Available limit

SkyroCredit from Skyro gives an amount you can use for everyday payments through QR Ph When you use it and pay it back monthly, the amount becomes available again just like topping up your budget and using it whenever needed. With consistent on-time payments, the available limit can grow within a few months, sometimes even doubling from ₱5,000 to ₱100,000.

Billease offers limits up to ₱40,000. Maya Easy Credit ranges from ₱200 to ₱30,000. HC Qwarta allows borrowing up to ₱50,000 depending on evaluation. GCredit, powered by CIMB Bank inside the GCash app, offers up to ₱50,000 as well, with limits based on a user’s GScore and overall activity. All five support QR payments, making everyday spending smoother and more convenient.

If having a bigger amount available gives you more peace of mind for emergencies or bigger plans, SkyroCredit may offer higher limits depending on how well you pay.

Interest-free period

Each platform offers different interest-free options. Skyro gives up to 45 days interest-free if the full monthly balance is paid on time. Billease offers 0% to 3.49% monthly interest for installment plans. Maya has up to 30 days interest-free but includes a service fee while HC Qwarta starts interest daily. GCredit applies daily interest as well, with occasional promos offering lower rates during peak seasons.

A longer interest-free period can give you more breathing room to plan your payments and stay on top of your budget.

Cashback rewards 

Skyro and Home Credit are the only ones that offer cashback or loyalty points. Skyro gives 1% cashback for every purchase worth ₱100 and above, letting customers earn points they can use as discounts later. Home Credit also offers loyalty points that can help reduce loan payments. GCredit typically focuses on bill payment convenience, though it has seasonal cashback promos for new users or selected billers.

Fees

For SkyroCredit, there are no service fees or processing charges. Customers are charged only for the amount they use, rather than the full credit limit. Making the minimum payment on time allows customers to keep using the credit line and avoid penalties or late fees. If only the minimum payment is made, a 7% interest is applied to the outstanding balance until it is paid off. No interest is charged on the unused portion of the credit limit.

Other financing providers apply different fee structures. Home Credit charges 5% of the total due for late payments, Billease may apply penalty fees, Maya includes service fees and penalties. GCredit has no processing fees but charges daily interest, with minimum payments (at least 10% of the total amount due).

With so many choices available, picking a financing partner often comes down to flexibility and clarity. For many Filipinos, SkyroCredit stands out for its straightforward fees, pay-only-what-you-use approach, and features designed to fit everyday spending habits. From flexible payments to rewards that come with regular use, SkyroCredit makes financing feel less like an obligation and more like a practical tool for everyday life.

Street dwellers in the area and caregivers patiently waiting outside the Philippine General Hospital were among those served through a community feeding initiative led by Kawa Pilipinas, together with employee-volunteers of the One Meralco Foundation (OMF), the corporate social responsibility arm of Manila Electric Company, and CIS Bayad Center Inc.

Employees from Meralco’s Pasay Business Center, Corporate Communications Department, and OMF took time off their regular roles to serve meals alongside Kawa Pilipinas’ volunteers, an effort rooted in the Filipino value of malasakit, or deep concern for others.

“For Filipinos, sharing meals is a love language. By sharing these hot, nutritious meals to our fellow Filipinos in need, with our partners in Kawa Pilipinas, we translate ‘malasakit’ into a tangible act of bringing warmth to those who need food the most,” OMF President Jeffrey O. Tarayao said.

The activity was joined by Tarayao himself, Kawa Pilipinas founder Mae Paner, OMF Program Manager Grace G. Noche, and Meralco Advocacy and Communication Management Head Michelle L. Caguioa, each taking part not just as leaders, but as volunteers on the ground.

More than a feeding program, the initiative reflects Meralco’s long-standing commitment to supporting vulnerable communities in areas where it operates, whether through disaster response, grassroots partnerships, or everyday acts of compassion that meet people where they are.

One Meralco Foundation is the corporate foundation and social development arm of Meralco. A non-stock, non-profit organization registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Foundation focuses on community electrification and energy education, environmental sustainability, youth development, grassroots partnerships, and disaster response.

