Familiar and Fresh: How URC Continues to Surprise Filipinos After 70 Years

 

Some favourites never go out of style—and they continue to delight in new ways. For 70 years, Universal Robina Corporation (URC) has been a constant companion in Filipino households through quality and well-loved brands such as Jack ‘n Jill Piattos, Maxx, Cloud 9, Cream-O, C2 Cool and Clean, and Great Taste, among others. Staying true to its purpose of delighting everyone with good food choices, URC constantly evolves alongside the tastes and lifestyles of consumers.

Today, the company continues to excite generations of consumers by introducing fresh flavours, new formats, and exciting product experiences that prove innovation can come from the brands Filipinos already know and love. 

Here’s how some of URC’s popular brands are continuously evolving to excite and delight everyone:

The iconic tasty hexagon snack keeps offering exciting flavours

As a staple in daily snacking moments of Pinoys, Piattos is widely loved for its signature hexagon shape, satisfying crunch, and classic flavors such as Cheese, Sour Cream & Onion, Roadhouse Barbeque, Nacho Pizza, Roast Beef and Spicy Cheese. To excite today’s adventurous palates and satisfy evolving snack cravings, the brand continues to introduce more flavor options—from limited-edition creations like Beef Bulgogi and Truffle Cream, to exciting flavor combinations like its latest Cheddar & Sour Cream variant.

Alongside Piattos, other Jack 'n Jill favorites—including Nova, Mang Juan, and VCut—as well as classics like Chippy and Chiz Curls, continue to roll out exciting new flavor profiles, giving Filipinos even more reasons to look forward to snack time.

From sandwich cookie to full chocolate experience 

Cream-O has long been the go-to treat for chocolate lovers, but URC has reimagined the brand to go way beyond the traditional cookie format. To satisfy modern cravings for premium and indulgent textures, the brand has expanded into an entire ecosystem, featuring Cream-O Cake Bar, Cream-O Cakewich, and Cream-O Premium. Its newest is the Cream-O Dark Choco, an indulgent cookie sandwich that offers a rich and bold chocolate experience. 

The spirit of variety extends across URC’s biscuit favourites with Dewberry, Presto, and Magic Crackers, continuously adapting their formats to fit every kind of modern snack craving.

Reimagining the chocolate enjoyment with a new crunch 

Known for its signature combination of nougat, caramel and peanuts, URC’s Cloud 9 chocolate has been a go-to treat for several chocolate lovers. The brand has been introducing new ways to satisfy sweet cravings by offering products like the new Cloud 9 Crunchies that bring a fun and crispy texture to a familiar favourite.

Alongside Cloud 9, other fun treats like Nips chocolate introduce vibrant flavors and formats, proving that chocolate moments can make any day a little sweeter.

Fruity freshness, now with a chewy twist

Maxx has always been a pocket essential for on-the-go freshness. Recognizing a growing consumer preference for playful, chewy textures, URC expanded its candy lineup with Maxx Chews. This chewy menthol candy comes in a convenient, value-packed three-piece stick that is tailor-made for the fast-paced routines of modern commuters and professionals.

Together with URC’s other candy favourites like XO, Dynamite and Lush, Maxx offers something for every candy craving and every moment that calls for a refreshing treat.

Offering refreshing tea favorites, and flavor innovations 

As the pioneer of ready-to-drink green tea in the Philippines, C2 Cool and Clean introduced a refreshing tea experience to Filipinos. Alongside its Classic Green Tea, Apple, and Lemon variants, C2 continues to evolve its product lineup, introducing flavor innovations such as Raspberry, Dalandan and Peach. Its latest flavor, C2 Freeze Melon, brings an innovative twist on fruity tea with a delicious melon flavor and a refreshing coolness that lingers in every sip.

Brewing modern coffee moments, one cup at a time

As one of the country's most chosen beverage brands (based on Kantar's Brand Footprint report), URC’s Great Taste has a history of delivering innovative products - most notably by introducing White Coffee in the Philippines. 

URC continues to elevate Pinoy’s daily coffee ritual with the new Great Taste Premium roast, a coffee mix that’s designed to give everyone a delicious afternoon coffee break companion with its Tapang-Sarap blend of dark-roasted robusta coffee, palm sugar and real milk - para Balik Lakas Sigla.

Bigger, bolder flavours for instant happiness 

Payless continues to redefine value-for-money meals by giving consumers MORE at a sulit price, through its delicious range of instant noodle variants and bold innovations. 

