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Gold has always been a go-to safety net for protecting money, but today’s investors aren't stopping there. More and more people are pairing traditional assets with newer digital investments to get the best of both worlds: securing their wealth and giving their money room to grow.

Adding digital gold to the mix is a strategic way to build lasting wealth—and it's catching on fast across the region. A report by The Economist highlights that Asian countries account for 64.5% of global demand for gold jewelry and bullion, while the World Gold Council noted that digital gold products have seen a major breakout in recent years.

But sticking only to traditional gold and stocks can mean missing out on bigger returns. That’s why many investors view Bitcoin as a complementary pair for gold when it comes to building a well-rounded portfolio.

“Today, Filipinos are looking for ways to protect the value of their hard-earned money amid everyday financial pressures," says Alden Paul Yburan, Head of GCrypto. "By offering digital gold and curated crypto options side-by-side, GCash aims to enable users to build long-term financial resilience and balance their portfolios right within a platform they already trust.”

Why Gold Investors are Looking at Bitcoin

Digital gold offers the stability and inflation hedge traditionally associated with physical gold, holding its ground when the economy gets rocky. However, the digital version eliminates the logistical baggage of physical ownership—there’s no need for trips to a jeweler, no massive upfront cashouts, and zero worry about secure vault storage.

Building on this foundation, investors looking to accelerate portfolio growth are increasingly turning to Bitcoin. As a decentralized digital asset, it has established itself as one of the fastest-growing investments over the last five years, outperforming many traditional funds and local stocks.

A study by Bitwise notes that adding a manageable allocation of Bitcoin to a diversified portfolio has historically improved risk-adjusted returns, allowing investors to increase potential returns without proportionately increasing the portfolio's overall risk.

Bitcoin also operates on global networks that trade 24/7, giving one the ability to manage or convert your holdings right from your phone. Because its price movements are generally independent of traditional markets, it ensures the portfolio is not entirely exposed to the same market pressures at the same time.

“When you pair them, they complement each other perfectly to balance your portfolio: when traditional markets dip, digital gold acts as your cushion, and when technology and digital adoption skyrocket, Bitcoin acts as your accelerator,” said Yburan.

Moving From Gold to Crypto In One App

Users can manage both digital gold and Bitcoin directly from their phones using GCrypto on GCash.

Acquiring digital gold has been made accessible through GCrypto. Entry begins at just ₱500, allowing one to grow holdings at their own pace through small, consistent contributions. GOLD in GCrypto is also fully insured, certified, and backed 1:1 by physical gold stored in high-security vaults in Switzerland, with full visibility to monitor, buy, or sell 24/7.

“Transitioning from a stable asset like gold into the broader world of cryptocurrency follows that same user-friendly path," says Yburan said. "Growing investors can gain direct exposure to Bitcoin—historically one of the fastest-growing modern asset classes—without the hassle of managing multiple external applications. We are removing traditional barriers and enabling more Filipinos to take part in building long-term financial resilience, right within a platform they already trust.”

For those who are feeling a little overwhelmed by the crypto world, GCrypto offers access to A Beginner’s Guide to Crypto, right inside the app, to help understand Bitcoin and other major tokens. The tokens available on GCrypto are also curated for market strength and credibility, helping avoid scams and ‘rug pulls,’ or instances where new coin creators abandon a project and take raised investor funds.

Like GOLD in GCrypto, there’s no need to shell out a massive lump sum to start. GCash users can start exploring Bitcoin and supplement their digital gold investments for as low as ₱500.

Upgrading your financial strategy doesn’t mean abandoning classic financial moves. It’s about expanding your investment choices—giving you both financial peace of mind and the upside of watching your wealth grow.

Ready to explore? Simply open the GCash app, go to the Invest tab, then choose GCrypto to begin building your cryptocurrency investment through Bitcoin. Download the GCash App on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei App Gallery. Kaya mo, i-GCash mo!

The information provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or professional advice. You should always consult a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions. All investments carry inherent risks, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Any reliance you place on the information provided is strictly at your own risk.

