From Matcha Latte to a New Appliance, Skyro Wants Filipinos to Say “I-Skyro Mooo!”

‘Pag may gusto o kailangan, may paraan.

Skyro is launching “I-Skyro Mooo!”, a new nationwide brand campaign that reflects the company’s expanding role in Filipinos’ everyday financial lives, from planned purchases and access to cash to day-to-day spending.

Built around the playful and expressive way Filipinos use language, the campaign turns the Skyro name into a simple action people can associate with different purchases, needs, and financial moments.

The launch also introduces Jennylyn Mercado as Skyro’s newest brand ambassador, joining her husband, Dennis Trillo, as the faces of the campaign and the Skyro brand. One of the Philippines’ most recognizable showbiz couples, Den and Jen bring a natural chemistry and familiarity that fit the campaign’s everyday, relatable tone.

Den and Jen take center stage in “Skyromance,” the campaign’s anchor film series, which brings the “I-Skyro Mooo!” idea to life through relatable moments between the pair. The first film debuted as part of the campaign launch, with the series serving as the creative starting point for a broader nationwide rollout.

The campaign comes shortly after Skyro rolled out its refreshed brand identity in the Philippines, the first market to introduce the new look. The rebrand reflects Skyro’s shift beyond one-off financing toward becoming part of more financial moments in customers’ lives, while “I-Skyro Mooo!” gives that direction a distinctly local and everyday expression.

More Ways to I-Skyro Mooo!

Skyro has expanded to more than 10,000 partner retail locations across the Philippines.That retail network remains an important part of the business, while Skyro’s growing product portfolio now supports a wider range of customer needs beyond major purchases alone.

Skyro’s products now cover more everyday financial situations, including planned purchases through Product Loans, access to cash through Cash Loans, and reusable credit for day-to-day spending through SkyroCredit.

Together, these products give customers more ways to use Skyro depending on what they need at the time and more reasons for “I-Skyro Mooo!” to mean something different in different moments.

“We want Skyro to feel naturally present in the financial moments that come up in people’s lives,” said Iya Lelyanova, Head of Marketing at Skyro. “That can be something as simple as paying for groceries or a meal, something bigger like replacing an appliance or buying a new phone, or having access to cash when customers need more flexibility. With SkyroCredit, customers can also get more value from everyday purchases through cashback.”

“With ‘I-Skyro Mooo!’, we wanted to express that in a way that feels familiar, simple, and easy to remember. Whether the purchase is big or small, we want Skyro to become something people naturally think of as one of the ways they can pay.”

A Nationwide Campaign Built for Everyday Moments

“I-Skyro Mooo!” is designed to live beyond a single film or format. While the Skyromance series introduces the campaign through storytelling, the broader rollout will carry the same idea into the places and moments where customers encounter Skyro in daily life.

Across outdoor, digital, retail, social media, creator content, and on-ground activations, each execution will reinforce the same message: Skyro can be relevant across different kinds of financial moments, from routine spending to bigger planned needs.

The aim is to make “I-Skyro Mooo!” increasingly recognizable beyond any single product or purchase, a simple expression people can associate with the different ways Skyro fits into everyday life.

From Bigger Buys to Everyday Spending

The campaign builds on how Skyro has evolved since entering the Philippine market in 2022.

From its beginnings in point-of-sale financing, the company has steadily introduced more ways for customers to access and use credit while keeping the experience mobile-first and designed around the needs of the local market.

Today, that means meeting customers not only when they are making a major purchase, but also for the smaller, more frequent money needs that happen in between.

As of 2026, Skyro has more than 7 million registered users and a credit portfolio exceeding $200 million. The company also reached operating break-even in the first half of 2026 as it continued to scale its Philippine business.

“I-Skyro Mooo!” brings those different uses of Skyro together under one simple idea that can work across products, platforms, and customer moments.

Because whether it is something small for today, something bigger you’ve been planning, or something you need along the way, Skyro gives customers more ways to make it happen.

To discover more ways to I-Skyro mooo!, visit skyro.ph and follow Skyro on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

SkyroCredit Becomes Everyday Pay Later for All Filipinos.

The future of credit isn't about encouraging people to spend more. It's about giving them greater control over when and how they pay, while rewarding them for the purchases they already make.

For years, "Pay Later" has been the go-to payment option for big-ticket purchases like smartphones and home appliances.

Skyro is changing that by bringing "Pay Later" to the purchases that keep everyday life moving. A grocery run before payday. Fuel for tomorrow's commute. Medicine for a loved one. Coffee before work. Dinner after a long day.

These purchases may seem small on their own, but together they shape how people live. They deserve the same flexibility and rewards as life's biggest milestones.

Delivering on this promise, Skyro, a trusted SEC-registered fintech company, is opening SkyroCredit to more eligible Filipinos nationwide. Instead of reaching for a traditional credit card, customers can simply scan any QR Ph code and pay later wherever QR Ph is accepted.

From groceries and medicines to fuel, dining, and shopping, SkyroCredit brings flexible credit and cashback rewards to the purchases Filipinos make most often.