OMF is accredited as a donee institution by the Philippine Council for NGO Certification (PCNC), registered with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and is a member of both the Association of Foundations and the League of Corporate Foundations — credentials that underscore its role in translating corporate resources into meaningful community impact.

On that day in Manila, however, impact was measured less by certifications and more by something simpler: a warm meal, a shared moment, and the reminder that dignity can begin with being seen and fed.

That question anchors Season 4, Episode 12 of The Loida Lewis Podcast, where Filipino-American philanthropist Loida Lewis sits down with global tax policy expert Mon Abrea, widely known as “The Philippine Tax Whiz.”

Moving beyond headlines, the episode confronts a reality millions of Filipinos face every rainy season: submerged communities, disrupted livelihoods, and lives at risk while funds meant to prevent disasters show little measurable impact.

Flood-control spending remains one of the largest national budget items, but as Abrea underscores, the problem is not spending but governance.

“Public funds must translate into public protection,” Abrea says. “When communities remain underwater despite massive allocations, it signals a breakdown in transparency, accountability, or both.”

Lewis and Abrea unpack how weak disclosure, fragmented project monitoring, and limited public access to information undermine results.

Transparency, they argue, isn’t merely publishing numbers; it’s enabling citizens to trace decisions, follow the money, and see outcomes.

Taxpayer empowerment is a core theme. Abrea reminds listeners that Filipinos are stakeholders, not bystanders.

“Taxes are not donations,” he says. “They are investments in public safety, dignity, and opportunity.”

Lewis echoes the call, stressing civic courage and ethical leadership, especially for communities bearing the brunt of flooding. For her, leadership is a moral choice.

“Leadership is not about position,” Lewis said. “It’s about responsibility, especially to those who have the least but suffer the most.”

As climate risks intensify and scrutiny of public spending grows, the episode lands at a critical moment: challenging policymakers, business leaders, and citizens to rethink how funds are managed and how leadership is measured.

The takeaway is clear: transparency isn’t optional, and accountability isn’t political; they are fundamental.

Watch or listen now:

YouTube: @theloidalewispodcast

Spotify: tinyurl.com/TheLoidaLewisPodcast

Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/apple-TheLoidaLewisPod

Full episode: https://youtu.be/hJg-TYmWImA?si=MgL0RRcdbPhzEXKN

Send questions for Mrs. Loida: askloidalewis@gmail.com

As global tax policy expert and chief tax advisor of Asian Consulting Group (ACG), Abrea advises governments, multinational corporations, and foreign investors on designing tax systems that are competitive, transparent, and aligned with international standards. His work consistently emphasizes tax certainty, efficient refund mechanisms, and credibility as the real foundations of long-term investment.

That leadership earned him international recognition in 2025, including being named TOFA-Most Influential Filipino in the World, alongside awards for excellence in taxation and business leadership, signaling the growing relevance of Filipino expertise in global policy circles.

Abrea’s approach is shaped by a rare interdisciplinary background: public administration from Harvard University, executive tax policy training at Duke Sanford School of Public Policy, and advanced certification in climate and sustainability policy from University of Oxford. This blend allows him to frame tax reform not just as a fiscal tool, but as a lever for sustainable growth.

In 2025, Abrea led an extensive international roadshow across more than 30 countries in Asia, Australia, Europe, Canada, and the United States, promoting ESG-aligned investment in the Philippines and globally credible reforms. He reinforced these themes as Lead Convenor of the International Tax and Investment Conference, where discussions covered the OECD Global Minimum Tax, CREATE MORE, electronic VAT refund reforms, and improved taxpayer services for registered enterprises.

His thought leadership also expanded globally through Without Climate Change, the second volume of his Reimagining the World series, launched in major financial and policy hubs including New York, London, Singapore, and Sydney, linking climate action directly to fiscal and investment policy.

Across diplomacy, business, and policy platforms, Abrea’s message in 2025 was clear: sound tax policy, anchored in integrity and global alignment, is indispensable to sustainable investment, economic competitiveness, and public trust.

