We all have different #GCashStories and personal anectodes using the Gcash mobile wallet. My relationship with GCash started in 2004 (about the same year it was launched) when I started selling stuff online (if you are familiar with eBay and multiply, we are probably of the same age), and GCash was already there allowing me to receive payments from my buyers.

Interestingly, one of my online buyers back in 2007 is now a good friend in the industry. I just discovered that our first interaction was in 2007 (via email) about one of my products that she had won through online bidding. She paid for the item via Gcash. 💙 We didn’t know we had that first interaction/transaction way before we became friends in the blogging industry. She is in the photo below. Guess who?

Angela, Ruth, Ana, Aiva and Aisa

By design, technology makes life easier. It minimizes the lines we stand in, gets things delivered to our doorsteps, and transports us from one place to another with a few taps on our smartphones. But amidst every new and more efficient fix, technology also continues to strengthen connections and foster relationships.

More than just a Finance Super App, GCash has features that have allowed parents, friends, relatives, and even acquaintances with a simple and efficient way to transfer money, making it easier to provide support and financial assistance whenever needed.

To highlight the connections that have been strengthened through its services, GCash recently launched #GCashStories. The series highlights stories of hope and progress, turning them into inspirational conversations.

#GCashStories Short Films Preview: Cocoy and Ate Alma

Last April 28th, I got to attend the exclusive preview held at the Mess Hall in Makati for the two #GcashStories short fillms.

The first short film featured the story of Cocoy Rubio, who became a small business owner with the help of GCash’s different services after losing his job due to the pandemic. Thanks to GLoan, Cocoy was able to start his own business and make the necessary transactions that helped him succeed.

“We are now 79 million strong,” says Neil Trinidad, GCash’s Chief Marketing Officer. “We are providing 70% of Filipinos with the necessary digital tools and have distributed over USD 320 million of financial aid.”

Now, a second film tells us the true story of Ate Alma, a photocopy operator in a university and a family breadwinner, who lost her home due to typhoon flooding. Directed by Antoinette Jadaone, this chapter in #GCashStories pulls at heartstrings and proves how technology not only makes daily transactions easier but also provides an accessible way to genuinely lend a helping hand.

After learning that Ate Alma’s home was severely damaged due to flooding, university students took it upon themselves to start a fundraising initiative powered by GCash. Spreading the news through social media, students and graduates sent their donations to Ate Alma through GCash’s Send Money feature, which allowed volunteers to donate in real time and from wherever they were—straight to Ate Alma’s GCash wallet. Even alumni of different graduating classes who remembered Ate Alma fondly were able to participate from wherever they were. In the end, Ate Alma’s community was able to raise enough money to purchase essential goods for her and her family, making the road to recovery after the typhoon that much easier.

We all have that “Ate Alma” in our lives who became part of our journey. It is touching how the students helped her recover and rebuild her home through GCash.

“Sa totoo lang napakalaking tulong sa akin ng GCash talaga. Hindi ako makapaniwala kasi first time lang nangyari sa akin. Thank you talaga sa GCash,” says Ate Alma. “Sobrang nagulat ako, hindi ko akalain na ganoon karami agad ang dumating. Isipin mo naging 100,000 agad ang dumating sa GCash ko. Talagang patuloy silang naghulog sa GCash hanggang nabuo yung bahay namin.”

During the Q&A segment, Ate Alma shared how she felt the first time she saw the GCash notifications.

Ate Alma

Ate Alma with former Ateneo students

Neil Trinidad, Gcash Chief Marketing Officer

“#GCashStories is everyone’s story,” Neil Trinidad says. “And this campaign aims to turn our moments into movements.”

Send Money allows GCash users to quickly transfer funds from one account to any of the other 79 million. Whether through a unique QR code or the user’s GCash number, money is safely transferred instantly. What’s more, those who receive the transfer can easily make cashless purchases with GCash payments, or even to Buy Load, Pay Online and more. Cashing in to transfer is easy, too, with multiple options available. Users can Cash In from over 70 online banks, 650,000 over-the-counter partners or through 4,000 cash in machines nationwide.

Other stories shared by GCash users on how the app solved life’s little problems

GCash is doing more than highlighting #GCashStories that have changed people’s lives. They’ve taken the campaign further and have tapped several non-government organizations in order to help solve real-world problems. The e-wallet has partnered up with ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation and Caritas Manila, where proceeds will go to families in need of disaster relief, much like Ate Alma’s.

What a beautiful day to connect and learn from GCash’s inspiring stories.

Thank you GCash for having me! Follow @ruthilicious for more stories.

Have your own story of hope and progress? Share yours by using the hashtags #GCashStories and #MyGCashStory, and tagging @gcashofficial.