Whether it's today's grocery bill or tomorrow's fuel expenses, SkyroCredit gives customers up to 45 days of 0% interest, 1% cashback on every transaction, and the opportunity to unlock higher credit limits up to ₱100,000 through responsible use.

SkyroCredit is also simple and transparent. There are no annual fees, no hidden charges, and no service fees. Customers only pay for the credit they use and can choose to settle their balance in full during the interest-free period or make minimum payments based on what works best for them.

"We're setting a new standard for what 'Pay Later' can mean. By combining QR payments, flexible credit, and cashback rewards in one experience, we're helping more Filipinos turn everyday spending into everyday value," said Iya Lelyanova, Head of Marketing at Skyro.

Applying for SkyroCredit is fast and convenient, with approvals possible in as fast as 40 seconds. Filipino citizens aged 18 and above can apply using just one valid government-issued ID through the Skyro mobile app, the SkyroCredit webpage at skyro.ph/skyrocredit, or at select partner stores including Home Along, Metro Retail, Prince Retail, LCC, Alson's Trading, and Willy & Sons.

Through SkyroCredit, Skyro is turning everyday spending into everyday value.

For more information on SkyroCredit and other Skyro products, visit skyro.ph and follow its social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and TikTok.

Smart Financial Choices for Everyday Life.

Key Takeaways

• Establishing a practical budget is foundational to ensuring your money works for your lifestyle and your goals, providing a clear map for spending and saving decisions.
• Emergency funds provide essential protection against life’s unpredictability, offering an invaluable buffer against sudden expenses or income loss.
• Automating savings and payments builds consistency, minimizes the risk of error, and reduces the stress of keeping up with due dates and obligations.
• Continued financial education leads to wiser decisions, providing long-term benefits and enabling you to stay ahead of trends and changes in the financial landscape.

Managing your personal finances effectively isn’t just about numbers; it’s about making deliberate, informed decisions that support your long-term security and bring peace of mind. Every financial move you make today can influence your future comfort and stability, whether that’s maintaining a balanced budget, meeting obligations on time, or planning for significant life events. Proactive financial management empowers you to confidently meet your immediate needs, pursue your longer-term goals, and handle unexpected events with greater poise and assurance. Whether you're seeking support for an urgent expense or laying the groundwork for a brighter future, understanding all your financial options, such as borrowing responsibly from MaxLend, can be an essential part of your broader financial strategy. Recognizing the significance of your financial behavior unlocks opportunities for growth and independence. Building a solid foundation for your finances begins with awareness and intentional action: tracking where every dollar goes, preparing for life’s uncertainties, and taking practical steps to ensure your hard-earned income works in your favor rather than against you. These habits aren’t just about cutting costs; they’re about maximizing your resources and creating a lifestyle that aligns with your values and aspirations. Embracing wise financial choices and leveraging available tools, such as apps, digital banking platforms, or financial advice services, can guide you toward lasting financial well-being and help you avoid common pitfalls. Prioritizing financial health is a journey, and each conscious choice is economic over time.

Photo credit: Kindel Media on Pexels.

Creating a Practical Budget

Effective budgeting is the first and often most crucial step in gaining control of your finances. By methodically tracking every source of income and all expenses, from basics like rent and groceries to discretionary items such as dining out or subscriptions, you gain visibility into your spending patterns. Identifying exactly where your money goes helps you spot trends and areas for potential improvement, such as unnecessary subscriptions or luxury purchases that could be scaled back without meaningful sacrifice. Numerous tools and apps designed specifically for budgeting can simplify the process; many allow you to set spending limits, categorize expenses, and receive alerts when you are close to exceeding a preset threshold. This level of clarity is vital for creating and attaining both short- and long-term financial goals, ensuring each dollar serves a purpose. Sticking with a personal budget requires honesty and realistic expectations. It’s important to remember that overspending once in a while does not mean you have failed; instead, it’s an opportunity to revisit your plan and make necessary adjustments. Life circumstances, such as a new job, increased expenses, or shifting priorities, can affect your financial trajectory, so it’s essential to review and update your budget to reflect these changes regularly. This ongoing process ensures your financial strategy remains relevant and supportive of your overall well-being.

Building an Emergency Fund

Having an emergency fund isn’t just about financial comfort; it’s about building true resilience. Life is inherently uncertain, and having a dedicated fund for unexpected costs provides peace of mind and stability. Financial experts typically recommend saving between 3 and 6 months’ worth of living expenses, covering essentials like rent or mortgage, utilities, groceries, and transportation. Even if that amount seems out of reach, starting small is powerful: setting aside even $20 to $50 from each paycheck can quickly add up. What matters most is consistency, not perfection. Regular, even modest savings slowly build a reliable safety net. Life’s uncertainties, unexpected car breakdowns, medical emergencies, sudden job loss, or urgent home repairs can quickly derail your finances without a cushion in place. When emergencies strike, having quick access to savings ensures you don’t need to rely on high-interest credit cards, payday loans, or other costly alternatives to weather a crisis. An emergency fund allows you to face life’s challenges with greater flexibility and less stress, maintaining your financial independence even in turbulent times.

