Manila Prince Hotel is excited to announce the reopening of its esteemed Chinese restaurant, Dragon Court. Locatedat lobby level, Dragon Court’s reopening is part of the hotel’s month-long anniversary celebration and is set to welcome guests to an unforgettable dining experience starting September 27, 2023.

Abundance of Flavors

Dragon Court’s food and beverageteamwent through extensive preparationsto ensure the restaurant maintains its signature taste while introducing new items to cater to the most discerning palates. Guests can expect a wide array of dishes that showcaseChinese cuisine. From delicate dim sum to flavorful specialties, every plate at Dragon Court is crafted with precision and passion. The menu includes timeless favorites such as Shrimp Dumpling, Roasted Pork Barbecue, White Chicken with Ginger and Leeks, Eight Treasure Diced Winter Melon Soup, Honey Beef in Pepper Sauce, Lapu-Lapu Fillet in Soy Sauce, andBaked Mango Tapioca Pudding.

Mid-Autumn Festival Set Menu Packages

In addition to the a la carte offerings, Dragon Court introducesMid-Autumn Festival Set Menu packages which include dice game paraphernalia and special prizes. These packages add fun and excitement to one’s groupdining experience while celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival.

Manila Prince Hotel’s director of sales and marketing, Marvin Kim Tan, expressed hisenthusiasm about the reopening of Dragon Court. "We are delighted to reintroduce Dragon Court to our guests in celebration of Manila Prince Hotel’s anniversary. We are confident that Dragon Court will be another reason for our loyal guests to keep on coming back to our hotel and will definitely attract new clientele.”

Starting September 27, 2023, Dragon Court will be open daily for lunch from 11am to 3pm, and dinner from 6pm to 10pm. For inquiries and reservations, call (+632) 5328 2222 or email fnb@manilaprince.com.

Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) shared their vision for the Philippines’ at Eat Well, Live Well Towards a Better Tomorrow, a media forum held last September 20, 2023 at Shangri-La The Fort.

The event, hosted by multi-hyphenate power mom Iya Villania Arellano, was held as part of the company’s 65th anniversary celebration and brought to light how APC aims to be a significant ally of Filipinos for many more decades to come in terms of advancing proper nutrition and sustainability.

From the discovery of umami – the fifth basic taste which paved the launched on AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning in 1909, the Ajinomoto Group has grown to be the word’s leading maker of amino acids with operation based 36 countries and regions worldwide.

Its first landing in the Philippines was in 1958 and since then, the company has become a staple in Filipino household kitchen making delicious meals with products such as such as Ajinomoto Ginisa Flavor Seasoning Mix, Crispy Fry® breading mix, and Sarsaya® oyster sauce to name a few. Leveraging its amino science expertise, Ajinomoto has helped hundreds of thousands of Filipinos cook more flavorful—and more nutritious—meals.

“Since the discovery of umami, the journey of Ajinomoto Group to contribute to the well-being of society has begun.The original aspiration captured with our corporate slogan “Eat Well, Live Well” remains true to present times.”, shared by APC President Koichi Ozaki.

Mr. Koichi Ozaki, APC President

One highlight of the event was the “The Umami Experience” where media guests were treated to a sensorial sampling of umami-rich foods to appreciate its difference from the other basic tastes like sweet, sour, salty, and bitter.

In line with Philippines nutrition challenges, which was the focal message of keynote speaker Miss Eloisa Villaraza, Nutritionist-Dieticians Association of the Philippines (NDAP) president, a fireside talk on power of nutrition followed suit. This was participated by Dr. Jansen Calalan – lifestyle medical doctor, Debbie Fajarda RND – registered nutritionist-dietician and APC Nutrition Advancement Manager, Roann Co – APC General Manager for Corporate Planning and Public Relations and Chef Sau del Rosario – renown chef.

Opening the segment on sustainability was a special message from Mr. Crispian Lao, President of the Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability (PARMS). This was followed by presentation from APC Chief Sustainability Officer Ernie Carlos detailing APC’s roadmap towards more environmentally responsible practices.

“As the global movement towards sustainable and equitable development accelerates, companies are faced with the challenge of adopting their own sustainable initiatives. At APC, guided by the Ajinomoto Group Creating Shared Values ASV) Principles, we see this as an opportunity to foster environmental stewardship among Filipinos in order to build sustainable communities.” – shared by E. Carlos.

