World Savings Day | More Pinoys recognize the value of saving money.

More than two years after the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, Filipinos raring for a restart actually improved their mindset towards saving money, according to a recent survey by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

This is a welcome development, considering that 34% of the population lost their source of income during pandemic years, based on a survey conducted by the United Nations Development Programme. As a result, many have relied entirely in their savings account in order to survive the last two years.

According to the BSP’s Consumer Expectations Survey for the first quarter of 2022, the percentage of household with savings increased marginally at 31.1 percent from 30.2 percent in Q4 of 2021.Majority of the respondents cited the need for emergencies, health and medical expenses, retirement, education, and business capital and investment as reasons to save their money.

A big help in this increase in mindset and enthusiasm is the availability of more options to save money, aside from traditional banking institutions.

Cebuana Lhuillier makes life easier and dreams come true with Micro Savings

One of the most innovative means to save is through Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings. Launched in 2019 by Cebuana Lhuillier and its banking arm Cebuana Lhuillier Bank, this product has been in the forefront of bringing easy, accessible, reliable banking to majority of Filipinos, with close to seven million micro savings account holders today.

“Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings empowered millions of Filipinos to embark on their very own financial journeys by giving them a reliable, accessible, and efficient way to save their money, which they can easily withdraw during times of need. The quick adaptation of our kababayans to micro savings proved that the healthy mindset towards saving has always been there, as long as they are equipped with the right tools,” says Jean Henri Lhuillier, president and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier.

Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings—which allows customers to open an account in any of over 3,000 Cebuna Lhuillier branches nationwide for as low as only P50—was introduced as a means to address the barriers to saving, including lack of accessibility, high maintaining balance, and the need for numerous documentary requirements to open an account.

With businesses and the rest of the country slowly getting back to normal, Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings remained a go-to product for many of our kababayans ready to resume their lives and dreams following two years of uncertainty.

James Tan, 18 years old, a working student from Laguna,
who easily managed to save with Micro Savings to buy his own bike

For James Tan, an 18-year-old working student from Sta. Rosa, Laguna, saving meant enjoying the added mobility, safety, and convenience of having his own bike, a useful tool for his daily commute between work and school.

“Gusto ko kasi magka-bike kasi sapamasahe pa lang, malaki na matitipid ko papunta sa school at sa trabaho. So, yung paunti-unti kong pag-iipon sa Cebuana, ginamit ko yun para mabili yung pangarap kong bike. Hindi na ako nata-trapik o nale-late sa trabaho ngayon,” he shares.

(“I want to own a bike because I can save so much on fares commuting to school and work. So that’s why I saved with Cebuana enough to buy my own bike. Now I don’t get stuck in traffic and come to work late.”)

As a working student helping to support his family, James decided to continue his savings after buying the bike to also help augment the expenses from home.

Royce Jason Velez, a 36-year old construction worker
who saves using Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings account
to provide a better future for his family

The need to provide a better future for their family is also why Royce Jayson Velez, a 36-year-old construction worker, decided to open a Micro Savings account. Earning an average of P400 per day, Royce and his wife needed to be creative in order to stretch his salary to last until the next payday. His micro savings carried the family during difficult times, and are now being allocated for the schooling of his children.

“Sabi ko sa sarili ko, ipagpapatuloy ko ang ipon ko para magamit ng mga anak ko sa pag-aaral at balang araw, magkaroon sila ng magandang trabaho,”Velez shares.

(“I said to myself that I would continue saving so that I can send my children to school for them have good jobs in the future.”)

A former kasambahay, Carie Labro, 38-years old,
was able to put up her own sari-sari store
using Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings

For Carie Labro, a 38-year-old former housekeeper, her micro savings paved the way for her micro entrepreneurship. When her kids started asking for more time to spend with her, Carie decided to take a leap of faith and resign from her post as a housekeeper so she could be more present for her growing kids.

With the PHP10,000 she initially saved in her Micro Savings account, Labro opened a small store which she now maintains as her main source of income. Like Velez, she has vigilantly kept up with her micro savings. She now saves part of her earnings in her account as an emergency fund for her and her kids.

Taking advantage of the renewed interest in saving, Cebuana Lhuillier Bank continues to push for accessibility and convenience for their breakthrough product. The two-time Asian Banking & Finance Award winner for Rural Bank of the Year has adapted an innovative approach by adapting more tech features for micro savings.

“The success of Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings encouraged us to further push the envelope in bringing convenience, accessibility, reliability, and efficient banking to our clients. The change in how people access financial services nowadays served as our push towards digitalization,” said Cebuana Lhuillier Bank President Dennis Valdes.