Automating Savings and Payments

Automation makes day-to-day financial management easier, more reliable, and far less stressful. By scheduling recurring transfers to your savings account or setting up automatic payments for your utility bills, rent, and credit cards, you significantly lower the risk of missing a due date and incurring costly late fees. Automated transfers make your savings grow almost effortlessly, as the money moves before you have the chance to spend it impulsively. This “out of sight, out of mind” approach often leads to higher savings rates and reduces financial anxiety by ensuring your essential obligations are always covered. For those working toward long-term goals, like saving for a house, dream vacation, or retirement, automation can provide discipline and security, ultimately making your financial responsibilities much more manageable.

Investing in Financial Literacy

Knowledge is one of the most powerful tools you can leverage to build lasting financial health. By attending workshops, enrolling in online courses, and exploring reputable online resources, you can continually expand your understanding of essential topics such as investment basics, debt management, credit scoring, and setting financial priorities. As you improve your financial literacy, you’re better equipped to avoid common mistakes, evaluate complex financial products, and recognize opportunities that fit your long-term plans. Empowering yourself with information not only enables you to make better choices, but it also builds confidence as you tackle big decisions like financing a home, consolidating student loans, or diversifying your investment portfolio. For comprehensive personal finance education, explore resources from organizations such as NerdWallet, which offer practical advice and real-world tools to guide your journey.

Utilizing Technology for Financial Management

Technology has profoundly transformed the way individuals and households manage their money, creating unprecedented opportunities for more intelligent, more convenient financial management. From mobile banking apps that let you monitor your accounts on the go to automated robo-advisors providing investment management based on sophisticated algorithms, digital innovations put advanced financial tools at your fingertips. For example, robo-advisors offer tailored investment strategies and ongoing portfolio optimization tailored to your risk tolerance and unique goals, all at a lower cost than traditional financial advisors. Tech-driven financial management has democratized access to personalized planning that was once out of reach for many people. A recent CNBC article reveals how significantly robo-advisors are changing the investment landscape, empowering a new generation of investors to participate confidently in the market.

Practicing Mindful Spending

Smart spending doesn’t mean constant deprivation or extreme frugality; it’s about making informed choices that genuinely add value to your life. When considering a purchase, ask yourself whether it fulfills a real need or just a fleeting want. Look for less expensive alternatives or take advantage of discounts and cashback opportunities where possible. Mindfulness while shopping, whether online or in-store, helps you avoid impulse buys, prevent buyer’s remorse, and ensure your money is directed towards things that truly matter. Small changes such as meal planning, cooking at home, or sharing streaming services can shave significant amounts off your monthly budget. Additionally, seeking out free or low-cost experiences, like community festivals, local art shows, nature hikes, or library programs, can drastically reduce your entertainment expenses while ensuring your social life and happiness don’t take a hit.

Photo credit: Angela Roma on Pexels.

Planning for Retirement

Retirement may seem like a distant milestone, especially when you’re busy managing today’s bills and obligations, but beginning to save early makes a remarkable difference. Even modest contributions to a workplace retirement account or Individual Retirement Account (IRA) take advantage of compounding interest, giving your investments more time to grow. Prioritize taking full advantage of employer-based retirement plans, especially when employer-matching contributions are available, as this is effectively free money added to your nest egg. Periodically reviewing your retirement strategy, evaluating your portfolio’s performance, adjusting allocations to match your evolving risk tolerance, and staying informed about new savings options or policy changes ensures that your plan remains robust and aligned with your needs at every stage of life.

Conclusion

Adopting smart financial habits today lays the groundwork for a secure tomorrow, regardless of where you are on your financial journey. Through thoughtful budgeting, disciplined saving, strategic automation, and a commitment to ongoing learning, you can navigate the challenges of daily life and simultaneously create opportunities for future growth. Use modern technology and trusted educational resources to your advantage, building a toolkit that helps you make proactive, beneficial decisions. Remember: each small, intentional step you take is not just about meeting today’s needs, but about investing in your long-term financial independence, freedom, and well-being.

How To Launch A Successful Business People Will Actually Be Interested In.

If you’ve always wanted to launch a business, a new start is the perfect time to have a fresh start and get it off the ground. But starting a company is about so much more than just putting an idea or a product out there and hoping it does well. You need it to take off. There are many fundamentals that can help this be a success, from the marketing behind it, to knowing your idea is something that people will actually want to be invested in. In this article we take a look at some top tips that can help you hopefully give it the best stepping stone possible to really get off the ground this year.

Photo credit: Lisa from Pexels.

Ensure it is a niche that people are interested in

The first thing you need to do when you are launching a successful business, is to ensure it’s a niche that people are actually interested in. You need to know you will have a market out there who wants to buy the service or product that you are selling, and that it won’t just fall flat. Take time to research your market thoroughly by looking at competitors, keyword trends, forums, and social media discussions. Speak to potential customers where possible and gather honest feedback. This research will help you refine your offering, identify gaps in the market, and avoid investing time and money into something that lacks real demand.

