Adulting in 2026: 3 Money Habits to Add to Your Checklist

Adulting in 2026: 3 Money Habits to Add to Your Checklist

Sunday, October 25, 2026

From budgeting your payday to preparing for emergencies and learning about investments, these financial habits can help you feel more in control of your money.

Adulting in your 30s hits differently. A good weekend might mean catching up on sleep, doing the groceries before the fridge is empty, and finally figuring out where your salary went.

Between bills, career goals, travel plans, family responsibilities, and the occasional deserve ko ’to purchase, managing money can feel like a job in itself. And even when you’re doing your best, it’s easy to wonder if you’re preparing enough for the future.

The reality is that financial adulting isn’t about having everything figured out. It’s about making more intentional decisions with the money you have, preparing for unexpected expenses, and understanding your options before taking your next financial step.

The Philippines’ National Strategy for Financial Inclusion 2022–2028 underscores the importance of improving access to financial services and strengthening financial inclusion. For everyday Filipinos, that journey can begin with small, practical habits.

Here are three money moves worth adding to your adulting checklist in 2026.

1. Build Your Nest Egg, One Payday at a Time

Payday feels great until rent, utilities, groceries, subscriptions, and that dinner with friends start claiming their share. Before you know it, you’re checking your balance and wondering how the month is only halfway through.

One helpful habit is to give your money a plan before you start spending it.

Begin by listing your essential expenses, including bills, food, transportation, debt payments, and other financial commitments. Then set an amount for personal spending and savings. Even a modest, consistent contribution to savings can help you build the habit.

You can also review your expenses regularly to see where your money is going. Those small, recurring purchases may not seem significant on their own, but tracking them can help you decide which ones are worth keeping and where you might want to cut back.

The goal isn't to stop enjoying your hard-earned money. It's to make room for both today's little treats and tomorrow's plans.

2. Prepare for Plot Twists, Because Life Happens

Adulting teaches you that unexpected expenses rarely arrive at a convenient time. A medical bill, urgent home repair, or sudden change in income can throw even a carefully planned budget off course.

That's why an emergency fund matters.

This money is intended for unexpected expenses, rather than planned purchases or investments. Having cash set aside can help you manage surprises without relying immediately on credit or dipping into money earmarked for other goals.

A common long-term target is three to six months' worth of essential living expenses, although the amount you need depends on your circumstances, income stability, dependents, and existing financial obligations.

If that figure feels overwhelming, start with a smaller milestone. Save a manageable amount every payday, automate a transfer if you can, and gradually build your reserve.

Think of it as bringing an umbrella even when the sky looks clear. You may not need it today, but you'll appreciate having it when the weather changes.

And before putting money into investments, make sure your essential expenses are covered and your emergency savings are progressing at a pace that works for you.

3. Explore Ways to Grow Your Money, but Understand the Risks

Once you've established a savings routine and started preparing for emergencies, you may become curious about investing.

There are different options to learn about, including time deposits, bonds, mutual funds, stocks, and cryptocurrency. They have different levels of risk, potential returns, fees, and time horizons, so the right choice depends on your financial goals and how much risk you can afford to take.

Bitcoin, in particular, has attracted attention from people exploring cryptocurrency. But it's important to remember that crypto is not a shortcut to financial security. Prices can rise or fall sharply, and you could lose some or all of the money you invest.

If you're curious about crypto, start by learning how it works, understanding the risks, and investing only money you can afford to lose. Don't borrow money to invest, and don't use funds intended for bills, essential needs, or emergency savings.

For eligible users interested in exploring cryptocurrency, GCrypto on GCash offers access to Bitcoin and other supported crypto assets through the GCash app. The supplied product information states that users can get started with as little as ₱200, subject to applicable eligibility requirements and platform terms.

Convenience, however, doesn't remove investment risk. Before making a transaction, review the applicable fees, trading terms, asset information, and risks. You should also check that the service and relevant provider are authorized to offer the products in the Philippines.

Learning about an investment is a valid first step. Buying it is a separate decision, and there's no need to rush.

A Little More Prepared for Whatever Comes Next

Adulting in 2026 isn't just about perfecting your morning routine, keeping your space organized, or finally sticking to your skincare regimen. It's also about developing habits that make everyday life feel a little more manageable.

Budgeting can help you understand where your salary goes. Emergency savings can give you a buffer when life gets unpredictable. Learning about investments can help you make informed decisions as your financial goals evolve.

You don't have to master all three at once. Start with the habit that would make the biggest difference in your life right now, then build from there.

And if cryptocurrency has been on your radar, take the time to learn before deciding whether it belongs in your financial plan. GCrypto offers eligible GCash users a way to explore supported crypto assets within the app, but it's still important to understand the risks and decide whether the product suits your circumstances.

Because one of the most rewarding adulting milestones isn't having everything figured out. It's knowing you're taking thoughtful steps toward the future you want.

Curious about Bitcoin? Eligible GCash users can open the GCash app and look for GCrypto under the Invest section to review the available crypto assets and applicable terms before deciding whether to proceed. Always do your own research and invest responsibly.

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Helping Children With Aggressive Behavior: A Parent’s Guide

Helping Children With Aggressive Behavior: A Parent’s Guide

Tuesday, October 13, 2026

When a child repeatedly lashes out, bullies others, or struggles to control anger, parents may find themselves wondering what went wrong. Should they be stricter? Is their child dealing with an emotional problem? And when does aggressive behavior call for professional help?

According to Constantine L. Yu Chua, MD, a child and adolescent psychiatry specialist at Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed), there is no single explanation for violence among children and teenagers. Biological, psychological, and social factors can all play a role, making it important to understand each child's circumstances rather than assume that one cause explains everything.

For parents, the challenge is to recognize concerning behavior early, establish clear boundaries, and help children develop healthier ways to manage emotions. Professional support can be important, but parents, teachers, family members, and other trusted adults also have a role in helping young people feel supported and accountable for their actions.

