Category: Press Room

More often than not, Filipinos would take the money-saving route when it comes to purchasing supplies. This is common among households and is a widely accepted strategy in order to save up for the unforeseeable future. However, cutting cost doesn’t always necessarily mean that you’ll be safe from huge expenditures in the long run. No matter how hard you try, there will always be situations in which you will have to shell out more than what your planned budget indicates. These are known as emergency expenditures, and if you’re not well-prepared, they would cost more than you can handle. In such case, you should know the proper dos and don’ts when it comes to saving, know how to separate fact from fiction. Here are just a few important pointers:

1. The amount you’ll spend on monthly groceries.

• Fiction: Always buy the cheaper alternatives.
• Fact: Items with a slightly higher cost would last longer and have a higher quality than the cheaper ones.

Consider this when buying toiletries and other items which you may use and apply on your body. Cheaper soap and shampoo may do more harm than good, causing a strange allergic reaction on your skin and scalp. The medical fees resulting from this may cost more than what you’ve saved. The same goes for cheap canned goods and ingredients. This doesn’t mean you’ll always need to choose the high-valued brands, but rather the mid-priced alternatives to them.

• The amount you’ll save in unplugging your appliances.

• Fiction: Your appliances do not consume electricity when turned off.
• Fact: They somehow consume less electricity when turned off, but are still making your utility meters run.

Even if you were to turn off your television, the fact that it still lights up its on/off indicator would mean that it still consumes electricity. The same goes for your radio, desktop computer, and even those over-charged cellphones and tablets you’ve unintentionally left overnight. Make it a habit to unplug appliances and devices when not in use. Believe us, you’ll be able to save more on utility bills this way.

• The amount you’ll save on meal choices.

• Fiction: Due to the current prices of vegetables, meat should be the immediate option when it comes to daily meals.
• Fact: Knowing the right place to purchase vegetables would allow you to buy them in a lower price, hence, enabling you to save.

Vegetables should always be a regular part of your meals. Of course, their current prices should not be ignored, but buying them from your local wet market instead of the air-conditioned groceries would at least help you avail a bundle with a lower price. Feel free to bargain with the seller, if you must. It is the wet market, after all.

• The amount you’ll save on membership cards.

• Fiction: You’ll always be able to save more using your grocery membership cards.
• Fact: Most of these membership cards only guaranty points, which you’ll be able to exchange for freebies, and not price cuts on your purchases.

Many have been deceived by these membership cards. It is not to say that all of them do not provide discounts every once in a while, as some variations of membership cards actually slash a few amounts off your purchase totals, but that’s exactly the point, only some of them do, not all of them. Of course, feel free to ask your local grocery stores and establishments about this detail, so as not to waste time and money in registering for these “exclusive memberships” which only reward a few sets of cutleries come Christmas time.

• The safety of your money, with regards to where they’re kept.

• Fiction: It’s better to keep all of your savings within the confines of a sturdy, metallic safe at home.
• Fact: The bank will always be a better choice when it comes to keeping your savings safe and sound.

Having your hard-earned cash near you isn’t always the best option. This doesn’t mean that you should just trust anyone to handle your life-savings for you, but rather, deposit them in a well-trusted bank. Keeping your whole savings at home, locked in a safe actually comes with many consequences, the sudden offset of fire, natural disasters, burglary, you name it. You wouldn’t even be at home the whole time, so there are instances in which you’ll be leaving your money unmonitored and vulnerable against crafty thieves. Never make this crucial mistake. Deposit your savings in a bank.