Its newest Payless Chili Garlic Mami offers a flavorful twist on a Filipino comfort food favorite. Made with rich chili oil and real garlic bits, this crave-worthy meal delivers a balanced blend of Anghang-Linamnam that elevates your everyday noodle cravings. Experience the kakaibang Anghang-Sarap na Tumatatak goodness of Payless Chili Garlic, available in Beef and Chicken flavors.

Moving into modern pet care

Beyond making everyday snacking moments more enjoyable for Filipinos, URC also supports joyful moments shared by pet parents and their fur babies. Through its award-winning pet care brand, TopBreed, URC has been supporting fur parents’ journey by offering quality pet care products including dog and cat food, and other pet essentials. This 2026, TopBreed brand started expanding its portfolio from dry dog and cat food to other formats like wet and treats, also TopCare cat litter.

Always something new to discover

For 70 years, URC has grown alongside generations of Filipinos—evolving with changing tastes, lifestyles, and everyday moments. As a lifestyle companion, URC stays true to what it has always stood for: bringing quality, flavor and everyday delight to Filipino homes.

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For 70 years, Universal Robina Corporation (URC) has grown into one of the Philippines' leading food and beverage companies, with a portfolio of trusted brands enjoyed by millions of consumers locally and across international markets. Through decades of innovation and a deep understanding of evolving consumer needs, URC has built a lasting legacy of delivering quality products that enrich everyday life. Its iconic brands—including Jack 'n Jill Piattos, Cloud 9, Maxx Candy, Cream-O, Payless, C2 Cool and Clean, and Great Taste coffee—have become household names, connecting generations of Filipinos through shared moments and the simple joy of great taste. To learn more about URC, visit its website (www.urc.com.ph), Facebook page (@URCPhilippines), and TikTok account (@URCPhilippines).

What’s Really In the Bowl? Why Pet Parents Deserve More than an Ingredients List

 

What if pet parents could feel as confident about their pets’ food as they do about the food they choose for themselves?

With shelves crowded with products promising everything from “natural” ingredients to better digestion and healthier coats, making an informed choice can feel overwhelming. According to the 2025 ADM Pet Insights Report, pet parents are looking beyond the growing front-of-pack claims and becoming more discerning about the information behind the products they choose, making ingredient visibility an increasingly important part of premium pet nutrition.

“True transparency goes beyond simply listing ingredients. Pet parents are increasingly interested in understanding where those ingredients come from, how they are sourced, and the standards behind the food they give their pets,” said Romy Sia, Managing Director of Bow & Wow Philippines. “The more information pet parents have, the better they can make choices that are right for their pets and aligned with their values.”

What Real Transparency Looks Like

For Open Farm founders Jacqueline Prehogan and Isaac Langleben, the journey began after rescuing their first pugs, Maddie and Bella, and struggling to find pet food that met their standards for nutrition, animal welfare, sustainability, and transparency. This led them to build Open Farm around three core commitments: premium nutrition, animal welfare, and sustainability.

Today, Open Farm brings these commitments to life through every aspect of its products, from the ingredients it selects to the standards behind every aspect of its products, from ingredients it selects to the standards behind their sourcing and production. 

Available at all Bow & Wow Stores and the Bow & Wow Online Store, Open Farm’s recipes feature ethically sourced meats as the first ingredient, alongside non-GMO fruits and vegetables, naturally occurring prebiotic fiber, and natural superfoods. Its animal proteins are also sourced according to specific welfare and sustainability standards, including pasture-raised lamb from New Zealand, crate-free pork, pasture-raised beef, and sustainably sourced, wild-caught fish.

Open Farm takes these commitments a step further through traceability, empowering pet parents to understand exactly where their ingredients come from and hold the brand accountable for delivering on its promises. 

Through Open Farm’s own transparency platform, pet parents can enter the lot code found on the back of each bag to access information about where the ingredients in that specific batch came from. With this greater visibility into the supply chain, pet parents can see how the brand's standards are carried through every step of the process, from sourcing and raising ingredients to their final production.

“Pet nutrition is becoming a more holistic conversation,” Sia added. “Pet parents are looking not only at whether it meets their pets’ nutritional needs, but also at the practices behind it. Understanding sourcing, animal welfare, and sustainability gives them a fuller picture of what they are choosing for their companions.”