Why Do Some Children and Teenagers Become Aggressive?

Aggressive behavior can develop for different reasons. A child may struggle with frustration, act out after experiencing bullying, or have difficulty managing intense emotions. In other cases, a mental health condition or an unsafe home or school environment may contribute.

Dr. Yu Chua identifies several factors that may influence aggressive behavior.

Biological and mental health factors. Some conditions can affect mood, judgment, impulse control, or how a young person interprets social situations. However, having a mental health condition does not automatically make a child violent.

Psychological factors. Difficulty regulating emotions, solving problems, considering consequences, or understanding another person's perspective can make conflict harder to manage. Persistent hostility, hopelessness, and the belief that other people are enemies may also warrant attention.

Social and environmental factors. Children who experience bullying, abuse, or repeated exposure to violence may come to see aggression as an acceptable way to respond to conflict. A lack of supportive relationships can also leave them with fewer healthy ways to cope.

Online influences and access to weapons. Digital environments can expose young people to harmful interactions and content. The influence of media and games, however, should not be assumed to explain an individual child's behavior without evidence. Access to weapons is also an important safety concern because it can make a threat more dangerous.

These factors do not guarantee that a child will become violent. Supportive relationships, a sense of belonging, positive role models, and timely intervention can help protect young people and encourage healthier behavior.

What Warning Signs Should Parents Look For?

Children and teenagers can become angry or defiant at times. A single argument or emotional outburst does not necessarily indicate a serious behavioral problem.

Parents should pay closer attention when concerning behaviors become repeated, more intense, or increasingly difficult to manage.

According to Dr. Yu Chua, potential warning signs include a pattern of conduct problems, such as bullying, stealing, vandalism, and substance use. Persistent aggression and difficulty responding to appropriate boundaries may also require closer attention.

Parents should take particular care when a child:

• Repeatedly threatens, intimidates, or physically harms others.
• Bullies classmates or appears to take pleasure in another person's distress.
• Expresses a specific intention to hurt someone, whether in person or online.
• Has frequent, intense outbursts and struggles to regain control.
• Shows a pattern of increasingly risky or destructive behavior.
• Says they need help managing their thoughts, feelings, or actions.

These signs are not a diagnosis. They are reasons to understand what is happening and consider whether additional support is needed.

A child's willingness to talk about having a problem should also be taken seriously. Young people may recognize that they are struggling before they know how to ask for help.

What if a child threatens to hurt someone? Take the statement seriously, remain calm, and focus on safety rather than dismissing it as attention-seeking. If there is an immediate threat, a weapon, or a credible plan to harm someone, keep others safe and contact emergency services. Do not wait for a routine appointment when someone may be in danger.

How Can Parents Discipline a Child Without Making Things Worse?

Dr. Yu Chua recommends an approach he calls “connect and correct.” The idea is to understand a child's feelings while still holding them responsible for harmful behavior.

Connecting means listening to what the child is experiencing without immediately dismissing their emotions. Correcting means setting clear expectations, explaining the consequences of harmful actions, and helping the child learn what to do differently.

For example, a parent might say: “I can see that you were angry when your classmate said that. But hitting someone is not acceptable. Let's talk about what you can do next time.”

This response recognizes the emotion without excusing the action.

Parents can put the approach into practice in several ways.

1. Listen before reacting.

When everyone is safe, give the child a chance to explain what happened. Ask open-ended questions about what they felt, what triggered the incident, and what they thought would happen next.

Listening does not mean agreeing with every explanation. It helps parents understand the behavior so they can respond more effectively.

2. Set clear and consistent boundaries.

Explain which behaviors are unacceptable and what consequences will follow. Consequences should be proportionate, predictable, and focused on accountability and learning rather than humiliation.

3. Reinforce positive behavior.

Notice when a child handles frustration calmly, resolves a disagreement without aggression, or takes responsibility for a mistake. Specific praise can help reinforce the behaviors parents want to see more often.

4. Teach practical ways to manage anger.

Children can learn to pause before reacting, step away from a heated situation, use words to express frustration, and ask a trusted adult for help. These skills often need repeated practice.

5. Model the behavior you expect.

Children observe how adults respond to stress and conflict. Parents who manage disagreements without threats, intimidation, or physical punishment demonstrate healthier ways to deal with difficult emotions.

Understanding a child's feelings is not the same as excusing harmful actions. Empathy and accountability can work together.

When Should Parents Seek Professional Help?

Professional help may be appropriate when aggressive behavior is persistent, escalating, affects relationships or school performance, or seems beyond what the family can manage safely.

A child and adolescent psychiatrist can assess the young person's emotional and behavioral concerns, developmental history, family circumstances, and possible underlying conditions.

Dr. Yu Chua explains that a psychiatric evaluation may involve clinical interviews and, when appropriate, psychological assessments or medical tests to investigate possible contributing factors.

Treatment depends on the individual child's needs. Options may include counseling, psychotherapy, family-based support, behavioral interventions, and medication when clinically indicated.

No single treatment works for every child. A professional assessment helps determine which approaches are appropriate and whether different forms of support should be combined.

Parents should also involve the child's school when appropriate, particularly if the behavior involves bullying, threats, or repeated conflict with classmates. Teachers and school counselors may be able to identify patterns, help establish consistent expectations, and support a coordinated response.

Seeking help is not an admission of parental failure. It is a step toward understanding what a child needs and preventing problems from becoming more serious.

Why Do Children Need Support From More Than Their Parents?

Helping a child change harmful behavior rarely falls on one person alone. Parents can provide stability at home, but teachers, relatives, counselors, health professionals, and other trusted adults may also play important roles.

A supportive network can help children experience consistent expectations across different settings. It can also give parents guidance when they feel overwhelmed or unsure how to respond.

Dr. Yu Chua emphasizes the importance of modeling healthy behavior and building relationships in which young people feel loved, supported, and able to discuss their problems.

Giving children opportunities to contribute, help others, develop interests, and experience success can also encourage a sense of purpose and belonging.