Closing out the forum was a presentation by APC Research and Development Department Head Madelin Dofiles on the unique value of Ajinomoto’s technology in terms of food ingredients contributing to the advancement of food industry’s health and wellness and sustainable procurement.

Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation has cemented its place in Filipino lives by being a trusted partner in our kitchens for 65 years. With new plans coming up to help Filipinos not only achieve better health through nutrition, but also live in a healthier environment, APC is setting the stage for even stronger years to follow.

The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 concludes with Europe as the new powerhouse in the biggest sports spectacle anticipated by more than 12,000 fans. Gatorade, the World’s No. 1 Sports Drink in the World, congratulates Germany for it sweeping campaign, capped off by an 83-77 triumph over Serbia at the finals match.

As the official sports drink of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, Gatorade joins FIBA in bringing the biggest hoop spectacle to life. Hosted in not one but three countries for the first time, the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 set multiple milestones – including the most-attended FIBA game held at the Philippine Arena on August 25 with a record-breaking crowd of 38,115. This even surpassed the 32,616 previously set in the 1994 games when Team USA defeated Russia, 137-91, for the gold medal.

Manila co-hosted the event with Okinawa and Jakarta wherein the latter posted a new mark in attendance during the group stage matches – a total of 111,000 spectators from August 25 to September 3 held at the newly built Indonesia Arena Stadium. It was the highest ever achieved in Indonesian basketball, according to Indonesian State-Owned Enterprise Minister Erick Thohir.

Basketball is life for many Filipino fans which is why Gatorade was present both on and off the court. Only the Number 1 Sports Drink can bring fans closer to the action with halftime segments, namely the 3-Point Shootout and the Gatorade No Sugar Fit-O-Meter. Gatorade also surprised fans queuing for snacks outside the court with a Gatorade shooting game and a Gatorade No Sugar bike challenge. For those who couldn’t watch the games in person, Gatorade partnered up with supermarkets, gearing the fans with sports bottle and ticket raffles.

This made for a truly unforgettable basketball experience here in the Philippines, as it brought together fans and supporters from all over the world to our very own homecourt. All teams that qualified to the quarterfinals and the classification stage matches were welcomed by basketball obsessed Filipinos - truly a one-of-a-kind event where world-class basketball talents were on full display. Even after Gilas Pilpinas ended its campaign with a morale-boosting 96-75 triumph over China on September 2, Filipino fans showed tremendous love for the game, played passionately by all teams.

Team USA was a treat for the fans, composed by an all-star NBA squad with champion coaches, Steve Kerr and Erik Spoelstra. Notable players included Austin Reaves and Anthony Edwards. NBA stars playing for their home countries, Luka Dončić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, were highly anticipated by fans. However, Germany and Serbian players dominated the courts – leading to a European showdown.

“Even if nobody asked me, but I’m going to say it, I really appreciate it. It was so amazing. So many fans (here) support me,” said Doncic, the star player of the Dallas Mavericks said even after watching his team got beaten by Canada during the quarterfinal match.

Pinoy fans also gave their support to the other teams like Canada led by Dillon Brooks, Serbia bannered by Bogdan Bogdanovic and Germany spearheaded by Dennis Schroder. In between these milestones, world-class performance and sportsmanship were showcased by basketball players and sports enthusiasts – all fueled by Gatorade, the World’s No. 1 Sports Drink.

Global apparel retailer UNIQLO marks the 5th anniversary of its Global Flagship store in the Philippines with exciting experiences and fun-filled activities for everyone to enjoy.

Since its opening in 2018, the UNIQLO Manila Global Flagship Store has brought customers exciting things over the years. Being the biggest Global Flagship store in Southeast Asia, it is the home to the complete line-up of LifeWear items in the country, as well as unique experiences such as the custom printing service, UTme!, and special displays and collaborations with various local talents.

As part of the brand’s appreciation for being part of Filipinos’ daily lives, UNIQLO is bringing customers an even better shopping experience as they ring in their 5th year from October 13 to 26, 2023. 

Elevated Store. Elevated Essentials. Embrace the Future.

UNIQLO Manila’s 5th anniversary promises to be one for the books with the theme “Elevated Store. Elevated Essentials. Embrace the Future.”

Bringing the concept to life is UNIQLO’s partnership with five young and distinguished individuals who have achieved global recognition in their respective fields. Each partner represents one of the brand’s biggest item lines which all hold innovative functionality at its core. These LifeWear items champion the Filipino people, elevating everyone’s essentials, wardrobe, and lifestyle. 

