EastWest, one of the country’s most consumer-focused and fastest growing universal banks, proudly introduced elite gymnast and two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo as its newest brand ambassador during an exclusive launch event held in Makati. The event celebrated Carlos Yulo’s historic athletic achievements and his inspiring financial journey as an EastWest client, making him the perfect embodiment of the Bank’s mission of nurturing dreams by championing sensible financial management for over thirty years.

With his exceptional rise in the field, Yulo has made a significant mark on the global stage, representing the Philippines worldwide. His dedication to his art and commitment to excellence align perfectly with EastWest’s values of pushing boundaries and striving for greatness. Just as Carlos Yulo excels as a world-class athlete, EastWest offers world-class services, always going further to empower Filipinos with the financial tools and guidance they need to achieve their dreams.

Yulo shared, “Itong partnership really started before ko po nakuha ang gold medals ko sa Olympics. Talagang tinulungan ako ng EastWest from the start na maayos yung financial goals ko. Madami akong natutunan sa kanila, nag simula lang ako ng simpleng deposit ngayon meron na akong mga investments na nakatulong talaga sa plans ko. Pareho kami ng mindset ng EastWest, always pushing ourselves to improve. Kaya this partnership comes in so natural sa kin, pareho kaming may relentless drive na magtuloy tuloy hanggang makamit namin ang dreams namin.”

A Partnership Built on Shared Values

The event highlighted the distinct connection between Yulo and EastWest. From simply being a customer, he is now the face of the brand. His discipline, perseverance, and focus on the mastery of his craft, evidenced by his rigorous training, is mirrored by the Bank — persistently supporting clients’ financial journeys to ensure that they can confidently pursue their own goals.

EastWest SEVP and Head of Financial Markets and Wealth Management, Rafael S. Algarra Jr., expressed the significance of the partnership, stating, “Carlos Yulo represents the dedication and passion that EastWest stands for. His journey from having raw potential to being a world champion reflects the same path we aim to provide for our clients—guiding them toward financial success, whether through our Priority services, consumer loans, or investment management. We believe this partnership exemplifies our service commitment—always pushing further for our clients so they can achieve their goals.”

Carlos Yulo's Inspiring Financial Journey

Yulo’s partnership with the Bank also highlights his personal journey of financial growth and empowerment. He started with basic banking products to save and pay for expenses while training and competing. As his financial capacity grew, he relied on the help of a dedicated EastWest Priority Relationship Manager to give him financial advice. With guidance, Yulo transitioned into investments, ensuring that his earnings were wisely managed, while he focused on training. Yulo shared, “Si EastWest po talaga has been so helpful in my journey—not just as an athlete, but also in managing my finances. Tinulungan po nila ako maging smart sa financial decisions ko and magkaroon ng solid financial plan and dahil dito, naka focus ako sa training and competitions ko. Nung nagsimula akong kumita, hindi ko talaga alam kung paano i-manage ng maayos ang pera ko. 

 

I had deposit accounts and a credit card with EastWest. Pero na-realize ko na kailangan ko ng mas malalim na understanding para mapalago yung pinaghirapan ko. Buti na lang, EastWest Priority assigned me a relationship manager who really guided me. Siya ang nagturo sa akin about investments and how I can grow my savings para I’m financially prepared.”

EastWest: Celebrating 30 Years of Financial Excellence

As EastWest celebrates its 30th anniversary, their partnership with the Olympian marks another milestone. For three decades, EastWest has consistently provided its clients with personalized services that guide them through every stage of their financial journey, and clients like Yulo are proof of their commitment. While embracing innovation and adapting to the evolving needs of their clients, EastWest ensures that they never lose the human touch, balancing cutting-edge solutions with the warmth and care that have always defined their approach.

EastWest CEO Jerry Ngo shares, "Carlos Yulo embodies resilience, focus, and the pursuit of excellence—values EastWest has upheld for the last 30 years. As we continue to innovate and grow, we proudly welcome Carlos as a partner who not only stands for athletic success but also a commitment to smart financial growth. Together, we aim to inspire Filipinos to push their boundaries and achieve their financial dreams with EastWest by their side."