These steps do not guarantee that aggressive behavior will disappear. They can, however, form part of a broader effort to help children build emotional skills, healthier relationships, and safer ways to handle conflict.

Helping a Child Begins With Understanding, Not Fear

Aggressive behavior in children and teenagers deserves attention, particularly when it becomes persistent or involves threats and harm to others. But labeling a child as bad or dangerous without understanding the circumstances can make it harder to identify the support they need.

The goal is not to excuse violence or remove consequences. It is to protect those at risk while helping the child understand their actions, develop self-control, and learn healthier ways to respond.

As Dr. Yu Chua's guidance suggests, meaningful change requires both connection and accountability. With appropriate professional care and support from the adults around them, children who struggle with behavior can have a better opportunity to learn, grow, and make safer choices.

For information about Makati Medical Center's services, contact MakatiMed On-Call at (02) 8888-999 or email mmc@makatimed.net.ph. Visit Makati Medical Center for more information.

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How to Enjoy a Long Weekend Trip With Less Travel Stress

How to Enjoy a Long Weekend Trip With Less Travel Stress

Wednesday, October 07, 2026

A long weekend can feel like a mini vacation without using another day of leave. But because the getaway is short, a little planning can make the difference between actually relaxing and spending half the trip dealing with avoidable problems.

Whether the plan is a quick beach escape, a road trip with friends, or a few days exploring another city, the goal is simple: make the most of the time you have.

That means thinking beyond the itinerary. Flights can be delayed, bags can go missing, plans can change, and unexpected expenses can quickly eat into a carefully planned travel budget.

For travelers heading overseas, one way to prepare for those possibilities is to include travel insurance in the pre-trip checklist.

Start with the essentials before you leave

The shorter the trip, the more tempting it can be to leave preparations until the last minute. But a long weekend does not leave much room for fixing problems once you're already on the road.

Before heading to the airport, check the basics: passport validity, flight details, accommodation, transportation from the airport, mobile connectivity and payment options at your destination.

It is also worth knowing what protection is available should something go wrong.

Through the GCash app, travelers can purchase GInsure's Standard International Travel Protect, with plans starting at ₱299. According to GCash, the policy can be purchased in as little as five minutes and up to two hours before a scheduled flight.

Coverage includes up to ₱500,000 in Emergency Medical Assistance, ₱50,000 in Travel Inconvenience Benefit, ₱1 million in Personal Liability Benefit and ₱1 million in Personal Accident coverage, depending on the policy and coverage level selected.

As with any insurance product, travelers should review the policy terms, exclusions, limits and eligibility requirements before purchasing.

Keep your phone connected

Losing mobile connectivity after landing can turn a simple arrival into an unnecessarily complicated one, particularly when you need to book a ride, contact your hotel or pull up directions.

A travel eSIM can eliminate the need to purchase and install a physical SIM card after arriving at your destination.

GCash Travel eSIM offers mobile data in more than 160 countries, with plans starting at ₱25. Having connectivity ready to go can make those first few hours in an unfamiliar place considerably easier.

Make payments easier abroad

Another part of travel planning that is easy to overlook is how you'll actually pay for things once you arrive.

For everyday purchases, GCash users can use Scan to Pay with Alipay+ QR codes in participating destinations. Eligible transactions may also come with discounts of up to ₱1,000, subject to applicable terms.

For contactless purchases, GCash Tap to Pay offers another way to pay, with eligible transactions offering up to ₱1,500 in discounts.

The important thing is to check the current participating merchants, destinations and promotional terms before relying on a particular offer.

Have a card for larger expenses

Cash is still useful when traveling, but carrying too much of it is not always practical.

For larger purchases and situations where cards are more convenient, GCash Cards can be used at participating merchants and ATMs locally and internationally. GCash says its cards have 0% foreign exchange fees, while transactions can be monitored through the GCash app.

That expense tracking can also be useful for keeping a long-weekend budget in check. A few restaurant meals, attraction tickets and impulse purchases can add up quickly when the trip is packed into just a few days.

Give yourself room for the unexpected

A good long-weekend itinerary should leave some breathing room.

Instead of scheduling every hour, allow extra time between flights and activities. Keep digital and physical copies of important travel documents. Have a backup payment method, and make sure someone at home knows your basic itinerary.

Travel insurance can be another part of that preparation, particularly for international trips where medical emergencies, travel disruptions or other unexpected situations could result in significant expenses.

For GInsure Travel, users can open the GCash app, go to Explore the App, select GInsure, and choose the Travel icon. After purchasing coverage, policy information can be accessed through the My GInsure tab.

The idea behind a well-planned long weekend is not to eliminate every possible problem. That's impossible. It is to prepare for the things you can reasonably anticipate so that an unexpected hiccup does not take over the entire trip.

Because when the break is only a few days long, the best souvenir is coming home feeling like you actually had a vacation.

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How Gen Z Is Redefining Adulting in 2026

How Gen Z Is Redefining Adulting in 2026

For Gen Z, adulting in 2026 is less about checking off a traditional list of milestones and more about figuring out what a stable, meaningful life looks like on their own terms.

Financial independence, meaningful work, better health, and eventually owning a home still matter. But for many young adults, the timeline is less straightforward. Rising everyday expenses, uncertainty about the future, and changing ideas about work have made “having it together” a moving target.

Instead of asking whether they are hitting traditional milestones at the expected age, Gen Z is increasingly asking a different question: How can I build the life I want without sacrificing everything I enjoy today?

That shift is changing what adulting looks like.

What does adulting mean to Gen Z today?

For previous generations, adulthood often came with a fairly predictable sequence: finish school, find a stable job, save money, buy a home, start a family, and prepare for retirement.

Gen Z has inherited many of those same ambitions, but the circumstances around them are different.

Young Filipinos are entering adulthood in a world where career paths are less linear, technology has changed how people work, and financial decisions increasingly have to account for immediate needs as well as long-term goals.

