The Kitchen Mom by dhess

As the new year begins, many of us set resolutions, often watching them waver by February—but no judgment, we’ve all been there! While sticking to goals can be challenging, 2025 offers a fresh opportunity to take control, especially of our finances. Following the hectic holiday spending on gifts and celebrations, it’s clear how financial choices during this time affect Filipino households. To manage these expenses more effectively, borrowing for planned, purposeful needs can be a helpful strategy, but balancing it with mindful spending is key. JuanHand encourages Filipinos to reflect on their financial habits and take meaningful steps toward building a smarter, more secure financial future. “Understanding where your money went in 2024 is the first step towards creating a stronger financial foundation in 2025,” said Francisco “Coco” Mauricio, President and CEO of JuanHand. “Financial planning and smart borrowing can help Filipinos make the most of their resources without falling into un...

  BDO Foundation, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) recently launched free online financial education (fin ed) modules for the benefit of millions of technical-vocational learners nationwide. Co-developed by BDO Foundation and the BSP, these modules are now available to the public through the TESDA Online Program at e-tesda.gov.ph. The first three out of nine modules are expected to help learners with the basics of personal finance – covering topics like financial planning, budgeting and saving, and debt management. Ceremonial launch of e-learning modules. The launch of the e-learning modules was led by TESDA director general Kiko Benitez, BDO Foundation president Mario Deriquito, and BSP Financial Inclusion and Consumer Empowerment Sub-sector managing director Atty. Charina De Vera-Yap. (Photos courtesy of TESDA) TESDA Director General Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez lauded the timely launch of the financial l...

  BDO Unibank’s wide footprint in Bacolod and Negros Occidental ensures that people can easily access its wide range of products—whether it’s for their personal savings, loans, investments, or businesses—tailored to each customer’s unique needs, wherever they may be in their financial journey. Branches as the preferred channel Negrenses continue to prefer over-the-counter transactions, with 82 percent done through branches as of March 2024, based on the latest data. This underscores the BDO's branch as a vital customer touchpoint, particularly in a province where sugar is the primary industry, supported by agriculture as the main source of livelihood (sugarcane, rice and corn farming, livestock and poultry, fishing and aquaculture); agro-processing related to sugar like sugar mills, refineries, and ethanol production plants; manufacturing, especially food and beverage production; and retail and trade. Farmers, fisherfolk, and factory workers often choose to go to branches for their...

  A number of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Negros Occidental will soon be able to utilize BDO Unibank's cash management services (CMS) not only to efficiently manage their cashflow, but also to serve as an important financial inclusion tool for their own employees. In an SME Forum titled Usapang Negosyo held recently at the Circle Inn Hotel & Suites in Bacolod City hosted by BDO, SMEs witnessed firsthand how BDO's bundled CMS package consisting of Business Online Banking, payroll and check disbursement will be able to help their businesses run smoothly by leveraging on the bank's online and digital solutions. But what really piqued their interest was how the payroll of CMS will help them automate their own payroll preparation and delivery. Under this feature, SMEs will open savings accounts for their employees, thus enabling their staff to receive their salary semi-monthly through their accounts. This will be of great importance to SMEs as a number of them sti...

Manila, 4 December 2024 – Payments are undergoing a significant evolution, driven by advancements in technology and evolving consumer behaviors. In 2025, the payment landscape globally and in the Philippines is set to become more seamless, secure, and interconnected, according to Visa, a global leader in payments technology. These changes reflect a broader movement toward efficiency and inclusivity, reshaping how individuals and businesses engage with digital transactions.  This shift unlocks diverse purchasing opportunities and fosters greater confidence in embracing global e-commerce. At the same time, businesses harness innovative tools to optimize operations, elevate customer experiences, and maintain a competitive edge in a tech-driven market. With the expansion of cross-border e-commerce and the adoption of dynamic security frameworks, here’s a closer look at the trends redefining how Filipinos pay, shop, and do business in 2025. Trend #1: E-commerce will continue to expand F...

