GCash to participate in 2024 Geeks On A Beach in Cebu, showcasing its data and AI strategies for financial inclusivity

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



The country’s leading e-wallet and digital financial services platform is attending the Philippines’ premier international startup conference, Geeks On A Beach (GOAB), which will take place in Cebu from November 14 to 15, 2024.


GCash Chief Data Officer Sara Venturina will share her insights on the GCash approach to harnessing data and AI for financial inclusivity on the first day of GOAB, alongside other stalwarts of the tech and startup community in the country and the region.


Venturina will also sit as one of the speakers on the panel on AI Governance along with DICT Undersecretary Jocelle Batapa-Sigue and Prof. Angela Daly of the University of Dundee, UK.

Co-organized by the British Embassy in Manila, this panel will explore the meaning of safe and responsible AI and key considerations for startups, organizations, and government agencies in developing AI governance frameworks.

GCash’s FinTech journey


“FinTech companies like GCash use AI to drive convenience, financial inclusion, and economic growth. It powers new products, expands customer opportunities, and enhances protection,” said Venturina.


Venturina explained that pioneering data initiatives and transformative growth have marked GCash’s journey.


Between 2015 and 2019, GCash established Mynt, GXI, and Fuse, secured strategic investments from Ant Financial and Ayala, launched Pay QR to redefine cashless transactions, and developed GScore, a proprietary trust score for lending.


From 2020 to 2024, GCash achieved unicorn and duacorn valuations, closed funding rounds with major investors, and upgraded its platform to improve scalability and security. GCash institutionalized data practices and promoted ethical AI use during this period through its “Good Data for Good” charter.


“Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, GCash is committed to providing financial access and empowering Filipinos to achieve greater financial progress,” said Venturina.


GCash’s new AI-enhanced features


GCash recently introduced several AI-driven features to enhance user experience and reshape the fintech landscape.


Among the key innovations is Online PaySafe, a security feature that uses multi-factor authentication to prevent scams and fraud. The upgraded AI-powered Gigi chatbot can handle user queries, perform security checks, recall past conversations, and seamlessly connect users to live agents.


GScore AI assesses users’ creditworthiness based on app usage, streamlining loan access without requiring additional documentation. Hyper-personalized ads deliver tailored shopping offers based on user behavior. At the same time, GCoach AI provides personalized financial advice on budgeting, saving, and spending.


Additionally, Send Money Protect, launched in partnership with Chubb, offers users insurance against transaction fraud.


“The wide range of cutting-edge features we recently launched are designed to transform the fintech space and improve the consumer experience. GCash hopes to build a future that is abundant and ethically data-driven, making Filipino lives better,” said Venturina.


Recognizing women’s contributions in tech


“We are excited to hear GCash Chief Data Officer Sara Venturina share insights on responsible and ethical data and AI usage from the country’s premier e-wallet and digital financial services platform,” said Tina Amper, GOAB lead organizer.


"Venturina's talk highlights the crucial contributions of women in the tech startup ecosystem, a force that many are only now beginning to recognize," Amper said.


“GCash’s FinTech journey as told by Venturina will surely be of interest to the over 500 entrepreneurs, investors, and global tech leaders expected to attend the Geeks On A Beach conference in Cebu this November,” said Amper.

About Geeks On A Beach


Geeks On A Beach is a three-day global conference that brings together hundreds of entrepreneurs, investors, innovators, and renowned figures from the startup ecosystem to highlight the nation’s accomplishments in the startup arena, both locally and internationally.


This year’s GOAB will be held at JPark Island Resort Hotel in Mactan. It is organized by geeksPH in partnership with the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT).


To join Geeks On A Beach, purchase tickets at https://geeksonabeach.com or email hello@geeksonabeach.com. Discounted tickets are available for a limited period.

Karaoke Manekineko Brings Joy to Bukit Bintang with 'Free Hug with Maneckey' Event!

