Digital payment platform GCash is playing a growing role in how Filipinos travel, as seen in the recent summer trips of content creators Laureen Uy and Maki Santos, who revisited the popular tourist destinations of Siargao and Boracay.

Known for their scenic beaches and vibrant local cultures, both islands have long attracted domestic and international tourists. This summer, Uy and Santos set out to rediscover what these top destinations still have to offer—beyond the typical travel itineraries.

For many travelers, however, planning a vacation can be challenging, with budgeting, coordinating group expenses, and finding the best deals often causing unnecessary stress. Uy and Santos, who documented their journeys online, demonstrated how integrating digital tools like GCash can simplify the process—from booking hotels and activities to paying for meals and securing travel insurance.

Boracay has long held sentimental value for Santos, who structured her return trip around what she described as the island’s “best-kept secrets.” Her accommodations at the Four Points by Sheraton were chosen based on what she called her “L.A.P. (Location, Aesthetic, Price) strategy,” emphasizing convenience, design, and affordability. She used GGives, a GCash feature that enables installment payments without down payments, to book her stay.

“I’ve always been the planner in the group... There’s a special kind of joy in watching my friends soak up the moment, knowing I helped bring it all together,” Santos said.

Her Boracay itinerary included paraw sailing, an adventure tour on the main island, and a helicopter ride over the beach—activities she paid for via online booking platforms like Klook. Dining stops included Gyukatsu, Mai Tai, and Maze Wrap, all of which accept GCash payments.

“What makes the experience even better is how seamless everything is with GCash. From booking activities to paying for meals, one tap and I’m all set!” she added.

In Siargao, Uy’s itinerary leaned into spontaneity and food, starting with seafood at Cev, followed by visits to Roots and Mondayyy’s Cafe. Like in Boracay, all establishments on her trip accepted QR payments via GCash.

But the trip wasn’t limited to food. Uy and her friends also took part in island-hopping tours to Mam-on and Corregidor Islands and wrapped up their days with sunset sessions at Kanaloa Beach, where they enjoyed kayaking, bonfires, and drinks by the shore.

“Hotel bookings, activities, shopping, and eating on the island? All check! Even down to travel insurance, just to make sure we’re protected from any unexpected hurdles, GCash has GInsure Travel Protect. At every point of planning from paying online, to scanning to pay with their merchants, and buying all my essentials, my summers are forever changed for the better,” Uy shared.

The creators’ trips reflect a broader trend among local travelers seeking convenience and flexibility in planning, paying for, and enjoying their vacations—particularly as the country’s tourism sector continues its post-pandemic rebound.