'Tis the season to be shopping to avoid the Christmas rush! Thanks to the convenience of shopping totally cashless and cardless through the BDO Pay app, shopping for Christmas gifts will have a different kind of rush, not the frenetic kind. BDO Pay, through its Scan to Pay feature, minimizes the hassle in paying for transactions by linking the shopper’s BDO Savings Account, Checking Account or Credit Card with the mobile app. This eliminates the need for 'loading up' their e-wallet account and spending for transfer fees, making purchases faster, easier, and more secure. Mixing and matching to get the latest deals  Aside from the convenience of cashless and cardless shopping, BDO Pay lets shoppers enjoy BDO Deals on the app, allowing them to take advantage of exclusive promos, rewards, and rebates available for their cards and accounts.  For example, shoppers can use BDO Pay to charge their groceries to their bank account; and then charge to their credit card to treat their ...

In celebration of MaxiLife's 1 year anniversary, the company has collaborated with Make-A-Wish Philippines to help continue its mission of protecting Filipino's aspirations for lifelong peace of mind. After a fun day at the Mind Museum in BGC, all the wish childrens wishes were granted thanks to the hard work of both companies' volunteers. For children battling critical illnesses, the power of wishes is more than just a source of happiness but is a source of strength. MaxiLife, in cooperation with Make-A-Wish Philippines, granted the wishes of children with critical illnesses at The Mind Museum in Bonifacio Global City last Saturday, October 14, 2023. This served as a testament to the transformative power of wishes coming true, underscoring both organizations’ commitment to uplifting lives and safeguarding wishes. "In every child's wish, we see an opportunity to make a difference. We believe that each moment counts. We are not providing financial support for their ...

Yeah, you know what I mean! The moment that pink calendar sheet of yours turns and the months start saying -ber, all you can think about are the holidays that come with it. Had it been the young me, I would’ve had the enthusiasm of an irresponsible person and spent more than I make. No kidding! Shopping galore! However, as a mom, it’s now up to us to keep our budget in check. The holidays we used to wait for are now our foe bearing the fear of overspending! As much as we want to splurge on Black Friday and Cyber Monday , we also want to have as much food on Christmas. With the left and right inflation , it’s difficult to keep track, and the last thing we need is irresponsible budgeting and giving in to the temptation.  So, how did I change from a binge shopper to a financially responsible mother? Not on my own, that’s for sure. Let me share with you the secrets that help me manage our family’s budget so you can share it with your own. Number 1. Get to know your lowest net income. T...

  How does one rebuild from literal ashes? You do it with strength, character, a lot of optimism, and the right partners. For Betafoam Corporation, an insulation and packaging company located in Dasmariñas, Cavite, this holds true. During the pandemic, Betafoam increased its operations for products that saw higher demand, including packaging for essential goods and logistics companies, bubble wrap, and plastic sheets. Betafoam Corporation has been manufacturing insulation and specialized packaging since 2003. In 2014, Betafoam was on its eleventh year in manufacturing polyethylene (PE) foam when its two-building facility in Dasmariñas Technopark, Cavite was decimated by a fire. “Our entire factory got burned. We had to start from zero. The product we make is injected with LPG so it’s flammable at a certain point of manufacturing. Unfortunately, that sparked the fire and it burned the building down,” says President Greg Marañon. While planning their new facility, Betafoam knew that ...

With #711Bayanihan, you can now shop for your home and personal essentials at a more affordable price at your nearest 7-Eleven   With its convenience and accessibility, 7-Eleven has always been there for communities as a reliable source of essentials or quick delicious meals no matter the circumstance. Now with the pandemic shifting the public’s shopping patterns and daily movement, 7-Eleven continues to serve its customers through the spirit of bayanihan.  Last December, 7-Eleven brought a superior shopping experience to Filipinos through Bayanihan Savings and Selections (#711Bayanihan), a campaign that advocates for easier and more affordable grocery shopping for everyone. This means that you can now complete your groceries at your neighborhood’s 7-Eleven store, minus the commute and long lines at the supermarkets but with even bigger savings. “Our Bayanihan Savings and Selections initiative comes at a time when convenience and affordability are crucial to our customer...