 

On October 25, 2024, Karaoke Manekineko’s Bukit Bintang outlet hosted a heartwarming “Free Hug with Maneckey” event, giving customers the opportunity to embrace Maneckey, share their experiences, and receive a 10% discount coupon for future visits. The event saw enthusiastic participation, spreading joy and connecting with the community.

Kuala Lumpur, October 25, 2024 – Karaoke Manekineko’s Bukit Bintang outlet was brimming with smiles and joy during its “Free Hug with Maneckey” event. Held from 4:00 PM to 4:30 PM and 5:00 PM to 5:30 PM, this special occasion invited fans of all ages to connect with the beloved Maneckey mascot. Those who participated in the event received a warm hug, were encouraged to share their thoughts, and were awarded a 10% discount coupon to use on their next visit.

The event proved to be a hit with both new visitors and regular customers, who enjoyed the cheerful atmosphere and the chance to create lasting memories. Participants gathered eagerly for their turn with Maneckey, showing excitement and gratitude. This initiative was part of Karaoke Manekineko’s ongoing efforts to engage with its community in creative, fun, and interactive ways, adding a touch of personal connection to the Karaoke experience.

The “Free Hug with Maneckey” event exemplified Karaoke Manekineko’s commitment to creating memorable experiences for its patrons, demonstrating that a simple gesture of kindness can go a long way. The team looks forward to organizing more events in the future to strengthen bonds with customers and create a lively, inviting atmosphere at all outlets.

About Koshidaka International KL Sdn Bhd

Koshidaka International was incorporated in 2021 at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia as a full subsidiary of Koshidaka Holdings. The company serves as a management consultancy arm for the Karaoke Manekineko operations in Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. Karaoke Manekineko is a friendly and safe environment for Karaoke that is designed to accommodate a diverse range of customers, from families with young children to groups of friends and corporate teams.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

Ways Inspirational Messages Transform Lives Online

  

Words carry significant power in today’s world (where digital screens are our everyday companions). A single inspirational message can change perspectives, provide hope, and uplift individuals, even during difficult times. The internet has increased this power, allowing one person's positive words to reach millions. Motivation and encouragement are now easily accessible with just a click.

So, what makes an inspirational message so powerful? The emotional impact of words is undeniable. However, what causes certain messages to shine? An effective motivational message is often authentic (people relate to real stories and honest feelings), relatable (when individuals find parts of themselves in the message, it resonates), and actionable. Effective messages encourage people to take small but meaningful steps. By combining these elements, an inspirational message can create an impact in ways that words alone can’t capture. Although it might seem straightforward, the right words can make a difference.

The Rise of Digital Inspiration

The rise of social media has really changed (in many ways) how we consume motivational content. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram and TikTok have led to the growth of motivational accounts and individuals who share daily affirmations, success stories and inspiring quotes. Now, no matter where someone is in the world, they can easily find a source of positivity, guidance and encouragement. However, this constant stream of content can sometimes feel overwhelming. Although it’s great to have access to these resources, some might question the quality of the information shared. But, because there’s so much available, it’s important to look for trustworthy sources that genuinely uplift and inspire.

Benefits of Inspirational Messages

Boosting Mental Health and Well-being: Encouraging messages can help (and) fight negative thoughts, improving mental strength. Building a Sense of Community: Online spaces have turned into communities where people share, inspire and support one another. Providing Hope in Difficult Times: When people encounter struggles, an uplifting message can remind them of their strength and ability to (overcome) challenges. However, this can be hard because not everyone reacts the same way. Although some might find comfort online, others may feel alone. But the important thing is to keep spreading positivity, as it can really make a difference in someone’s life.

Motivational Speakers in the Philippines

In the Philippines, motivational speakers play a significant role in shaping lives. They speak to students, professionals, and the general public, offering a unique blend of relatability and insight. Some of these speakers emphasize personal development, while others focus on career growth or resilience. However, they all share a passion for making a difference.

How do motivational speakers reach audiences online?