Think about the technical side of things

While the idea itself is important, the technical foundations of your business are just as crucial. This includes setting up a professional website, ensuring it works well on mobile, and making sure it loads quickly and securely. You should also think about payment systems, data protection, email marketing tools, and any software needed to run the business efficiently - if you run or want to start a dating site, online dating merchant services are a gamechanger for this. Poor technical setup can instantly damage credibility and trust, even if your product is excellent. Investing time early on to get these elements right can save you from costly fixes later and help your business run more smoothly from day one.

Photo credit: Lisa from Pexels.

Don’t forget about social media

Social media plays a huge role in launching and growing a business, especially in the early stages. It’s one of the most effective ways to build awareness, connect with your audience, and show the personality behind your brand. Choose platforms that suit your business rather than trying to be everywhere at once, and focus on sharing valuable, engaging content consistently.

Hopefully the above should help you feel inspired and know what you need to do in order to launch a company that will do well and flourish. The last thing you want is to have an idea that’s fantastic but no-one sees it, or go out there with an idea that’s a flop and ruins your credibility. What are some top tips you have for launching a successful business that people will actually be interested in?

Pru Life UK launches PRUSteady Income.

As Filipinos continue to juggle growing financial responsibilities with personal aspirations, Pru Life UK introduces PRUSteady Income, a new 20-year endowment insurance plan designed to provide financial resilience—now and into the future.

“At Pru Life UK, we are committed to understanding what matters most to our customers. We designed PRUSteady Income as a practical financial solution that empowers our customers to confidently pursue their priorities today and prepare for life’s milestones ahead,” said Garen Dee, Chief Product Officer.

This life insurance plan offers a reliable mix of guaranteed protection and a steady income stream. From the end of the 11th year until the 20th year of the policy, policyowners are guaranteed to receive net annual cash payouts equal to 10% of the sum assured. Upon maturity at the end of the 20-year term, the full sum assured will be given as a maturity benefit. In the unfortunate event of death of the insured, the plan provides beneficiaries with up to 200% of the sum assured as death benefit.

To help manage unexpected financial needs, the policy also includes loanable cash values which is accessible as needed. For every Filipino The launch of PRUSteady Income underscores Pru Life UK’s commitment to helping Filipinos build a balanced financial portfolio—offering insurance solutions that are simple, reliable, and built for real-life needs. “Filipinos often put their families first and themselves second.

"With PRUSteady Income, we want to help them do both at the same time. It’s about giving people the confidence to care for their loved ones now, while also investing in the well-being of the person they’ve always aspired to be,” Dee said.

“Whether you are a parent preparing for a comfortable future for your children or a freelancer building a steady living today for yourself and your loved ones, PRUSteady Income is designed to meet you where you are in life and help you move forward with greater confidence,” she continued. For parents, the guaranteed annual payout offers a meaningful way to invest in their children’s future—supplementing their educational fund and nurturing a lifestyle filled with opportunity and growth.

“Beyond the 20-year coverage period, the maturity benefit can add to the policyowner’s retirement savings, offering financial security at a time when economic uncertainties make long-term planning more essential than ever,” she said.

PRUSteady Income is also well-suited for freelancers who find themselves balancing the demands of everyday life while yearning to nurture their personal growth. “The reality is saving often takes a backseat to immediate responsibilities. This product provides financial protection with guaranteed payouts, while the maturity benefit serves as a financial cushion for pursuing long-overdue personal goals,” she concluded.

To learn more about PRUSteady Income, visit www.prulifeuk.com.ph or follow Pru Life UK on Facebook. 

Paynamics x Sterling Bank of Asia: Empowering Businesses Together.

Sterling Bank of Asia (SBA) and Paynamics Technologies have renewed their partnership to enhance the accessibility of digital payments for SBA’s business clients. 

Attending the event were (L-R) SBA Retail Banking Group Head and EVP Ralph Cadiz, along with President and CEO Cecilio San Pedro; Paynamics CEO Mylene Chua-Magleo, Board Member Esther Magleo, CFO Ronald Magleo, and Chief Revenue Officer Allan Condino. 

Through this collaboration, Sterling Bank will introduce Paynamics’ cutting-edge payment solutions to its merchant clients—helping businesses streamline transactions and drive growth. This will make digital payments more accessible, seamless, and efficient for merchants across industries. Paynamics x Sterling Bank of Asia is just the beginning of financial innovation at work. There will be more to come as this partnership continues to build the future of payments.

Sterling Bank of Asia Grants Php 370 Million Credit Facility to Skyro.

Sterling Bank of Asia (SBA) has granted a Php 370 million credit facility to Skyro, one of the fastest-growing fintech companies specializing in financial lending services. This strategic partnership aims to support Skyro’s expansion and enhance its ability to provide seamless digital lending services to consumers nationwide.

Standing (L to R): SBA Marketing Assistant Ms. Patricia Cabas, SBA Relationship Manager Ms. Jessa Mahinay, Skyro Head of Funding Ms. Victoria Tupaz, and Skyro Treasurer Mr. Vicente Dela Cruz.