Food and lifestyle content creator Erwan Heussaff, recognized by the prestigious James Beard Media Awards last June, joins the group for AIRism

Groundbreaking director Martika Escobar, the first Philippine director to win an award at the Sundance Film Festival, represents HEATTECH

Part of the group as well modeling for the AirSense line-up is entrepreneur Gio Visitacion, owner of the Good Cup Coffee Company and 2020 Philippine Brewers Cup champion

Southeast Asian Games Medalist and Guinness World Record holder Kaizen Dela Serna for UV Protection products

Award-winning singer and actress, popstar royalty Sarah Geronimo for Bra Tops

Discover new experiences

Opening on the second floor of the Global Flagship Store, customers are treated to new and revamped experiences. 

UNIQLO is introducing UNIQLO Coffee to the country, bringing Filipinos the brand’s cafe-style offerings that first opened in 2021 at the renewed UNIQLO Global Flagship Store in Ginza. Highlighting the brand’s commitment to being one with the community, the coffee drinks will be made with locally sourced, high quality coffee beans from Mt. Apo, and will feature goods and pastries that mix Filipino and Japanese flavors. 

As part of the brand’s commitment to sustainability, UNIQLO is also set to bring to Manila its Re.UNIQLO Studio. Visitors to the Global Flagship Store will get to enjoy repair services on their pre-loved UNIQLO items, bringing new life to their favorite LifeWear pieces. This stays true to the LifeWear philosophy of quality, enabling customers to enjoy their UNIQLO items for a longer period of time.

Lastly, UNIQLO refreshes their UTme! line-up, collaborating with local artists from all over the country to bring customers unique designs they can customize on t-shirts and tote bags. The artists include Gianne Encarnacion and Ross Du of Metro Manila, Johanna Velasco and Myka Arnado of Cebu, and Kajo Baldisimo of Davao. Muralist Glendford Lumbao also joins in to contribute a piece to be displayed at the new experience areas on the second floor of the Flagship Store.

Enjoy special UNIQLO items and limited-time offers

The celebration doesn’t stop here! From October 13 to 31, customers can expect exciting freebies and promos exclusive to the UNIQLO Manila Flagship store. 

Moreover, customers should also stay tuned for fun and educational workshops led by select UTme! artists and endorsers throughout the month of October. 

Make the most of the fun activities and special offers by visiting the UNIQLO Manila Global Flagship store in Glorietta 5 in Makati City from October 13 to 26, 2023.

Stay updated on the latest news and promos by following UNIQLO Philippines on Facebook, @uniqlophofficial on Instagram and Tiktok, and on www.uniqlo.com/ph/en/.

For generations, the music of Disney’s princesses has been the soundtrack to our lives. Now, for the first time in forever, these beloved songs come to life on stage in Disney Princess - The Concert! MANILA will be on November 18 & 19, 3PM & 8PM at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, CEBU on November 22, 8PM at the Waterfront Hotel Cebu City and DAVAO on November 21, 8PM at the SMX Convention Center Davao. Presented by Disney Concerts and Wilbros Live.

Be our guest as a quartet of Broadway and television stars celebrate the music from every Disney Princess in an unforgettable show, alongside their magical Music Director and enchanting Prince. Your every dream will come true as larger than life animation and theatrical effects immerse the audience in pure Disney magic, while these acclaimed stars sing your favorite songs and share their exclusive, hilarious, and heartfelt behind-the-scenes stories from their time on the stage and screen. We invite you to relive your VHS glory days, dress up in your favorite royal attire, and share the joy with your loved ones. Be part of our world at Disney Princess - The Concert!

Songs to include “How Far I’ll Go,” “A Whole New World,” “Colors of the Wind,” “Part of Your World,” “Almost There,” “Let It Go” and more!

Tickets will go on-sale on September 30, 12NN via TicketWorld.com.ph and TicketWorld outlets for Manila, and SMTickets.com and SMTickets outlets for Cebu and Davao. For more information, follow @WilbrosLive on FB, Twitter and IG.

Program will last approximately 2 hours, including one 20-minute intermission. *This production features Broadway performers appearing as themselves. Costumed Disney characters do not appear at this event.

The Department of Home Affairs, Australia, has awarded the global biometric collection service across seven regions to VFS Global, the world's largest outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions.