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The revamped reality competition MasterChef Asia, produced by Warner Bros. Discovery, CreAsia Studio (part of Endemol Shine India), and from Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of media and entertainment group, Banijay Entertainment, is set to premiere on HBO Max on September 22, as well as TLC and Discovery Channel on September 22 and 23, respectively. Judged by renowned Asian culinary giants Chef Edward Lee, Chef “Pam” Pichaya S., and Chef Kelvin Cheung, the 10-episode series follows former contestants as they go head-to-head in a new series of high-stakes challenges for the ultimate title of MasterChef Asia.

Filmed in Macao—a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy—the competition brings together international talent, including Vietnamese-Australian chef Khanh Ong; restaurant owner Sahadol “Pond” Tantrapim; Malaysian pastry chef Marcus Low; Korean gastronomy specialist Areum Yoon; ‘Culinary and Cultural Ambassador of Meghalaya’ Nambie Jessica Marak; and Asian cuisine chefs Audrey Wicksana, Therese Lum, Mime Kataniwa, Ivory Yat, and from Macao, Sandy Tang. Fans can look forward to guest judges Mark Wiens, Abi Marquez, Chef Ken Chong, and Chef Julien Tongourian.

Shot against the historic backdrop of Macao and produced in partnership with the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), culinary challenges unfold at iconic local markets, Michelin-starred restaurants, and an exclusive MasterChef Asia kitchen. Contestants will have the ultimate challenge as they put their skills, creativity, and versatility to the test.

Represented internationally by Banijay Entertainment, MasterChef is the world’s most successful cookery television format (Guinness World Records). Commissioned across 74 markets, the life-changing show has aired over 750 seasons and more than 16,000 episodes to date. Created by Franc Roddam and first launched in 1990, the super brand is known and enjoyed across the globe. MasterChef Asia is also supported by several partners, including SJM Resorts S.A, Cathay Cargo and Darling Downs.

Experience the rich flavors on MasterChef Asia, premiering on September 22 on HBO Max in the region, where available, TLC in Southeast Asia at 9pm PHT and September 23 in Taiwan at 7pm CST, as well as September 23 on Discovery Channel in Southeast Asia at 7.10pm PHT.

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Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF) and the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) have formalized a partnership to combine their expertise in research, innovation, and agricultural development in support of smallholder farmers.

Jollibee Group Foundation and the University of the Philippines Los Baños formalize a partnership to advance farmer training, knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and capacity building in support of smallholder farmers. Present during the MOU signing are (seated from left to right) Asst. Prof. Nanette A. Aquino, UPLB Chair, Department of Agribusiness Management and Entrepreneurship (DAME), Dr. Jose Camacho Jr., UPLB Chancellor, Gisela Tiongson, JGF President, and LA Cruzat, JGF Program Director.

Through a Memorandum of Understanding, the two institutions will collaborate on farmer training, knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and capacity-building initiatives that aim to help farmers improve productivity, strengthen their enterprises, and adopt more sustainable farming practices.

A key focus of the partnership is the continued development of JGF’s Agri-Tech Facilitators Program, which brings together farmer leaders and community-based agricultural extension workers who help fellow farmers identify, test, understand, and adopt technologies and farming practices that are relevant to their local conditions.

The collaboration combines UPLB's research and innovation capabilities with JGF’s track record of helping smallholder farmers build their enterprises and access markets by working across the agricultural value chain. As one of the country's leading agricultural universities, UPLB brings deep expertise in agricultural research, extension, and innovation that complements JGF's experience in farmer capacity building, agro-entrepreneurship, and collective marketing. Through the partnership, JGF's Agri-Tech Facilitators (ATFs) will receive enhanced technical knowledge and more comprehensive training, enabling them to provide farmers with stronger, more informed guidance.

A key focus of the partnership is the continued development of JGF’s Agri-Tech Facilitators Program, which brings together farmer leaders and community-based agricultural extension workers who help fellow farmers identify, test, understand, and adopt technologies and farming practices that are relevant to their local conditions.