Seated (L to R): SBA Senior Vice President Commercial Lending 1 Head Mr. Jose Ison, Jr., SBA Executive Vice President for Commercial Lending Group Head Mr. Benson Hari-Ong, Skyro Co-Founder and Co-CEO Mr. Nasim Aliev and Skyro President Mr. Anthony Co

“We are committed to empowering fintech companies like Skyro, which are driving financial inclusion and digital transformation in the Philippines,” said Mr. Jose S. Ison, Jr., Senior Vice President of the Commercial Lending Group of Sterling Bank of Asia. “By extending this credit facility, we reaffirm our confidence in Skyro’s vision and its potential to reshape the financial technology landscape.”

The Php 370 million credit line will enable Skyro to scale its operations, expand its digital lending infrastructure, and strengthen its capabilities. This funding will accelerate Skyro’s mission of providing fast and accessible financial lending solutions to underserved communities.

“We are grateful for the trust and support of Sterling Bank of Asia,” said Mr. Nasim Aliev, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Skyro. “This credit facility will help us drive financial accessibility and continue delivering secure, efficient, and customer-centric digital lending solutions.”

Sterling Bank of Asia remains committed to supporting the growth of the fintech sector by fostering collaborations that drive economic progress and financial inclusivity in the Philippines.

Loans Can Fuel Business Growth.

In today's very competitive market landscape, ease of access to funding may well be one factor that will ensure any growing business's success. Entrepreneurs need the assurance that they have easy access to financing through banks. This allows them to take advantage of opportunities in the marketplace, thereby ensuring business growth.

As one of the country's leading thrift banks that provides various business solutions to its clients, Sterling Bank of Asia (SBA) has pledged its support to help small and medium enterprises thrive in the ever-competitive marketplace.

SBA offers a wide range of business loan products that cater to the different needs of its customers, ranging from startups to established enterprises. Their offerings include term loans, trade check discounting, developmental loans, domestic bills purchase, and more.

Choosing the right bank financing product is crucial for a business's success. With the appropriate loan funding, businesses can reach their full potential. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to carefully evaluate their funding requirements and select from the wide array of banking products available to meet their specific goals.

Sterling Bank of Asia is committed to supporting businesses every step of the way. Their team is always ready and willing to assist clients in finding the perfect financial solution to achieve their business aspirations.

For those looking to grow their business, explore SBA's loan products and contact their team today to begin the journey toward success.

Annual Visa Consumer Payment Attitudes study reveals significant decline in cash payments amid rise in cashless transactions.

The cashless wave continues to gain momentum in the Philippines as consumer habits shift away from cash dependence, and more towards usage of cashless payments. This is according to Visa’s latest Consumer Payment Attitudes Study, which indicates a notable decline in cash usage to 87%, from 96% in 2022.

The Visa Consumer Payment Attitudes Study is an annual study covering payment behaviors of Filipino consumers when it comes to digital payments, digital banking and the future of commerce. The latest edition is in its 10 th year running and was based on interviews conducted in October to November 2023 with 1,000 Filipino consumers aged 18-65 years old, spread across different cities/regions and income brackets, with the minimum monthly income being PHP 12,000.

The cashless wave continues.

Driven by the younger (Gen Z and Gen Y) and more affluent segments, Filipino consumers are increasingly embracing cashless transactions, going without cash for an average of 10 days. Specifically, card payments usage was at 70% (including swipe / insert, online, and tap-to-pay / contactless payments) in 2023, while mobile wallets usage stood at 87%, on par with cash transactions.

43% of Filipinos who were surveyed now carry less cash in their wallets mainly due to the growing consumer habit of using cashless and contactless payments, alongside the increasing acceptance of cashless payments among stores & merchants.

Supermarkets (88%), food and dining (86%), and bill payments (82%) are the leading merchant categories that consumers observed to have opened up acceptance of cashless payment methods compared to a year ago.

“Filipinos are becoming more comfortable with cashless payments, and we are confident that they will continue to embrace new innovations in the digital payment landscape,” says Jeff Navarro, Visa Country Manager for the Philippines. “With growth attributed to increasing payment acceptance across merchants for cards, both dip and contactless, as well as mobile wallets, Visa remains committed to ensuring a seamless transition to a cash-lite society by providing secure and convenient digital payment solutions.”

Growing acceptance and usage of contactless payments among Filipinos

Contactless payments – including contactless cards, QR codes, and mobile wallets – are driving the growth of cashless payments in the country.

According to the study, about 9 in 10 Filipinos are aware of and interested in using contactless cards and QR codes when paying for their transactions. Specifically, 32% of Filipinos used contactless cards for their payments in 2023, mainly driven by the affluent population. Meanwhile, 55% used QR codes, with at least 50% adoption across age groups except for consumers aged 59-65 (31%).

Visa Country Manager Jeff Navarro highlights the results
of the latest Consumer Payment Attitudes Study.

Among mobile wallet users, paying through QR codes is the most preferred method for 38% of consumers, making mobile wallets the most preferred funding source for QR payments. Scanning the QR code in-store is the preferred mode of payment by 78% of its users.

When travelling overseas, Filipinos prefer to use cards for cross-border payments, where 55% of consumers prefer debit and credit cards for the convenience, time savings, and hassle-free user experience. An emerging trend is the use of QR codes for cross-border payments, with 37% of Filipinos currently aware of and have tried using it. Meanwhile, 69% of those who have not tried it have expressed interest in using it in the future.