Calling all credit cardholders: EastWest Bank has rolled out the red carpet for the most deserving woman in our lives—Mom! This Mother’s Day, get ready to shower her with love and pampering with the help of EastWest’s irresistible promos. From floral delights to delectable dining experiences, here’s a look at what’s in store:

Beautiful blooms through your fingertips. Show love through flowers with a 25% discount at FlowerStore.ph. From now until May 12, 2024, all active EastWest credit cardholders in good standing can enjoy this exclusive offer. Simply download the FlowerStore.ph app, select your favorite blooms, and apply promo code EWMOM upon checkout. On top of the discount, you get free shipping to selected areas, making it easier than ever to surprise Mom with a beautiful bouquet.

A stunning Manila Bay sunset dinner. The best table is reserved for the queen of the home and your heart at Admiral Club Manila Bay. Enjoy up to 50% off their buffet for a minimum of two diners and maximum of ten diners.

A feast fit for a Queen. Treat Mom to culinary bliss with a massive 50% off at California Pizza Kitchen. Applicable to bills ranging from Php 3,000 to Php 5,000, you can enjoy half of the price while feasting on bestsellers like the Original BBQ Chicken Pizza, Pesto Cream Penne, and BBQ Chicken Salad. This delectable offer is valid until May 31, 2024, at the Shangri-La Mall, Eastwood Mall, and Festival Mall branches.

Global flavors, local thrills. Expand Mom’s culinary horizons with authentic Thai and Japanese cuisines at Greyhound Cafe and Botejyu, respectively. From now until May 31, 2024, EastWest credit cardholders can also savor a delightful 50% off their total bill. Whether it’s the innovative twists of modern Thai food or the traditional flavors of Japan, Mom is sure to be impressed.

Luxury staycations. Elevate Mom’s special day with a relaxing staycation at the posh Admiral Hotel Manila - MGallery. Until December 30, 2024, guests are entitled to discounts at select restaurants within the hotel premises—30% off at Admiral Club Manila Bay, 15% off at Ruby Wong’s Godown, and 15% off at Coconut Grove. Indulge in a sumptuous buffet or savor their signature dishes at exclusive discounts using your EastWest Elite credit card, all while creating cherished memories with Mom.

Dining rebates. For EastWest Titanium, Gold. Privilege, and Practical credit cardholders, the treats keep on coming. Dine in or take out from any establishment, or order through food delivery apps, and enjoy a generous Php 1,000 dining rebate for a minimum cumulative spend of Php 10,000 throughout all the weekends of May. The rebate will be reflected on the cardholder’s statement of account on or before June 30, 2024. This offer is the ultimate reward for loyal cardholders and a great way to celebrate Mother’s Day.

Parenthood perks. Mommy duties just got a whole lot easier with edamama. Stock up on essentials for both Mom and little ones and enjoy Php 600 off with a minimum spend of Php 4,000 through the edamama website or app for new users. Available for selected edamama brands only, the offer is valid until December 31, 2024. Whether you're a newbie user or a new subscriber, there's definitely something for everyone.

Shop Now, Pay Later. Last but not least, shop worry-free with EastWest's Buy Now, Pay Later plan. From now until July 31, 2024, enjoy 0% interest installment plans of up to 24 months with EastWest’s partner merchants. With a minimum purchase of Php 3,000, it's the ideal opportunity to indulge in guilt-free shopping for Mom.

This Mother's Day, let EastWest be your partner in making her feel extra special. Whether it's a beautiful bouquet, a delicious meal, or a relaxing staycation, there's something for every mom to enjoy in style. But most importantly, telling her how much you love her is the greatest gift of all.

EastWest, one of the fastest-growing banks in the country today, was recently awarded “Best CSR Initiative” by The Digital Banker at the Global Retail Banking Innovation Awards for the Bank’s project “Magenta Race,” a virtual run/walk and cycle for breast cancer.

