Not every dream follows a straight path. For attorney Sheila Gomez, becoming a lawyer required years of balancing full-time work with law school, managing mounting expenses, and continuing even when financial pressure threatened to interrupt her plans.
Her journey is featured in the sixth installment of this year’s GCash Stories campaign, themed “Kasama Mo Mangarap.” The film presents Gomez’s experience as a story of perseverance, second chances, and responsible borrowing, with GLoan helping her cover expenses while she pursued her law degree.
“Our GCash Stories campaign showed us that the most powerful script is that of real life,” said Neil Trinidad, chief marketing officer of Mynt. “Progress becomes possible when people are given the right support at the right time.”
Trinidad added that GCash aims to help Filipinos continue pursuing their goals by providing access to financial tools. Gomez’s story, he said, demonstrates how digital financial services can help address immediate challenges and create longer-term opportunities.
A campaign built around real experiences
Over the past three years, GCash Stories has featured Filipinos whose experiences reflect different forms of financial progress. Previous participants include Cocoy, a laid-off bartender who started a business with support from GLoan; Alma, who rebuilt her home after Typhoon Ulysses through community crowdfunding; and Turing, a drag performer and breadwinner who supported her family through digital tipping using GCash QR.
The campaign has also told the stories of para-athlete Adz, who raised funds for his advocacy through GCash Send Money, and Rhea Inayan, who brought financial services to her Bacolod City community through a GCash Pera Outlet.
“At the heart of every GCash Story is a real story of financial progress,” said Lourdes Batac, head of communication strategy at GCash. “GCash’s own narrative is not just about the products we’ve made, but how our products have transformed the lives of everyday Filipinos.”
From legal aide to lawyer
Gomez worked full-time as a legal aide while attending law school, dividing her time between long workdays and late-night study sessions. As tuition, examination fees, and everyday living costs accumulated, each enrollment period brought uncertainty over whether she could continue.
Rather than put her plans on hold, she used GLoan to help cover her law school expenses. The additional financial flexibility allowed her to remain focused on her studies, and she eventually passed the Bar.
“One of the biggest lessons I learned is that perseverance doesn’t always mean doing everything on your own. Sometimes, it means having the courage to seek the right support,” Gomez said during a fireside chat.
She acknowledged that borrowing is often viewed negatively, but argued that loans can be useful when approached responsibly and tied to a clear purpose.
“When used responsibly and with a clear purpose, borrowing can be a powerful tool and a smart investment that moves you closer to your dreams,” she said. “I’m grateful that GLoan gave me that opportunity.”
Gomez continues to use other GCash credit products, including GCredit and GGives.
Promoting responsible lending
Her story also supports the broader message of Fuse Financing Inc., the lending arm of GCash, which is marking its 10th year. Fuse positions its services around fair, transparent, and respectful lending practices intended to give borrowers access to credit without collateral.
“Everything we do rests on three core commitments: to provide fast, collateral-free loans; to ensure a safe and secure credit experience; and most importantly, to enable Filipinos to borrow with dignity,” said Tony Isidro, president and CEO of Fuse Financing Inc.
Isidro added that responsible borrowing can support long-term financial progress when combined with discipline and perseverance. GCash said borrowers use GLoan for purposes including education, livelihood expansion, family needs, and unexpected expenses.
Watch Atty. Sheila Gomez’s journey to the bar here: