Events

The Best Way to Donate to Charity Through GCash

GCash introduces a program for advocacy that addresses different issues faced by society across different levels. GCash for Good is a pioneering corporate social responsibility program that encourages Filipinos to donate to non-government organizations for worthy advocacies such as education, environment, animal welfare and other social issues.

Zee Lifestyle - GCash for Good - Ney Villasor

Ney Villasenor – Vice President, GCash and Corporate Communications Group Head

“It all starts with your decision to do good,” says Reyner Villasenor, the VP for corporate communications. “GCash for Good is another big step to further develop the GCash app into a more socially relevant and sustainable platform that helps address issues across different levels,” he adds. With the launch of the GCash for Good Program, GCash invites NGO Partners from Cebu and nearby cities to join a community of doing good and giving back through the program.

“Globe Fintech Innovations Inc. (Mynt) operates GCash as a springboard for donations to non-government organizations that champion various advocacies, thanks to its scale and innovative digital platform,” says Reyner. “With GCash for Good, GCash users can use the GCash app to donate to various groups to create an impact on society,” he adds.

Zee Lifestyle - GCash for Good - Mabel Niala

Mabel Niala, Head of Sustainability and External Affairs of Mynt

The GCash for Good program currently involves 35 NGOs, including UNDP, ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation, ECHOstore, Caritas Manila, WWF- Philippines, and more.

“The team at GCash really need to be commended for providing concerned citizens with a highly accountable platform to support the causes they are passionate about,” says Titon Mitra, county representative for UNDP. “I doesn’t matter how much one can afford to give- every peso to a good cause counts. GCash can be a powerful tool for direct citizen engagement and an important contribution to helping the Philippines to meet the Sustainable Development Goals,” he adds.

“I am calling all our NGO friends in Cebu and other nearby locales to join us as we spread the power of good through GCash,” says Reyner. Regulatory requirements are need to be completed by interested NGOs before becoming official GCash for Good partners to ensure the organizations are legitimate and the money donated cannot be abused.

“People now prefer to donate online, as this removes the hassle of having to go through long queues and processes, giving them more time to focus on their daily lives,” says Reyner during the launch of the GCash for Good program in Cebu. With that, partners of the program are happy that GCash has launched a program where people can be comfortable to donate their money.

“After a decade in development work supporting our social enterprises, I have seen the difficulties that non-government organizations face in mobilizing funding support for even the most worthy causes,” says Jeannie Javelosa, the director for ECHOsi Foundation, one of program’s current partner. “ I am excited to see what GCash for Good can do for the development community. With more Filipinos feeling comfortable about giving online, GCash for Good could be a game-changer,” she adds.

Reyner Villasenor stresses during the launch that through GCash, doing good is made easier and more efficient for people who wish to do so. “With GCash for Good, users will also have direct access to where their donations go. It showcases a more transparent and user-friendly interface for anyone to access,” Reyner says.

Related Topics:Charity GCash GCash for Good Mynt

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by Emmanuel Hamoy

On April 4, 2025, the much-anticipated exhibit One Flower, One World: Brushstrokes of Compassion and Wisdom opened at SM JMall, blending contemporary Buddhist art with interactive experiences. The event brought together art students, enthusiasts, collectors, social luminaries, community leaders, international Buddhist practitioners, and Dharma masters to celebrate Oj Hofer’s tribute to Venerable Master Hsing Yun through calligraphy, Zen ink painting, and Ikebana.

Erwin Choa (Adviser for Buddha’s Light International, Philippines), Marisa Fernan (Vice President of SM Prime Holdings Inc), Venerable Yung Guang (Head Abess of Fó Guāng Shān, Philippines), Marguerite Lhuillier (Social Luminary and Animal Rights Advocate), Sheila Go ( Adviser for Buddha’s Light International, Cebu)

Margie Lhuillier, artist Oj Hofer and Mariquita Yeung

Oj’s live calligraphy demonstrations captivated guests, offering them a unique chance to witness his creative process and receive personalised calligraphy pieces. The afternoon culminated in an exclusive cocktail reception featuring delicious vegetarian delicacies prepared by Nonki Japanese Restaurant.

Joy Uy, Francis Dravigny, Venerable Yung Guang, Marissa Fernan, Margette Sarmiento

Among the distinguished guests were Oj’s muse, society maven Marguerite Lhuillier, SM Holdings’ Marissa Fernan, Buddhist advisers Sheila Go and Erwin Choa, and, most importantly, Fo Guang Shan Philippines’ Head Abbess, Venerable Yung Guang, who shared reflections on Master Hsing Yun’s teachings and the role of art in spiritual practice.

Artist Oj Hofer and Paeng Batuigas (Senior Assistant Vice President, Visayas Marketing, SM Supermalls)

The exhibit was a resounding success, showcasing how art can foster reflection, connection, and understanding in a diverse, multicultural society. The event was made possible with the support of SM JMall, Buddha’s Light International Association, and Fo Guang Shan Philippines.

Events

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by Emmanuel Hamoy

Villa Mariquita opened its doors to a very select few. On cue, a server hands you a glass of Pol Roger as Mrs. Yeung warmly greets you, effortlessly chic in a perfect pair of Chanel jeans and a pullover. Conversations over food, between sips of wine and champagne, range from the mundane to the profound—each exchange punctuated with laughter, and then even more laughter.

Margie Lhuillier, Frances Siao, this writer and Mariquita Yeung

Mariquita Yeung sharing experiences with guests on art collection

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Events

A Feast for the Senses

Crimson Chefs - Masahiro Kinoshita, Naoki Eguchi, Daniel Johnston, Javier Garcia, Allan Barios, Andrew Simpson

By Joanna Cuenco

June 8 – Mactan, Cebu | For one of its biggest dining events of the year as part of the highly anticipated Cebu Food and Wine Festival, Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan curated an epicurean journey that brought guests on gastronomic flights of fancy, fine cuisine. A Feast for the Senses showcased the creativity and excellence of the resort’s culinary team through a dine-around event at its four dining destinations that invited guests to sample the best that each restaurant had to offer: international cuisine at Saffron, Spanish at Enye by Chele Gonzalez, Japanese at Aka by Naoki Eguchi, and desserts and more drinks at Azure Beach Club.

Maria Paz Perdices, Ambra Anzani, Ema Onda,Kate Anzani, Kumiko Onda, Daisy Barns

Tamsin Booth, Didier Belmonte, Frances Siao, Celeste Miranda, Bert Miranda, Bob Booth

Spirits were high and beverages flowed freely the whole evening, thanks to Philippine Wine Merchant, A Wine Company, The Wine Club, Don Revy, Sommelier Selection, Engkanto Brewery, M. Lhuillier Food Product Inc., Future Trade International, Happy Living Philippines, Equilibrium Intertrade Corporation, and Bauhinia Brewery.

Allan Barios at Saffron dessert station

Ulysse Jouanneaud

Margarette Lhuiller and Perl Jacalan

For the after-party and entertainment at Azure Beach Club, renowned mixologist Ulysse Jouanneaud took over the bar, crafting cocktails with Bacardi, Don Papa, Cointreau, and Sula Brands. Chef Allan Barrios presented a dessert spread that included key lime pralines, vanilla bourbon truffles, honey coconut cryos, and tiny flower-potted bamboo shoots that turned out to be made of pistachio. These little works of art were planted alongside vibrant green foliage, smooth stones, and a faux fog effect that created a tropical rainforest diorama out of the dessert table.

Lechon belly station at Saffron

Dessert display at Azure Beach Club

Yellowfin tuna tataki

Grilled mackerel with laksa boullabaise

The night sky and the distant lights of neighboring islands were the perfect backdrop for a high-energy LED dance performance and fantastic fireworks display that left guests in awe and applause.

Rose Hudson

Chele Gonzalez

Brava potato with chorizo at Enye

LED and Tron Dance

Aka Private Room

The Cebu Food and Wine Festival is supported by the Department of Tourism – Philippines, Visit Central Visayas, the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Cebu Business Month, and Cebu Pacific Air.