In its debut year, EastWest employees rallied to raise funds for breast cancer detection and prevention of the beneficiaries of Philippine Foundation for Breast Care Inc. (PFBCI), also known as Kasuso.org. This was done through the launch of the very first Magenta Race—a virtual run/walk and cycle for breast cancer, which was able to raise a significant amount through the employees’ personal donations. The choice of magenta, a deeper shade of the pink that is associated with cancer awareness, wishes to express EastWest’s deeper commitment to this cause.

A total of 145 employees took part in the first ever EastWest Magenta Race, with 94 joining the run/walk, and 51 joining the cycle race. Proceeds coming from the registration fee, which included Magenta Run shirts, were collected as donations to PFBCI. But, notably, many of those who could not join the race itself still purchased shirts or made an outright donation to aid in the contributions.

Leading the Charge in the War Against Breast Cancer

During the awarding, EastWest expressed gratitude for the acknowledgement of their efforts, while also committing to continued efforts in the name of women and the fight against breast cancer.

“Thank you for this incredible honor. We at EastWest are humbled to accept the best CSR Initiative Award, and we would like to extend our gratitude to The Digital Banker for seeing and recognizing our efforts. In the Philippines, breast cancer is the top illness among women, and EastWest being powered by 66 percent females, led by a female President, and founded by the first Filipina President in the banking industry, we wanted to support a cause that touches the hearts of so many of our people,” said Carmina Jeanne D. Roque, EastWest Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications.

“So, we organized the Magenta Race, uniting our employees in a virtual race to raise funds for the Philippine Foundation for Breast Care. We are grateful for the unwavering support of our EastWest family. Our people showed incredible dedication, with many participants and generous contributions, and this recognition is a testament to the power of unity and commitment within our community. We at EastWest are determined to make a difference, to save lives, and to continue our journey of empowerment and awareness. Let’s keep the magenta flame of hope and compassion burning bright in our hearts,” concluded Roque.

Second Magenta Race Continuing the Legacy

Now on its second annual run, EastWest carries on its advocacy for breast cancer awareness by inviting more bikers and runners to participate. The second Race kicked off last October 13 with 119 runners and 29 cyclists.

For the ongoing and future Magenta Race events, EastWest and its employees will continue to don their running shoes, hop on their bikes, or simply extend their support through the purchase of a T-shirt, knowing that every stride, pedal, and purchase makes a difference in this battle against breast cancer.

As some schools gear up to reopen, this means a fresh new year for students and an influx of fresh new expenses for parents, from transportation to school supplies to hefty tuition fees.

When added all up, the numbers may look overwhelming, but there are ways to stay on top of your child’s school expenses. Assess how much you will need to set aside for the entire school year. That amount could range from as low as P50,000 to as high as P500,000 depending on where your child is studying plus the uniforms, school supplies, books and other things that your child may need. Once you have pegged that amount, you can start saving a portion of your income to contribute to the education fund.

As tuition fees can take up to 70 percent of the expenses, review the tuition packages in detail so that you’ll know what’s covered—some may already include the books, supplies, and other essentials. Coordinate with the school regarding the payment schedules and choose the option which works well with your financial situation.

But if you find yourself short on funds at the moment, universal bank EastWest offers a solution to help manage these outgoing expenses—through personal loans.

With EastWest’s Personal Loan, customers can borrow anywhere from PHP 25,000.00 to PHP 2,000,000.00 for any financing need they might have. This will only require a one-time processing fee of PHP 1,900.00 which will be deducted from the loan proceeds. On the average, it takes up five up to seven days to process the loan application upon submission of complete requirements.

They can also experience lighter monthly installment payments to help them better manage their cash flow, with available financing terms of 12, 18, 24, and 36 months at competitive interest rates. The monthly installment rates range from 1.49%-1.69% (for EastWest credit cardholders of at least 12 months) and 1.89% (for non-credit cardholders or credit cardholders of less than 12 months).

To help you decide, there is a loan amortization calculator on the website that you may use to help you choose the most affordable and manageable payment term for your desired loan amount.

A child’s education is one of the top financial obligations in a household, and managing it is certainly doable with advanced planning and a reliable bank partner. For more information, visit EastWest’s official website, any physical store, hotline, or the Chatbot ESTA.