With all of that being said, you’re probably looking to open a bank account with a name and service that you can trust. Look no further than Cebuana Lhuiller’s Micro Savings. Initially offered in our Rural Bank branches, it is now available through our entire Cebuana Lhuillier branch networks. Simply put, you can use your 24K Plus cards at any of our Cebuana Lhuillier Pawnshop and Bank Branches in order to withdraw from or deposit to your savings. With a minimum deposit amount of only P50 and no minimum maintaining balance, it’s incredibly easy to apply for one. You can even check your savings amount via SMS. Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

People pawn off their most prized possessions when they’re in need of an extra amount. Some pawn off a gadget, others may pawn off an appliance like a television or a refrigerator, while others may pawn off their jewelries. Regardless of the item, many aren’t aware that there are various factors which may affect its appraisal. Of course, this is usually decided by the pawnshop personnel, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t get a grasp of this basic knowledge as well. Remember, you’re the one pawning off the item, you’re the one in need, and you would need to attain the best deal possible when it comes to your most prized possessions. Here are just a few factors things which may affect your item’s value when pawning:

1)The condition of the item/jewelry.

Put yourself in the shoes of the pawnshop personnel. If you were to see a damaged item being offered before you, would you give it a high cost? Of course not! Before you pawn off your items or jewelries, you should at least make sure that the said item is in good condition. Yes, you are in need of a good deal, but no good deal may ever push through without a well-conditioned item. It’s just like walking through a grocery isle; you wouldn’t choose a molded bread or a spoiled fruit in display, would you? Be sure to have your item or jewelry repaired and in perfect condition if you want to achieve a high appraisal.

2) The market value of the item.

Okay, let’s say the item in question is presented in a mint condition, that’s already a plus point. But what if the item was released in the market years prior, or even decades ago? Of course, its value would be lower than the current market prices. Consider this when you decide to pawn off a cellphone.  Older models will always have a lower value than those newer cellphones they may be selling right now. This would also be applicable for appliances, since newer ones have more features than older releases. A flat screen TV would have a higher value than your grandparent’s cabinet-based TV, unless of course it is registered as a mint condition antique piece. Such can be discussed with the pawnshop personnel, so be sure to listen to their computations and process.

3) The credibility of the pawnshop in question.

Most of the time, people would get a low appraisal from lesser known pawnshops. Transacting with lesser known establishments would usually yield less than desirable results, which is why you should avoid committing this critical mistake. You may be looking for a pawn shop that would provide you with the most honest return possible. No worries, as Cebuana Lhuillier has got your back. With their Pawning Service you can never go short in any amount, as they accept an array of items, from jewelry to gadgets. Amazingly, they also have a 35% higher appraisal VS other pawnshops in the Philippines. They also lead the pawning industry by offering safety and the highest appraisal rate in the industry in its more than 2,200 branches nationwide. Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

Teaching your kids to save at an early age would be beneficial for their future. Aside from the fact that it would develop a lifelong habit to use their money wisely as they grow up, they would also be disciplined well enough to not spend their future earnings in one go. Indeed, teaching your kids the value of money in their younger years would yield great results in the long run, but such task is not easy. As a parent, you should orient them that if  they were to sow as early as now, they would surely reap a great reward. Of course, it would take a lot of convincing to make them follow through with this life lesson, but perhaps you may inform them of the following examples, a few rewards and incentives that they may encounter along the way:

1)Developing the habit to save would help them set aside a few amounts for future needs.

It’s basically telling them about the proper use of their lunch money. If they were to keep loose change from their daily allowance, come Christmas time, they may have enough for that shiny new toy they saw at the mall. Toys are always good motivators for kids, and you may use this to your advantage in training them to save. It would also avoid the unnecessary purchases of candies, since kids would usually avail sweets with their remaining loose changes at school.

2) Developing the need to save would reap higher rewards, something that they may even forget about.

This would be best implemented if you were to provide them with a piggy bank. The thing about piggy banks is that you wouldn’t be able to see or count the full amount, unless you were to break it open (though some modern piggy banks now have removable lids on them). Your kids would be inclined to drop their loose change after school in the piggy bank, and you should make sure that they do this every day. If you would implement this consistently, the piggy bank would be too heavy for your toddlers to carry, a little indication that you may now break it open, after which, allow them see the amazing result of saving. Sometimes, they may even forget about the rewards at the end, only dropping loose change in the piggy bank due to habit. Saving a little each day would result to huge savings at the end.

