Embracing Loud Budgeting as a Love Language this Valentine’s Day

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This 2024, a new trend called 'loud budgeting' is gaining popularity, encouraging people to openly discuss their finances without feeling embarrassed. Contrary to the 'quiet luxury' trend of the past year, loud budgeting helps Filipinos be more honest about their financial situation, leading to greater empowerment in managing their money. 

This Valentine's Day, let's celebrate the love language of financial wellness.

Regardless if it's Php 299 or 2,999 or 29,999, communication is key to financial wellness.

Last month, Filipino social media exploded with discussions about the ₱299 engagement ring. People were split on whether it was about self-worth or long-term financial plans, and both sides had valid points. There's no right or wrong answer here; it all depends on what matters most to you or your partner. But what can we take away from this in terms of financial wellness as a love language? It's about being honest about one’s money habits.

Having open conversations with one’s partner about spending and saving money sets the groundwork to avoid misunderstandings and disappointment. Whether it's about a ring or any other gift, clear communication helps manage expectations and keeps the relationship on solid ground.

Empowering financial security: Nurturing smarter money habits

Supporting smarter money habits for the future involves embracing financial wellness as a love language and encouraging one’s partner to engage in sound practices to build financial security. It encompasses a commitment to fostering better money management skills, such as prioritizing savings. While opening a traditional bank account can sometimes pose challenges due to stringent requirements, present financial solutions offer numerous digital banking alternatives like UnionDigital. The platform not only provides savings accounts but also offers convenient features such as seamless cashless transactions, including unique selling points like QR code peer-to-peer (P2P) transfers, with person-to-merchant (P2M) coming soon, and FREE instant fund transfers via InstaPay, ensuring a smoother and more efficient financial experience. Its UBEH Save is a high-interest savings account that offers a competitive interest rate of up to 4% p.a., enabling customers to grow their funds more effectively.

Building on social ties

Nurturing love in relationships needs time, effort, and emotional investment. The principle of the emerging practice of loud budgeting prioritizes meaningful experiences over extravagant gifts. In a similar sense, building a solid financial foundation goes beyond mere saving and involves strategic planning and understanding one’s finances—an invaluable investment for long-term results. Just as personal ties require cultivation and attention, financial well-being thrives on careful nurturing and informed decision-making.

Endearing ties and reaping its rewards

Investing in love and finances brings fulfilling rewards: shared accomplishments, emotional connection, and financial stability. Celebrating relationships and financial milestones reinforces the value of invested efforts as these moments serve as markers of progress and dedication. UnionDigital Time Deposit is one product that highlights the significance of mindful investment. For as low as 1,000 pesos, users can already enroll in an account. With one of the lowest minimum time deposit rate requirements, UnionDigital’s Time Deposit removes barriers to investment opportunities, facilitating a solid foundation for ongoing financial growth.

Harnessing self-love as an investment

Investing in self-love produces lasting outcomes, enabling one to fulfill and meet his or her own needs. Consider practicing self-love by indulging in activities that bring joy, relaxation, and inner peace. The value of self-care doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag, and can be found in simple, everyday practices that prioritize mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

As the period ushers in the love month, it’s time to redefine the approach to love. By understanding that love is not synonymous with extravagant spending, but about taking meaningful steps in nurturing relationships, one can create a more sustainable and fulfilling foundation for both love and life. Just like love, financial management requires careful attention, investment, and decision-making. UBEH Save and UD Time Deposit are products by UnionDigital tailored to offer convenient solutions for saving and investing, all designed to help achieve financial well-being with ease and confidence. By embracing sound practices, one can create a life that is a harmonious blend of emotional fulfillment and financial stability.

UnionDigital Bank is the digital bank subsidiary of Union Bank of the Philippines. It is one of the six digital banks in the country regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). At present, UnionDigital offers a wide array of financial services, featuring competitive offerings such as the P1,000 Time Deposit, high-yield savings account, QRPH payments and transfers, among others. In a significant move to enhance financial inclusion, UnionDigital is poised to introduce a cash loan product, distinguished by its entirely digital application process and quick crediting of funds within minutes.

