As small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) explore new ways to grow, many are turning to flexible business models and digital payment solutions such as GCash to keep up with changing customer preferences. Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas showed that QR Ph person-to-merchant transactions surged 246.9% in volume in 2025 to 183.3 million from 52.8 million in 2024, while transaction value rose 211.3% to ₱926.1 billion.
For businesses such as smash burger restaurant Bun Run and matcha shop Kyoto House, adapting to customers while maintaining a consistent experience has become an important part of their growth. Chef Christine Balucas-Tabu of Bun Run said the brand focused on maintaining what customers loved when it opened its second branch in Makati in October 2025, while also adjusting to the preferences of a new market.
“Ultimately, we want our customers coming back for more not just because the food tastes good but because the experience was even greater,” Balucas-Tabu said, noting that GCash for Business has helped make transactions smoother. Bun Run uses GCash SoundPay Plus, which accepts QR Ph and card payments with real-time voice confirmation; more than 80% of its transactions are cashless, with around 30% through QR Ph and 50% through debit and credit cards.
Kyoto House, meanwhile, has built its growth around mobility, reaching customers through online channels, bazaars, and pop-ups instead of a permanent store. Around 40% of its sales come from pop-ups and bazaars, where the business introduces customers to its products and teaches them how to prepare matcha at home.
With as many as 300 to 450 transactions handled during a typical weekend bazaar, Kyoto House relies entirely on cashless payments. Its founders, Gabriel Jocson IV and Stephanie Dianne Ang, said GCash SoundPay Plus gives them the flexibility to accept payments wherever their business takes them.
While Bun Run and Kyoto House have different approaches to expansion, both demonstrate how flexibility can help SMEs respond to evolving consumer behavior. Digital payment solutions such as GCash SoundPay Plus can help businesses streamline transactions, serve customers more efficiently, and create opportunities for continued growth.
Businesses can get started by creating a Starter Plan account on the GCash for Business Portal with as simple as a GCash verified account to enjoy P5M wallet limit then start ordering a GCash SoundPay Plus device.
