Power interruptions and sudden internet outages are part and parcel of life in the Philippines, especially during typhoon season or scheduled maintenance windows. And while some of them may not last long, the disruption can feel major when you’re trying to work, study, pay bills, or even just prepare a meal. Losing access to your usual tools can throw off your whole day.
Fortunately, in such moments, your mobile phone can become more than just a messaging or entertainment device. With a little preparation and the right apps, you can take care of all sorts of everyday tasks through your phone while your other options are temporarily out of reach. That way, you can still get things done, stay connected, and remain in control even when circumstances change without warning.
Maya makes this kind of resilience possible. As the country’s #1 digital bank and a BSP-supervised financial institution, it provides the convenience of an e-wallet and the safety of a traditional bank, all in one app. Whether you’re buying prepaid load, settling bills, managing your savings, or paying online, Maya’s secure ecosystem helps you handle it all with just your phone. Here’s how you can make the most of it during an outage.
1. Manage Your Phone Battery Wisely
During long outages, every bit of charge matters. Switch on low-power mode, dim your screen, and close background apps to stretch your mobile devices’ battery lives. Also keep a fully charged power bank ready so your phone or tablet can stay on and online longer. These small adjustments can make a huge difference when you’re relying on your phone for everything.
2. Send or Receive Money Instantly without Going to a Bank
During typhoons that cause sudden blackouts, it’s not just electricity and internet that get disrupted; transportation and banking services can shut down too. ATMs may be offline, branches closed, and payment centers unreachable due to heavy rains or flooding. In these situations, being able to move money straight from your phone becomes critical. With Maya, you can send cash to a relative who needs to buy emergency supplies, or receive help yourself, even while the power is out. All you need is mobile data, and the transfer happens in real time. No waiting, no risky trips outside, just fast and secure support when it matters most.
3. Top Up Load or Data Anytime, Even without Wi-Fi
It’s easy to lose track of your data balance during an outage, especially if you’re suddenly relying on your phone for everything. The last thing you want is to run out of load when you need it most. Maya lets you buy prepaid load for yourself or others straight from the app, even while using mobile data. You can also choose your preferred load promo across major networks, so you might even score some load with cashback on top of additional data.
4. Use Mobile Data to Stay Connected for Work or School
When Wi-Fi goes down, your mobile data connection often becomes your only link to the outside world. Fortunately, you can still send important emails, take video calls, or upload key files as long as your phone is all set up to make the switch. Keep your key apps—like messaging platforms, work dashboards, and mobile banking tools—readily accessible so you can transition quickly when needed. Since Maya is fully app-based, you can access your wallet and track transactions seamlessly without needing a laptop or broadband connection.
5. Keep Communication Lines Open in Emergencies
Power or internet disruptions, such as those that may happen after a storm, can also mean weaker signals. When that happens, SMS or messaging via lightweight apps like Viber or Telegram may work better than video calls. Also make sure to save your emergency contacts and important hotlines directly on your phone so you can reach them quickly whenever needed.
6. Store Offline Copies of Important Documents
When outages are tied to natural disasters, internet access may be unavailable for days. It helps not only to save emergency contact information to your devices but also to keep scanned copies of your IDs, medical information, and emergency maps securely stored on your phone or tablet. That way, even without a live connection, you’ll have the essentials you need for identification, health, or navigation.
7. Order Food or Essentials through Online Checkout
Cooking during a power outage isn’t always an option, especially if you rely on an electric stove or induction cooker. Rather than wait it out hungry or head out in bad weather, take advantage of food delivery apps. Many of these platforms accept Maya at checkout, so you can pay instantly without digging for cash. You can also use Maya QR when picking up takeaway from local restaurants and minimarts. It’s a small convenience that makes a big difference when you're short on time, power, or both.
8. Stay Entertained and Informed
Outages don’t just disrupt work; they can take a toll on your downtime, too. As such, make sure to download music, ebooks, and podcasts in advance so you can still keep yourself entertained without Wi-Fi. Keep a few offline games handy as well to keep yourself and your family occupied while waiting for power or internet connection to return. Staying calm and entertained is an underrated but important part of getting through disruptions.
Stay Secure and in Control, Even During Outages
Using your phone for everything during an outage means trusting it with sensitive activities, from sending money to paying for services. We built the Maya app with that in mind. With features like biometric login, real-time transaction alerts, and a numberless card system, it promises bank-level security without sacrificing ease of use. Maya is also a Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)-supervised financial institution, which means your money is in a platform that adheres to strict regulatory standards, just like every other legitimate financial institution in the country.
Even when the power’s out or the internet’s down, your phone and the right tools can help you stay one step ahead. With Maya, you get an all-in-one platform that’s built for everyday use and ready for unexpected moments too. Download the app today to experience the safety of a bank and the convenience of a wallet, all in one place.
