Mr. Tan emphasized, “SM Malls are hubs where communities thrive, where people come together, connect, and experience a shared sense of belonging. We are creating real, lasting impact that helps build stronger, more inclusive communities where everyone belongs.”

Supermalls President Steven Tan receives top honors from GuanDian, the leading supplier of industry information, data, and analysis in China, with the "Award for Most Prominent Commercial Real Estate Contributor of the Year" for his leadership impact and innovation

Mr. Tan has been instrumental in the growth and innovation of the mall chain, both in the Philippines and China. Under his leadership, SM successfully navigated the challenges of the pandemic and emerged stronger than ever. His innovative strategies, such as adapting the tenancy mix, creating new experiences, and embracing omnichannel services, have resonated with modern shoppers. As a result, SM surpassed pre-pandemic performance and continues to expand its footprint with new malls in both countries. Tan's exceptional leadership has been recognized internationally, earning him prestigious awards such as the 2021 Asia's Most Influential by Tatler Asia and the 2022 Global Filipino Executive of the Year.

SM China makes the GuanDian Performance Index The GuanDian Index Research Institute’s "Performance Index: 2024 Commercial Real Estate Performance" recognized SM China, a subsidiary of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), for its outstanding performance in operations, management, branding, and innovation, following extensive field research, surveys, and corporate interviews.

In 2024, SM China actively pursued its strategy of "Deepening Roots in Fujian, Expanding Across China." This included introducing the voco brand in Fujian through the SM Xiamen voco Hotel, completing the SM International Center, breaking ground on SM City Fuzhou, and opening SM Xiamen Wong Street.

SM Prime currently operates eight malls in China: SM City Xiamen, SM City Jinjiang, SM City Chengdu, SM City Suzhou, SM City Chongqing, SM City Zibo, SM City Tianjin, and SM City Yangzhou. GuanDian, the leading provider of industry information and data analysis in China, is renowned for its annual "Performance Index: 2024 Commercial Real Estate (CRE) Performance" list. This list recognizes remarkable performance in the commercial real estate industry based on rigorous research and analysis. Past honorees include prominent figures such as HuiXian Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) Chief Executive Officer Cheung Ling Fung, China Merchants Property Operation Chairman Nie Liming, and CR MixC Lifestyle President Yu Linkang, highlighting the significance of this award.

An insightful keynote address on commercial trends is delivered by SM Supermalls President Steven Tan at the 2024 GuanDian Commercial Annual Meeting in Shanghai, China.

This award reflects SM Supermalls' unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation. As SM continues to expand its footprint both locally and internationally, the company remains dedicated to delivering exceptional shopping experiences and building stronger community ties.

To learn more about SM Supermalls’ global impact, visit www.smsupermalls.com, or follow @SMSupermalls on social media.

Filipino travelers can now enjoy a seamless cashless experience in more destinations with the expanded partnership between GCash, the country's leading finance super app, and Alipay+, the cross-border mobile payment and digitalization solutions operated by Ant International. This partnership enables the convenience of GCash's Scan-to-Pay feature most recently in the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, Thailand, and the UAE at select Alipay+-enabled stores, bringing the total number of markets to more than 45.

Through this partnership, Filipinos traveling to China—whether for business in Shanghai Expos or sightseeing in Beijing—can enjoy the convenience of GCash's Scan-to-Pay feature and seamless transactions with no service fees and low foreign exchange rates.

Coucou Hot Pot, Dada Le Restaurant, KFC, McDonald’s and other coffee and tea shops, convenience stores, and retail outlets. China is one of the top cashless economies in the world, and navigating the country as a Filipino is made easier with GCash.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong, a city known for its unique blend of urban and natural landscapes, is also among the destinations where GCash users can now enjoy cashless transactions. Filipino tourists can effortlessly pay for their experiences such as shopping sprees, sightseeing, food trips, and the like. The use of GCash at Alipay+-enabled stores includes iconic attractions such as Ocean Park and Ngong Ping 360.

With GCash's cashless payment feature, Filipino tourists can also explore Hong Kong, Macao, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Thailand and other markets. Partner merchants include Sands Resorts Macao, Wynn Resorts, Duty-Free Americas, 7-Eleven, Starbucks, and McDonald's in Macao. In the UAE, GCash payments are accepted at Dubai Duty-Free, Dubai Mall, Mall of Emirates, Wemart, and Abu Dhabi taxis. In Thailand, Alipay+ is accepted at more than 400,000 stores and users can transact at merchants such as Central Retail, The Mall Group, King Power Mahanakhon, and Jim Thompson House Museum.

To pay at partner merchants, users simply need to look for the Alipay+ logo at checkout, open the GCash app, select the QR or PayQR button, and either scan the merchant’s QR code or generate an Alipay+ QR code for the merchant to scan. Then, confirm the amount and click Pay to complete the transaction.

“We’re continuing to work with GCash to make it easier for Filipinos traveling overseas to enjoy seamless payment in more destinations around the world, transparent fees and access more destination promotions. As we head towards the year-end travel season, this will make travel to these popular destinations more convenient, and Filipinos can simply travel with their preferred home payment app, GCash,” said Edward Yue, General Manager of Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Ant International.

As GCash celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, it is committed to opening up more possibilities for digital financial inclusion to Filipinos, wherever they may be, in line with the vision of “Finance For All.”

For more information on where you can pay with GCash, visit https://new.gcash.com/services/pay-qr/global-pay#merchants.

Saving Grace, the much-anticipated family drama series from ABS-CBN Studios and Dreamscape Entertainment, will be exclusively available on Prime Video starting November 28, 2024. This adaptation of the acclaimed Japanese drama Mother will be available to viewers in the Philippines and over 240 countries and territories. Starring Julia Montes (Five Breakups and A Romance) in a defining role, the series tells the story of a woman who takes drastic measures to protect an abused child.

In Saving Grace, directed by FM Reyes and Dolly Dulu, Montes is joined by a powerhouse cast that amplifies the intrigue and tension throughout the series’ twists and turns. Janice de Belen (Big Night, Dirty Linen) plays Montes’ adoptive mother and a key ally with surprising connections, while Sam Milby (A Family Affair, Pinoy Big Brother) portrays a news producer seeking his big break. Christian Bables (Dirty Linen, Mahal Kita Beksman) and Jennica Garcia (Dirty Linen, Sunshine) take on the roles of Mary Grace’s abusive parents, raising the emotional stakes. Rounding out the cast, Sharon Cuneta (Ang Probinsyano) the Philippines’ “Mega Star,” plays Montes’ biological mother, adding depth to their complex relationship.

The story is further enriched by the debut of Zia Grace as Mary Grace, the child at the center of this narrative. Her portrayal of this vulnerable girl creates a bond with Montes that is sure to resonate with audiences worldwide.

FM Reyes, known for his directorial excellence, spoke about the gravity and responsibility of adapting a story as significant as Mother: “This is not just a drama—it’s a story that challenges our sense of right and wrong. Julia’s character does something most people would consider unthinkable, yet we empathize with her because at its core, Saving Grace is about love, sacrifice, and the impossible choices people must make for those they care about. I believe this is a narrative that will resonate with audiences worldwide.”

Dolly Dulu, co-director and creative force behind the series, emphasized the emotional intensity that viewers can expect: “The themes of motherhood, protection, and sacrifice are universal, but we’ve added a uniquely Filipino perspective to the story. The intensity of the drama is high, and every character has layers of complexity. We are particularly proud of how Zia Grace, in her debut, gives such an emotionally charged performance as Mary Grace. The chemistry between her and Julia Montes is truly special, and we hope this connection resonates with global audiences.”

Produced by ABS-CBN Studios and Dreamscape Entertainment, Saving Grace is part of a global legacy of Mother adaptations, which have been successfully remade in countries like China, France, Mongolia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, and Ukraine. The Philippine version stands out for its deeply Filipino sensibility, emphasizing the strong familial and community ties that are central to Filipino culture. These values, coupled with the emotional intensity of the story, will offer a rich, cross-cultural viewing experience for international audiences.

Montes’ return to primetime television marks a significant career milestone, and the actress has spoken about the personal connection she feels to this project. “Saving Grace is about the great lengths we go to for love and the sacrifices we make to protect those we care about. I feel a deep connection to my character and her journey, and it’s an honor to bring this story to life. I hope it resonates with audiences around the world,” said Montes.

Saving Grace will consist of 14 episodes, with each episode released weekly, allowing viewers to fully immerse themselves in this intense, emotionally charged drama that challenges the boundaries of love, morality, and justice. The series will be available for streaming on Prime Video beginning November 28, 2024.