Abrea, who serves as Chief Tax Advisor of the Asian Consulting Group (ACG), paid a courtesy call on Consul General Charmaine Rowena Aviquivil and Consul Sheila Maric Tario before the upcoming International Tax and Investment Briefing hosted with the Australia-Philippines Business Council at Pitcher Partners Sydney.

During the visit, Abrea presented copies of his book series Reimagining the World—including Without Corruption, launched at Harvard Kennedy School, and Without Climate Change, inspired by his work at University of Oxford. The books underscore his push for global policy reforms to address corruption, climate change, and poverty.

The meeting also tackled ways to deepen trade and investment ties between the Philippines and Australia. Key discussion points included the CREATE MORE tax incentives, current tax policy reforms, and cooperation on ESG investing and sustainable tourism.

The Sydney engagement forms part of ACG’s ongoing international roadshow promoting the Philippines as a prime investment hub for foreign investors and multinational companies.

Founded in Manila, ACG is a leading tax advisory firm that provides strategic tax, compliance, and policy support to corporations, investors, and government agencies.

To explore partnership opportunities or join ACG’s global investment promotion initiatives, CONSULT ACG, or you may also send an email to consult@acg.ph.

With the theme “Redefining Impact: ESG in Community Development,” the series gathered over 200 representatives from local governments and indigenous peoples’ organizations in Benguet, Ifugao, Isabela, and Nueva Vizcaya. The discussions centered on how ESG principles can strengthen resilience and sustainability in SNAP’s host communities.

Mardi Mapa-Suplido, Chief Operating Officer of Aboitiz Foundation Inc., delivered the keynote address, encouraging participants to view ESG as “a practical tool for improving governance” rather than just a corporate concept.

The first leg was held in Itogon, Benguet on September 3, with around 80 participants. SNAP shared updates on its renewable energy initiatives, including the 40-megawatt Binga Battery Energy Storage System (BESS 1)—the first such project in the Cordillera Administrative Region to reach financial close and begin construction earlier this year.

SNAP-Magat followed with forums on September 16 and 17 in Ifugao, Isabela, and Nueva Vizcaya, bringing together about 150 community leaders to discuss ongoing sustainability programs and development partnerships.

“By embedding ESG principles into our projects and partnerships, we aim to build not just energy facilities but also stronger, more inclusive, and future-ready communities,” said Joseph Yu, SNAP President and Chief Executive Officer.

Since 2008, SNAP’s corporate social responsibility fund has supported more than 1,200 projects worth about ₱600 million, covering social infrastructure, indigenous peoples’ development, health, livelihood, education, and the environment.

SNAP owns and operates the 112.5-MW Ambuklao and 140-MW Binga hydro plants in Benguet; the 360-MW Magat plant on the Isabela-Ifugao border; the 8.5-MW Maris hydro; and the 24-MW Magat battery energy storage facility in Isabela.

A joint venture between Scatec and Aboitiz Renewables Inc. (ARI), SNAP is part of the Aboitiz Group’s broader transition toward a sustainable energy future. Through these projects, the group aims to scale up renewable capacity while deepening partnerships with local communities.

Under the initiative of Mon Abrea, ACG’s Chief Tax Advisor, the Asia Roadshow reinforces ACG’s commitment to advancing global investment opportunities and delivering expert tax briefings through upcoming engagements in Japan and South Korea.

The series of engagements is focused on its objectives: empowering international investors, Filipino business communities, and policymakers with strategic insights on Philippine tax reforms and investment, and highlighting the Philippines as a strategic investment hub.

Before heading to the Japan leg of the roadshow, the Asian Consulting Group will host a media conference for its upcoming event in Manila. The roadshow will then continue on September 18 in Japan, where Mon Abrea will lead an Investment and Tax Briefing. The session will spotlight current tax reforms aimed at simplifying compliance and boosting investor confidence.