The agreement spanning Australian biometric collection centres (ABCC) at 165 locations worldwide include new geographies in addition to existing locations operated by VFS Global. Awarded regions comprise Americas, Mekong, Middle East and North Africa, North Asia, Pacific, South Asia and Southeast Asia. According to the agreement, VFS Global’s core services include Biometric Collection and Identity Verification, Digital Assistance with online visa applications submission and Online Payment Assistance on the Department’s ImmiAccount portal.

The company would also provide additional (as required services) such as remote interview hosting, document and claim checking, paper digitisation and local addressing and document delivery. The roll out would take place in two broad phases with 59 centres to be operational by January 1, 2024 and the rest under phase two in line with the department’s directives.

“Over many years the department and VFS Global have enjoyed a successful partnership, during which VFS Global have continued to demonstrate flexibility as the department’s needs have evolved over time. We look forward to the continued growth of this partnership and roll out of the biometrics collection program under the new agreement,” said Anthony Phillips, Director of In-Person Services and Support, Department of Home Affairs.

“This global award is another testament of our business excellence and trusted partnership with the Department of Home Affairs, Australia. We have been working with the department since 2004 and we will continue to elevate the experience of travellers across the world bound to Australia,” said Jiten Vyas, Chief Commercial Officer VFS Global.

The agreement also marks the maiden opening of Australian biometric collection centres (ABCC) by VFS Global in the Americas region.

As the refreshing rains replace the scorching summer heat, a season shift brings both relief and health challenges. While the rain offers a welcome respite, it also ushers in health concerns that become more prominent during this time.

The shift in seasons usually affects me because of the presence of viral and infections that puts me and my family most of the times sick, specially our youngest son, since he's a pre-term baby. His pediatrician would always remind us to be very wary of his condition. So, me and the rest of the family really need to boost our immune system, as much as possible to avoid this illnesses caused by viral infections. And as we continue to experience rainy days, it's helpful to have these essentials to stay healthy, snug and comfortable during the downpour:

1.Umbrella: Stay-dry comfort

Of course, number one on the list is an umbrella. If I would look at the bags of most Filipinos, I’ll most likely find an umbrella. It’s like a trusty sidekick in the crazy weather rollercoaster we experience daily. One minute, we’re under the scorching heat, and the next, we could be caught in a downpour with gusty winds. Having an umbrella on hand keeps me prepared for whatever weather surprise comes my way.

2.Tea: A cup of warmth

There's nothing quite like wrapping my hands around a warm mug of tea as the rain taps against the windowpane. The soothing warmth of tea instantly makes me feel snug and content, making it the ultimate comfort drink for gloomy weather. I always choose a selection of soothing herbal teas such as chamomile, lavender, or ginger, which not only provide warmth but also have calming and digestive properties. Sometimes, I add some honey or lemon for an extra touch of sweetness and flavor!

3.Soup: Comfort food for the soul

For many Filipinos, soup has always been a comfort food especially during the rainy days. Whether it's the beloved Filipino classics like sinigang, tinola, or bulalo, or a simple yet heartwarming bowl of pumpkin soup, these have always been a go-to choice for me especially when I want some warmth!

4.Essential oils: Aromatherapy for comfort

Call me a tita but I love indulging in essential oils. These tiny miracles are made from plant extracts, and they have the power to turn my day around with just a sniff! Lavender essential oils can help reduce stress, while eucalyptus essential oils can provide relief from congestion, making it easier to breathe in the damp weather. It’s great as a sleep aid, too!

5.Essential vitamins and medicines: Defense and immunity booster

No rainy-day care package is complete without essential vitamins and medicines. It’s wise to have them on hand during days when I’m feeling under the weather. This rainy season, I make sure I always have vitamin c, and paracetamol because it help in boosting our immune system while the paracetamol in challenging cases can help in suppressing that illnesses to develop. And to make sure I have ample supply of quality and affordable generic medicines and vitamins, I always go to Generika Drugstore.

Through its house brand products Actimed Generics and Nutrawell Supplements, Generika Drugstore makes flu and allergy relief medications accessible and affordable.

With these rainy-day essentials, ramdam ko ang ginhawa ngayong tag-ulan, ramdam ko pa ang ginhawa sa bulsa with the vitamins and medicines from Generika Drugstore!  