Saving Grace joins thousands of other shows and films available on the Prime Video catalogue, such as LOL: Last One Laughing Philippines, Drag Den with Manila Luzon Seasons 1 and 2, Roadkillers, Linlang; Korean titles such as No Gain No Love, Jinny’s Kitchen 2, Marry My Husband, Death’s Game; anime hits such as Rurouni Kenshin; on top of award-winning and critically acclaimed Amazon Originals like The Idea of You, Fallout, Road House, Invincible, Saltburn, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Reacher, The Boys, and Emmy and Golden Globe winners Fleabag and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Prime Video members are able to watch films and shows anywhere and anytime on thousands of compatible devices. In the Prime Video app, members can also download episodes on their mobile devices and tablets and watch anywhere offline at no additional cost. Prime Video is available in the Philippines for just PHP149 per month.

On the heels of the recently announced collaboration between Converge ICT Solutions Inc. and Netflix, Converge continues to build on its culture of service by making Boost Mode a permanent offering now accessible to all. 

The Gigabit Life 

Gigabit life has never been this accessible, starting with FiberX Plan 3500, the first accessible gigabit fixed broadband plan in the Philippines. New subscribers can enjoy speeds up to 1 Gbps powered by the fastest, most reliable internet and XCLSV (VIP) benefits for only P3,500/month, down by more than half from P7,499. 

For a more value option, Time of Day 3000 Plan offers high speeds during key hours for gaming, streaming, and working, while still providing solid performance during off-peak times. As it stands, it is one of the most unique and flexible fiber internet plans with the top-end feature (P3,000/month) providing users with up to 700 Mbps that spikes up to 1 Gbps during your chosen peak hours, whether at night or during the day. 

Deploying gigabit plans accessible to the greater public is the culmination of Converge’s vision of a connected future. Giving precedence to network scalability and sustainability from day one has helped Converge establish technical superiority. This has allowed Converge to provide tailor-fit offerings particularly recognizing gamers as an essential part of a rapidly evolving market and a driving force in shaping the future of the “digital life”. 

For these passionate gamers, gaming transcends mere leisure; it embodies a lifestyle. Gamers are both explorers and creators of new worlds, a sentiment highly valued within the organization. 

Shown in Converge’s partnership with top-level Esports teams like two-time world champions Falcons AP. Bren and MPL PH Season 14 Champions Fnatic Onic, the end-goal is to not only enhance the experience but also provide the means to dominate the competition. This goal extends to providing these same elite resources to Converge subscribers through The Game Changer Elite Bootcamp Plan. It is Converge’s answer to every gamer’s plight: low-ping, low-jitter and starting at only P5,000, this is the only internet plan specifically catering to competitive Esports teams. Whether it’s intense firefights or strategic plays, the squad gets unmatched connectivity and network prioritization for gaming apps, ensuring games stay responsive when the pressure’s on. With Up to 1 Gbps speeds backed by the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX 6000 gaming router, the whole team stays in the zone, fully connected, and ready to dominate—even with heavy traffic across multiple devices. 

Culture of Service 

Orange Ramirez, VP & Head of Marketing states, “Through Boost Mode, we at Converge reaffirm our commitment to serving the unserved and underserved. Beyond the clear benefits regarding value and performance, subscribers can expect to join an unrelenting effort to cultivate a culture of service, as demonstrated by our track record of delivering accessible, reliable, and tailor-fit connectivity to all Filipinos.” 

“At Converge, our vision has always centered on giving amazing digital experiences.” Converge EVP & Chief Commercial Officer Benjamin B. Azada adds, “We want to not only continue providing customers with substantial speed increases but also reiterate our commitment to championing sustainability. By equipping subscribers with network devices that feature intelligent hibernation mechanisms, we can help save up to 41% in power consumption. Boost Mode is only the most recent step in Converge's vision of bridging the gap with the best in the world.” 

Converge ICT Solutions Inc. is once again elevating connectivity in the country with the launch of Boost Mode permanency. By extending this gift—initially only available to existing subscribers—to everyone, the company aims to demonstrate that connectivity is not a luxury, it is a basic need that should be accessible to all, empowering every home’s digital life. 

For more information on the Converge products and offerings, visit https://www.convergeict.com/fiberx-boostmode/. To become a Converge subscriber, visit gofiber.ph. *Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data for Q1-Q2 2024