Road to a cashless society

With the shift to digital forms of payment, 52% of consumers are confident to go without the use of cash, and rely on cashless payment methods entirely for at least a week. Moreover, 1 in 3 consumers (37%) believe that the Philippines will be a cashless society by the year 2030 – if not sooner.

Mr. Jeff Navarro, Visa Country Manager for the Philippines.

“Our study shows that the cashless wave is maintaining its momentum in the Philippines. We are moving closer to achieving a cashless Philippine society, but we still have some way to go,” said Navarro. “Visa plays a strategic role in the payment ecosystem to drive financial and digital inclusion by partnering with the government, banks and financial institutions, and fintechs to support the development of digital payments in the Philippines. We are supporting the digitization journey in the Philippines – such as Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ Digital Payments Transformation Roadmap – by providing consumers and businesses with convenient, seamless and safe digital payment solutions.”

When is the best time to start learning about money?

According to BSP’s 2021 Financial Inclusion Survey, the number of Filipino adults with savings dropped by 25 percent from 38.6 million in 2019 to 28.9 million in 2021—decimated mainly by the pandemic.

As families recover from the pandemic, experts believe that our children—given their recent experience of how emergencies can affect finances—should learn good money habits early on from their parents.

The pandemic has seen innovation in financial technology (fintech) like e-wallets and e-commerce entering wide adoption. Saving money is much easier than it used to be, but the same modern conveniences can also lead to impulse spending and mismanagement. How many times have kids spent money with just a few taps on the screen?

With technology making money more accessible to children, the basics of financial literacy and resource management have become even more critical for their generation.

Building a financially savvy future

As part of its advocacy for financial literacy, FWD Life Insurance partnered with Junior Achievement of the Philippines (JA Philippines) to launch the JA SparktheDream program, which aims to develop primary school students’ financial literacy at an early age to help them achieve their dreams in life.

“Through JA SparktheDream, FWD Philippines seeks to build a future where more people are in control of their finances, and eventually their lives,” says Roche Vandenberghe, FWD Philippines Chief Marketing and Digital Business Officer.

The JA SparktheDream program simplifies money management topics, making these topics easier to understand, especially for kids in elementary school. It also focuses on financial inclusion, so that they are inspired to become agents of change for others as well.

During the launch, event panelist Gracie Maulion—known online as Tipid Mommy—shared her most important tip for parents teaching their kids about essential life skills.

“Programs like these are a blessing for parents like me,” said Mommy Gracie. “But it takes a village to raise a kid. You also need to set a good example to your children at home.”

“Even if we try to teach them proper money management, they won’t learn the lesson if it doesn’t match the behavior we show at home,” warns Mommy Gracie. “After all, values are more caught than taught.”

Here are some tips on setting a good example, taken from the FWD website:

• Show that you’re not buying impulsively. When children see you overspending on things you don’t need, they will have a hard time realizing that things do cost money and those costs have consequences—like lack of funds when someone falls critically ill. When you’re shopping for clothes and shoes that you don’t need or use, food that spoils in the fridge and is thrown away, they will think that it’s all right for things to go to waste. At the supermarket or mall, buy only the essentials. Teach them how to make a list before leaving the house.

• Let them experience what it takes to make money. Teenagers are always asking for money—teach them instead how to earn it and let them realize the true value of money. During their summer and semestral breaks, don’t let them just hang out with their friends all the time, but help them find a job or figure out how to become an entrepreneur. Food being the top and easier business from home to set up, perhaps they can learn to cook, bake, or design packaging. Encourage them to create content online that can be monetized.

• Involve them in your investments. Children don’t have the money to buy real estate, but by the time they’re teenagers they might have enough to participate in the family’s investments. Create a fund where they contribute a percentage—an equal one coming from each child’s savings account—with the parents matching or doubling their contributions. Use this fund to invest, and let them see their money growing firsthand

These tips and more are just a part of the practical life lessons on money taught in JA SparkTheDream—one of the many financial literacy and inclusion advocacies from FWD Life Insurance. To learn more about JA SparktheDream and other programs, visit the website and follow FWD Philippines on Facebook and Instagram.

Make It Count with Money Games at MortgageCalculator.org

Remember my nephew Morgan who loves music, Math, and Super Mario? Well, he's now five years old and is officially enrolled in preschool. He's been attending in-person classes  since the start of the year (one hour session, three times a week), and so far, he finds school fun and interesting. He's also made a lot of new friends, being the congenial little boy that he is.

Currently, he's on a week-long "health break" (sort of a semestral break, only shorter), like most preschool and grade school kids here in the Philippines. No homework or modules for now, but he's making productive use of his time by playing board games, singing karaoke, and swimming at the pool. When he's given screen time, he either plays Super Mario on his Nintendo Switch or goes through all the different video games at the Mortgage Calculator website.

My bubbly five-year old nephew, Morgan.

I chanced upon the Mortgage Calculator website while doing some research on real estate and home loans. As the name implies, the website has online calculators that can help you compute monthly home loan payments using different loan terms, loan amounts, and interest rates. They also have savings calculators, refinance calculators, and even home affordability calculators which can give you an estimate of how much you can afford to borrow for your new home. All these came in very handy for my research, but it was the money games that made me stay longer on this website - long enough for Morgan to see what I was doing on my computer and try the games for himself. 

