Lessons on Saving: Starting Your Journey to Financial Literacy

A pressing concern

According to a study by Standards and Poor on global financial literacy, the Philippines placed 30th out of 144 countries. In the study, only 2 out of 10 Filipinos correctly answered fundamental financial literacy questions in the study.

It is a nationwide concern, as financial literacy is defined as the capacity to understand and apply concepts that allow one to navigate the economic and financial aspects of life. Without this one is more likely to make financial decisions that can negatively impact their life in the long run. 

Figaro Group partners with UnionBank to help digitize customer payments

Figaro Coffee Group, Inc. (Figaro Group), one of the leading food conglomerates in the country, recently partnered with Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) to help digitize customer payments in its retail restaurants nationwide. The partnership was formalized through a contract signing last May 25 at the Figaro Coffee Cafe at Shangri-La Plaza Mall in Mandaluyong City.

Under the partnership, UnionBank shall provide a QRPh code to Figaro Group, which it can use to collect payments from customers in its more than 150 retail restaurants, expanding its available payment channels. UnionBank shall also provide training to Figaro Group's restaurant personnel to familiarize them with the use of QRPh.

Mid-market segment finds unparalleled value in Ortigas Land’s Olin at Jade Drive

The Philippine property landscape continues to be strong post-pandemic, especially the residential market, according to 2023 studies. Both the middle-income and luxury segments remain buoyant in Metro Manila with foreign and local demand rising.

Ortigas Center, the truest midpoint of Metro Manila and one the long-standing mixed-use districts in the country, witnessed new residential, hotel, and office buildings rising in the recent years. It has strengthened its position to be a preferred location for residential addresses, leisure destinations, and local and foreign business headquarters.

Eastwest's Top Men: Strong Leaders, Gentle Fathers

EastWest CEO Jerry G. Ngo, EVP and Consumer Lending Head Lawrence Lee, and SVP and Head of Marketing Martin Reyes look back on their experiences as fathers

Although it takes a lot of gumption, firmness, and drive to lead and shape a gigantic institution such as one of the Philippines’ most prominent banks, three of EastWest’s top leaders bear their fatherly responsibilities with a tender and gentle touch.

EastWest CEO Jerry G. Ngo, Executive Vice President and Head of Consumer Lending Lawrence Lee, and SVP Head of Marketing Martin Reyes all profess to be easygoing dads at home despite being tough bosses at work. It’s an interesting (not to mention welcome) contrast to how many Filipinos grew up.

“I think I’m fairly easygoing as a parent, as it’s a bit difficult to be a disciplinarian these days,” said Jerry, who has two adult children, a son and a daughter in their 20s. He had traveled all over the world with his family for work, first moving to Singapore in the ‘90s when his daughter was only a year old, so the children were well aware that they had to be somewhat nomadic.

Success in digital transformation lies in “people agenda” – UBX Chairman

True transformation means elevating lives and fulfilling dreams, and not just breaking ground in the technological aspect, according to the chairman of UBX, the leading open finance platform in the Philippines. 

In the latest episode of the Orange Chair, a web series featuring today’s thought leaders and influencers, Henry Rhoel Aguda, who also sits as the Chairman of UBX as well as President and CEO of UnionDigital, debunked the misconception that digital transformation in finance is all about tech.

Is vitamin D worth the hype?

Whether due to long work hours or to escape the hot and humid weather, Filipinos tend to seek shelter indoors as much as they can. The downside to this, however, is a vitamin D deficiency risk. A study revealed that out of 369 randomly selected Metro Manila office workers, 58% were Vitamin D-deficient1. Vitamin D helps keep us healthy in many ways, but how much do you really know about what vitamin D can do for your body, and is it really worth all the hype? 

Let’s take a look at the different health benefits of vitamin D:

Keeps bones, teeth, and muscles healthy. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus which are key minerals for bone and oral health. It may also help increase muscle strength, which in turn helps prevent falls and fractures in older people. 

Happy Pet, Happy Life: How to Pamper Your Pet

When pets enter our lives, they become part of our family and home. As they give us immeasurable joy and fulfillment, we ought to give them the same care, value, and commitment as we would with other members of the family.

It all starts with showing them how much you love them, as they can thrive in love and a sense of belongingness the way humans can. Pets become our life partners so we need to do our part to keep them happy and healthy. Here are some ways you can create an environment and lifestyle which are beneficial to both you and your pet.