As we step into the new year, it's the perfect time to map out your adventures for 2024. If 2023 was all about Revenge Travel to make up for lost time, 2024 is being hailed as the year for more personal travels. Booking.com's Travel Predictions for 2024 suggest a shift towards journeys motivated by a quest for deeper connections and self-discovery.

If you’re already planning your travels to find love or find yourself and need a little inspiration on where to go, here are some Filipino films that not only brought compelling stories of love but also highlighted how the destination itself (and the journey of getting there) is sometimes all that one needs to find what they’re looking for.

“Traveling is all about personal experiences. Whether you're with friends or going solo, there's always something special you discover along the way, giving you unique moments and memories. As a regional insurtech, we at Igloo, are all about providing people-first insurance services and making sure everyone can have those amazing experiences without dealing with the hassles that can mess up trips. This is why we created Travel Master, because we want to provide our travelers a stress-free experience and let them enjoy the best adventures without any interruptions,” said Mario Berta, Igloo Philippines Country Manager.

Developed in collaboration with GCash and Malayan Insurance, Travel Master offers coverage for travelers, encompassing personal accidents, flight delays, lost luggage, emergency medical treatment, hospital cash allowance, travel inconvenience benefits, and protection against COVID-19.

To get Travel Master coverage, just go to the GInsure page in your GCash app. Choose Travel and select Travel Master. Fill out the form with your travel info, and it'll quickly show you the coverage benefits and the premium cost. Once that's done, you're good to go.

Whether you're heading out locally or internationally, Travel Master is there for you, making it a flexible and essential travel companion wherever your journey takes you.

Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte - Broken Hearts Trip (2023)

Maira-ira beach, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte/ Source: Blue Lagoon Inn and Restaurant, Klook

One of the entries for this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), Broken Hearts Trip, is a story about five LGBTQ individuals who are given the chance to heal from their heartbreaks as they journey across the Philippines. One of the spots they explored is Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte, often referred to as the "Boracay of the North." Accessible via land and air, Pagudpud is famed for its stunning beaches, including Maira-ira (commonly known as Blue Lagoon), Saud, and Pansian. These beaches boast white sands and emerald waters, making them an ideal retreat for those seeking solitude with their thoughts or desiring more intimate moments with loved ones as unlike other Filipino beach destinations, Pagudpud tends to be less crowded, offering a tranquil escape.

Fujiyoshida City, Japan – When I Met You in Tokyo (2023)

Chureito Pagoda, Fujiyoshida City, Japan/ Source: Japan Guide

Another entry from this year’s MMFF brings us not only a tale of finding love at the most unexpected times but finding love in some of the most beautiful places in the world. In When I Met You in Tokyo, two old hearts–one battered and bruised and one lonely and seeking comfort–find each other in Tokyo. While much of the story took place in the Japanese capital, the film also took its audience to Fujiyoshida City and the famous Chureito Pagoda, basking in the majestic view of Mount Fuji. A 2-hour train ride from Tokyo, the city offers spectacular views of the mountain. The best time to visit is either during the cherry blossom season in mid-April or in the first half of November to experience the changing colors of autumn. Here, like the stars of When I Met You in Tokyo, you may be able to find healing from past hurts and discover new beginnings against the backdrop of one of the most beautiful sights in the world.

Sagada, Mountain Province - Write About Love (2019)

Sagada, Mountain Province/ Source: Gem Muzones, Guide to the Philippines

In Write About Love, an aspiring writer sought help from a veteran yet disillusioned indie film writer to complete an unfinished script for a love story. Their collaboration eventually led them to a pilgrimage to Sagada, where upon seeing the magnificent sunset and sea of clouds, allowed the two writers to reconcile their personal issues and figure out the ending for their own love stories. For travellers who want a little more adventure and don’t mind putting in the work just to experience breathtaking views, there’s Sagada. A small town in the mountains of Mountain Province, Sagada requires more than a half day’s ride from Manila and another couple of hours trekking to get to the top of Marlboro Hills, the highest point of the town and provides an unobstructed view of sunrise and a sea of clouds.