“Lasting and grounded solutions are built when institutions come together and contribute what they do best,” said Gisela Tiongson, President of Jollibee Group Foundation. “UPLB’s deep expertise in agriculture, research, and innovation will complement our expertise in building inclusive agricultural value chains and mobilizing stakeholders to support smallholder farmers. We do this through our Farmer Entrepreneurship Program, where we work with farmers and a range of partners to help farmer organizations strengthen their agro-enterprises and collectively access markets. Through this partnership, we hope to strengthen the support available to farmers so they can improve their productivity, build more resilient enterprises, and create better opportunities for their families and communities.”

Strengthening support for farmer leaders

A key focus of the partnership is strengthening the technical capabilities of JGF’s Agri-Tech Facilitators.

Agri-Tech Facilitators are farmer leaders and community-based agricultural extension workers who help fellow farmers identify, test, understand, and adopt technologies and farming practices that are relevant to their local conditions.

Agri-Tech Facilitators (ATFs) successfully completed the training program and graduated in January 2026.

Because they come from the communities they serve, they can provide accessible, continuous guidance to farmers while helping translate technical knowledge into practical solutions that can be applied on the farm.

The Agri-Tech Facilitators Program prepares farmer leaders to share new knowledge with their peers, facilitate learning within farmer organizations, and promote agricultural innovations that can improve productivity, profitability, and sustainability.

Beyond strengthening the capabilities of Agri-Tech Facilitators, the partnership also opens opportunities to explore other areas of support for farming communities, including access to new farming technologies and the development of capacity-enhancement initiatives for crops such as green bell pepper.

JGF introduced the Agri-Tech Facilitators Program as part of the continuing capacity-building support provided to farmer groups and local implementing partners under FEP. Its initial training covered agricultural extension approaches and methods, with participants learning to identify, test, and promote innovations to strengthen their agro-enterprises.

“UPLB and JGF are honored to formalize this partnership. We are hopeful that this collaboration will create greater public value by transforming livelihoods through research, innovation, and community engagement. We also trust that this partnership will demonstrate the impact of meaningful academe-industry collaboration and inspire more private sector organizations to work with universities in advancing inclusive and sustainable development,” said Dr. Jose Camacho Jr., UPLB Chancellor.

JGF's Farmer Entrepreneurship Program builds inclusive agricultural value chains by equipping smallholder farmers with the technical, leadership, and business capabilities to collectively supply institutional markets. Through training, partnerships, resources, and market linkages, JGF mobilizes academic institutions, cooperatives, government agencies, local organizations, and technical experts to help farmer organizations produce quality vegetables, strengthen their enterprises, and sustain market participation. Over the years, FEP has supported more than 1,800 smallholder farmers across 12 provinces, who have collectively supplied more than 20 million kilos of produce and generated over PH1 billion in farmer income.

Working together for food security

For JGF, the MOU reflects its belief that addressing agricultural and food security challenges requires strong partnerships. Through its collaboration with UPLB, JGF aims to strengthen farmer training, promote locally relevant technologies, and help farming communities build more productive, resilient, and sustainable livelihoods in pursuit of its shared vision of food security for every Filipino family.

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Leading fiber broadband and technology provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. is stepping up efforts to make the internet a safer place for all, especially children.

In 2025 alone, Converge denied nearly 12 billion entry requests to websites hosting dangerous, inappropriate, and harmful content that attempted to pass through its network and blacklisted over 72,000 domains and web addresses linked to prohibited content.

“We have always taken a hard line position against dangerous and illicit content that harms the most vulnerable in our society, especially our children,” said Converge CEO Dennis Anthony Uy.

Uy noted that the company continues to invest in defense tools to shield its network and customers from harmful content and cyber threats.

He said Converge also works closely with authorities such as the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) as well as international organizations like the Internet Watch Foundation to prevent the perpetuation of illicit online activities, including those that exhibit extreme violence.