That does not mean Gen Z has abandoned traditional measures of success.

Research on Filipino Gen Z workers has found that financial stability remains important, while career choices are also influenced by purpose and social impact. Homeownership likewise remains an aspiration, although younger Filipinos face a different economic environment from previous generations.

The result is a broader definition of success.

A “good job” may now mean one that provides enough income while also offering flexibility, personal growth, or a sense of purpose. A healthy lifestyle may involve both exercise and protecting mental well-being. And financial independence can mean having enough flexibility to handle an unexpected expense rather than simply having a large bank balance.

Why is financial security such a big concern?

One of the biggest challenges facing Gen Z is the gap between what they want for the future and what their current income allows them to do.

A 2025 Deloitte global survey found that 52% of Gen Z respondents were living paycheck to paycheck. The survey also found that 41% worried they would not be able to retire comfortably.

These findings are global rather than specific to the Philippines, but they illustrate a broader tension facing younger workers: earning money today does not automatically translate into feeling financially secure about tomorrow.

The situation is particularly relevant in the Philippines, where household budgets can be stretched by everyday expenses, family responsibilities, housing costs, and other financial commitments.

Boston Consulting Group's research on the Filipino consumer found that only 46% of Filipinos felt prepared for a financial crisis.

For someone just beginning a career, that can make long-term planning feel difficult. Saving for a home or retirement can seem far away when the immediate priority is paying rent, transportation, food, bills, or helping family.

Is Gen Z becoming more intentional with money?

There are signs that young Filipinos are becoming more engaged with formal financial services.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas data cited in 2026 reports showed that the share of young adults aged 15 to 19 with financial accounts, including bank accounts, e-wallets, and other transaction accounts, increased from 27% in 2021 to 34% in 2025.

The increase does not mean younger Filipinos have solved their financial challenges. Having access to an account is different from having sufficient savings, understanding financial products, or being financially prepared for emergencies.

Still, greater access can make it easier for young adults to begin developing financial habits earlier.

For Gen Z, that may mean using digital banking and e-wallets to manage everyday spending, setting aside money automatically, learning about investments, or exploring protection and savings products as their income grows.

The bigger change is that financial planning is becoming less about waiting until “later” and more about making small decisions now.

Why does wellness matter to Gen Z's version of adulting?

Money is only one part of the equation.

Gen Z also came of age during the COVID-19 pandemic, an experience that disrupted education, work, social lives, and everyday routines. That period helped push health and wellness higher on the priority list for many young consumers.

Wellness today can mean more than simply going to the gym.

It can include eating better, getting enough sleep, taking breaks from digital platforms, protecting mental well-being, and creating routines that make daily life more manageable.

That mindset also changes how young adults think about the future.

Being financially secure is useful, but so is being healthy enough to enjoy the life they are working to build.

Is homeownership still part of the Gen Z dream?

For all the talk about changing priorities, owning a home remains an aspiration for many Filipinos.

The challenge is affordability.

Younger adults may have to balance housing ambitions with student expenses, family obligations, transportation, lifestyle costs, and the realities of starting a career.

That has made the idea of homeownership more flexible.

For some, it may mean buying a condominium. For others, it could mean saving for a house later in life, purchasing property with a partner, or simply building enough financial security to make the decision when the opportunity comes.

The important point is that Gen Z does not necessarily reject traditional milestones. They are redefining the timeline for reaching them.

What can Gen Z do while working toward bigger goals?

There is no single formula for adulting, but financial planning can make long-term goals easier to approach.

A practical starting point is to separate financial goals according to timeframe:

Immediate needs: monthly expenses and essential bills

Short-term goals: emergency savings, travel, major purchases, or education

Medium-term goals: a vehicle, business, or home down payment

Long-term goals: retirement and broader financial security

This approach can help prevent every financial goal from competing for the same peso.

It also recognizes an important reality of adult life: plans need room for unexpected events.

An emergency fund, appropriate insurance coverage, and long-term savings are different financial tools, but together they can provide a stronger foundation than relying on a single solution.

Where does financial protection fit in?

For young adults who are beginning to plan beyond their immediate expenses, insurance and savings products can be part of a broader financial strategy.

EastWest Ageas, for example, offers Dream Builder, a protection-oriented product that provides guaranteed annual cash payouts of 5% and offers 10-Pay, 5-Pay, and 2-Pay payment options.

The 2-Pay option is the newest of the three payment structures and is designed for customers who prefer a shorter payment period.

As with any financial product, the details matter. Potential buyers should review the policy's benefits, conditions, charges, coverage, payment requirements, and suitability for their individual financial situation before making a decision.

The broader lesson is more important than any one product, though: financial planning does not have to begin with having a lot of money.

It can begin with understanding where your money goes, identifying what you want to protect, and deciding which goals deserve attention first.

Adulting doesn't have to follow a deadline

Perhaps the biggest difference between Gen Z's version of adulting and the traditional one is the timeline.

There is less certainty that everyone will follow the same sequence at the same age. Career changes, side businesses, delayed homeownership, flexible work arrangements, and changing lifestyle priorities are increasingly part of the picture.

That does not make Gen Z less ambitious.

If anything, it suggests that younger Filipinos are becoming more deliberate about what they consider worth pursuing.

Financial stability still matters. So do health, meaningful work, independence, and having a place to call home.

The difference is that Gen Z is trying to build those things while also making room for life as it happens.

Maybe that's what adulting looks like in 2026: not having everything figured out, but having a plan that can grow with you.

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From Tiis-Ganda to Holiday Ganda: Rethinking Period Pain

From Tiis-Ganda to Holiday Ganda: Rethinking Period Pain

Tuesday, October 06, 2026

Filipinos have a phrase for enduring discomfort in the name of looking good: tiis-ganda. During the holidays, that same mindset can extend beyond uncomfortable shoes or outfits to something much less visible but equally disruptive: period pain.

