GCash shares stories of self-made Filipino entrepreneurs
The Void is not synonymous with stagnation; rather, it's a fertile ground for exploration and discovery. By understanding and embracing the Void, creatives can liberate themselves from the constraints of expectation and perfectionism. This liberation becomes a catalyst for fresh ideas, enabling a departure from the ordinary and a journey into uncharted territories of innovation.
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The process of engaging with the Void is not about avoiding challenges but transforming them into opportunities. It encourages a shift in perspective, viewing obstacles not as roadblocks but as stepping stones to innovation. By understanding 'the Void' as a realm of potential, creatives unlock the door to their most authentic and impactful work, revealing the beauty that emerges when the creative spirit is allowed to roam freely. In essence, the Void becomes not an abyss to be feared, but a sanctuary where creativity thrives, and our most brilliant ideas come to life.
As the country's leading financial super app and largest cashless ecosystem, GCash takes its mission of serving Filipinos, especially unserved and underserved sectors, to heart.
Through its wide array of responsive and meaningful digital financial services, GCash is ensuring that it serves as a dependable everyday partner to owners of micro, small, and medium enterprises and self-employed Filipinos, as well as a source of aid for the rainy days and as support in preparing for that one day where all their dreams have come true.
Helping small businesses thrive and prosper with ease
Roberto E. Halili Jr., owner of coffee and milk tea shop Koppi Latea in Quezon City and GCash user, said, "Pangarap lang namin noon maging successful sa buhay. Di namin ine-expect na ganito mangyayari sa’min. (Before, we only dreamt of a successful life. We didn't expect to achieve all this.)"
Roberto or JR to his family and loved ones is a self-made business owner who left schooling to pursue a career and start a family. He shared that Koppi Latea relies on GCash's various features in its operations, both in serving customers and setting up shop:
"Sobrang laking tulong sa amin ni GCash. Tulad po ng mga transaction ko, ‘pag umorder ako sa mga supplier na walang physical stores, bank transaction at GCash transfers ang gamit ko. (GCash has been a big help to us, especially in my transactions whenever I order from my suppliers. They don’t have physical stores, and I rely on bank transactions and GCash transfers.)"
Robert said that despite the challenges brought by the pandemic, he was able to save up, invest, and buy properties for his growing family with the help of GCash.
Accessible lending solutions that pave the way for growth and success
Meanwhile, online furniture store owner Maila Concepcion credits GLoan—GCash's fast and easy loan solution—for evolving her furniture reselling platform into a furniture manufacturing business.
About one of her first purchases of textiles for her original furniture design, she recounted,
"Sabi sa'kin ng supplier, 'ma'am, pwede bang transfer na lang?' pero kulang yung funds ko. Naisip ko, paano 'to? Pero nakita ko na may ino-offer na loan [yung GCash]. (The supplier asked me if I could do a transfer, but I didn't have enough funds. I was wondering what I was going to do, and I saw that GCash was offering a loan.)"
Maila said,
“Nag-loan ako [sa GLoan] ng maliit—pero yung maliit na ‘yun, ayun yung naging start. (I loaned a small amount right then, but that small amount became the start.)”
Maila shared that her earnings from her online business, jumpstarted by a GCash loan, have allowed her to purchase two cars.
With loans processed and funds disbursed to the user's GCash wallet on-the-spot, GLoan can help entrepreneurs who need extra funds to run their ventures. Unlike traditional formal lending and banking institutions, GLoan can be accessed via the app without the need for extensive credit history, collateral, or excessive paperwork.
"At GCash, trust is collateral," said Tony Isidro, president and CEO of GCash lending arm Fuse. "Our users rely on us to provide them with safe, secure, and convenient services. In turn, we are committed to empowering every Filipino with access to fair loans — helping them avoid informal or predatory lending."
As of the second quarter of 2024, GCash has lent out PHP 155 billion in disbursed loans, across products, to 5.4 million Filipinos. Other lending services offered by the app include GCredit, a revolving credit line suited for day-to-day expenses, and GGives, a buy-now-pay-later service that offers light and flexible repayment options.
Supporting Filipinos to thrive every day, be ready for a rainy day, and prepare for one day
In the coming months, GCash will be rolling out an expansion of GCash for Business, which provides digital tools and capabilities that are made especially for businesses and merchants.
"These past 20 years, we have made strides to provide more Filipinos with access to financial services. Now, we want to take it a step further and be their partner towards financial health and wellness,"
GCash President and CEO Martha Sazon said.
"Encouraged by the vision set by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and the United Nations towards digital financial inclusion, we will keep innovating to help Filipinos thrive everyday, be ready for a rainy day, and prepare for one day."
Through its innovations, GCash is committed to financial inclusion across all sectors – paving the way for a more robust, more engaging, and more equitable financial landscape in the Philippines.
The success stories of JR and Maila are featured in a short film produced by BBC StoryWorks for GCash. It’s available to watch on the official YouTube account of BBC StoryWorks and at https://www.bbc.com/storyworks/purchasing-powers/gcash.