Making Transparency Easier for Pet Parents

For Bow & Wow, this emphasis on transparency reflects a broader commitment to helping pet parents make more informed choices. As the pet care market continues to expand, the company puts standards first when curating its portfolio, considering ingredient quality, sourcing, nutritional standards, and transparency. By bringing in brands like Open Farm that align with these values, Bow & Wow aims to give pet parents access to better options and greater visibility into what they feed their pets.

Transparency is also the heart of Bow & Wow's approach to pet care advice. Rather than simply recommending the most expensive options, its trained Pet Care Advisors work closely with pet parents to understand each pet’s individual needs and tailor recommendations based on formulation, ingredients, sourcing, and production practices, helping pet parents make informed decisions with confidence. 

“Every pet is different, so choosing food should go beyond simply picking the product with the most appealing claims,” Sia concluded. “Our role is to help pet parents understand their options, ask the right questions, and find a food that fits their pet’s individual needs.”

For those who want to experience the products before committing, Bow & Wow also offers free in-store samples of Open Farm’s Wild-Caught Salmon and Homestead Turkey & Chicken Grain-Free Kibble recipes. Pet parents can also browse Bow & Wow's full Open Farm Collection online to explore recipes tailored to their pets' needs. to explore recipes tailored to their pets' needs.

Ultimately, the evolution of pet nutrition is reshaping what “premium” means. Today, pet parents increasingly want to understand the story behind the bowl—from the ingredients and how they are sourced to the standards and practices behind them.

For Open Farm, that means traceable ingredients, responsible sourcing, and animal welfare standards. For Bow & Wow, it means making better options and the information behind them more accessible. For pet parents, it means greater visibility and confidence in every choice they make for the companions they love.

Rotary District 3830 Hosts Public Image Summit with Top Communication Leaders; Highlights Storytelling, Media’s Role in Service Impact

Makati City – Aug. 22, 2026 -- Rotary International District 3830 brought together more than 300 Rotarians, media and communication leaders, and partners for its first-ever Public Image Summit held Saturday at Dusit Thani Makati. Its theme, “Captain Your Story,” underscored the importance of intentional storytelling in shaping public perception and advancing Rotary’s mission of service.

Designed as a flagship learning platform for the district, the Rotary Year 2026-2027 Public Image Summit empowered participants to take charge of Rotary’s narrative by navigating their reputation, visibility, influence, and legacy in today’s dynamic multi-platform media landscape. Rotarians even brought the theme to life by dressing in nautical-themed ensembles.

While Rotary districts normally hold public image seminars throughout the Rotary year, the Summit took the program a notch higher by making it a whole-day conference with several sessions handled by different resource speakers from both the Rotary and Industry. 

District 3830 Governor Jasmin “Jaz” Limon set the tone of the conference with her inspirational speech. “Grounded in our values, strengthened by fellowship, and guided by our commitment to service above self, we are called to captain our own story—leading with authenticity, credibility, and purpose so we not only keep Rotary moving, but create momentum for the next generation of Rotarians,” she said.

Sessions throughout the day reinforced the importance of consistency, authenticity, and purpose in communication—bringing together diverse perspectives on storytelling and influence and reflecting an integrated approach to public image development. 

Workshops on content creation, writing, and branding equipped participants with actionable tools to improve how their clubs communicate with communities, partners, and the public. A multi-sector panel discussion further explored how purposeful storytelling can drive meaningful and measurable impact.

Distinguished guest speakers and panelists who graced the stage included GMA News producer and anchor Mariz Umali; GGC Group Asia Chairman & CEO and Rotary Club of Makati West Past President Gil G. Chua; DITO Philippines President and COO Donald Lim; ABS-CBN Creative Communication Management Head Robert Labayen; Former Presidential Communications Secretary and Past District Governor Sonny Coloma; Philstar Media Group Executive Vice President Lucien Dy Tioco; Manila Broadcasting Company Vice President for Integrated Media Vince Jaen, and Ripple8 Managing Director Bobby Vito. 

Other renowned speakers who led the workshops in the afternoon were Unbox Media Group Chairman & CEO Carlo Ople; veteran multi-platform journalist Inday Espina-Varona; and District 3830 Public Image Committee Chairperson and Rotary Club of Makati San Lorenzo Past President Charlotte S. Cruz. Ripple8 Managing Partner Michelle Ople served as the event’s emcee, together with Summit Chair GJ Dy, seamlessly guiding the audience throughout the day-long program.