Here are some of Morgan's favorite games on Mortgage Calculator.

Cash Back.

Select the number of bills and coins and give the change.

Cash Back is a basic arithmetic game where players use bills and coins to give the customers their correct change. It's a fun way to introduce money to kids, and teach them how to calculate using the different denominations. 

Supermarket Numbers.

Click the appropriate blocks to get the number on the upper left.

Another arithmetic game is Supermarket Numbers. The game starts with addition blocks, where you have to select two numbers to add up to the numerical goal shown on the top left. As the game advances, more blocks are added with functions like subtraction, multiplication, and division. 

Tap Supermarket.

Click on the customers at the counter and the empty shelves that need to be refilled.

On the other hand, Tap Supermarket is a grocery store simulation game where you oversee the store operations from manning the till, refilling the shelves, and managing the stocks. You earn money by checking out the customers in the payment counter, which you can then use to purchase new display racks and expand your store inventory. As the game progresses and you gain more experience, you can unlock the second checkout counter and a third grocery stocker.

Pizza Cafe.

Serve the customers immediately before the hearts run out.

Another simulation game is Pizza Cafe where you need to serve customers with the pizza that they ordered. There are different pizza variants which require different ingredients, and you need to assemble, cook, and send them to the conveyor belt until it reaches the customer. There is a time limit, so you need to make the pizza as quickly as possible before the customer walks out. You can also use the phone at the bottom right to order ingredients once they've ran out.

Hidden Food.

Click on the object as soon as you spot them.

Finally, there's Hidden Food, a simple search game where you have to find food items or kitchen appliances hidden among a cornucopia of fruits, vegetables, and other things related to food and cooking. The game starts easy, but as you advance to the different levels, it gets a tad more difficult as you need to find more items while the board becomes more densely packed. Surprisingly, Morgan managed to get to Level 10 with a bit of help from me. 

Enjoying some screen time on the iPad.

There are dozens upon dozens of fun games at the Mortgage Calculator website, and every single one of them is free to play. No sign-ups needed, no downloads required. Everything is browser-based so all you need to do is simply go to the website and click on the game that you would like to play. The site is ad-free, so you don't have to worry about annoying pop-ups or irrelevant ads showing up on screen. 

Yue will be having his "health break" next week, and from the looks of it, he'll be spending most of his break playing these money games as well. 

My Aspirations for the New Year 2023.

Happy New Year!

We're almost halfway through the first month of 2023, yay! Although this may seem like too late for a new year blog post (I was out of town with the family last week, more about this in a separate blog post), I wanted to write one anyway, just so my friends and readers know that I'm still writing, my neurons are still working, and I'm still alive (and kicking) in the blogosphere.

In the past, I would usually write a yearend recap slash appreciation post; this time, I'd like to share my aspirations for the new year. I wouldn't want to call them as resolutions, since resolutions tend to be broken anyway. The word 'aspiration' has a kinder, brighter ring to it, which makes the process of turning them into reality more fun, more inspiring, and definitely more positive.

Here's what I aspire to do this year:

Blog more often, with passion.

I had been in a writing slump the past two years, and I won't deny it. This pandemic affected me so much - physically, mentally, and emotionally. Being cooped up at home for months, losing my grandmother to COVID, being away from my husband because of travel restrictions, having to undergo quarantine twice because of a COVID scare in our neighborhood... these were just some of the dispiriting things that I had to deal with, and eventually contributed to my writing slump. I was uninspired and unmotivated for the most part, and even if I did manage to produce a few blog posts here and there, my writing felt and sounded very contrived and strained.

Dining out with my siblings and cousins.

Now that things are starting to go back to normal, I'm slowly easing back to life by going out in public more often and attending small gatherings with friends and family. By starting to reclaim my social life, I feel that my writing spark has been reignited, and hopefully, I will be able to write as often and as naturally as I did pre-pandemic.

Fix my sleep schedule.

My body clock has been out of whack for years now. This unhealthy habit is something that I urgently need to work on, more so now that Yue has resumed in person classes and I have to be up before 6am to make him breakfast and prepare his packed lunch. 

Photo credit: Pexels.

For starters, I have cut back on my caffeine intake, limiting myself to one cup in the morning and another in the early afternoon (no more coffee at night). Naps are now also a no-no, and whenever the urge to nap comes, I would keep myself preoccupied by taking a walk outside or playing Just Dance.

Save more money.

This resolution is almost always on top of everybody's list, each and every year. However, saving money can be a bit of a challenge for must of us this time around, with the rising inflation and skyrocketing cost of living. 

Photo credit: Pexels.

That being said, my husband and I have been looking into other ways to save money, aside from the usual budgeting and setting aside a fraction of our household income. We're leaning towards investments, and after much consideration and computation, mutual funds is the best choice. To give us an idea of how much we can possibly save and earn, we used this Investment Return Calculator. 

Make healthier food choices.

Instead of just saying that I will go on a diet to lose weight (and end up gaining all that weight back after a few cheat days or so), I will start with something more doable and realistic, like eating more "whole" food and cutting back on sugar intake.