Motivational speakers use various online platforms to connect with people effectively. They engage through Facebook and Instagram (posts, reels, and stories), which provide short, yet powerful messages. YouTube allows for longer discussions on important life skills. Live sessions are another method; by hosting live talks, speakers can interact with viewers in real time, creating a space for learning and sharing.

This transformative power of inspirational content is clear. Many lives have changed through simple online messages. For instance, some individuals were close to giving up, but they found inspiration in a powerful story or a simple message that reminded them of their potential. Although these stories show that online content can be much more than just words on a screen, it can be a lifeline.

The Science Behind Motivation

Motivational content has a strong psychological effect, as it can cause the release of dopamine (the “feel-good” hormone). This release leads to feelings of happiness and satisfaction. Positive messages are impactful because they help train the brain to seek out positive outcomes, which builds mental resilience over time. Engaging forms of online inspiration often include quotes and affirmations; these are short messages that give quick bursts of motivation. Success stories (which are real-life examples of people overcoming hardships) can inspire and provide hope. Visual content is popular too, because videos and images express emotion more vividly than just text. Daily affirmations, although simple, are surprisingly powerful. When people read or say these affirmations, they can gradually increase their confidence, lower stress and improve their outlook. A few examples (not exhaustive) could include:

“I am capable of achieving my goals.”

“Every day, I am growing and becoming better.” However, there are challenges and criticisms of online inspiration. Despite their popularity, motivational messages online can have some issues. There is a fine line between authentic positivity and “toxic positivity” (which ignores real struggles). Messages that feel inauthentic or oversimplified may lead to unrealistic expectations (this makes it important to choose sources thoughtfully). To find genuinely impactful content online, look for verified sources (follow reputable speakers and sources with a track record of authenticity). Real stories also matter: messages that share real experiences are often more impactful. You should avoid generic content, because motivational messages that seem too vague may lack the depth needed to truly inspire. If you’re looking to share your inspiration, be genuine; people connect with real emotions and stories (use visuals to pair words with meaningful images or videos to enhance the message). Keeping it simple is key; shorter, focused messages are often more powerful. In the digital era, the role of a motivational speaker has changed, but their impact remains significant.

Today, motivational speakers aren't only limited to live audiences (which many people think)—they also adapt their messages to digital platforms. In the Philippines, a lot of speakers are successfully reaching followers through Facebook Lives, YouTube channels, and Instagram stories. This lets them provide motivation that can touch people from anywhere (which is super impressive). However, the challenge remains: how do they keep their audience engaged? Although it can be difficult, these speakers come up with creative ways to inspire others, because they know the importance of connection in today's digital world.

Conclusion

In a world (that’s) full of challenges, online inspirational messages provide a beacon of hope and encouragement. They assist people in finding meaning and maintaining resilience. However, they also link individuals with others who share their experiences. By being authentic and mindful, both creators and consumers of motivational content can promote positive changes in the lives of many (this is vital). Although some might question the effect of such messages, they can genuinely lead to transformative change. Because of this, it’s essential to acknowledge their power.

FAQs

1. How do inspirational messages (really) support mental health?

Inspirational messages can help reduce negative thoughts, boost positivity, and improve resilience—this benefits mental health significantly. However, this impact is not always immediate.

2. Who are some popular motivational speakers in the Philippines? Several well-known motivational speakers in the Philippines focus on various aspects of growth (such as) personal development, mental health, and resilience. Although their methods may differ, the core message remains consistent.

3. How can I find authentic motivational content online?

Look for verified accounts and speakers with a genuine track record. Real stories and actionable advice are also good indicators of quality content, but you must be careful.

4. Why are daily affirmations effective?

Daily affirmations (which are positive statements) work by reinforcing good thoughts. They help people build confidence, reduce stress, and maintain a positive mindset. However, how do motivational speakers reach online audiences effectively? They use social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. These platforms allow them to post engaging content, host live sessions, and share valuable insights. This is important because it connects them with their audience. Although many speakers face challenges, they find ways to make their message resonate.