San Juan, La Union - I’m Drunk I Love You (2017)

San Juan Beach, La Union/ Source: La Union Tayo.com.ph

A beloved romantic drama film, I’m Drunk I Love You is all about taking the chance before it’s too late. The movie revolves around two college best friends who embarked on a final road trip to San Juan, La Union, aiming to determine if their bond will remain platonic or evolve into something more. While La Union, also known as Elyu, has earned its reputation as one of the Philippines' top surfing spots, "I'm Drunk I Love You" shines a spotlight on the town's laid-back yet vibrant atmosphere. Here, bars resonate with reggae beats, serve delectable food, and are adorned with eclectic decorations reflecting both local and foreign influences.

Beyond the shoreline (surprising as it may sound), you can explore more of La Union's natural beauty by trekking to the impressive 40-feet high Tangadan Falls. With its unique blend of attractions, it's no wonder La Union has become a go-to destination, providing a comforting retreat for many travelers.

Barcelona, Spain - Barcelona: A Love Untold (2016)

Park Güell, Barcelona/ Source: Getty Images, Conde Nast Traveler

Set within the romantic and vibrant city that is Barcelona, Barcelona: A Love Untold is about two people each carrying their own emotional baggage, viewing the city as either a distraction or a chance for a fresh start. Amid the colorful ambiance of the capital of Catalonia, it becomes the setting for two people seeking different things but irresistibly drawn to each other. With Barcelona’s vibrance, it's no wonder that so many people come to immerse themselves in its rich culture. From the stunning mosaics of Park Güell to the timeless art at the Picasso Museum, there's an abundance of beauty to explore and enjoy. Barcelona is not just a city to appreciate art and culture; it's also an ideal place to discover love or realize that, like Gaudi's Sagrada Familia, you're also a beautiful work-in-progress.

Learn more about Travel Master by visiting the GCash GInsure Marketplace and ensure that your trips to find love or find yourself are seamless and hassle-free.

In the Philippines, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) comprise 99.58% of all businesses in the country and employ 64.67% of the entire workforce and are the driving force of the economy. These businesses, which include small community stores or sari-sari stores, water refilling stations, laundry stations, and many others, not only contribute to the country's GDP but also provide essential services to the local communities.

Such is the outsized importance of MSMEs that the United Nations (UN) designated every June 27 as International MSME Day to raise awareness on their immense contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These enterprises play a pivotal role in driving local and national economies while also supporting the livelihoods of the working poor, women, youth, and vulnerable groups.

It’s no surprise that many Filipinos want to open their own small businesses. A recent survey by Philippine research firm OCTA Research showed that 81% of adult Filipinos want to be entrepreneurs. This desire to start their own businesses reflects the recognition of the opportunities and potential that MSMEs offer, not only in terms of economic growth but also in empowering individuals and communities.

If you’re one of the Filipinos who want to try their hand at starting their own businesses, here are some tips that can help you get started.

Starting an MSME in the Philippines

The first step of every aspiring entrepreneur is deciding what kind of business to open and where to open it if you plan on having a physical storefront. It’s essential to conduct thorough research whether there’s a market for your product or service, enough foot traffic and if the location is appropriate for it.

Aspiring entrepreneurs can also explore a hybrid phygital (a portmanteau of physical and digital) setup including offering online payments or e-commerce options to widen reach and market.

Second, once you’ve decided on the business and where to open it, get your necessary documentation and permits. In the Philippines, businesses are required to register with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), if they’re a sole proprietorship, or with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) if it’s a partnership or a corporation.

Businesses also need to get a Mayor's permit or municipal license from the city or municipality where the establishment is located. They also need to register with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to ensure proper taxation. If they plan on employing other people to help run the business, registrations with other government agencies such as the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Social Security System (SSS) are also required.