Between Christmas parties, family reunions, shopping trips and year-end gatherings, it can be tempting to simply push through menstrual cramps and carry on. But painful periods do not have to be treated as something women should automatically endure. Understanding the symptoms, preparing for them and knowing when to seek medical advice can make holiday plans more manageable.

What does “tiis-ganda” have to do with period pain?

Tiis-ganda is a distinctly Filipino expression that describes tolerating discomfort or inconvenience to look good or keep going. It is often used playfully, but the idea of tiis can also shape how women deal with physical discomfort.

Period pain, medically called dysmenorrhea, refers to painful menstrual cramps. It is commonly felt in the lower abdomen and can be accompanied by other symptoms. The pain is associated with substances called prostaglandins, which cause the uterus to contract during menstruation.

The important distinction is that occasional menstrual discomfort and pain that repeatedly disrupts daily life are not necessarily the same thing.

If cramps regularly make it difficult to work, sleep, exercise, attend school or participate in activities, it is worth discussing the symptoms with a healthcare professional.

When should period pain get your attention?

Instead of simply counting the days until the pain passes, pay attention to patterns.

Consider noting:

• When the pain begins in relation to your period
• How severe the pain becomes
• How long it lasts
• Whether the pain is getting worse over time
• Whether it affects work, sleep or normal activities
• Whether your symptoms are different from your usual periods

Keeping track of these details can also make a conversation with a doctor more useful, particularly when symptoms become severe or unusually disruptive.

How can you make holiday plans more period-friendly?

Rethinking tiis-ganda does not mean cancelling every Christmas gathering when your period arrives. It can be as simple as planning for the possibility of discomfort rather than pretending it is not there.

Start with the basics. Eat regularly, stay hydrated and give yourself time to rest between long days of errands, parties and family activities. Keeping period products and other personal essentials nearby can also prevent a small inconvenience from becoming a bigger one.

It also helps to understand the options available for managing menstrual cramps. Any medicine should be used according to its label instructions, taking into account individual health conditions, other medicines and advice from a healthcare professional.

For women considering an over-the-counter option, Buscopan Venus, which contains hyoscine N-butylbromide and paracetamol, is marketed in the Philippines for relief of menstrual cramps. The product information supplied for this campaign states that it may be taken at the indicated dose, but consumers should follow the current product label and consult a healthcare professional when unsure whether it is appropriate for them.

The brand says its formulation can work in as fast as 15 minutes. That is a product claim, rather than a guarantee that every person will experience relief within that timeframe.

Why shouldn't severe period pain simply be ignored?

One reason to move beyond the tiis mindset is that severe or increasingly disruptive period pain can sometimes warrant further evaluation.

Painful periods can have different causes. While cramps are common, persistent or severe symptoms should not automatically be dismissed as something every woman simply has to live with.

The goal is not to turn every uncomfortable period into a medical emergency. It is to recognize when pain has moved beyond an occasional inconvenience and is affecting quality of life.

That distinction is especially important during the holidays, when busy schedules can make it easy to postpone healthcare appointments or ignore symptoms until the season is over.

Can you enjoy holiday ganda without the tiis?

Absolutely.

The idea of holiday ganda does not have to be about looking polished while quietly putting up with discomfort. It can also mean feeling comfortable enough to be present at the moments that matter.

That may mean wearing the shoes you can actually walk in, taking a break between gatherings, carrying the period products you need or planning ahead for menstrual symptoms.

As Micol Cansino, Senior Brand Manager for Hyoscine N-butylbromide (Buscopan), puts it, women should not have to put their needs on the back burner simply because the calendar is full.

There is also a useful lesson beyond the holidays: self-care does not have to mean doing less. Sometimes it means making it easier to do the things that matter without unnecessarily ignoring what your body is telling you.

This Christmas, perhaps tiis-ganda deserves a small rethink. Looking good is one thing. Feeling well enough to enjoy the people, places and moments you showed up for is another.

And that might be the more meaningful kind of holiday ganda.

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Ber-Month Moneymaxxing: A Smarter Holiday Spending Guide

Ber-Month Moneymaxxing: A Smarter Holiday Spending Guide

Saturday, October 03, 2026

The Ber months have arrived, and with them comes the familiar shift in spending. There are gifts to buy, dinners to attend, trips to plan, reunions to budget for, and, somehow, Christmas seems to arrive faster every year.

The trick isn't necessarily to stop enjoying the season. It's to start preparing before the biggest expenses arrive.

Think of it as moneymaxxing your Ber months: saving earlier, making the money you've already set aside work harder, getting something back from purchases you're already planning, and spreading larger expenses when it makes financial sense.

Here are some practical ways to get your holiday budget in shape before December gets busy.

How can you prepare your money for the holidays?

1. Start your holiday fund before the Christmas rush

Waiting until December to figure out how much you need for Christmas can make every expense feel bigger.

Instead, start setting aside small amounts now. You could divide your holiday budget into categories such as:

• Gifts
• Christmas dinners and reunions
• Travel
• Parties and events
• Year-end bills
• Holiday shopping
• Emergency or unexpected expenses

If you're using Maya Personal Goals, Maya says users can create up to five separate savings goals and earn up to 8% interest per annum, subject to the applicable terms.

The useful part isn't simply the interest. Separating your goals can make it easier to see how much you've actually set aside for each purpose.

That can also make your Christmas fund feel less like money you have available to spend today.

2. Don't let your holiday fund sit idle

Once you've started saving, the next question is what happens to the money while you're waiting to use it.

According to Maya, Maya Savings can earn up to 15% interest per annum, credited daily, subject to its applicable terms and conditions.

The broader money habit here is worth remembering: money earmarked for a future expense doesn't necessarily need to be mixed with your everyday spending money.

Keeping holiday savings separate can make your budget easier to track and may reduce the temptation to dip into it for unrelated purchases.

Of course, interest rates and promotional offers can change, so check Maya's current terms before moving money based on a specific rate.

How can you get more value from holiday spending?