The hot summer months are here! Now is the best time for you to plan house repairs. Does your roof have a leak from last year that needs to be fixed, or do you need to replace broken doors? Or perhaps you want to repaint your entire house?

No matter what house repairs you need, it is important to plan everything in advance. This means that you know the scope of repairs needed, have the funds you need for the project, and know who to work with. Here are some things to remember when planning for home repairs or improvement:

Assess and Identify Repairs

Identifying which repairs you need, and the materials required for them, are the first important elements to consider, as this will give you a rough idea of how much funding and time you’ll need. Depending on the scope of the repair, you might need to find a temporary place to stay at too—you probably won’t need to move elsewhere if the only renovation needed is an exterior repaint, but you might consider it if extensive interior work will be done. Electrical or plumbing repairs might also interfere with daily life, so planning and assessment is vital before you commit to anything.

Get The Right People for the Job

Good planning must also be accompanied by good work—you need to contact the right people for the job. Find properly vetted contractors that can help you find the best tools and materials. Make sure to ask extensively about their experience. As much as possible, you would want the contractors’ specialties to line up with the renovation or repair that you have in mind. This won’t necessarily be the most affordable, and while cost is an important factor to consider, keep in mind that good repairs will last a long time and give you the most value for your hard-earned money.

Fund Your Repairs with the Right Partner

The best way to get funds for your repair and improvement needs without dipping into your personal savings is through a loan, such as EastWest Home Loan. There are many reasons why this is the way to go:

Get the funds you need—If you’re short on cash, an EastWest Home Loan can help you get the exact amount you need for your home repair. Fixed term rate options—Protect yourself from rate fluctuations by choosing your own fixed term. Light and easy repayments—Depending on the amount you loaned, EastWest allows you to stretch the repayment period for up to 30 years, making payments easier and more affordable.

Our families’ safety, security, and comfort start with a well-maintained home. Make sure that you have all you need to keep your house in tip-top shape by considering an EastWest Home Loan. Visit www.eastwestbanker.com/loans/home-loan to learn more.

EastWest (EW), and JCB International Co., Ltd. (JCB), executives celebrate the partnership of the new EastWest JCB Credit Card. From (L-R): EW VP and Digital and Consumer Business Systems Head Efren O. Dela Cruz; EW FVP and Credit Cards Business Head Aylwin P. Tamayo; EW President Jacqueline S. Fernandez; EW Vice Chairman and CEO Antonio C. Moncupa, Jr; JCB President and COO Yoshiki Kaneko; JCB Philippines Country Manager Yusuke Matsui; and JCB EVP and Asean Business Development Head Hiroyuki Katano

East West Banking Corporation and JCB International Co., Ltd. have recently sealed a partnership for the launch of the new EastWest JCB Credit Card.

The signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) was recently held at the Hotel Okura Manila and was witnessed by officials from both institutions. EastWest was headed by Vice Chairman and CEO Antonio C. Moncupa, Jr. and President Jacqueline S. Fernandez. The JCB executives, on the other hand, was headed by President and COO Yoshiki Kaneko.

In his opening remarks, Moncupa pointed out that EastWest’s partnership with JCB is part of the Bank’s efforts to meet their customers’ growing needs for financial products that will allow them to have more options and better experiences in their everyday life.

“With the EastWest JCB Credit Card, we are bringing more Filipinos closer to the Japan experience in general and, in particular, to see the famed ‘Customer-Centered Focus,’ the core of JCB’s ‘Service from the Heart’ service standards. He added that the EastWest JCB Credit Card will be a new way to better experience the modern lifestyle that Japan has to offer.

“As JCB says, ‘it is uniquely yours.’ We thank JCB International for the partnership as we share the wonders of the well-known ‘Japanese way’ with our customers,” Moncupa said.

Kaneko pointed out in his remarks that he considered the MOA signing a historic one since EastWest is the first issuing partner of JCB in the Philippines for the past 25 years.

“As the only international payment brand from Japan, JCB stays true to its Japanese pillars of reliability, preciseness, and hospitality. EastWest reflects the same flexibility and drives to deliver the best customer experience that we champion. Your adherence to the values that we stand for has made both our companies a perfect match,” Kaneko said.