Filipino readers

The Vibal Tertulia treated the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) attendees to a rarified spectacle of music, dance, and literary discourse last Sept. 16 at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City. The Tertulia was hosted by the Vibal Group and the Vibal Foundation at the 44th run of Manila’s largest and longest-running book fair.

The pocket event featured distinguished authors discussing the origin stories of select books from Vibal’s extensive collection. Attendees, including media practitioners, scholars, publishers, art enthusiasts, and book lovers, were also treated to a feast for the senses—straight-from-the-book dramatization, recorded interviews, point-of-view short films, and a series of evocative songs and folk dances that collectively served as a time machine to a bygone era.

Rediscovery and renewal

John L. Silva, executive director of the Ortigas Foundation Library and UNESCO commissioner, introduced the book Philippine Colonial Photography of the Cordilleras (1860-1930) curated by historian Jonathan Best, who was also present at the affair and subsequent book signing. The book showcases over 100 photos by notable colonial photographers, and documents “a positive and beneficial attitude toward the people of the Cordilleras” by visiting anthropologists and researchers.

Dr. Jose Victor Z. Torres chronicles the Walled City of Manila in two new books, Intramuros: The Story of Old Manila and Paseos de Intramuros: A Guidebook to Manila’s Walled City. The books, considered sequels to Ciudad Murada: A Walk Through Historic Intramuros, prove that more can be learned from the past.

Dr. Javier Galvan, director of Instituto Cervantes, shared that his book, Heritage Churches of the Cagayan River Basin, stemmed from the realization that the churches in the Cagayan Valley were either unknown or unrecognized.

James Owen Saguinsin spoke of his quest to study forgotten masters, including National Artist Carlos Modesto “Botong” Francisco’s mentor Juan Senson, in Nineteenth Century Masters of Angono Art.

Dr. Lino Dizon discussed the influence of the publications of the early printing press on the propaganda movement that propelled the Philippine revolution in Imprenta Ramirez y Giraudier, A Story of Late Nineteenth-Century Philippine Intellectuality.

National Artist Resil B. Mojares and Dr. Hope Sabangan-Yu, co-editors of More Cebuano Than We Admit: Aspects of Cebuano History, Culture, and Society, spoke of overlooked local and regional history as holding vital pieces of information about the Filipino national identity.

Lolo José, An Intimate and Illustrated Portrait of José Rizal, brings the national hero off his pedestal and into the realm of family lore through anecdotes documented by his grand-niece Asunción López Bantug.

Vibal has also made Philippine cultural history more accessible to Filipinos and foreigners alike through bilingual reprints of vintage Spanish texts.

These included The Adventures of Cayo Malinao and Other Philippine Novelettes (translated from the original Spanish into English) by Guillermo Gómez Windham, the country’s first Premio Zobel awardee, and La última corrida (The Last Bullfight, now a graphic novel translated into English and Filipino) by his grand-nephew Guillermo Gómez Rivera, also a Premio Zobel awardee.

Author Dr. Eugene Evasco introduced his two new collections - Hiwaga: Philippine Myths and Tales and Gunita: Celebrating Filipino Visionaries
Author Dr. Eugene Evasco introduced his two new collections - Hiwaga: Philippine Myths and Tales and Gunita: Celebrating Filipino Visionaries

As part of the Tertulia, Vibal also launched its Collected Philippine Stories for Young Readers, a series of storybook collections exploring themes like identity, family, community, the environment, and mythology, to foster a love of reading among the youth. Dr. Eugene Evasco, award-winning creative writer, scholar, and reading advocate, introduced the 28 new collections under Chikiting Books, plus his two new anthologies, Hiwaga: Philippine Myths and Tales and Gunita: Celebrating Filipino Visionaries.

70 years of Filipiniana

Atty. Andrea Pasion-Flores, President of the Book Development Association of the Philippines, congratulated Vibal on 70 years of publishing, particularly for the company’s growing list of Filipiniana titles that have been recognized by award-giving bodies.

“Today’s tertulia highlights no less than 20 titles of excellently produced content that made major contributions to Philippine society. These large-format books are not just something the company can be proud of, but it also brings much pride to the entire book industry, to see that one of our own is committed to making wonderful books about our nation,” said Atty. Pasion-Flores.

The tertulia concluded with Vibal Group CEO Kristine Mandigma thanking the speakers and acknowledging the Vibal team for their outstanding work for MIBF.