3. Decide what you want your spending to give back

Holiday spending is inevitable for many households. But before putting an expense on a credit card, consider whether there is a benefit attached to the spending you're already planning.

For example, the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card offers cardholders up to 5% cashback at Landers, 2% on dining, and 1% on most other purchases, according to Maya.

Meanwhile, the Maya Black Credit Card allows eligible cardholders to earn Maya Miles on purchases, including up to 10x Maya Miles at Maya Black Preferred merchants.

Maya Miles can be redeemed for travel and other lifestyle rewards, making this potentially relevant for anyone already thinking about 2027 travel.

The important distinction is this: don't spend more simply to earn rewards.

A reward is only useful if the purchase already fits your budget and you can manage the payment responsibly.

4. Make everyday holiday purchases count, too

Not every holiday expense happens in a department store.

There are restaurant bills after a reunion, last-minute gifts from a neighborhood shop, groceries for Christmas dinner, coffee during a shopping trip, and countless small purchases in between.

Maya says the Maya Card earns 1% cashback on eligible purchases anywhere in the Philippines.

For people who already use the card for everyday purchases, that can make routine holiday spending part of their broader rewards strategy.

Again, the key is to think of cashback as something you receive from spending you already planned, rather than a reason to spend more.

What should you do with bigger holiday purchases?

5. When the purchase is big, make it mini

The Ber months can also bring bigger expenses that aren't necessarily part of the Christmas shopping list.

Maybe your phone needs replacing. Perhaps there's an appliance you've been putting off buying. Or you finally found the gift you've been saving for.

Instead of automatically paying the entire amount from your available cash, Maya Mini Payments allows eligible purchases to be converted into 3, 6, 9, or 12 monthly payments, according to Maya.

That can provide more flexibility when a large purchase would otherwise put pressure on a single month's budget.

But there's an important budgeting step before choosing installment payments: look at the total cost and your future monthly commitments.

A smaller monthly payment doesn't make an expensive purchase cheaper. It simply spreads the repayment over time.

Before converting a purchase, make sure the monthly payment fits comfortably alongside your regular bills, savings, and other holiday expenses.

What does moneymaxxing actually mean for the holidays?

Moneymaxxing doesn't have to mean turning the Ber months into a spending-free zone.

It can simply mean being more deliberate with the money you're already going to spend.

That could mean starting your Christmas fund in September instead of scrambling in December. It could mean keeping savings separate from everyday spending. Or it could mean choosing a payment or rewards option that genuinely fits your budget.

The goal isn't a perfectly optimized Christmas.

It's getting to January without wondering where all your money went.

A simple Ber-month money checklist

Before the holiday rush begins, ask yourself:

Have I started my Christmas fund?

Even small, regular contributions can give you a head start.

Do I know my major holiday expenses?

List gifts, travel, reunions, food, and other predictable costs.

Is my holiday money separate from everyday spending?

A dedicated savings goal can make your progress easier to see.

Am I using rewards strategically?

Cashback and miles are useful only when attached to purchases you can afford.

Can I comfortably handle a big purchase?

If using installments, look beyond the monthly amount and consider the total repayment and future commitments.

Have I left room for January?

The holidays don't end when December does. Your regular bills and financial goals continue into the new year.

Moneymaxxing beyond the holidays

The most useful holiday money habit may be the one that survives Christmas.

Once you've experienced the difference between preparing early and scrambling at the last minute, the same approach can work for other predictable expenses throughout the year.

Birthdays. Travel. School expenses. Insurance payments. Home purchases. Even that annual January feeling of wondering why December happened so quickly.

The Ber months are a good reminder that enjoying your money and managing it thoughtfully don't have to be opposites.

Sometimes, the smartest move is simply to start a little earlier.

For more information about Maya's savings, cards, and payment products, visit Maya or Maya Bank. Product availability, rates, rewards, eligibility, and credit offers are subject to applicable terms and conditions and, where relevant, credit evaluation.

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How Parents Can Get Kids Moving More

How Parents Can Get Kids Moving More

Friday, October 02, 2026

Getting children to move more can be surprisingly difficult today. Schoolwork, screens, hot weather and busy family schedules can make staying indoors the easier choice, even when kids have plenty of energy to burn.

A recent conversation on The Bare It All Podcast explored why active play no longer seems to happen as naturally as it did for previous generations. Hosted by Dani Barretto, the discussion with Nikki Gil and nutrition expert Dr. Imelda Angeles-Agdeppa looked at what happens when children spend less time moving and what parents can realistically do about it.

The answer isn't necessarily to eliminate screens or schedule another activity every afternoon. In many cases, creating opportunities for movement, making healthy routines visible and giving children some freedom to choose how they play may be a more sustainable place to start.

Why are kids moving less today?

The podcast discussion cited DOST-FNRI data indicating that 77.5% of Filipino adolescents do not get enough physical activity.

That figure was used in the conversation to illustrate a broader concern: movement may no longer be a built-in part of childhood.

Barretto recalled a childhood when neighborhood play happened almost automatically. Children went outside, played with friends and eventually returned home when it was time to eat.

Today's children have a very different range of options.

Entertainment is available instantly through phones, tablets, gaming devices and streaming services. Parents may also have concerns about outdoor safety, while hot weather can make physical activity less appealing.

Then there is school.

After a full day of classes, homework and other responsibilities, some children may simply feel too tired to play outside.

As Nikki Gil put it during the conversation, physical activity is no longer necessarily automatic. For many families, it has to be intentionally built into the day.

How can parents encourage kids to play more?

The good news is that physical activity does not have to mean signing children up for another structured class.

Sometimes, the simplest approach is to create a little space for unstructured play.

Nikki shared the idea of temporarily removing entertainment options and allowing children to decide what comes next. Without a screen immediately available, children may naturally gravitate toward toys, games or physical play.

That doesn't mean screens need to disappear completely.

Instead, parents can create regular transitions between sitting and moving.