He added that through the partnership, both EastWest and JCB would be able to deliver a world-class level of care and satisfaction to customers in the Philippines and bring them closer to Japan.

For her part, FVP and Credit Cards Business Head Mia P. Tamayo, reaffirmed the excitement in EastWest to officially bring the limitless potential of the partnership to fruition and realization.

“For many Filipinos, experiencing the wonders of Japan is a dream that we want to fulfill. This partnership with JCB will definitely bring our customers to the many reasons that we are in awe and enamored with Japan,” she said.

Tamayo also thanked this momentous partnership between EastWest and JCB. She added that the Japanese wonders of customized service, meticulous visual experience, convenience, relevance, grace and elegance are only one swipe away.

Experience the wonder of Japan with your EastWest JCB Gold Credit Card and EastWest JCB Platinum Credit Card.

Get rewards and savings here, in Japan, and everywhere you go. Earn and accumulate reward points and redeem them for airline miles, cash rebate, or annual membership fee waiver. Enjoy year-round special promotions and discounts from partner merchants. Save even more on your international purchases with a low foreign currency conversion fee.

Elevate your travel experience with complimentary JCB Airport Lounge and JCB Plaza Lounge in Japan and other cities abroad. What’s more, delight in exclusive travel and lifestyle benefits with the EastWest JCB Platinum Privileges

So, what are you waiting for? Apply now for an EastWest JCB Credit Card! Visit bit.ly/EWBJCBCards or head to the nearest EastWest store.

Like many professions over history, banking has traditionally been seen as a field dominated by men. It’s no different in the Philippines, where banking in the country took root in the middle of the 19th century. When one mentions bankers, the mental image that comes to mind can still be that of prim and wizened men.

Despite this perception, the past few decades have done much to challenge and change this idea. Women have increasingly risen through the ranks in many banks in the Philippines, and by the turn of the millennium a handful of the country’s top banks have already embraced the strength and intellect they have to offer in high-ranking positions.

Gotianun-led EastWest is one such bank that has openly rostered a remarkable amount of women in its entire ranks, all the way up to senior management and executive levels. As of Dec. 2021, the bank currently has 4,384 female employees over 2,361 male employees, with 131 female executives over 114 male executives. Currently the bank also has five female members on its Board of Directors.

This strong female-to-male ratio in EastWest’s employee base is due to the bank sufficiently establishing itself as a meritocracy which does not see any gender bias—something that three of its female senior executives know all too well.

“EastWest is a meritocratic environment who cares deeply for its people,” said Board Director Isabelle Gotianun Yap. “We stand by our RED framework—Role Clarity, Environment, and Development for all, and our programs are focused on these elements. We believe our steadfast commitment to placing our people at the center makes a great place for anyone, especially women to work in.”

Simply put, if you’re a banker who excels and is deserving, you get the spot. “Merit and credit are given to the most deserving, this is very much aligned to the culture of the bank. EastWest gives equal opportunity to everyone to excel,” says EastWest SVP and Deputy Head of Retail Banking Group Ivy B. Uy.

“The bank doesn’t consider gender or anything for that matter in making decisions when it comes to people. Fortunately, EastWest has attracted equally good women,” shared SEVP and Chief Lending Officer Jacqueline S. Fernandez.

“I have been in banking for the past 29 years, being exposed to both male and female bosses that served as my role models. I do not believe in stereotypes—I really believe in equality between men and women as long as you also do not undermine yourself and your capabilities,” Uy added.

It also helps that Philippine society as a whole is generally more open to having women in leadership positions, which other countries could still have a problem with. This receptiveness to the idea translates into better opportunities for women’s upward mobility, not just in EastWest but in many organizations and institutions.

“The Philippines is relatively supportive of women in leadership positions so there is a lot of room for upward mobility,” said Yap. “At EastWest, there are definitely opportunities for upward mobility for women—you can see this from our board where almost 50% of our directors are women, and also in our Executive team. We definitely walk the talk here.”

“Over the past few decades, we have seen more and more women occupying senior positions in the banking industry,” said Fernandez. “Since the environment is now neutral to gender, it is just a matter of having women who have what it takes and are ambitious to be at the top. Given this, maybe you can say it’s much easier now compared to five decades ago.