From September 18 to 21, ACG will visit Tokyo, Japan, for an Investment and Tax Briefing with the Japan Chamber of Commerce, focused on enhancing bilateral trade, tax policy dialogue, and investment relationship between Japan and the Philippines

Next, from September 24 to 28, the roadshow moves to Seoul, South Korea, for an Investment and Tax Briefing in collaboration with the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI). This leg aims to align business strategies with Philippine tax reforms and foster fiscal partnerships across sectors.

As ACG strengthens its international presence, Mon Abrea continues to sharpen his policy expertise through the Tax Policy for Practitioners program at Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy, ensuring that ACG’s strategies remain globally relevant and informed by cutting-edge academic and policy research.

ACG is a trusted tax advisory firm in the Philippines, providing tax strategy, compliance, and policy advisory services to multinational corporations, foreign investors, and government institutions. With a strong presence in Asia and an expanding global network, ACG continues to bridge the gap between international investors and the dynamic Philippine market.

To explore partnership opportunities or join ACG’s global investment promotion initiatives, CONSULT ACG or you may also send an email to consult@acg.ph.

France, home to over 150 companies operating in the Philippines and employing nearly 150,000 Filipinos, remains one of the country’s most active European investors. Key sectors include renewable energy, infrastructure, aerospace, and manufacturing—sectors poised for accelerated growth through strengthened bilateral cooperation.

ACG’s engagements in Paris featured strategic meetings with Maxence Trubert, Partner at Constantin Group, and Philippe Gauthier, President of the French Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines. These discussions explored practical avenues for collaboration, including joint initiatives to support European companies in navigating the Philippine tax landscape and maximizing investment incentives.

A key highlight was the meeting between Mon Abrea, ACG’s Chief Tax Advisor, and Daniel Witt, President of the International Tax and Investment Center (ITIC).

As a global advisor to ITIC, Abrea underscored the shared commitment to advancing transparent, fair, and investor-friendly tax systems that create long-term value for both foreign investors and host economies like the Philippines.

ACG’s growing presence in Europe comes at a pivotal time as the Philippines ramps up its economic diplomacy and climate-smart investment initiatives.

The firm is also set to participate in an upcoming investment mission in London in partnership with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and the British Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines—further strengthening its efforts to connect global investors with strategic opportunities in the country.

ACG is one of the most trusted tax advisory companies in the Philippines. It provides tax strategy, compliance, and policy advisory services to multinational corporations, foreign investors, and government institutions. With a strong presence in Asia and an expanding global network, ACG continues to bridge the gap between international investors and the dynamic Philippine market.

To explore partnership opportunities or join ACG’s global investment promotion initiatives, CONSULT ACG  or you may also send email to consult@acg.ph.

Whether he prefers a quick laid-back city break, eat-all-you-can meals, or a weekend bonding getaway with the family, Richmonde Hotel Ortigas, Eastwood Richmonde Hotel, and Richmonde Hotel Iloilo offer a lineup of unforgettable experiences designed just for him.

Richmonde Hotel Ortigas: Rest, relish, & revel with Dad

Because dads deserve some downtime too, Richmonde Hotel Ortigas invites families to treat the man of the house to a restful urban escape with the Dad’s Staycation Deal available from June 12 to 15, 2025.

Room-only rates start at only ₱3,800 nett, while packages with breakfast for two begin at ₱4,800 nett.

The offer includes a welcome amenity set of beer and nuts for dad to snack on, and perks to make his relaxation extra rewarding: 25% off the Father’s Day Lunch Buffet, 15% off orders at Richmonde Café, The Exchange, and from Room Service, 10% off massage services, 20% off Richie Bear purchases, and late check-out at 2 p.m. (subject to availability).

Culminate the celebration on June 15 with a splendid buffet feast that’s All About Dad, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Richmonde Café.

For just ₱1,685 nett per person, guests can enjoy dad’s all-time favorites like roast beef and crispy pata at the carving counter, grilled tuna, sizzling specials, shawarma, and Tex-Mex delights at the action station, plus an assortment of hot items, starters, and desserts. Beverage options include a bottle of beer, a shot of whiskey, or refreshing blue lemonade.

Best of all, with the 3+1 promo, Dad can dine for free when accompanied by three full-paying guests.