Some simple ideas include:

• Taking a short walk after dinner
• Playing ball or tag outdoors
• Letting children help with age-appropriate household tasks
• Dancing together to a few favorite songs
• Visiting a playground or swimming pool
• Trying a new sport without making it competitive
• Taking regular movement breaks during homework or screen time
• Allowing children to choose between several active activities

The goal is to make movement feel like part of everyday life rather than another obligation.

Should parents ban screen time?

Not necessarily.

The podcast conversation also acknowledged that technology can have positive uses. Barretto shared that screens had helped her daughter learn about words, emotions and self-expression.

That distinction matters.

The question isn't simply whether children use technology. It is what role screens play in the overall rhythm of the day.

A child can enjoy educational content, video calls or entertainment and still need opportunities for physical activity, face-to-face interaction and imaginative play.

For parents, that means looking at the whole routine rather than treating screen time as the single problem.

If a child spends time on a tablet but also walks, plays outside, participates in sports and interacts socially, the picture is different from a routine dominated by sitting and passive entertainment.

Why does movement matter beyond physical fitness?

Physical activity is often discussed in terms of weight and fitness, but its role in childhood development is broader.

Dr. Agdeppa explained during the podcast that insufficient movement can affect children's physical development and muscle development. She also connected activity with areas such as concentration, school performance and social development.

These points are consistent with the broader understanding that children need regular physical activity as part of healthy growth and development.

The key is to avoid turning exercise into a punishment for eating or a way to control a child's weight.

For young children especially, movement can simply be about developing coordination, strength, confidence and enjoyment.

Running, climbing, swimming, jumping, dancing and playing games all provide opportunities to practice physical skills.

What role does food play in active childhood?

Movement is only one part of a child's daily routine.

Nutrition provides the energy and nutrients children need for growth, learning and activity. That makes regular meals and snacks an important part of establishing healthy habits.

During the podcast, Dr. Agdeppa emphasized the connection between nutrition and physical activity. Barretto also talked about familiar family foods, including Cheez Whiz, which she said her family uses in meals such as baked macaroni and school sandwiches.

For parents, convenience can matter.

A lunchbox that a child will actually eat is often more practical than an elaborate meal that comes home untouched.

The better goal is to build meals and snacks around a variety of nutritious foods while keeping preparation realistic for the family's schedule.

Are parents the most important role models?

Perhaps the most practical message from the conversation was that children notice what adults do.

Telling a child to put down a tablet while remaining glued to a phone sends a mixed message.

Nikki's observation was straightforward: parents cannot simply lecture children into developing habits that adults do not model themselves.

That can mean taking a family walk instead of telling a child to exercise, eating meals together instead of talking about nutrition, or putting devices away during certain parts of the day.

Dr. Agdeppa similarly encouraged parents to eat and move together with their children.

For families, this turns healthy behavior from a set of instructions into something children experience as part of normal life.

What does "active play" look like for today's families?

It doesn't have to look like the childhood many parents remember.

Not every family has a large yard or a safe neighborhood where children can roam freely. Some live in condominiums, deal with extreme heat or rain, or have parents working long hours.

Active play can therefore happen in different ways.

A living room dance session, a trip to the mall that includes walking, a weekend swim, an afternoon at the playground or a few minutes of movement between homework tasks can all add up.

The important part is creating opportunities for children to move regularly.

And perhaps that's the most useful lesson for parents: you don't have to recreate your own childhood to give your children an active one.

Start with what is realistic for your family.

Put the tablet away for a little while. Turn on some music. Walk around the neighborhood. Let your child choose a game. Make a sandwich together. Try something neither of you has done before.

Sometimes, helping children do more begins by simply giving them the opportunity to move.

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Careline Color Correcting Powder: 5 Shades Explained

Careline Color Correcting Powder: 5 Shades Explained

Saturday, September 26, 2026

Careline has introduced a new Color Correcting Powder collection that combines color correction and setting powder in five shades designed for different complexion concerns.

The new collection comes in Banana, Peach, Translucent, Green, and Lavender, with each shade intended to visually balance a different type of discoloration or undertone.

The product is designed as a powder-based alternative to traditional color correctors, which are commonly available in cream or liquid formulas. Careline says the format is intended to simplify color correction by allowing users to correct, blur, and set makeup in one step.

What are the five Careline Color Correcting Powder shades for?

Color correction is based on color theory. Contrasting colors can visually neutralize unwanted tones in the complexion.

Careline's new collection applies that principle through five powder shades:

Banana: A soft yellow powder designed to brighten dull-looking areas and neutralize purple undertones.

Peach: Designed to counter blue-toned discoloration, including the appearance of tired-looking under-eyes.

Translucent: A universal setting and blurring shade that does not add visible color, making it an option for users who want to set makeup without additional color correction.

Green: Designed to help balance the appearance of redness.

Lavender: A pastel purple shade intended to counter yellow undertones and sallowness.

Users can apply one shade to address a specific concern or combine different shades on separate areas of the face.

How does color correcting powder work?

Color correction is typically used before or alongside complexion makeup to visually balance discoloration.

For example, green is commonly used to counter the appearance of redness because green sits opposite red on the color wheel. Peach tones can help balance blue or purple discoloration, while lavender can visually counter yellow tones.

The technique is not new, but powder is a less familiar format for color correction compared with cream-based correctors.

Careline's approach is to combine the color-correcting step with setting and blurring, reducing the need to layer a separate correcting product underneath foundation.

Why is Careline using a powder format?

According to Careline Brand Manager Carmen Torralba, the brand saw an opportunity to offer color correction in a lighter powder format.

The collection is positioned for users who want to address complexion concerns without adding another cream or liquid layer to their makeup routine.

That can be particularly practical in warm and humid conditions, where some makeup users prefer lighter layers and powder-based products for controlling shine.

Careline also describes the collection as part of a broader P-beauty approach, focusing on products designed around the everyday needs and routines of Filipino consumers.

Where can you buy Careline Color Correcting Powder?