“This is a special book fair for us because we’re celebrating our 70th year in business this year,” said Mandigma, underscoring that, taking inspiration from its leadership, Vibal “continues its legacy of publishing fine Philippine books, intelligent Philippine books, for readers in the Philippines and globally.” If you missed Vibal at MIBF, all newly released books will be available at their online shop. Visit https://shop.vibalgroup.com/ to place your order.

“Na-’hack’ ako!” – This has become a common catchphrase for the increasing number of people finding unauthorized transactions on their e-wallets and bank accounts. This comes as no surprise because according to the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center, cybercrimes increased by 152% in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period last year, and the popularity of e-wallets have made it an easy target for criminals.

However, the term ‘hacking’ is often confused with “phishing”, another notoriously common type of cybercrime activity. While both end in malicious individuals gaining control over a user’s account, it’s critical for users to know the difference to better protect themselves.

What is Phishing?

Phishing is a kind of cyber attack wherein cybercriminals pretend to be a legitimate source to trick users into giving personal information to gain access to accounts and steal the funds. For e-wallets, fraudsters may call or send a message via email, SMS or social media platforms pretending to be an employee or a company representative to get the victim’s Mobile Personal Identification Number (MPIN) and One-Time Password (OTP) or authentication code.

What is Hacking?

Hacking refers to an unauthorized attempt by a criminal to access sensitive information on a device or network. This is done by taking over a system through force or sophisticated methods.

What’s the difference?

Both phishing and hacking involve unauthorized ways of gaining sensitive information, but they are being done differently. In hacking, cybercriminals take advantage of vulnerabilities of devices and networks to gain access to sensitive information. It is therefore important for users to only use apps that are credible, reliable, and have strong security measures in place to prevent criminals from hacking the system.

On the other hand, phishing scams, derived from the word fishing, are designed to ‘bait’ victims so they will be tricked into giving sensitive information. This becomes highly dependent on the users because fraudsters rely on them to unknowingly give the information needed to access their accounts through fake websites, fake sign-up forms, or fake portals.

As cybercriminals become more creative, some phishing attempts are now designed to appear as a hacking attack. Cybercriminals ‘phish’ information from thousands of users over a certain period, but don’t immediately use these data to steal funds. All this phished information is then used to steal funds at the same time. With the large number of victims noticing that their funds have been stolen simultaneously, it would look like a massive hacking attack, especially if the victims no longer recall sharing their personal information.

The good news is that phishing scams can be prevented if you know how to spot them. Here are safety practices you can observe to protect your e-wallet account from the phishing attacks:

1.Double up on security measures

Make use of additional safety measures found in your e-wallet app. Aside from requiring you to enter your MPIN, e-wallet apps also send the OTP as an additional security measure to verify your identity. GCash also has a DoubleSafe Face ID, which prompts users for a selfie scan every time they login using a new device, to make sure that it is the Verified Account Owner who has access to the account.

2.Think and rethink before you act

Review the sender and the content of a suspicious message even before responding or clicking on the link. If you are being offered rewards or prizes, backtrack if you have indeed joined a program or raffle and verify with the company through another channel.

Remember that GCash will never send links via SMS, email and messaging apps and all legitimate rewards and promos will only be communicated through the official GCash app, so never click on links claiming to be from GCash.

3.Double-check the message that comes with the OTP

Legitimate e-wallet transactions may ask you to enter your OTP as an added security feature. If you receive an OTP through text message, make it a habit to read the entire message and make sure that it matches the request you made. If you did not make the request or if it is different from what you want to do, do not enter your OTP on any site or send it to anyone, to make sure you are not unknowingly linking your account to another device.

4.Be wary of limited time offers and urgent requests

Advisories or offers that instill a sense of urgency is almost always a sign of phishing scams. Legitimate companies will give you enough time to make a decision and will not ask you to provide your MPIN or OTP to resolve a concern, verify your identity or claim a reward.

If you are being told that your GCash account is on hold, confirm this through the official GCash app. GCash will never ask you to verify your account through a phone call or through messaging applications.

5.Never share your OTP and MPIN

Never provide your personal information if you did not initiate a request. As a rule, don’t provide sensitive information, such as your OTP and MPIN, even to your family, friends and other people claiming to be representatives of banks, companies, service providers and government agencies. Remember that GCash will never ask these details from you.

If you encounter phishing scams and fraudulent activities targeting your GCash account, you may report by visiting the official GCash Help Center at help.gcash.com/hc/en-us or messaging Gigi on the website and typing, “I want to report a scam.”