Aside from Cebuana Lhuillier branches, micro savings accountholders can also withdraw cash anytime, anywhere in over 21,000+ BancNet ATMs nationwide, purchase online thru UnionPay merchants worldwide, enjoy 24/7 unlimited banking access with the eCebuana app, and make cashless payments in over 350,000 UnionPay and BancNet accredited stores nationwide.

Cetaphil Baby promotes the right foundation for baby’s healthy start.

Raising a healthy child is mom’s ultimate achievement. As a mom, you are constantly worried about your baby’s development; you would like them to experience new things, but you are also afraid of what these new things can bring. Thankfully, moms have the healthy pillars to help them as they raise their kids and navigate the world of motherhood. Interconnected with each other, these pillars are integral during the first steps of a baby’s development, making sure that they’re all set as moms nurture them.

Cetaphil Baby advocates the Four Healthy Pillars: Healthy Food, Healthy Play, Healthy Sleep, and Healthy Skin. Each pillar is important for baby's health and development, and skin is such an important part of their overall health, because it will protect them throughout their life.

Cetaphil Baby offers moms the best way to give babies the right foundation for healthy skin by supporting its development as it matures from its earliest stages onward. Moms can find peace and assurance that they can keep their baby’s skin protected now and in the future.

Cetaphil Baby products are clinically proven to respect, maintain & improve the structure of even the most sensitive skin, supporting baby skin’s natural development. It has been tested and approved by experts because of its gentle, hypoallergenic formulation that contains skin-barrier building ingredients like glycerin and panthenol, and other natural ingredients like chamomile, shea butter, almond oil, aloe vera, and calendula to keep baby’s skin soft, smooth and protected.

Cetaphil Baby offers even more gentle products suited for sensitive skin

Cetaphil Baby currently has two ranges: the Classic Line and the newly launched Calendula range. Included in the Classic Line are: the Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo, a tear-free 2-in-1 hair and body formula that gently cleanses your baby’s delicate skin and hair, leaving it soft and clean.

For those looking for moisturizing goodness, the Cetaphil Baby Moisturising Bath & Wash is enriched with ⅓ baby lotion to care for even the most delicate skin protecting it against dryness.

The Cetaphil Baby Shampoo is a gentle caring formula enriched with chamomile to restore natural skin protection for a healthy scalp, while the Cetaphil Baby Gentle Cleansing Bar is ideal for teaching babies about hygiene as moms give them independence and the responsibility of caring for themselves with simple tasks like handwashing.

The Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion is enriched with shea butter that soothes, nourishes, and keeps the baby's skin hydrated for up to 24 hours.

The new Cetaphil Baby range contains calendula extract that has been used for many centuries due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and includes Cetaphil Baby Wash and Shampoo, 2-in-1 formula that smoothens, softens, and improves skin texture. It is specifically designed to be used from head to toe daily.

The Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion with Organic Calendula is especially helpful for the skin barrier of sensitive skin, providing 24 hours of skin moisturization.

Finally, for babies experiencing rough skin patches in cheeks, knees, elbow areas, or under those chubby folds, the best suited product is the Cetaphil Baby With Organic Calendula Advanced Protection Cream, which helps reduce the feeling of discomfort and irritation and provides long-lasting irritation for up to 24 hours.

To complement the existing lines, Cetaphil Baby also introduced its latest product: the Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wipes. This new product gently cleanses and moisturizes baby’s delicate skin and is made from 100% plant derived fabric. Made with natural ingredients like aloe vera and Vitamin E it helps prevent baby’s skin from drying out, making Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wipes ideal for face and body use of baby’s delicate skin.

Best day trips from Victoria Station.

Victoria Station is the gateway to London for millions of visitors every year. With its rail connection to Gatwick International Airport, the station receives close to 75 million passengers each and every year. Opened in 1860, it has been a vital part of the British capital transportation infrastructure ever since.

Photo credit: Lottie Griffiths on Unsplash.

Victoria Station has great connections to London's public transportation infrastructure, including the London Underground. But it's also a major rail station serving numerous cities throughout the UK, especially in the south of England. Plus, with Victoria Coach Station right across the street, it's possible to reach almost anywhere in the UK from this well-used station.

Drop off your bags at a Victoria station luggage storage, and you'll be able to pick from an astonishing range of destinations such as Bordeaux city break in France. The truth is, whatever you like to do on vacation, chances are good you can do it from here.

Photo credit: Peter Mason on Unsplash.

Dover

The first stop on our list of day trips from Victoria Station is the port city of Dover. It's just over an hour away by train, making it a perfect option for those who want to get out of London for the day without having to travel too far.

As the closest point to continental Europe, Dover has been a strategic location since Roman times. Today, it's best known as a gateway to the continent, with regular ferry service across the English Channel to Calais, France.