This may seem like a lot of steps but these registrations and permits ensure that you’re able and willing to run your business properly and legally by following applicable laws and regulations. For a full list of registration and permit requirements, DTI has compiled a list here.

Beyond securing the location and required permits, an important step when it comes to running a business is to protect your business from any unwanted incidents including injuries, burglaries, and accidents. Consider getting small business insurance like NegosyoCare. Created by regional insurtech Igloo in partnership with Malayan Insurance and GCash, NegosyoCare is an insurance product specifically designed to protect MSMEs.

“MSMEs are the backbone of the economy, but they often run on tight budgets and have limited access to financing. This puts them at risk when unexpected events come knocking and disrupt their operations. That's why having small business insurance, like NegosyoCare, is so important. It offers affordable and accessible coverage, giving these businesses the protection they need without breaking the bank,” said Mario Berta, Igloo Philippines Country Manager.

Available via GCash’s GInsure marketplace, NegosyoCare premiums begin at P160 for one-month coverage and up to P525 for one-year coverage. It provides coverage for accidental deaths, total permanent disability due to accident, and disablement or dismemberment due to accident for up to P50,000. Benefits also include medical reimbursement for accidents for up to P5,000, fire cash assistance for P10,000, and coverage for burglary and housebreaking for P10,000.

These tips only scratch the surface of what it takes to run a business in the Philippines, but by taking these steps, aspiring entrepreneurs can set themselves up for success and remember: protect your small business with NegosyoCare, available at the GCash GInsure Marketplace.

The long, hot days of summer are finally here and if you’re one of the many who’s up for travel and adventure this season, there are many fascinating tourist and vacation spots around the country you can add to your bucket list.

A recent study by travel and experience platform Klook noted that 87% of Filipinos are raring to travel with many of their destinations of choice within the Philippines as booking for domestic destinations have exceeded pre-pandemic levels in 2022.

Domestic travel, according to the Department of Tourism, is expected to make a full recovery this year with the country’s hotel and resorts association reporting that occupancy has breached 2019 numbers and is largely driven by domestic tourism.

With 2023 being dubbed as the year of Revenge Travel, there’s no better time to plan your trip, pack your bags and head-off for an unforgettable adventure. But before you do, ensure your travels are hassle-free by getting Travel Master Insurance with COVID-19.

“It’s summer and we’re sure that many Filipinos are already picking out the destinations they want to travel to, especially since the Philippines has so many beautiful sites to see–from beautiful beaches to beautiful towns and cities–there’s something for every kind of traveler. Traveling should be fun, stress-free, and hassle-free, this is why we created Travel Master insurance–to provide our travelers the peace of mind and protection from any kind of eventuality so they can make the most out of their trips,” said Mario Berta, Igloo’s Country Manager for the Philippines.

Created in partnership with GCash and Malayan Insurance, Travel Master with COVID-19 provides travelers coverage including for personal accidents, flight delays, lost luggage, emergency medical treatment, hospital cash allowance, travel inconvenience benefits, and COVID-19 protection.

To get the Travel Master coverage, simply access the GInsure page available on your GCash app and select Travel and Travel Master with COVID-19. Fill in the form with your travel details and it will immediately provide you with coverage benefits and the premium contribution and you’re set to go.

Travel Master with COVID-19 is available whether you’re planning to travel locally or internationally–making it a flexible and much-needed travel companion anywhere you go.

So if you’re looking for destinations to add to your vacation bucket list, here are six spots around the Philippines to get you started:


Samal Island Tourism Information Center, Facebook

Island Garden City of Samal

Davao del Norte

Located at the heart of the Davao Gulf, the Island Garden City of Samal is known as the largest resort island in the country– home to more than 30 resorts across a 118-kilometer stretch of coastline.

A mere 15-minute boat ride from Davao City, the resort island is a great stop for those who want to soak in the beautiful landscapes and seascapes of the Philippines. Go snorkeling and bask in the beauty of the 150-hectare Coral Garden and Marine Park that includes the Audanao Fish Sanctuary and the Giant Clam Sanctuary. On land, travelers can enjoy exploring the 11.5-hectare government-owned botanical garden and nature park where they can see diverse flora and fauna.

The resort island is also home to the largest colony of fruit bats in the world and they can be seen in their natural habitat at the Monfort Bat cave.


Alona Beach Guide, Website

Alona Beach

Bohol

The Philippines is home to amazing beaches (it has more than 7,000 islands after all) and if you’re on the hunt for a new beach haunt that has white sand beaches like Boracay, Alona Beach in Panglao, Bohol is a great spot to add to your travel bucket list.

The white sand beach stretches a good 1.5 kilometers and is in full view of the blue, blue waters of the sea of Bohol. Nature lovers and adventure seekers may also immerse themselves in the rich marine biodiversity of Balicasag Island–a few minutes boat ride from Panglao island. Here you can snorkel and view its 400-meter coral garden and marine sanctuary.

Meanwhile, those who want to get the most out of their vacation and explore more of Bohol can also visit the famous Chocolate Hills, the Mahogany Forest, or take a slow, leisurely ride and a beautiful lunch along the Loboc River with the Loboc River Cruise.
 

Lacson Ruins, Facebook

The Ruins

Bacolod

Often called the “Taj Mahal of the Philippines,” The Ruins or the Lacson Ruins was the ancestral home of local sugar baron Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson built in the early 1900s in Talisay, Bacolod City. Inspired by Italian architecture, the Ruins was built in the memory of Don Mariano’s wife Maria, who died giving birth to their 8th child.

During the Second World War, the mansion was burned by Philippine guerillas to prevent it from being used by the Japanese. The mansion burned for three days straight but left behind its beautiful foundation. The Ruins has now become a popular tourist and event spot, especially for weddings because of its romantic history.

For those who want to experience more of the old-age architecture of the Philippines, they can–after visiting the Ruins–take a day trip to the neighboring city of Silay and visit its large collection of perfectly-preserved heritage houses including the Golez Heritage House and the Balay Negrense heritage house and museum.



Museo Orlina, Facebook
 

Museo Orlina

Tagaytay City

For those who want a more leisurely adventure in cooler climes, Museo Orlina in Tagaytay City, is the perfect place for you.

Located at Hollywood St. Hollywood Subdivision in Tagaytay City, the museum houses the many glass sculptures of famed Filipino visual artist Ramon Orlina. Spend an hour or two exploring the four-floor exhibit area including the Reflections Gallery where Mr. Orlina exhibits videos, images, and documents charting his art journey; and the Naesa Gallery which features an ever-changing exhibition featuring up-and-coming Filipino artists.

If you fancy viewing his work alongside nature, take a walk at the Sculpture Garden and Amphitheater, and cap off the visit with a spectacular view of Taal Lake at the roof deck.



Tam-awan Village, Website



Bell Church, Website

Tam-awan Village and Bell Church

As the Summer Capital of the Philippines, many vacationers travel to Baguio in search for respite from the hot weather. The cooler climate alongside the beautiful nature makes it a must-go destination for anyone regardless of their preference for adventure.

Those who’ve been to Baguio several times would undoubtedly know of its most famous landmarks including Wright Park, Burnham Park, Camp John Hay, and more. But for those who want to discover more of the city and its culture, there’s no better place to visit than the Tam-awan Village and the Bell Church.

Tam-awan Village located in Pinsao Proper, Baguio City is perfect for those interested in art and history. The village features indigenous craftsmanship and Ifugao architecture alongside art pieces made by local artists set within a sprawling and beautiful mountainside forest.

Bell Church, meanwhile, is a 63-year-old Taoist temple located in La Trinidad, Benguet. Here visitors can enjoy the beautiful architecture and the quaint lotus pond and even have their fortunes read by the monks of the temple.

Whether your summer plans are for adventure or relaxation, domestic or international, make your travels all fun and worry-free withTravel Master Insurance with COVID-19 available at the GCash’s GInsure marketplace.

They say absence makes the heart grow fonder but in this age of technology, all you need is a few taps on your mobile device to make your loved ones feel cared for even if you are miles away.

Filipinos living and working abroad have a heartwarming tendency to continue helping relatives back home - whether it’s sending them the habitual balikbayan box filled with canned goods, clothes, shoes, cosmetics, or fragrances or wiring funds to help them with their daily expenses.

There is no doubt that opportunities abroad can grant overseas Filipino workers better compensation and a better future, for themselves and their families back home. But the sacrifices made to work overseas do not come without a price; there’s an absence of physical presence, the children grow up faster than expected, and special occasions such as birthdays and Christmases will most likely be missed.

“We want to continue serving our kababayans and enabling them wherever they are in the world. This is why we are constantly innovating to remove barriers and simplify the use of GCash so that more Filipinos abroad can take advantage of the app and its hassle-free features. We know being away from family is difficult enough, so providing them with quality service via GCash is our way to help ease their worries.” says GCash Chief Customer Officer Winsley Bangit.

Thanks to GCash, parang nandyan ka lang! Filipinos abroad can easily send love and support to their families in the Philippines as if they never left. GCash offers a slew of services which help them to continue showing their care and support wherever they are in the world:

1.Sending money for FREE. Sending money to people in the Philippines is now faster and easier, especially for OFWs. By using GCash Send Money service in your app, your loved ones will be able to receive funds in real-time and straight to their GCash accounts for free. GCash users abroad can also take advantage of easily funding their GCash wallets through Cash In channels, with global remittance partners such as Remitly, Sendwave and Alipay available in 200+ countries worldwide which can be accessed online or through their branches. Those abroad may also opt for the Bank Cash In option, where users can link their Philippine bank accounts, either BPI or UnionBank, and Cash In for free without leaving the GCash app.

2.Giving support for everyday needs. Being able to communicate through messaging is a commodity in this time and age. A perfect token to send apart from monetary support, GCash users may also buy load for their loved ones back home. With GCash, users can simply enter the recipient’s number and buy telco, broadband and even lifestyle load for entertainment and gaming needs. 3.Managing finances for the future. GCash is more than just a mobile wallet. It allows users to control and grow their finances through various financial services, such as GSave, a savings marketplace that allows users to open and access a savings account through their GCash app. For instance, a user can open a BPI MySaveUp account anytime, anywhere. They can also opt to open a savings account with CIMB Bank and enjoy a high interest rate earning 2.6% base interest rate annually with no minimum balance requirement.

Moreover, GCash also offers GInvest, allowing people to grow their savings further by investing in various funds for as low as P50.

4.Having access to great deals and offers. Coined as the super life app, GCash has GLife, a one-stop online shop in the app housing various lifestyle brands, from gaming, to food, wellness, and many more. Aside from secured transactions, GLife gives you the luxury of accessing shops and merchants at once via GCash App without having to make various accounts and switching apps. With this, you don’t have to miss out on celebrations back home such as birthdays, graduation parties, or even a small get-together. Simply head over to GLife and choose gifts that you can send home.

When it comes to providing protection, having insurance also provides a sense of security. With insurance policies often being too expensive, GCash has also introduced GInsure. Filipinos living abroad can rest easy knowing that with GInsure they can safeguard their families back home against potential risks without putting a dent in their budget. It offers various insurance packages from SingLife for as low as P79 a month. Get coverage up to 750k with options to avail cover protection against COVID-19, dengue or income loss due to accidents.

Filipinos abroad can access all these amazing features and more by simply downloading the GCash app and registering using one Philippine ID to verify and an active Philippine roaming sim. Through GCash, millions of Filipinos can support their families in different ways at their fingertips.

Visit www.gcash.com to learn more about its products and services