Revisit the timeless appeal of Rivermaya’s Greatest Hits: Himig Ng Dekada 90

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With timeless pop-rock anthems that cut across generational lines, Rivermaya has easily cemented their place as one of the most important Filipino bands of all time. Their songs have served their purpose as great anchors for intimate conversations and as a source of comfort for every Filipino yearning for music they can call home.

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A top-tier collection of the band’s most iconic alt-rock anthems, the compilation album is the go-to playlist to hype OPM fans for their reunion concert on February 17, 2024 at the SMDC Festival Grounds

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More than their wistful and sometimes introspective reflections on love, pain, freedom, and youth, Rivermaya penned music with a mix of unwavering earnestness and vulnerability, capturing the essence of everyday life in nuanced but relatable terms.

The band’s iconic lineup from 1994 to 1998, which includes Bamboo Mañalac, Mark Escueta, Nathan Azarcon, and Rico Blanco has produced some of the most enduring classics in Pinoy rock. From the chest-thumping sing-alongs of “Hinahanap-Hanap Kita,” “Elesi,” and “Ulan” to the stadium-sized glory of “Awit Ng Kabataan” and “Kisapmata,” from the melancholic balladry of “If,” “Panahon Na Naman,” and “214” to the cult appeal of “Bring Me Down” and “Luha,” the popular four-piece act achieved commercial success while delivering groundbreaking cultural impact and artistic vision in equal measure—something that has proven to be elusive, even among their contemporaries in the field.

Their legacy, which shaped the ever-fickle pop culture of the ‘90s with their distinct brand of eloquence and charm, is fully captured in their essential Rivermaya - Greatest Hits: Himig Ng Dekada 90 album, which chronicles the biggest hits of their formative years as well as the underrated tunes that still hold merit up to this day. Featuring twelve of their most iconic songs and two remixes, the compilation album gives listeners a complete picture of the band’s music: fearless in its humanity and imperfection, but smugly cool in portraying tenderness, chaos, and adventurousness in situations that don’t always feel like they’re made for the movies. It’s as real as it gets.

“There are powerful messages in the songs, for those who need to hear them,” drummer Mark Escueta reflects on the compilation album’s intrinsic appeal. “Overall, it’s fun to listen to the songs, even the sad ones. We’re honored that we get to share our music and inspire people on a personal, intimate level. We no longer own these songs; they belong to anyone who dares to wholeheartedly embrace them and still emerge whole from the process. It’s everyone’s songs now.”

With Mañalac, Escueta, Azarcon, and Blanco headlining a reunion concert on February 17, 2024, at the SMDC Festival Grounds, Rivermaya’s Greatest Hits record serves not only as a convincing argument for the band’s inimitable genius but also as a guide to the immortal music that’s so deeply ingrained in Pinoy collective consciousness. For long-time fans who would want to deep-dive into the band’s discography and review their career-defining ‘karaoke’ jams, this compilation album is the way to go for the essential no-skips fodder.

Here's the track list to get you started:

1. Hinahanap-hanap Kita

2. Ulan

3. 214

4. Elesi

5. Himala

6. Awit Ng Kabataan

7. If

8. Kisapmata

9. Panahon Na Naman

10. Kung Ayaw Mo, Huwag Mo

11. Bring Me Down

12. Luha

13. 214 (Tripnotic Mix)

14. Kisapmata (Mayhem Mix)

Rivermaya - Greatest Hits: Himig Ng Dekada 90 is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

The original lineup, composed of Bamboo Mañalac, Rico Blanco, Nathan Azarcon, and Mark Escueta, stages a one-night-only reunion concert produced by Live Nation Philippines. Dubbed ‘Rivermaya The Reunion,’ the iconic pop-rock outfit will be celebrating the unparalleled Rivermaya legacy with a highly anticipated set featuring some of their greatest hits and rarities. Tickets are available on the Live Nation Philippines website and SM Tickets outlets.