  The social media superstar speaks seriously about the future as she enters a new chapter as a wife. There probably isn’t anyone in the country who has not heard of, have seen or have witnessed the antics of, and the humor of Alex Gonzaga whether on television, the big screen and most especially online. She has always been seen as the counterpoint to her sister Toni Gonzaga. Alex was the wild, wacky one, while her sister Toni was the more conservative and responsible of the two in the public eye. “From day one naman, when I entered showbusiness, it has always been my uncaring, off-the-cuff and galawgaw ways that have endeared me to fans and the public,” said Alex Gonzaga. “I was young, carefree, and rebellious in my own way while si Ate Toni talaga ang mas serious, mas dutiful daughter and ate na image talaga sa mata ng publiko.” Alex stressed that this public image, the wild and wacky sister of Toni Gonzaga was in fact what she used as her “pondo”, her investment and foundation t...

Your best weapons in your adventure to financial stability are wise decision and financial literacy, knowing how to manage your finances properly and where to invest it will lead you to the road of success. FWD Insurance is excited to announce the launch of a digital ecosystem that rewards everyone for doing good by way of  sharing financial life skills and helping bridge the protection gap in the country.  The groundbreaking FWD Affiliate Program is a first in the market. Everyone can be an affiliate by simply downloading the mobile app and completing the registration  process for free. Through the app, our financial advisors can spread financial knowledge and awareness in a trust-based environment to help others upskill their  financial management and start futureproofing with investments and life insurance.  At a time when Filipinos are stretching their budgets, now they can get expert financial self-help, and even be an ambassador helping others increase t...

Being away from your family is not easy, and this is what we felt when the entire country went on lockdown due to the pandemic from where we are not able to visit our parents, siblings, kids, or relatives due to the travel restrictions, but can you imagine the feeling of our Overseas Filipinos who have been away from their families even before the pandemic started?  More than heroes they are an inspiration for all of us, and that is why even amid the new normal, BDO and SM Supermalls are finding ways to continue their annual tradition of paying tribute to overseas Filipinos (OFs) and their families during the Christmas season. The companies said that this year, the much anticipated “Pamaskong Handog” will be held as a virtual event; online but still full of star-studded guests and performers and exciting activities that Pamaskong Handog has been known for all these years.     This announcement was made today at a media teleconference, which officially launched Pamask...

“What if she says ‘no’? What if she gets pregnant right away? What if she gets sick? What if I get sick?” —these are the thoughts running through the mind of a young man as he prepares to propose to his girlfriend in the newly-launched online video of BDO Life Assurance Company, Inc. The video spotlights a man confronted by life stage uncertainties or the ‘what ifs’ that come with getting married, starting a family, and growing older. “What if she wants a big wedding? What if she gets pregnant right away? What if we have twins? What if ours kids want to get double majors?” Like the video’s lead character, it’s normal to feel uneasy over these ‘what if’ questions despite the excitement of beginning a life together. Fortunately, there is a way to address life’s ‘what ifs.’ “Everyone needs two plans in life. Plan A consists of a wealth accumulation program focused on successfully saving and investing within a given timeframe. But given life’s uncertainties, lifestyle needs...

BDO Unibank, Inc. cautions against scammers who use SIM cards to deceive and steal their victims’ money. One modus is called SIM Swapping, where scammers disguise as telco agents offering upgraded network connection in exchange for SIM cards. More prevalent is the SIM Upgrade modus. Scammers purchase 4G SIM cards, register their victims’ mobile number, and fool their victims into giving the One-Time PIN (OTP) needed to own the mobile number. In both modus operandi, scammers takeover their victims’ mobile number to control their victims’ online bank accounts. BDO urges clients to call BDO Customer Care to deactivate their accounts if they get SMS notifications or emails about suspicious online transactions. How SIM Swapping and SIM Upgrade work Scammers identify then gather their victims’ personal information through phishing or from the internet. They mention personal information such as birth date and mother’s maiden name when they call their victims to sound convinc...