3) Developing the habit of saving would ready them for the future as whole.

Let them know that many grown-ups still struggle with their finances due to them missing this important lesson at an early age. While setting aside the darker details, in a very casual and kid-friendly manner, tell them stories of adults and families being stuck in the loop of debt, due lack of discipline with money. Yes, it is a very replaceable commodity, but lack of it thereof results to very critical situations, and even sometimes, into poverty.

With all of that being said, you’re probably looking for a bank that you’d be able to trust with all of your life’s worth of savings (and perhaps a Kids Savings Account for your little ones as well). Look no further than Cebuana Lhuiller’s Micro Savings. Initially offered in our Rural Bank branches, it is now available through our entire Cebuana Lhuillier branch networks. Simply put, you can use your 24K Plus cards at any of our Cebuana Lhuillier Pawnshop and Bank Branches in order to withdraw from or deposit to your savings. With a minimum deposit amount of only P50 and no minimum maintaining balance, it’s incredibly easy to apply for one. You can even check your savings amount via SMS. Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

Your hard-earned cash will always be one of your most prized possessions. Of course, you wouldn’t need to spend it all in one go, many of us would prefer to set aside an amount, to save up for any future needs or wants. With that in mind, there are countless ways of protecting our savings from many predatory scams or perpetrators. Yes, they may be getting smarter by the minute, but stepping up your game and being creative with protecting your money may deem useful and advantageous for you in the long run. Here are just a few examples:

 

1)A strong and sturdy safe.

You may be used to the local concept of “caha de oros,” made familiar by your elders before, but such containers aren’t really reliable anymore, especially as most of them are made from cheap plastic. Modern safes are made of stronger materials, usually metal, and are only accessible by access codes and turn switches. If you’re the type to keep your cash close by, having a safe in your room would be recommended.

 

2) In a household wardrobe/cabinet.

If you’re not the type to buy up a durable and costly safe, then you may already have a ready-made container at home which may keep your money for you. Some people prefer to keep their savings hidden in their neatly-folded pile of clothes. It may sound weird at first, but having it hidden will always be better than having your hard-earned cash out in the open. Some wardrobe have nifty cabinets in them, unnoticeable at first glance, effective in keeping items you wouldn’t want to others to see.

 

3) In a make-shift book, in your bookshelf.

This is a crafty way to hide your savings. Take any thick novel or book lying around the house, make sure that you’re no longer going to read it anymore. Take a cutter and five to ten pages in, hollow out the middle, not too wide but good enough to keep bundles and rolls of money. Cut out the middle page by page, until you get to five to ten pages before the end of the book. Take note, this is only effective if you have your bookshelf within your own room. This isn’t advisable if your bookshelf happens to be in the living room or any other part of the house which others may easily have access to.

 

4) In a very reliable bank.

Those mentioned above may be effective in their own right when it comes to keeping your money safe, but that isn’t always the case. A bank would still be appropriately effective one way or the other. With all of that being said, you’re probably looking for a bank that you’d be able to trust with all of your life’s worth of savings. Look no further than Cebuana Lhuiller’s Micro Savings. Initially offered in our Rural Bank branches, it is now available through our entire Cebuana Lhuillier branch networks. Simply put, you can use your 24K Plus cards at any of our Cebuana Lhuillier Pawnshop and Bank Branches in order to withdraw from or deposit to your savings. With a minimum deposit amount of only P50 and no minimum maintaining balance, it’s incredibly easy to apply for one. You can even check your savings amount via SMS. Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

Something unexpected always comes up. You expect your daily routines to continue as they usually do, only to find yourself either involved in an accident or a conflict. Either way, both are costly and unnecessary. This is one of the main reasons why you should always be prepared for anything. Your daily routines would make you very comfortable and complacent, so much that you may forget to prepare for any emergency that may come your way. But you wouldn’t need to worry, as we have prepared few important tips for you so you can be ready to face unforeseen occurrences.