During her session, Public Image Committee Chair Charlotte Cruz underscored how communicating properly through the right platforms can build credibility, attract support, and create lasting influence: “Captain Your Story is really about helping Rotarians become better storytellers. We do so much meaningful work in our communities, but sometimes we don't communicate that impact as effectively as we could. Thank you to our speakers for giving us Rotarians practical tools to share what we do in ways that connect with people”, she said.

Meanwhile, District Public Image Committee Co-chair Gil G. Chua highlighted the responsibility of shaping perception: “Every Rotary project carries a story of service and hope. When we tell these stories consistently, we strengthen trust, inspire action, and expand our reach as an organization,” he said.

Aside from his morning session, Chua went back on stage for the second time in the afternoon to launch “Tayo Mismo”, a new platform where good news like those coming from his fellow Rotarians can be shared.

With a turnout exceeding 300 and strong support from both the private and public sectors, the “Captain Your Story” Public Image Summit sets a new benchmark for district-wide collaboration and capability building.

The summit was made possible through the support of Megaworld, Pag-IBIG Fund, PCSO, and PLDT as financial sponsors, alongside trade sponsors GGC Group Asia, Ripple8, Bent and Buzz, Globaltronics, Unbox, and Zen Institute. 

Media partners ABS CBN, GMA, Manila Bulletin, TV5, MBC Media Group, RMN Network, 105.9 True FM, Monster RX 93.1, Tiger 22, and Tayo Mismo underscored a shared commitment with Rotary to advance community impact through meaningful storytelling.

Summit Chairperson, Rotary Club of Makati San Lorenzo Past President Gregory James “GJ” Dy, said that the message of the summit was delivered well and clear: as Rotary District 3830 continues to expand its service footprint, impact must not only be delivered—it must also be told. 

“With the successful holding of Rotary District’s for Public Image Summit, we hope we are able to equip participants with the capability to become true captains of their narrative—shaping how Rotary is seen and inspiring more people to take part in creating lasting impact,” he said.

Rotary International District 3830 is one of the leading Rotary districts in the Philippines, with 100 plus Rotary clubs and more than 3,200 members across six cities — Makati, Taguig, Pateros, Parañaque, Muntinlupa, Las Piñas, and the province of Palawan.

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SPEAKERS’ PHOTOS:

All speakers and panelists

District 3830 Governor Jasmin “Jaz” Limon set the tone of the “Captain Your Story” Public Image Summit with her inspirational speech.

GMA News anchor Mariz Umali delivered an anecdote-filled keynote speech at the Rotary District 3830 Public Image Summit, captivating the audience from start to finish.

GGC Group Asia Chairman & CEO and Rotary Club of Makati West past president Gil G. Chua concluded his speech by encouraging everyone to be angels of hope.

Jollibee brings the joy of friendship to life with DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island

Jollibee , is marking a milestone with its global collaboration with DreamWorks Animation for the worldwide theatrical release of Forgotten Island on September 23, 2026.

 

At the heart of Forgotten Island are lifelong best friends Jo and Raissa, who discover a mysterious portal that transports them to Nakali, a fantastical island filled with mythical creatures inspired by stories from their Filipino families. When they discover that returning home could come at the cost of losing the memories of their friendship, Jo and Raissa must find a way to leave the island without forgetting each other.

 

Forgotten Island features Filipino and Filipino-American talent including Tony Award-winning Lea Salonga, global comedy star Jo Koy, Grammy and Academy Award-winning H.E.R., actress Liza Soberano, and co-writer and co-director Januel Mercado.

 

“Great stories and great food both have a way of bringing people together,” said David Beal, Jollibee Group global chief marketing officer and head of digital marketing. “With DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island, we’re inviting friends and families to celebrate the joy of friendship—from watching the film to sharing a delicious Jollibee meal together. It is a simple expression of what Jollibee has always stood for: serving great-tasting food and bringing the joy of eating to everyone.”

 

The Filipino connection extends beyond the film, with Filipino girl group, who are also Jollibee endorsers, BINI contributing the song “A Parallel World” to the Forgotten Island soundtrack. The upbeat electronic-pop track, which features English and Filipino lyrics, was released on July 23.

 

 

BINI also performed the song at the Forgotten Island panel during San Diego Comic-Con in July, further connecting the group and the film with audiences around the world. The music video for “A Parallel World” also features Jollibee, showing members of BINI enjoying their favorite meals and sharing candid moments while in the United States for the song’s recording and related activities.