He added that Converge has due process in place for blocking harmful sites in accordance with its Human Rights Policy.
At the same time, Converge implements a Child Online Safeguarding Policy that reflects its staunch commitment to promote and foster a safer internet experience for children, who are most vulnerable to various cyber threats, online exploitation, and violence.

Uy said Converge will continue to work with the government and industry in making the internet a safer place for everyone.

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Leading fiber broadband and technology provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. has expanded its customer service network in Leyte with the opening of two new business centers in Tacloban and Ormoc – marking the first Converge business centers in the province.

Through its managed service provider Leytenet (Powered by Converge), the company recently opened its first business center in Tacloban City located at M.H. Del Pilar St., Brgy. 15. IN PHOTO (From left):  Leytenet CEO Henry Gosyco, Converge Regional General Manager for Visayas Geovani Jayme, Tacloban City Vice Mayor Raymund Vincent Romualdez, Converge SVP and Head of Enablement Bryan King Kay, Leytenet Chairman Willard Chan, and J Fiber Internet Services Corp. CEO Jonathan Uy.

Through its managed service provider, Leytenet (Powered by Converge), the company recently unveiled new service hubs in Brgy. 15, Tacloban City, and Brgy. Cogon Combado, Ormoc City.

The ribbon cutting ceremonies were attended by Converge SVP and Head of Enablement Bryan King Kay, Converge Regional General Manager for Visayas Geovani Jayme, Converge Regional Commercial Manager for SME Romano Dumaran, Leytenet Chairman Willard Chan, Leytenet CEO Henry Gosyco, Leytenet President Jimmy Yaokasin Jr., and J Fiber Internet Services Corp. CEO Jonathan Uy.

City officials also graced the said events, with Tacloban City Vice Mayor Raymund Vincent Romualdez and Ormoc City Counselor Krizea Cassandra A. Mercadal attending the respective ribbon-cutting ceremonies in their home cities.

“Our new business centers in Leyte support the commitment of Converge to serve emerging markets where there is growing demand for reliable, high-speed internet. As more households, schools, enterprises, and government institutions embrace digital technologies within the region, the presence of dedicated customer touchpoints enables faster service delivery while strengthening customer engagement,” said Converge SVP and Consumer Business Group OIC John Paul Aguilar.

As the most populous province in Eastern Visayas, Leyte homes over 1.82 million residents, with Ormoc and Tacloban serving as key growth hubs for commerce, education, government, and entrepreneurship.

The newly opened customer hubs will help extend the company’s services closer to subscribers, offering a more accessible channel for subscriptions, customer support, technical assistance, and digital solutions.

“Beyond expanding the company’s customer support network, the new customer support centers are expected to help drive digital transformation in the region, reinforcing the commitment of Converge to bridge the digital divide and bring world-class connectivity closer to every Filipino community,” said Converge SVP and Head of Enablement Bryan King Kay.

“These new locations represent not only an expansion of our customer service channels but also a long-term investment in economic growth, digital inclusion, and the future of the entire Eastern Visayas region,” he added.

Several customer transactions are accommodated through Converge business centers including bills payment, technical issue reporting, plan upgrades, and repair requests. Interested customers, meanwhile, may also visit these hubs for service inquiries and application processing.

Driven by its mission to leave no one behind, Converge is actively connecting underserved communities in remote regions of the Philippines. The company has been working to further strengthen its presence in Visayas and Mindanao by opening new business centers and accelerating port rollout across various provinces.

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Who Am I?

I’m Cie. An ex-Banker turned Blogger. An unshakable optimist, I gave up the security of a 9 to 5 job to look for that undefinable something that has made me restless over the years. And now armed with nothing more than a passion and a dream, I’m slowly discovering more about life surrounded by people in events and in places I’ve only read about.

The Diva Princess is also a Bibliophile, Anglophile, Lover of all things British and Korean, Sucker for British accent, Fangirl of Korean Dramas and idols, Liverpool, Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafa Nadal and Britney Spears. A Harry Potter Fanatic.


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