TBC News

Tag: PalawanPay

  • Who Knew a Fun Run Could Buy an Ambulance?

    Who Knew a Fun Run Could Buy an Ambulance?

    In a record-breaking display of community spirit and endurance, the 2025 PalawanPay Marathon gathered over 2,100 runners in Puerto Princesa City, making it the biggest turnout since the event’s inception in 2015.

    The annual race, organized by the Palawan Group of Companies (PGC), marked a milestone as part of the conglomerate’s 40th-anniversary celebration.

    Previously known as the Palawan Express Marathon, the event has evolved into more than just a showcase of athleticism — it’s now a platform for meaningful community impact.

    This year’s marathon, sponsored by PGC’s e-wallet platform PalawanPay, funneled proceeds toward purchasing an ambulance for the El Nido Community Hospital.

    The new ambulance is expected to dramatically improve emergency response capabilities in El Nido, one of the most frequented tourist destinations in the Philippines.

    In past emergencies, patients reportedly had to wait nearly a full day before being transferred to Puerto Princesa’s larger medical facilities.

    PGC Chief Operations Officer Roberto Ben “Bobbit” Castro said the donation reflects the company’s longstanding gratitude to the Palawan community, which supported them from humble beginnings.

    “This run isn’t just for our health,” said Castro, “it’s for the health of an entire community.”

    A symbolic key representing the donation of a brand-new Toyota Hi-Ace ambulance was handed over during the event, witnessed by hospital officials Dr. Robert Angelo A. Arrieta and Rosana Sanoy.

    For El Nido, where tourism is booming but emergency medical infrastructure remains limited, the donation couldn’t have come at a better time.

    Participants included professional runners, fitness enthusiasts, and even international visitors from the U.S. and Australia — highlighting the growing draw of the marathon beyond local borders.

    PalawanPay Chief Human Resources Officer Korina Castro-Fernando emphasized that every kilometer conquered was a symbol of compassion and commitment to service.

    “This is malasakit in motion,” she said, referencing the Filipino word for empathy and community care.

    Now branded under “Ikaw Pa Rin ang Number One: Palawan at 40,” the event reaffirms PGC’s mission to stay grounded in service while looking ahead through innovation.

    PGC, a market leader in pawning and remittance, has diversified into financial technology with its digital wallet PalawanPay.

    The app allows users to send and receive money, pay bills, load mobile credits, and even claim international remittances — with added features like pawn renewal and microinsurance.

    With more than 70,000 outlets and branches nationwide, PGC continues to make financial access easier for millions of Filipinos.

    Despite its national scale, the company remains rooted in Palawan, where it began as a small pawnshop and remittance center four decades ago.

    By blending financial inclusion with corporate social responsibility, PGC shows that business success and community upliftment can go hand in hand.

    As the runners crossed the finish line, they weren’t just clocking personal bests — they were carrying a legacy of care and commitment that now includes a life-saving ambulance for El Nido.

    At 40 years strong, PGC is proving that they’re not just running a race — they’re running a movement.

  • PalawanPay Throws Coins at the Masses—Now You Can Send Money for the Price of a Kanto Fishball

    PalawanPay Throws Coins at the Masses—Now You Can Send Money for the Price of a Kanto Fishball

    PalawanPay has slashed its Instapay transfer fee to just PHP 7.50 in a desperate yet oddly effective attempt to stand out in the overcrowded digital wallet circus.

    From June 15 to August 15, 2025, users can send money via Instapay at one of the lowest rates in the market, beating the usual PHP 10 to PHP 25 fees most platforms shamelessly charge.

    This promo targets cost-conscious individuals, families, and microentrepreneurs who are just trying to survive one transfer at a time.

    PalawanPay claims the promo offers real-time transfers without sacrificing speed or security, because clearly, miracles do happen for PHP 7.50.

    Beyond this suspiciously generous fee cut, the app throws in unlimited free cash-ins at over 3,500 branches, no fees for mobile load purchases, PHP 10 cashback on Instapay cash-ins, and rewards points—as if anyone’s still counting.

    With digital transactions now a lifeline, PalawanPay positions itself as the messiah of “mura, mabilis, at walang kuskos-balungos” money transfers, saving the day one meager peso at a time.

    Backed by the Palawan Group of Companies, the app is just one part of a sprawling empire offering everything from pawnshops to gold bars to microinsurance.

    The promo is available on the PalawanPay app via Google Play, Huawei AppGallery, and the Apple App Store—because even salvation needs to be downloaded.