Bossjob launches new features to provide better job-hunting experience for SEA talents for 2024

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The chat-first platform introduces new features to connect users with global and remote job markets

Bossjob, the chat-first career platform revolutionizing professional hiring in Southeast Asia (SEA), is making career opportunities even more within reach for talents as they introduce new features to enable them to access jobs from abroad and remote work opportunities easily.

The hiring platform has officially launched a new feature allowing recruiters from around the world to connect with talent across parts of Asia, including the Philippines. Employers can now post their job openings globally on the Bossjob website by selecting the 'International' option and targeting specific countries where they seek top talent.

This feature not only facilitates outsourcing and remote team setups but also helps establish employer presence in previously unsupported regions. With the new feature, Bossjob aims to help companies reduce recruitment costs and streamline their cross-border hiring processes.

Bossjob's new feature comes particularly timely in helping employers seize opportunities to attract top talent. It is anticipated that individuals will be reassessing their career paths at the start of 2024. The start of a new year typically serves as a period for introspection and the setting of resolutions, leading many to reevaluate their professional aspirations and strive to begin the year on a positive note.

Moreover, Bossjob particularly sees the importance of making these job opportunities more accessible to Filipinos. The Philippines Freelance Market 2022 Report suggested many Filipinos thrive as freelancers, benefitting from overseas freelancing opportunities.

Meanwhile, the platform has also launched the remote jobs section, making it easier for talents to scroll around the opportunities that best suit them. Job seekers can easily go to the "Remote Jobs" section of the Bossjob website and check hundreds of remote job positions across various industries, including information technology, customer service, human resources, sales, finance, manufacturing, banking, and healthcare.

Bossjob CEO Anthony Garcia says the company hopes to bring opportunities not only closer but more accessible to more Filipinos.

“With our new international feature and dedicated remote jobs section, we're not just expanding horizons, but we're actively dismantling barriers to global employment and fostering a more inclusive, accessible job market. At Bossjob, we believe that a great career should be accessible to everyone, everywhere, and our latest features are a significant step towards making that belief a reality,” Garcia said.

Preference for remote work among job seekers continues to rise

Starting in Q3 of 2023, Bossjob began supporting hybrid and remote job opportunities, leading to a significant increase in such listings. The number of jobs posted in these categories has since doubled, underscoring a growing trend in the employment market.

Key industries embracing this trend include Information Technology (IT), sales, and emerging web3 sectors. Remote roles in high demand range from sales representatives and accountants to administrative assistants and business development managers.

The introduction of these flexible work options has led to a substantial increase in job seeker interest. Bossjob reports a sevenfold rise in the number of candidates seeking remote or hybrid work arrangements, with about 32% of its over 3 million active job seekers exploring these options.

The preference for remote work extends across various job categories, with customer service representatives (CSR), entry-level jobs, and IT roles being particularly sought after.

In addition to increased demand, Bossjob's data shows salaries for hybrid work arrangements are equally attractive to those opportunities that require people to work on-site. For instance, remote CSR roles offer an average salary of Php 29,000, compared to the Php 27,000 average pay for on-site positions.

Bossjob's expansion to supporting remote and hybrid work opportunities reflects a broader global trend and demonstrates the platform's commitment to evolving with the changing job market dynamics.

"In a rapidly evolving job market, Bossjob is at the forefront of the shift towards a project-based economy in the Philippines. Our data shows not just a trend but a reflection of a deeper change in work preferences. As we continue to champion this shift, Bossjob remains committed to connecting talent with forward-thinking employers, reshaping the workforce for a more dynamic and adaptable future,” Garcia said.

With a growing presence in Asia, including the Philippines, Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, and Hong Kong, Bossjob aims to reach over 30 million users in SEA by 2026. As part of its efforts to expand its global market, it has started offering free services this year.

To know more about how to welcome the new year with a new career win, visit the Bossjob website at https://bossjob.com/.