 

“At Jollibee, we value partnerships that allow us to collaborate with world-class brands and create experiences that genuinely resonate with our customers,” said Dorothy Ching, vice president for marketing of Jollibee Philippines. “Our partnership with DreamWorks is especially meaningful because Forgotten Island brings together universal themes of friendship and family with Filipino-inspired storytelling. We are proud to be part of this global collaboration and excited to bring the spirit of the film to Jollibee communities around the world.”

 

The Jollibee and Forgotten Island collaboration brings together global entertainment, Filipino talent and storytelling, and Jollibee’s own spirit of togetherness, extending the experience from the big screen to everyday moments shared over a meal.

 

More elements of the collaboration are set to be revealed, including an exclusive Jollibee offer tied to the film. Details will be announced at a later date.

 

DreamWorks’ Forgotten Island arrives in theaters September 23, 2026.

 

For more information, visit https://www.jollibee.com.ph/ or follow Jollibee’s social media channels for updates.

 

About Jollibee

Jollibee is a global restaurant brand best known for its world-famous Chickenjoy fried chicken. It was voted No. 1 Best Fast Food Fried Chicken in the U.S. in USA TODAY's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards for three consecutive years and garnered multiple acclaims in various markets.  It is the #1 QSR in the Philippines, Vietnam, and Brunei.  Guided by its purpose to serve great-tasting food and bring the joy of eating to everyone, Jollibee continues to bring people together through joyful dining experiences across more than 1,800 stores in 16 countries. Jollibee is the flagship brand of Jollibee Group, one of the fastest-growing restaurant companies in the world.

 

 

About DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island

Your best friendship is worth fighting for.

 

DreamWorks Animation, the studio that brought you unforgettable bonds between a boy and a dragon in How to Train Your Dragon, an ogre and a donkey in Shrek, and a robot and a gosling in The Wild Robot, now welcomes a dazzling and emotional story about two lifelong best friends who must come together before they drift apart in Forgotten Island.

 

The new original film is written and directed by Academy Award® nominee Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado and is produced by Academy Award® nominee Mark Swift, the filmmaking team behind Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.

 

Grammy and Academy Award® winning supernova H.E.R. and Liza Soberano (Lisa Frankenstein, Alone/Together) star as high school graduates Jo and Raissa, who have been best friends since grade school but are now about to embark on separate life paths.

 

While celebrating their last night together, Jo and Raissa stumble upon a mysterious portal that transports them to the fantastical island of Nakali, packed with magical and mythological creatures they grew up hearing stories about from their Filipino families. 

 

Some of these figures will become friends, some foes. Joined by well-meaning-but- hapless weredog Raww (Dave Franco) and a small-but-mighty pack of pals, Jo and Raissa must face The Dreaded Manananggal (Tony winning icon Lea Salonga), the most feared creature on the island. When they discover that the memories of their entire friendship are the price for returning home, Jo and Raissa will race to find a way to leave the island before they forget each other forever.

 

The film’s all-star voice cast also includes Emmy nominee Jenny Slate (Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, Dying for Sex), Manny Jacinto (The Good Place, Top Gun: Maverick), BAFTA nominee Dolly de Leon (Triangle of Sadness, Ghostlight), global comedy superstar Jo Koy (Haunted Mansion, Jo Koy: Live from Brooklyn) and Emmy winner Ronny Chieng (The Daily Show, M3GAN). 

 

DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island is distributed by Universal Pictures.

 

About DreamWorks Animation

DreamWorks Animation, a division of the Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, within NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation, is a global family entertainment company with feature film and television brands. DreamWorks' feature heritage includes many of the world’s most acclaimed films and beloved franchises, including Shrek, Puss in Boots, Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon, Trolls, The Boss Baby, Madagascar, The Bad Guys, Gabby’s Dollhouse and The Wild Robot. Collectively, these theatrical film properties have grossed more than $17 billion worldwide. DreamWorks Animation’s television studio is one of the world’s leading producers of high-quality, animated family programming, reaching consumers in more than 190 countries with a diverse array of original streaming series and films. The company’s deep portfolio of intellectual property is supported by a robust, worldwide licensing and consumer products practice, as well as award-winning brand experiences through Universal Destinations & Experiences theme parks, live entertainment and more.