1)Unexpected Situation: Storms and Calamities

Preparation: Emergency Kits and Evacuation Plans

The Philippines is one of the most ravaged places when it comes to storms. There are various instances in which we would experience two to three storms within a single month. Proper preparation is the key when it comes to surviving these calamities. An emergency kit for the whole family is a must-have. Evacuation plans are also needed, especially for places which are regularly hit with flashfloods and landslides.

2) Unexpected Situation: Fire

Preparation: Fire Extinguishers and Exit Strategy

The Bureau of Fire Protection recorded a total of 14,316 fire incidents from January 1, 2018 to December 27, 2018, with 3,943 of them happening in Metro Manila. For a country that celebrates Fire Prevention Month every March, you may think that many Filipino citizens would have learned their lesson when it comes to fire safety, but the numbers don’t lie. Many of us aren’t even knowledgeable enough when it comes to fiery emergencies, which is why having fire extinguishers around would always be a good choice. Also having an exit strategy would be most helpful, especially because we wouldn’t want to leave any of our family  members behind in case of fire.

3) Unexpected Situation: Road Accident

Preparation: Financial Savings and Immediate Contacts with Emergency Personnel

One of the most unexpected things to happen during road trips would be an accident. No one wants to be involved in a pile up, which is why the driver should be careful at all times. Being on the road would require the driver to stay alert at all times, observing proper speed and obeying traffic rules. If things go sideways, at least be alert enough to call an ambulance and other proper authorities. It wouldn’t hurt that you have an emergency fund  as it will come handy at this kind of unfortunate circumstance..

While thinking up various emergency plans, you must also consider saving up for the future. There are countless expenditures along the way, sudden expenses, emergencies, etc. So much that you would at least need to set aside a few amounts every month to make up for your “needs.” You may have to open a savings account if you’d want to achieve that.

Look no further than Cebuana Lhuiller’s Micro Savings. Initially offered in our Rural Bank branches, it is now available through our entire Cebuana Lhuillier branch networks. Simply put, you can use your 24K Plus cards at any of our Cebuana Lhuillier Pawnshop and Bank Branches in order to withdraw from or deposit to your savings. With a minimum deposit amount of only P50 and no minimum maintaining balance, it’s incredibly easy to apply for one. You can even check your savings amount via SMS. Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

Every month or so, everyone goes to the grocery store to replenish their family supplies. Food, ingredients, toiletries, and even beverages are bought in order to fill up stocks for the whole month. There are times in which they’d be consumed exactly by the end of the month, but there are also shortages from time to time, urging every household to visit the grocery once again in order to fill in that void. This can be more costly, and thus, adds an unwanted dent to the family budget. In such case, proper usage of supplies should be implemented in order to have enough even before the month ends. Here are a few valuable tips in doing just that:

1. The more you have, the more you’ll spend.

There’s nothing wrong about buying an extra amount when it comes to your supplies, but purchasing too much may do more harm than good. This is more evident when it comes to food products. Remember, they are only as good as their expiration date allows them to be, and stocking on perishable goods is not money well spent. You may need to invest more on food which will last for more than a few months. Toiletries and non-edibles are exempted from this, so stock up on soap and shampoos if you have to.

2. Properly preserve leftovers.

Food wasted is equivalent to money wasted as well. If there are leftovers, at least put them in the refrigerator. You may “repurpose” them the next day, mix them up with other fresh ingredients to add to taste, just as long as you’d never have to throw them away. You may also consider storing them in air-tight containers so they may not be contaminated with bacteria. If you can’t really consume them within a certain period of time, then at least give them away to a kind neighbor. Who knows, they might return the favor one of these days.

3. Make sure that nothing goes to waste.

Avoid applying too much toothpaste on your brush, the same goes for your soap and shampoos. Soap should not be left submerged in water, unless you want them to go out fast. When applying shampoo, be sure to take a small amount, then spread them on your palm, at least you’ll be able to maximize them. Roll up your toothpaste tube, never leaving any amount to waste. When it comes to edibles, cook only the right amount for that particular meal; never prepare anything in excess, unless you’re planning to have leftovers for the next day.