But there's more to Dover than just its ferries. The city is home to an impressive castle that was once used as a garrison by the famous Duke of Wellington. The castle grounds offer stunning views of the white cliffs for which Dover is famous.

There's also a lovely historic district with cobbled streets and quaint shops. Or you can simply enjoy a pleasant walk along the seafront promenade. Dover is surrounded by some of the most stunning natural scenery in England, and a walk along the white chalk cliffs is an experience you won't soon forget. That makes this a great trip for nature lovers and hikers as well as those with an interest in history or people who just want a day by the sea.

Canterbury

If you're looking for a day trip from Victoria Station with a bit more of a historic bend, then Canterbury is the perfect destination. Just over an hour away by train, this city was once the capital of England and is home to one of the oldest and most famous cathedrals in the world. The Canterbury Cathedral was founded in 597 AD and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the UK. It's also a World Heritage Site, and its Gothic architecture is truly stunning.

But there's more to Canterbury than just its cathedral. The city is steeped in history, with Roman ruins, medieval buildings, and picturesque cobbled streets. There's also a lively university town atmosphere, with plenty of cafes, shops, and things to do.

Whether you're interested in history or architecture, or simply want to explore a beautiful and charming English city, Canterbury is well worth a visit.

Photo credit: Orry Verducci on Unsplash.

Brighton

If you're looking for a day trip with a bit of everything, then Brighton is the perfect destination. Just over an hour from Victoria Station by train, this seaside resort town has something for everyone.

Brighton is best known for its lively seaside atmosphere. The beachfront promenade is lined with hotels, restaurants, cafes, and shops, and there's always something going on. The town also has a large pier with rides and games as well as an aquarium.

The city also has a thriving arts scene, with numerous galleries, museums, and theaters. There's also a lively nightlife scene, with plenty of bars and clubs to keep you entertained into the wee hours.

Whether you're looking to relax by the sea, enjoy some culture, or party the night away, Brighton is the perfect day trip destination from Victoria Station.

Epsom Downs

Fancy day at the races? Then head to Epsom Downs, one of the most popular horse racing venues in the UK. It's just a short train ride from Victoria Station, and there are races almost every day from April to October.

Epsom Downs is best known for the Derby, which is held here every June and is one of the most prestigious horse races in the world. But there are also races throughout the year, including the Oaks (held in May), the Fillies' Mile (September), and many more. Even if you're not interested in horse racing, Epsom Downs is worth a visit for its stunning views. The Downs offer panoramic views of London, and on a clear day, you can see all the way to Windsor Castle.

Photo credit: Richard Brooker-Protheroe on Unsplash.

Portsmouth

Portsmouth is a historic city with a strong maritime heritage. It's home to the famous Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, which is the largest of its kind in the world. The Dockyard is home to several historic ships, including HMS Victory (the ship that Lord Nelson commanded at the Battle of Trafalgar) and HMS Warrior (the world's first iron-hulled warship).

The Dockyard is just one of the many historic attractions in Portsmouth. The city is also home to numerous museums, art galleries, and theaters. And if you're a fan of shopping, then you'll find plenty of shops to keep you busy.

Portsmouth is also a great place for foodies, with lots of restaurants, cafes, and pubs to choose from. And, of course, no visit to Portsmouth would be complete without a trip to the seaside.

Whether you're interested in history, shopping, or simply want to enjoy a day by the sea, Portsmouth is well worth a visit.

Eastbourne

Eastbourne is a popular seaside resort town located on the south coast of England. It's just over an hour from Victoria Station by train, and it's the perfect place to enjoy a day by the sea.

The town’s charming seafront is fun to walk around and the beach views are lovely. Make sure to check out the 1930’s era bandstand. The town is also home to several museums, including the Towner Art Gallery that showcases modern British pieces. Don’t miss a trip to the Redoubt Fortress nearby. Built during the Napoleonic Wars, this military-themes gallery, museum, and theater has something for everyone.

Conclusion

So there you have it – six of the best day trips from Victoria Station. Whether you're interested in history, the arts, or just want to relax by the sea, there's sure to be something for you. Bon voyage!

#LiveCleanLiveGreen at home for a Cleaner Future.

Kindness is a trait parents always try to instill in their children, kindness to people and animals, and of course, kindness to the environment. While we try to teach our kids the importance of recycling, reducing waste, and more, we also try to find affordable and accessible ways to extend eco-friendly habits to the products we buy.

Unilever, through its beloved homecare brands Breeze and Domex, empowers parents like you to #LiveCleanLiveGreen and pass on green habits to your kids. Under its Linis Pilipinas campaign, the company remains committed to create a Clean Future, by providing shoppers with good quality products that are good for the environment, as well as accessible ways to reduce, upcycle and recycle.