 

About Universal Pictures

Universal Pictures is a division of Universal Studios (www.universalstudios.com). Universal Studios is part of NBCUniversal. NBCUniversal is one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience.  NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group and world-renowned theme parks.  NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

 

Julia Barretto and Maris Racal Are Back Fighting for What’s “MINE” with Maya

 

Julia Barretto and Maris Racal are back, and they’re taking getting more from your money to a whole new level.

In their last Maya video, the two showed what it feels like when your savings earns interest daily. Now, they’re turning their attention to everyday spending, with a new face-off over something they both want to claim.

This time, the two go head-to-head over 1% cashback when you pay with your Maya Card, making cashback something neither of them is willing to give up. The result is an all-out, wildly entertaining showdown built around one simple idea: if there’s value to be claimed from money you’re already spending, why leave it behind?

It’s a mindset that hits especially close to home today. Filipinos want more out of their money, and we’re becoming more conscious of where it goes and what we get in return—comparing prices, waiting for sales, looking for deals, and finding ways to make everyday spending go further.

Cashback taps into that same instinct. And Julia and Maris take it to an entertaining extreme. Watch just how far they’ll go to claim their cashback here: [Embed YouTube Vid: https://youtu.be/8wUazyPfWVk]

And claiming yours is much easier. Get 1% cashback on all in-store or online purchases in the Philippines when you use your Maya Card, from your morning coffee and weekly groceries to dining out, shopping, and your latest online checkout.

Julia and Maris may be fighting for what’s “MINE,” but when your everyday spending can give you something back, there’s no reason to leave yours behind.

So however you choose to spend, make that cashback MINE with your Maya Card. 

Visit maya.ph/mine and follow @makeyourmoneymaya on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay updated. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (www.bsp.gov.ph). Deposits are insured by PDIC up to ₱1 million per depositor. 

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About Maya 

Maya is the #1 Fintech Ecosystem in the Philippines, with Maya, the #1 Digital Bank, and Maya Business, the #1 Omni-Channel Payment Processor. Maya Bank is a digital bank regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), with deposits insured by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) up to ₱1 million per depositor. To learn more about Maya, check out maya.ph and mayabank.ph. Follow Maya at @makeyourmoneymaya on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok and @mayaofficialph on Twitter.   

For more information:

Small Beginnings, Big Ambition: How Three Filipino Entrepreneurs Grew Their Negosyo with Maya Business

In photo (L-R): Mohammad Hadji Mahmod,  Von Bindolo, and Ma. Christine Vito

For many Filipino entrepreneurs, growing a negosyo doesn’t always begin with a big investment. Sometimes, it starts with just enough capital to restock in-demand products, expand what they can offer, or keep up with their customers.

For Ma. Christine Vito, Mohammad Hadji Mahmod, and Von Bindolo, that starting point was a Maya Advance loan of ₱10,000, ₱1,000, and ₱20,000, respectively. Each put that additional capital toward practical business needs: from inventory and everyday operations to services their customers were already looking for.

Over time, those small beginnings opened the door to bigger opportunities. By continuing to transact through Maya Business and responsibly managing their loans, all three were able to access more working capital as their businesses grew, turning their first relatively small loans into millions of pesos in Maya Advance loans utilized over time.

Christine: From a Sari-Sari Store to a Growing Grocery

For Ma. Christine Vito, becoming a business owner wasn’t always part of the plan. After completing an internship at a shipping company, where she gained experience selling dry goods, she became interested in running a business of her own.

Christine and her family eventually opened a small store in Boracay Island. When the property where it stood was sold, they relocated to Sebaste, Antique, where they started again with a sari-sari store.

During the pandemic, the store remained open to serve the community. As more customers came in for mobile load, bills payment, and cash-in and cash-out services, Christine began using Maya Business more actively, and soon found herself needing more inventory to keep up with demand.

She was initially hesitant when she was offered her first ₱10,000 Maya Advance loan, but decided to use it to purchase more products for the store.

“Noong una, natakot akong kumuha ng loan, pero dahil sa Maya Business, nagkaroon kami ng puhunan para tuloy-tuloy na mapalago ang negosyo namin.” (At first, I was afraid to take out a loan, but through Maya Business, we had the capital to continuously grow our business.)

As the negosyo grew, Christine continued putting additional capital back into the business. Since that first ₱10,000, she has utilized more than ₱3 million in Maya Advance loans over time.