4. Manage your budget before proceeding to the grocery.

Live within your means. If your budget dictates smaller supplies for the month then at least orient everyone in the household. Let them know that no amount shall go to waste, regardless if it’s edible or non-edible. Supplies are scarce and the budget is tight, hence you may need to maximize every resource at hand. One main consequence of unwisely using up your supply is that there may never be another stock until the next month. If you need to sacrifice a bit of the toiletries, then feel free to do so. Do not disregard food products though, as everyone in the household needs their nutrients.

Now that we’ve discussed how you would maximize your monthly budget, it would only be proper that we discuss your options when it comes to keeping that budget safe. You’re probably looking to open a bank account in the Philippines that you’d be able to trust with all of your hard-earned money. Look no further than Cebuana Lhuiller’s MicroSavings Account. Initially offered in our Rural Bank branches, it is now available through our entire Cebuana Lhuillier branch networks. Simply put, you can use your 24K Plus Cards at any of our Cebuana Lhuillier Pawnshop and Bank Branches in order to withdraw your savings. With a minimum deposit amount of only P50 and no minimum maintaining balance, it’s incredibly easy to apply for one. You can even check your savings amount via our SMS service, reliable and ready to serve you 24/7. Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

Most of the time, you may find yourself spending more on things which you do not need. Yes, we always have countless necessities when it comes to achieving convenience, but are they really that necessary? There’s nothing wrong about attaining your wants, but once they start to get in the way of your budget, certain steps have to be taken in order to halt expenditures. You may ask, “How may I distinguish my needs from my wants?” Well, look no further than our valuable tips:

1. No one can survive without needs.

Food, water, nutrients, medicine, you name it. All of the things which add to your good health are the perfect examples of needs. Just take a look at your monthly grocery list – more than half of those written are food and beverages, basic sustenance which provides those well-needed energy and nutrients for your body. Wants, on the other hand, are those which you can live without. They may add ease, pleasure, and convenience, but even when they’re not present, you can still survive.

2. Wants will always be costlier than needs.

Just think about it, you’d be able to save more if you were to cook your own meal, rather than buy them ready-to-eat through fast food or a restaurant. The same goes for cellphones and other forms of gadgets. If your unit still works then you would no longer need to buy a new one, or until such time that your current unit fully gives up due to overuse. Wants are basically costlier than needs. This is due to the fact that wants dwell more on the brand and aesthetics, rather than basic functionality. Consider our first two examples, expensive meals from fine-dining restaurants provide a perfect setup for social media photos, the same goes for expensive gadgets; you’re merely paying for the brand name, and not for its functionality (you’d only need it for call and text, after all).

3. One will always outweigh the other.

Needswill always top wants as a priority. When you’re trying to decide whether you’re going to avail that new cellphone unit or that delicious pack of organic vegetables, consider which would be most advantageous to you. The main thing about wants is that they would only provide temporary comfort, temporary happiness. Needs are more long-term, and you’ll feel the advantages for years to come. That example we mentioned earlier, that tough choice between a new cellphone and a pack of organic vegetables, you’re more inclined to experience the latter’s benefits than the former.

While mastering to differentiate your needs from your wants would be most beneficial to you in the long run, you must also consider saving up for the future. There are countless expenditures along the way, sudden expenses, emergencies, etc. So much that you would at least need to set aside a few amounts every month to make up for your “needs.” You may have to open a savings account if you’d want to achieve that. Look no further than Cebuana Lhuiller’s Micro Savings Account. Initially offered in our Rural Bank branches, it is now available through our entire Cebuana Lhuillier branch networks. Simply put, you can use your 24K Plus Cards at any of our Cebuana Lhuillier Pawnshop and Bank Branches in order to withdraw your savings. With a minimum deposit amount of only P50 and no minimum maintaining balance, it’s incredibly easy to apply for one. You can even check your savings amount via our SMS service, reliable and ready to serve you 24/7. Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