HONOR PH inks partnership with Philippine Heart Center, aims to raise awareness on Heart Health

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"HONOR Your Heart” is HONOR Philippines Valentine’s Campaign promoting Heart Health

Jump for a cause! HONOR Philippines today announced its partnership with the Philippine Heart Center and Jump Manila in pursuit of raising awareneess on Heart Health this love month.

[L-R] Present at the MOU signing were Ms. Josephine M. Guillermo-Lopez, Deputy Executive Director – Hospital Support Services, Philippine Heart Center; Dr. Joel M. Abanilla, Executive Director, Philippine Heart Center; Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines; and Erwin Ng, Owner of Jump Manila.

Dubbed “HONOR Your Heart: A fund-raising jump rope workout for Philippine Heart Center by HONOR Philippines in partnership with Jump Manila” aimed to raise funds for the beneficiaries of the Philippine Heart Center and promote education about heart health through a jump rope workout.

The event is open to the public and will take place on February 11 at the Ayala Triangle Gardens. Interested joiners can sign up here: https://bit.ly/HONORYourHeartPHC, and the first 100 to sign up will receive an exclusive HONOR X9b 5G x Jump Manila jump rope and a Dri-fit muscle tee!

“While HONOR X9b 5G champions durability, we, at HONOR, also promote active and holistic healthy lifestyle. This also sets our Valentine’s initiative aims to raise awareness on heart health. ” said HONOR Phlippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.

“Schemic heart diseases and heart attacks remain the No. 1 killer not only in the Philippines but in the world and I'm so glad that at this point in time, there are people outside the health institutions that have advocacies of improving the Cardiovascular Healthcare of our fellow men,” said Philippine Heart Center Executive Director Dr. Joel M. Abanilla.

Philippine Heart Center executives Ms. Josephine M. Guillermo-Lopez and Dr. Joel M. Abanilla, with HONOR Vice President Stephen Cheng and Jump Manila’s Founder and Owner Erwin Ng, sealed the partnership at Philippine Heart Center’s Medica Arts Building.

For more information and announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok Shop: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

In the meantime, check out HONOR’s wide array of mobile phones, tablets, and laptops at any HONOR Experience and Partner Stores nationwide or online via Shopee (https://bit.ly/HONORPHShopee), Lazada (https://bit.ly/HONORPHLaz) and TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/HONORTikTokShop).

The Divine Mercy Chapel opens at Estancia Mall

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On January 31, 2024, a momentous occasion unfolded at Estancia Mall as the Divine Mercy Chapel, nestled on the 5th floor of the East Wing, was officially blessed, and inaugurated under the presence of His Excellency Most Rev. Mylo Hubert C. Vergara, D.D. Bishop of Pasig. The joyous event brought together the esteemed members of the Management Committee and dedicated employees of Ortigas Land, marking a significant milestone for the community.

In the photo from L-R: Engr. Randy F. Torres, Head – Mall Operations; Arch. Renee C. Bacani, VP and Head of Ortigas Malls, Most Rev. Mylo Hubert C. Vergara, D.D, Bishop of Pasig; Rev. Fr. Joseph D. Santos, Parish Priest of Holy Family Parish.

The Divine Mercy Chapel stands as a spiritual sanctuary within Estancia Mall, a beacon of faith and unity for all who enter. This occasion serves as a testament to the commitment of Ortigas Malls to provide spaces for spiritual nourishment and reflection. May the Divine Mercy Chapel be a source of inspiration, comfort, and divine connection for the community, embodying the principles of compassion and mercy for generations to come.

Mass Schedule:

Daily Mass (Mon- Sat): 12:15pm

Saturday Anticipated Mass: 6:30pm

Sunday Mass: 11:00am & 6:30pm

Ash Wednesday Mass: Feb 14, 2024

Here's your one-stop app for all your Larger Than Life experiences: Sign up for the Ortigas Community Card via the Ortigas Malls app to get first dibs on amazing deals, discounts, and perks.

For more information and updates on Ortigas Malls’ events be sure to like and visit their official Facebook pages: Greenhills Mall, Tiendesitas, and Estancia Mall.