  • PalawanPay Becomes One of the First E-Wallets in the Philippines to Offer Outbound International Remittance

    PalawanPay Becomes One of the First E-Wallets in the Philippines to Offer Outbound International Remittance

    For many Filipinos, sending money is more than just a transaction; it’s a lifeline. It supports loved ones, fulfills responsibilities, and keeps connections strong across borders.

    Whether for tuition, medical expenses, business needs, or daily living costs, the need for dependable international remittance continues to grow. While receiving money from abroad is a common practice, sending money from the Philippines to other countries has long been a challenge.

    High fees, complex requirements, and limited access often get in the way, whether for a small business owner paying an overseas supplier, a family helping an OFW cover urgent expenses, or a student abroad relying on support from home.

    Recognizing these everyday hurdles, the Palawan Group of Companies (PGC), the trusted name behind fast-growing e-wallet PalawanPay and the multi-awarded Palawan Express Pera Padala (PEPP), introduces Pera Padala Abroad.

    This new service marks a milestone: PalawanPay is now one of the first e-wallets in the Philippines to offer outbound international remittance, allowing users to send money overseas anytime, anywhere, straight from their phones. No long lines. No complicated forms. Just a few taps to support loved ones, wherever they may be in the world.

    Send Money Abroad—Anytime, Anywhere

    Pera Padala Abroad makes sending money abroad as easy as sending it locally. Through the PalawanPay app, users can send funds overseas directly from their mobile phones.

    For those who prefer face-to-face transactions, the service is also available at over 3,500 authorized PEPP branches nationwide, ensuring accessibility whether you’re in the city or a province.

    With PalawanPay, there’s no need for lengthy paperwork or banking steps. All you need is a verified PalawanPay account, and you’re ready to send. And true to Palawan’s brand promise, it’s “mura, mabilis, at walang kuskos balungos” (affordable, fast, and hassle-free), the same quality of service PGC has proudly delivered for 40 years.

    Send to Over 190 Countries with Affordable Rates Starting at Just ₱300

    Whether you’re sending to a bank account, an e-wallet, or opting for cash pick-up, Pera Padala Abroad has you covered, with rates starting at just ₱300. With competitive exchange rates, your recipient gets more value. Funds sent in pesos can be converted into the local currency of the destination country or kept in the recipient’s preferred currency, offering flexibility and ease.

    Transactions are processed in real time. Once you receive your reference number, the funds are sent instantly, giving both sender and recipient peace of mind. This seamless international service is powered by Ria, a trusted global remittance network serving over 190 countries and with more than 500,000 pick-up locations worldwide.

    Tatak Palawan, Walang Kuskos Balungos — Just Safe and Reliable Pera Padala 

    “At PGC, we’re continuously innovating to meet the real needs of our fellow Filipinos,” said Karlo M. Castro, President and CEO of PGC. “With the launch of Pera Padala Abroad, we’re proud to be one of the first e-wallets in the country to offer outbound remittance, a step forward in making financial services more inclusive. Kahit saang panig ng mundo na may Pinoy, maaari nang makatanggap ng Pera Padala mula sa Pinas (No matter where in the world Filipinos are, they can easily receive money sent from the Philippines).”

    Third Librea, CEO of PalawanPay, echoes this sentiment as he remarked: “PalawanPay is proudly gawang Pilipino, para sa Pilipino (Made by Filipinos, for Filipinos). Now, we can further say, para sa Pilipino sa iba’t ibang panig ng mundo (For Filipinos in all corners of the world). This is consistent with the Palawan Group’s thrust of championing financial inclusion.”

    For four decades, PGC has been one of the most trusted names in Philippine financial services, consistently providing affordable, reliable, and accessible solutions to every Filipino. With the launch of Pera Padala Abroad, PGC is expanding its reach to make financial services even more convenient and affordable across the Philippines and worldwide. 

    Now, sending money abroad is just as easy as sending it across town. Download the PalawanPay app today, or visit your nearest PEPP branch to start sending abroad. 

    For more information about Pera Padala Abroad, check your PalawanPay app or visit PalawanPay app website.

  • Get Early Access and Discounts on Eraserheads Tickets with PalawanPay

    Get Early Access and Discounts on Eraserheads Tickets with PalawanPay

    PalawanPay is making it easier for fans to secure tickets for the Eraserheads Electric Fun Music Festival by serving as the event’s official payment partner. The concert is set for May 31, 2025, at the SMDC Festival Grounds.

    Users of the PalawanPay app gain exclusive early access to ticket sales, avoiding long queues and enjoying a seamless digital transaction. The app offers a dedicated ticketing section where fans can select their preferred tier, add tickets to their cart, and complete purchases within minutes.