The Careline Color Correcting Powder can be purchased at major department stores and select Watsons stores nationwide, as well as through Careline's official flagship stores on TikTok Shop, Shopee, and Lazada.

The collection gives makeup users another way to experiment with color correction while keeping the application closer to a conventional setting-powder routine.

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Why Asian Hair Needs a Different Approach to Hair Color

Why Asian Hair Needs a Different Approach to Hair Color

Friday, September 25, 2026

We’ve become much better at understanding that our skin is not one-size-fits-all. We look at ingredients, consider our skin type, and choose products based on what it actually needs.

Hair deserves the same kind of attention.

For Asian consumers, that starts with recognizing something easy to overlook: Asian hair is not one uniform hair type. Texture, strand thickness, density, dryness, curl pattern, porosity, and previous chemical treatments can all influence how hair behaves, particularly when it comes to coloring.

That was one of the themes discussed during a recent visit to the Philippines by Vicki Borley and Katharine Crew, Managing Directors of natural hair color brand Tints of Nature. Their experience working with different hair types brought up a useful beauty question: are we choosing hair color based only on the shade we want, or are we also considering the condition and characteristics of our hair?

What makes Asian hair different?

There isn't a single set of characteristics that defines Asian hair.

Research published in 2025 examining hair characteristics across multiple populations found differences in factors including hair diameter, dryness, damage, and curl pattern. The findings are a useful reminder that broad racial or geographic categories don't tell the whole story about an individual's hair.

Two people who both describe their hair as “Asian” can have very different strands.

One person might have fine, straight hair that becomes oily quickly. Another might have thick, coarse strands that feel dry at the ends. Someone else may have naturally textured hair that has also been repeatedly colored, bleached, straightened, or heat-styled.

All of those details can affect how hair responds to color.

“There's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to Asian hair,” Borley explained, emphasizing the importance of considering the individual's texture and the condition of the hair before coloring.

Your hair history matters, too

Hair doesn't exist in its natural state forever.

Bleaching can affect the structure and condition of the hair. Frequent heat styling can contribute to dryness and damage. Chemical straightening and repeated coloring can also change how the hair feels and responds to another treatment.

That means two people with similar natural hair may need very different approaches to coloring if one has extensively treated hair and the other doesn't.

It's a simple point, but one that's easy to forget when we're focused on achieving a particular shade.

Should hair color be part of your haircare routine?

Coloring is often treated as a purely cosmetic decision. We choose a shade, book an appointment or pick up a box, and think about the result we want to see in the mirror.

But the coloring process also interacts with the hair itself.

That's why preparation and aftercare matter, particularly when hair has already experienced chemical or heat treatments.

Tints of Nature's approach is built around formulas that the brand says contain 95% naturally derived ingredients, while its permanent hair color contains 75% certified organic ingredients. The company's permanent colors are also formulated without ammonia and resorcinol, according to the brand.

These are formulation characteristics rather than guarantees of a particular outcome. Individual results can still depend on the hair's starting condition, previous treatments, application, and other factors.

For consumers, the more useful question is therefore not simply, “Is this natural?”

It is: Does this particular color system make sense for my hair, and how will I care for it before and after coloring?

What should you consider before coloring Asian hair?

Before choosing a color, it helps to look beyond your desired shade.

Consider:

Your natural texture. Fine, thick, straight, wavy, or curly hair can respond differently to products and styling.

Your hair's current condition. Dryness, brittleness, split ends, and previous damage are worth addressing before adding another chemical process.

Your color history. Previously colored or bleached hair may behave differently from virgin hair.

Your styling habits. Frequent heat styling can add another source of stress to already processed hair.

Your maintenance routine. A beautiful color is easier to maintain when you know what your hair needs between color appointments.

This is where personalized haircare becomes more useful than simply following a trend.

What does ingredient-conscious haircare actually mean?

Consumers are increasingly paying attention to ingredients in beauty products, including haircare.

A 2025 study published in the Journal of the Korean Society of Cosmetology examined consumer perceptions of hair-care products containing natural extracts and found that those perceptions could influence purchasing behavior.

That doesn't necessarily mean that “natural” automatically equals better.

Ingredients have different functions, and a product's performance depends on its overall formulation, not simply whether individual ingredients are natural or synthetic.

For someone choosing hair color, ingredient awareness can instead be part of a larger evaluation that includes hair condition, scalp sensitivity, formulation, application method, expected result, and aftercare.

In other words, reading the label is useful, but understanding your hair is just as important.

Tints of Nature puts preparation and aftercare alongside color

Tints of Nature's range includes products such as its Hydrate or Structure Treatment, Hydrate Shampoo, and Hydrate Conditioner, which the company positions as part of a care routine before and after coloring.

Borley says the brand's approach involves preparing the hair properly and caring for it after coloring rather than treating the color application as an isolated step.

That's a sensible principle regardless of which hair color brand you use.

Coloring shouldn't be the end of your haircare routine. If anything, it can be a good reminder to pay closer attention to moisture, texture, manageability, and overall hair condition.

Why the one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work

The beauty industry's language can sometimes make hair sound simpler than it is.

“Asian hair,” “fine hair,” “thick hair,” and even “damaged hair” are useful starting points, but none of those descriptions tells the complete story.

Your hair has its own combination of characteristics and history.

That's especially important in the Philippines, where many people regularly deal with heat, humidity, sun exposure, frequent washing, and styling, alongside coloring or chemical treatments. What works beautifully for one person's hair may not produce the same result for someone else.

Healthy Options, which carries Tints of Nature in the Philippines, says its decision to offer the brand reflects its focus on ingredient transparency, conscious formulations, and beauty products that align with its broader wellness positioning.

For consumers, however, the bigger takeaway goes beyond any particular retailer or brand.

Good hair color starts with knowing the hair you're working with.

The shade matters, but so do the strand, texture, condition, treatment history, and care routine behind it.

And perhaps that's the more useful evolution in beauty: moving away from finding the one “perfect” product and toward understanding what actually works for you.

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