Photo credit: Vanessa Loring on Pexels.

Losing weight has been a struggle for me since 2017 when I started taking corticosteroids for my asthma (doctor's orders, of course), and crash diets no longer work on me the way they did when I was in my 20s (I feel so old, haha). Perhaps by changing my perspective and mindset on dieting, like having better eating habits instead of not eating at all, will be more beneficial for me in the long run.

Be a coach, and no longer a controller.

So many things have changed since the pandemic, and that includes my son growing up. Now that Yue is fourteen years old, I am slowly coming to terms with the fact that he's no longer the little boy that needs to be taught everything and given instructions every single time. He is now a teenager with a mind of his own, and should be given wings so that later on, he'll be able to take flight with confidence and follow his own path to success. 

Yes, Yue is now this tall.

If you've been following this blog over the years, then you probably have an idea of how involved I am in Yue's life, particularly in his academics. Now that he's older, it's time for him to spread his wings a little bit and start figuring things out on his own. I'll still be in the sidelines, of course, coaching and cheering him on, but no longer nitpicking at every single detail. Well, I'll probably nag him from time to time, especially in the mornings when he refuses to get up even if he's about to be late for school. 

4 Things that will Uphold Homeownership.

Homeownership is an exciting and rewarding experience with a lot of responsibility. Whether you are a first-time homeowner or a long-time owner, it is important to make sure you are taking the necessary steps to maintain your home and remain a place of comfort and safety.

Photo credit: Mart Production.

This post will explore tips and guidelines to help you uphold home ownership and make owning a home as easy and enjoyable as possible. Read on to learn more!

1) Schedule Regular Maintenance Appointments

Homeownership can be overwhelming, but having a regular maintenance schedule will make it easier to manage. Regular maintenance appointments are essential for keeping your home running smoothly and avoiding costly repairs down the line. You can schedule maintenance appointments regularly to ensure your home is safe and functioning properly.

Photo credit: Ksenia Chernaya.

The most important maintenance appointment to keep up with is your HVAC system. Ensuring that your air conditioning and heating systems are working properly will save you money in the long run. Make sure to replace filters regularly and schedule yearly inspections to catch any potential problems before they become serious. Additionally, scheduling regular appliance maintenance appointments will keep them running optimally for longer.

Having a reliable handyman or contractor can be beneficial for taking care of basic maintenance tasks around the house. It’s important to stay on top of things like roof repair, gutter cleaning,, countertops upgrades (you’ll have a better choice with OPPEIN calacatta quartz), gas and water pipes upgrades, and other small repairs.

Overall, home ownership requires dedication and vigilance to maintain its value and protect its integrity.

Ahn Hyo Seop behind the scenes in Abyss (2019).

2) Do Your Research

It is important to do your research when it comes to home ownership. Knowing what you can and cannot do, understanding your local ordinances, and understanding the details of your homeowner’s insurance are all important components of being a successful homeowner.

You should understand all the rules and regulations of owning a home and the responsibilities of such a large investment. Take the time to read up on local zoning regulations, homeowner’s insurance policies, and other areas of home ownership that might be confusing or unclear.

Doing your research will help you stay informed and make more educated decisions about owning and maintaining a home. Additionally, it can give you peace of mind knowing that you are doing everything within your power to ensure a successful homeownership experience.

Photo credit: Pixabay.

3) Have an Emergency Fund

An emergency fund is one of the most important steps to take regarding home ownership. When owning a home, unexpected repairs and maintenance costs can arise quickly. Without an emergency fund, homeowners can find themselves in a difficult situation. It is important to set aside an emergency fund to cover any unexpected costs to prevent this from happening.

It is recommended that homeowners set aside at least 3-6 months worth of living expenses in their emergency fund. This will ensure that you are covered in case of any unexpected costs. It is also important to make sure that your emergency fund is easily accessible in case of an emergency. Many financial institutions offer accounts that allow quick cash access when needed.

Photo credit: Andrea Piacquadio.

4) Invest in Good Insurance

Homeownership comes with many responsibilities, and one of the most important is making sure you have good insurance. Not only does this protect you from any damage to your property, but it also protects you from financial burdens. By investing in good insurance, you can rest assured that you’ll be protected in a natural disaster, accident, or other unexpected event.

When selecting an insurance policy, it’s important to research and choose a plan that will adequately cover your home. Consider how much coverage you need and what type of insurance best fits your needs and budget. You should also look into any discounts or incentives that may be available in your area.

It’s also important to regularly review your policy to ensure that it is up-to-date and covers the most recent changes in your home’s value. Additionally, if you make any improvements or upgrades to your home, you’ll want to make sure that they are reflected in the coverage provided by your insurance policy.

As seen on Mama Fairy and the Woodcutter (2019).

Conclusion

Owning a home is a great investment and a lot of hard work. Proper planning and preparation can make the process easier and more enjoyable. Following the tips outlined in this article, you can maintain your home ownership for years. Remember to schedule regular maintenance appointments, do your research, have an emergency fund, and invest in good insurance. These simple steps ensure that your home ownership experience is as easy and enjoyable as possible.