“Though it is true that banking at the top is still male-dominated with only few female bank presidents, many women have proven their mettle over the decades that the banking industry has already opened up to women having senior posts,” added Fernandez.

The feminine strength

Although EastWest prides itself as a bank that does not discriminate, it’s worth noting that women also have their own unique advantages that they bring to their management roles.

“I believe women can add perspectives on empathy and perhaps concerns employees may have not just in the workplace but outside it as well,” said Yap. “Women are also equally resilient and determined, once we have a goal, we are also laser-focused on achieving this.”

Uy is very much familiar with the strengths that a female perspective can add to a bank’s performance, as someone who oversees the bank’s wide network of stores and helped lead remarkable and transformative operations in the organization.

“In my opinion, women bring three unique things to their roles: a transformational leadership style, open cooperation and collaboration, and a democratic communication style,” shared Uy.

“Women are more maalaga. Women leaders function as a role model for their subordinates. They inspire their team and spend a lot of time coaching their team. They care a lot about their personal development.

“Women leaders emphasize teamwork and authentic communication as a key to success. For most women leaders, leadership is not meant only for accomplishing organizational goals but for transforming their followers into better people.

“Lastly, women leaders tend to be participatory and possess a democratic style of leadership. Women oftentimes indirectly communicate their expectations of a given task and allow more space in accomplishing a goal. It sometimes helps the team members use their skills and expertise to complete the task, however, at other times it can be a drawback if the assigned task requires a leader to have direct communication with the members.”

While it is just as true that the strengths and skills that allow one to rise to the top are the same regardless of gender, sometimes there are just some intangibles that some have—and a diverse set of perspectives is crucial to an organization’s exceptional performance.

Providing the proper support

It’s not only in the senior management and executive levels where allyship and consideration for women count—EastWest is also aware that it constantly needs to improve and make sure that its female employee base is always supported, especially when it comes to women’s needs.

“The recent pandemic has brought new challenges to women in terms of work-life balance,” shared Yap. “As our bank was one of the most work-from-home banks in the country, we heard how our employees had to juggle working, teaching, and cooking with everyone under one roof. While we are normalizing and moving back to pre-pandemic work arrangements, we still need to be cognizant that everyone, including women, are also going through that transition in their own lives.”

Fernandez agrees with the need to show more institutional support to women employees. “As an employer, I think we can have some opportunities to address some of their concerns, such as providing lactating rooms to nursing mothers, and other similar initiatives,” she said.

This support for women not only extends to EastWest’s employees, but also to the bank’s female customers, which make up a huge part of its clientele. EastWest understands the financial power that female customers possess, and is currently actively exploring more ways to serve them better and maximize their potential.

“In the Philippines, women play an important role as well in managing the finances of the family, so of course I believe we should have more relevant products for women,” said Yap. “While there are female-targeted products, we should go a layer further and cater to life stages of women and understanding their financial needs from there.”

“Our data are telling us that our borrowers are more women,” said Fernandez. “Thus, we do marketing programs based on various personas which include women.”

“There is always room to understand the needs of any customer more so that we can come up with products or services that can serve them better,” said Uy.

With female EastWestbankers in prominent positions, greatly equipped with the insight and understanding of women on both sides of the counter, both female employees and customers can be assured of top-notch care and service at the bank. EastWest’s direction of holding women up as equal is a permanent and immovable pillar—and major factor—of its excellence.

We may be well into December, but that doesn’t mean it’s too late to get any holiday shopping done!

In fact, it’s the opposite—there are a lot of December deals and sales on your favorite ecommerce platforms, and you can reclaim smart holiday spending by taking advantage of some exclusive perks and discounts when you shop with your EastWest credit card.

Here are three exclusive promos you can enjoy this month:

Lazada’s 12.12 Grand Christmas Sale

Get everything you want and need on Lazada—and also get some discounts while you’re at it! Simply shop on Lazada’s 12.12 Grand Christmas Sale from December 12 to 14 with your EastWest credit card and use the promo codes EWVISALAZ12 for a discount of 15% (up to P500) on a minimum spend of P3,000 if you’re a Visa credit cardholder; and EWMCLAZ12 for a discount of P350 on a minimum spend of P2,500 if you’re a Mastercard credit cardholder. You can use the Visa code up to two times and the Mastercard code up to three times during the promo period, too!

Shopee’s 12.12 Big Christmas Sale and 12.15 Payday Sale

EastWest cardholders can also enjoy discounts when they do their shopping on Shopee this December! On Shopee’s Big Christmas Sale on December 12, EastWest Visa credit cardholders can use the promo code EWVISA1212 for a discount of 15% (up to 500) on a minimum spend of P1,500, while EastWest Mastercard credit cardholders can use the promo code EWMC1212 to get P350 off on a minimum spend of P2,000.

Meanwhile, EastWest cardholders can get the same respective discounts for their Visa or Mastercard credit cards one more time on Shopee’s Payday Sale on December 15. Simply use the promo code EWVISAPD15 for EastWest Visa credit cards and EWMCPD15 for EastWest Mastercard credit cards.

EastWest’s Christmas Perks with MetroMart

Get all the groceries you need for the holidays with EastWest’s exclusive offer on MetroMart! EastWest Mastercard credit cardholders can get a discount of P500 for a minimum spend of P5,000 with any participating merchant at www.MetroMart.com or MetroMart Mobile App. Enjoy this offer four times until December 31 by simply paying with their EastWest Mastercard credit card and using the promo code EWMM500.

With all these great deals waiting for you this December, the holidays are a good time as ever to reclaim your power to spend wisely and shop with your EastWest credit card! To apply for an EastWest credit card and avail of future exclusive perks and deals like these, go to www.ewlend.com/creditCard to talk to our EastWest System Tech Assistant chatbot or go to your nearest EastWest store today.

No matter what the season, investments are always a good idea. You’ll want to grow the money you have by making it work for you, and one of the most common ways to do that is investing in stocks.

But before you start pouring your money into different stocks in the market, it’s best to make sure you know exactly what you’re doing. Stories of people making profits with large one-way bets and winning moves in the market make investing sound easy and effortless, but the truth is, successful investing comes from a lot of patience and research.

You must try to avoid certain tendencies and temptations when investing. It’s easy to lose control and even easier to lose a lot of your finances when you overextend yourself in the market. Fortunately, EastWest FVP and Head of Trust and Asset Management Group, Raul Victor de Guzman, is all too familiar with these investing mistakes with his extensive experience in the field. “You may think you’re right, but the market is never wrong,” says de Guzman.

He shares five common mistakes to watch out for in order to improve your chances of success when investing, especially if you’re quite new to the stock market.

Mistake Number 1: You let your emotions decide

It’s really easy to panic or get greedy whenever you look at the market at any given time. It could result in quickly selling losing stocks or holding on to winning stocks longer than you should. Doing so might minimize your profits. It’s best to be rational and steady your hand. “When investing, you should be very objective and call a spade a spade” advises de Guzman. “Never fall in love with your stock position.”

Mistake Number 2: You don’t understand what a company does

While you can technically invest in any company listed on the market, it’s also your responsibility to understand what the company does and how they make money. Not doing this due diligence can end up in a lot of wasted investments, costing you your hard-earned money. De Guzman suggests that you should be at least able to understand the industry that the company is operating in and be able to explain how the company is making money before you begin investing in it.

Mistake Number 3: You don’t diversify

The best portfolio is a diversified portfolio. As long as you have the resources, it’s always a good idea to spread them out over various issuers, sectors and even asset classes. Depending on how much time you can spend monitoring and managing your own portfolio, as a general rule, try not to invest more than 5% to 10% of your money to any one investment. “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket,” says de Guzman. “Collect, then select.”

Mistake Number 4: You overdiversify

Although diversification could be good for your portfolio, overdoing it may hurt your long-term returns. The trick is knowing enough about the market so that you can make strategic investment plays that would generate consistent returns over time. “Too much of a good thing can’t be all that good,” says de Guzman.