For inquiries and reservations, call (632) 8638 7777 or (63) 917 859 7914, email stay@richmondeortigas.com, or book at www.richmondehotelortigas.com.ph. For buffet reservations, contact (63) 917 534 4352.

Eastwood Richmonde Hotel: Meats, stays, and surprises for the Man of the Hour

In the vibrant Eastwood City, turn the tables around and spoil dad with Eastwood Richmonde Hotel’s Richmonde Exclusives for Dad room promotion, available for stays on June 14 and 15, 2025.

With rates starting at ₱4,500 nett (room only) and ₱P 6,100 nett (with breakfast buffet for two), the package includes a welcome treat for dad and special perks, namely, 25% off the Father’s Day Buffet, 20% off dining at Eastwood Café+Bar and Room Service, 10% off laundry services, 5% off massages, complimentary Wi-Fi, and access to the Fitness Center and Pool.

Fire up Father’s Day on June 15th with Eastwood Café+Bar’s Ultimate Meat Fest for Dad, a sizzling buffet celebration featuring grilled steak, roasted leg of lamb, pork lechon, appetizing soups & sides, desserts, and choice of a glass of wine or non-alcoholic tropical drink, plus one bottle of San Miguel Beer just for dad.

Priced at ₱1,899 nett per person, this buffet is available from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and includes a 3+1 deal where dads dine for free if with three full-paying companions.

Reserve your room or buffet celebration by calling (632) 8570 7777 / (63) 917 531 6867 (rooms) / (63) 917 821 0333 (Eastwood Café+Bar), emailing stay@eastwoodrichmonde.com, or booking online at www.eastwoodrichmondehotel.com.ph.

Richmonde Hotel Iloilo: Diner delights and getaway vibes for Dad

Give Pops the gift of travel and quality time with the Iloilo Summer Getaway with Dad at Richmonde Hotel Iloilo. Available from June 12 to 15, 2025, this getaway package starts at ₱5,700 nett and includes overnight accommodations with breakfast buffet for two, a special token for dad, plus exclusive discounts at BizBar and Zabana Bar, on massage services, and on guided tour packages for an enriching Iloilo experience.

For an evening to remember, gather the family at The Granary on June 15 for Dad’s Diner & Grill, a dinner buffet inspired by popular American comfort food and more.

Priced at ₱1,950 nett and served from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., the spread overflows with dad-approved favorites including a live DIY Burger and BBQ station, hot wings, braised shortplate, assorted sausages, oriental dim sum, beer, root beer floats, and ice cream milkshakes. Children aged 6 to 12 dine at 50% off, while kids 5 years and under eat free.

Book your Father’s Day weekend now by calling (6333) 328 7888 or (63) 917 580 9642, emailing stay@richmondeiloilo.com, or visiting www.richmondehoteliloilo.com.ph. For dinner reservations, call (63) 917 563 3558.

The initiative, led by ACG Chief Tax Advisor Mon Abrea, seeks to deepen engagement with European investors and multinational companies while promoting the Philippines as a viable long-term investment and business partner.

“This roadshow is more than a promotion—it’s a platform for listening and learning,” Abrea said.

“While our government continues to do an excellent job showcasing the Philippines, our mission is to go further: to engage foreign companies and global investors directly, gain valuable insights, and understand what it will truly take for them to choose the Philippines—not just over our ASEAN neighbors for investment and tourism, but as a long-term partner in growth,” he added.

Abrea said ACG is committed to complementing government efforts to create a “red carpet, not red tape” environment for investors.

By working closely with government partners and foreign business chambers, the group aims to contribute to reforms that improve ease of doing business, streamline tax systems, and promote inclusive growth, particularly by supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

“We want to ensure the Philippines remains a competitive, sustainable, and profitable destination—not only for foreign investors but also to uplift our local enterprises,” Abrea added.

ACG also expressed gratitude to its foreign chamber partners across Europe, citing their support as key to opening doors for Philippine investment opportunities.

Interested parties can join exclusive tax briefings or request consultations during the roadshow by emailing consult@acg.ph or visiting CONSULT ACG.