    A limited-time promotion from March 29 to April 16 gives buyers a 5% discount on all ticket tiers when purchasing through PalawanPay. Additionally, all buyers during this period will be entered into a raffle, where one winner will receive four SVIP tickets.

    To claim tickets, fans must visit SM Ticket outlets 24 hours after purchase, present their transaction reference number, and receive their physical passes.

    PalawanPay’s partnership with the Electric Fun Music Festival marks a significant step in digitizing live event ticketing in the Philippines, offering a more efficient and rewarding way for fans to attend concerts.

    For more details, follow PalawanPay on Facebook and Instagram.

  • A look at Palawan Express’ Bricktech strategy

    A look at Palawan Express’ Bricktech strategy

    For nearly four decades, the Palawan Group of Companies has built a good, solid reputation for being the most trusted go-to place for pawning, remittance, and a wide range of financial transactions, catering to the diverse needs of everyday Filipinos. Their unwavering dedication to offering winning financial services and solutions to their “sukis” has popularized “I-Palawan Mo Na!”, showcasing people’s deep connection and trust in their services.

    With its commitment to providing “mura, mabilis at walang kuskos balungos” (affordable, fast, and hassle-free) pawning services, along with domestic and international remittances, micro insurance, and e-wallet, the Palawan Group has become the market-leading pawnshop and remittance company, offering reliable financial solutions that Filipinos can depend on, especially during times of need.

    Combining the extensive network of over 3,300 Palawan branches with PalawanPay, the company’s digital wallet and fastest-growing app in the country, championing BrickTech strategy.  This approach merges physical branches with digital innovation, enhancing accessibility and reliability, and solidifying the Palawan Group’s leadership in the financial industry.

    When parents find themselves in a financial crunch such as needing quick cash to pay for their kids’ tuition, replenish their “sari-sari” store inventory, or boost their business capital,  they can pawn their jewelry at Palawan Pawnshop. Palawan’s high appraisal and low interest ensures that “sukis” can avail the best rates, ultimately providing them with higher cash and take-home pay.

    Similarly, Palawan Express Pera Padala (PEPP) is a reliable channel for overseas Filipino workers to send money back home, guaranteeing safe and prompt money transfers through its international remittance services. With Palawan’s “cash agad ang tanggap” feature, families receive much-needed support promptly and securely. Additionally, OFW families benefit from free ProtekTODO personal insurance coverage when claiming international remittances through PEPP or PalawanPay, providing them and their families with added security and peace of mind.

    “At Palawan, our “sukis” are at the heart of everything we do. We’re dedicated to constant innovation, always seeking ways to serve them better and provide winning financial solutions through our “mura, mabilis, at walang kuskos balungos na serbisyo,” said Karlo Eugene Castro, President and CEO of the Palawan Group of Companies.

    As a testament to its commitment to providing a comprehensive suite of winning financial solutions for its customers, the Palawan Group of Companies continuously enhances the features of its digital wallet, PalawanPay.

    Seamlessly integrated with key services such as pawn renewal, international remittance claims, and ProtekTODO insurance, customers can now conveniently manage their financial needs anytime, anywhere, “pwede sa branch at pwede rin sa app” (either in-branch or through the app), ensuring greater convenience and accessibility. These services and other features have propelled PalawanPay as the fastest-growing e-wallet, achieving 18M users in just 2 years.

    One of Palawan’s key strengths is its extensive network and digital innovations. With over 40,000 Palawan outlets nationwide, customers enjoy unparalleled flexibility and convenience in accessing financial services regardless of location. They can transact in-branch or through PalawanPay, the company’s mobile app. It allows users to manage their financial transactions anytime, anywhere, offering a seamless blend of in-branch and online services.

    With a legacy rooted in integrity and service excellence, Palawan has earned the steadfast loyalty of its customers for 38 years, setting standards for convenience, value, and winning financial solutions. Firmly rooted in their goal of bringing financial inclusivity to the country, they make it a point to create products and services that aim to make Filipinos’ lives easier and more convenient through more affordable means.

    By prioritizing customer needs and delivering exceptional, affordable service, Palawan ensures every interaction is a win-win for all its “sukis”. Palawan Pawnshop, Palawan Express Pera Padala, and PalawanPay are supervised by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. For more information, go to Palawan Pawnshop and PalawanPay

  • Palawan Pawnshop adds a new app feature

    Palawan Pawnshop adds a new app feature

    Subscribe to continue reading

    Subscribe to get access to the rest of this post and other subscriber-only content.