What began as a small sari-sari store has since expanded into a mini grocery, with a kitchen and mini warehouse to support its operations. Her family has also purchased a vehicle for the negosyo, growth that Christine built one practical investment at a time.

Mohammad: Making the Most of His First ₱1,000

For Mohammad Hadji Mahmod, the first step was even smaller. After years of working as an OFW, Mohammad returned to the Philippines to help grow his family’s business in Boracay Island. He became a Maya Business user in 2023, offering mobile load, bills payment, and cash-in and cash-out services to customers in their community.

When his first Maya Advance offer came, it was for ₱1,000. Rather than waiting for a bigger amount, Mohammad saw an opportunity to put what was available to work. He used the funds for his load business, helping keep the service running while gradually building up his capital.

As he continued using Maya Business and responsibly managing his loans, he was able to access more working capital for the family negosyo. From that first ₱1,000, Mohammad has since utilized more than ₱2.2 million in Maya Advance loans over time, helping him sustain daily operations, expand his product offerings, and pursue new business opportunities.

“Hangga't may Maya Business, mas kampante akong patuloy na palaguin ang negosyo ng pamilya namin.” (As long as we have Maya Business, I feel more confident continuing to grow our family business.)

For Mohammad, it’s a mindset that has stayed the same since his first loan: start with what you have, put it to good use, and keep building from there.

Von: Turning Additional Capital Into New Opportunities

Von Bindolo’s journey with Maya Business began before she even took over her family’s sari-sari store. While working in Manila, she discovered Maya Business through Facebook and began selling mobile load to earn additional income through commissions. When she returned to Boracay to take over the family store from her mother, Maya Business became part of how she served customers in the community.

When the pandemic hit and tourism in Boracay came to a standstill, keeping the negosyo running became even more important. Von continued serving customers who relied on the store for mobile load, bills payment, and cash-in and cash-out services.

Her first ₱20,000 Maya Advance loan gave her additional working capital to keep investing in the business during a difficult period.

“Malaking bagay kahit maliit lang ang puhunan, lalo na kapag ginagamit mo para madagdagan ang paninda at mapagsilbihan nang mas maayos ang mga suki. Unti-unti, nakita ko rin na kaya palang lumago ang negosyo namin.” (Even a small amount of capital can make a big difference, especially when you use it to add more products and serve your regular customers better. Little by little, I also saw that our business could really grow.)

Since that first loan, Von has utilized more than ₱2.6 million in Maya Advance loans over time. The additional capital has helped her grow sales and invest back into the negosyo, including purchasing an e-bike for daily operations. Her growing business has also helped support her child’s education.

What started as a sari-sari store passed down by her mother continues to grow into a negosyo that supports both her family and the community around her.

Small Capital Can Go a Long Way

Christine, Mohammad, and Von started with different businesses and different amounts. What they shared was how they chose to use that capital: putting it toward real, everyday needs that could help their negosyo move forward.

As their businesses grew, so did the opportunities available to them. What began with inventory, load, and daily operating needs eventually helped make room for bigger investments: from expanding a sari-sari store into a mini grocery to purchasing vehicles and exploring new sources of income.

Through Maya Business, entrepreneurs can access digital tools and services for everyday business needs, from accepting QR Ph payments to offering mobile load, bills payment, and cash-in and cash-out services. Eligible Maya Business users can also access additional working capital through Maya Advance.

For Filipino entrepreneurs, growing a negosyo doesn’t always mean starting big. Sometimes, it means making the most of the capital you have, putting it where it can make a difference, and building from there.

Because a small first step can eventually take a negosyo much further.

Looking to grow your negosyo with digital tools and services? Apply to become a Maya Center and download the Maya Business app on Google Play and App Store to get started.

Visit maya.ph or mayabank.ph, and follow @makeyourmoneymaya on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay updated. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. www.bsp.gov.ph. For 24/7 assistance, visit the Help Center in the Maya app or call us from 8 AM to 7 PM daily at +632 8845-7788.

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About Maya 

Maya is the #1 Fintech Ecosystem in the Philippines, with Maya, the #1 Digital Bank, and Maya Business, the #1 Omni-Channel Payment Processor. Maya Bank is a digital bank regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), with deposits insured by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) up to ₱1 million per depositor. To learn more about Maya, check out maya.ph and mayabank.ph. Follow Maya at @makeyourmoneymaya on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok and @mayaofficialph on Twitter.