Starting with the large packs of Breeze and Domex, Unilever has started creating bottle packaging made from 100% recycled plastic, saving up to 19,000kg or 342,000 pieces of bottles from going into landfills or oceans that contribute to pollution annually. Moreover, Breeze Powder is formulated with EcoClean technology and does not contain any hard surfactant that can damage the environment.

To strengthen their commitment to reduce plastic waste, Unilever has also partnered with ThePlastic Flamingo (PLAF). A homegrown social enterprise that collects and upcycles plastic waste to create eco-lumbers and eco-boards, PLAF uses these to build furniture and shelters for communities in need. You can join in by dropping off your clean plastics at the Breeze and PLAF's collection point in UP Town Center.

Shoppers can also participate by purchasing the eco-friendly packed Breeze and Domex via the Linis Pilipinas Sale this coming October 22-24. Enjoy exclusive Buy 2-Take 1, eco bag giveaways and other discounts, deals, and gifts via Unilever Homecare’s official stores on Lazada and Shopee, or shop at any Robinsons Supermarkets, Puregold and Waltermart nationwide to take home a free eco bag when purchasing big packs. A portion of the proceeds during this sale period will be donated to PLAF to fund the collection and upcycling of 16,000 kg of plastic waste into eco-friendly furniture which will be donated to a beneficiary public school. Now, you can get huge savings while helping out the environment at the same time.

To learn more about Unilever’s Linis Pilipinas initiative and how you can take part, visit the Unilever Philippines’ Facebook Page.

A Short Review of The Jucy Date App.

The Jucydate app is an excellent way to meet individuals for short-term sexual encounters. After registering, you will be able to choose a profile image for yourself and immediately begin reading the profiles of other users. Because the members use their actual names and the profiles are not altered, what you see is exactly what you get.

Because of this, some users create phony profiles and accounts, such as providing inadequate information on dating websites. You really need to verify their profile settings since they may have changed their name and even added more photographs to their gallery. You may like or despise someone. If you like someone a lot, their profile will rise to a higher position on your homepage.

The creators of the wildly successful Bumble app have created Jucy Date, an international digital dating service. The app is geared toward users who are interested in having casual sexual experiences, and the majority of the app's users are either younger women or single adults who are active users. The reviewers at adult dating patrol have determined single local ladies make up the majority of active users.

Users of Jucydate, just like those of other dating apps, may sign up for an account, fill up a profile, browse for potential matches, and, if they find someone they like, exchange messages with them. Jucydate's swiping approach allows you to sift fake profiles by swiping right to meet and left to pass.

The dating platform known as Jucydate is primarily geared toward bringing together people who have similar passions and interests with other users of the platform. Jucydate is a great option for finding a new member of your book club or a photographer to share your passion with. The Jucy app focuses on casual dating.

I was wondering how Jucydate operated.

The greatest online dating site is called Jucy Date. It is not a fraud; if you want more information, you can read reviews, leave comments, or visit their dating websites, all of which can be done for free and with millions of users. Members have the ability to talk, video chat, see who has seen their profile photographs or images, and be alerted when their favorite users are online. The design is streamlined and straightforward, and members have these capabilities.

The Jucydate app is an excellent tool for interacting with new people. When you join up, in addition to receiving your own profile, you may immediately begin reading the profiles of other users. What you see on the profiles is what you get; they are not changed in any way. You may like or despise someone.

Simply click on the person's name to begin a conversation with them; all you need to do is initiate the conversation. Jucydate provides users with a plethora of options, some of which include video chat, random chat, and live chat rooms. Additionally, the app has a game in which the user selects six preferences and is then presented with a pool of potential matches based on those preferences.

The Workings of Jucydate

How is it possible to communicate?

Like other dating applications, Jucydate lets you send and receive messages with potential matches. However, Jucydate is unique among dating apps in that it enables you to communicate with potential matches without requiring you to pay for the app's in-app messaging function. This feature, which can be rather pricey in some other dating apps, is free to use in Jucydate.

Jucydate is a free online dating service (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_dating_) run by a company called Digital International Inc. It now has more than ten million registered members. The swiping feature of the program does an excellent job of displaying prospective matches, and it does it attractively.

The most frequent users are either adult ladies or young girls; nevertheless, they must be at least 18 years old. The software allows you to send and receive messages, and it also allows you to organize meetings; however, you need to be wary of false chat frauds.

The process of meeting new individuals using Jucydate, whether you do so online or in person, is brisk and uncomplicated. It is now much simpler to contact and engage with actual individuals, as opposed to bogus accounts, since video chat, instant chats, and text messaging have all been incorporated into a single platform.