Mistake Number 5: You’re not patient

A lot of stories of investment wins seem to promise a lot of money in a short period of time, but that’s actually the exception to the rule. Getting good returns on your investments take a lot of time, and anyone who promises you a get-rich-quick scheme is usually a recipe for disaster.

"All great things take time and commitment to build,” says de Guzman. “When investing, the amount of time you spend in the market is better than trying to time the market and pick the market highs and lows. Rome was not built in a day."

Fortunately, you don’t have to make your investment decisions alone. A bank like EastWest has experts and advisors who can help you reclaim your life and help manage your finances by investing the right way. EastWest can help you choose a diverse set of investment products which are consistent and suitable with your risk profile and designed to make your money work for you to generate the returns you deserve.

To know more and get started on investing with EastWest, visit your nearest EastWest store or visit the EastWest website today.

For most schools, the year has just begun. And while students have already turned a fresh new page in their academic career, some parents may still be found fretting over how they can afford a whole new year of tuition fees and other school expenses.

The numbers may appear daunting, but there some ways you can stay on top of payments, particularly for your child’s school:

Save a portion of your monthly income for your child’s education. Now that you have an idea of how much you should be shelling out per school year, you can plan how much per month you need to allot from your income and contribute to the school fund.

Negotiate the payment schedule with the school. Talk to the school about paying in installments fitting to your current financial situation. Just be mindful of the interest rates of the school’s payment programs, especially for longer paying terms.

Review the tuition fee inclusions. Tuition fees may already include essentials like books and supplies, which you can purchase outside the school to help reduce the total amount. An example would be secondhand books which can be sourced from mom groups which sell their children’s pre-used books at lower prices.

Partner with a bank that provides installment options at low interest rates. A bank can become your reliable payment partner for high, long-term dues—and what could be a greater priority than your child’s education, right?

EastWest Credit Card’s Tuition Installment Facility gives cardholders the option to reimburse tuition fee transactions and repay them in fixed monthly installments through their credit card. With a minimum of PHP 10,000.00, the transaction amount can be paid in easy and flexible installment terms of 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months with monthly add-on rates of as low as 1.00%.

“The country’s current situation brings about a lot of financial uncertainty, so it’s vital for us to plan ahead especially for big-ticket expenses such as the tuition fees of our children,” EastWest FVP & Head of Credit Cards and Business Governance, Mia Tamayo said. “EastWest helps our customers do just that—stay in control of specific priorities such as their children’s education through our products. Hearing about the positive impact these have made on their lives fuels us to level up our services even more.”

EastWest Credit Card’s Tuition Installment Facility promo will run until December 31, 2021 and is open to all active EastWest credit cardholders in good credit standing. To learn more, visit bit.ly/EWBTIFPR. To apply, call the EastWest 24-hour Customer Service Hotline at +63288881700.

There’s no denying that the pandemic has caused a lot of challenges on Filipinos, such as rising prices on just about everything. For motorists, increasing fuel prices are a cause for concern, and it would be great if they could find a way to save what they can on their fuel expenses and get greater value for their money.

Fortunately, there is a bank ready to help and ease the burden when it comes to rising fuel prices. EastWest has partnered with fuel company Unioil to provide exclusive discounts to both EastWest debit and credit cardholders gassing up at participating Unioil stations.

Getting the discount is simple. Just go to your nearest participating Unioil station and you’ll automatically get P2.50/L off for Diesel, P3.00/L off for Gas 91, or P4.00/L off for Gas 95 and 97 when you inform the station personnel that you will be paying with your EastWest debit or credit card. What’s better is that you can avail yourself of this discount three times and up to 80 liters every day!

This exclusive promo lasts until November 14, 2021, so gas up at Unioil using your EastWest credit or debit card today and start saving on fuel expenses!

For a full list of other EastWest debit card promos, log on to https://www.eastwestbanker.com/DebitAndPrepaid/Promos.

For a full list of EastWest credit card promos, log on to https://www.eastwestbanker.com/Cards/CreditCardPromotions.

To apply for an EastWest credit card, log on to https://www.eastwestbanker.com/info/ewcc_afnow.asp or visit your nearest EastWest store today.