We all go to the bank every once in a while to do a few transactions. Most of the time, we approach the ATM machines to withdraw, but sometimes, we incline towards depositing a particular amount to add to our savings. In such case, the duration of time we spend in the bank may not be that long, but those short, important moments should be spent in caution, as the safety and privacy of our money and account details should be a top priority. With that being said, here are a few banking safety tips to keep in mind:

1. Never share your account details.

This is always rule number one. Yes, there are tellers to assist you in your transactions, but remember that all bank personnel should be in proper uniform, complete with an official bank ID. If someone were to approach you offering to help, yet not in proper bank uniform, then feel free to report them to the security guard or personnel. And as much as you are in a hurry, never leave your details to someone offering to do your transactions for you. Remember that your details should be “for your eyes only,” not for anyone else.

2. Properly fall in line.

This may seem unworthy of a safety tip, but think about it, you want to make the most out of your busy schedule, and getting in the wrong line would be a waste of time. Not only that, there are people out there, “fixers” if you may call them, who would offer to do your transactions out of line in favor of you catching up to that other appointment. This is risky and should never be tolerated. If you want to finish your transactions early, at least arrive early to avoid long lines, and once you arrive, inquire which line would best assist you in your transactions.

3. Mind your belongings. Keep your cards and IDs secured.

The only time that you’d take out your cards is when you’re presenting them to the teller for verification, other than that, you should secure your items of interest in your wallet or purse. There is a reason why they’re called items of interest – others may find interest in them as well, but not in a very good way. Scams are rampant nowadays and you wouldn’t want to be next on their list.

4. Write your account details legibly on the form, and hand it only to the teller.

Keep your filled form with you at all times and don’t hand them to anyone else. Remember to write your personal info legibly so that the teller wouldn’t need to verbally clarify on them. This may be overheard and used by scammers, so make sure that your penmanship is readable by the bank teller’s standards. Also, don’t just keep them in your back pocket while in line, at least be cautious enough to hold them all throughout, folded to prevent anyone from peeking your info.

With all of that being said, you’re probably looking for a bank that you’d be able to trust with all of your life’s worth of savings. Look no further than Cebuana Lhuiller, which now is a cash agent of Cebuana Lhuillier Rural Bank that offers Micro Savings. Simply put, you can use your 24K Plus cards at any of our branches to withdraw from or deposit to your savings. With a minimum deposit amount of only P50 and no minimum maintaining balance, it’s incredibly easy to apply for one. You can even check your savings amount via SMS. Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

Teaching your kids to save is not an easy task. They do not understand yet the concept of money earned and money well-spent, which is why you should think outside the box when trying to orient them about how they handle their own money. Especially at an early age, kids are prone to learn about the basic things in life, which is why you should strike whilst the iron is hot and take this very opportunity to teach them about the importance of saving. Here are just a few valuable tips:

 

1. Money doesn’t grow on trees.

First of all, make them realize that money isn’t something that pops out of nowhere, neither is it easy to attain. Each centavo is hard-earned and you should make them realize that. Let them know that there is a reason why you do not spend all your money in one go. Be creative in explaining, using examples and metaphors for the message to sink in. There are also various fables concerning this life lesson, hence, dust off those old story books.

 

2. The advantages of saving.

While explaining the importance of saving, you may encounter this particular topic. There are always advantages in saving money, and what better way to convince your kids to save than to inform them of these advantages. Your kids may not realize it at first, but these advantages can go a long way. Letting them save for their toys for example can develop their awareness with how saving can help them achieve their dreams. They may also develop this into a habit, saving every month so they have something to spend come Christmas time.

 

3. The disadvantages of not saving.

Okay, you’ve discussed the advantages once they save, but never forget the disadvantages once they don’t. As much as you wouldn’t want them to learn of the ugly things in life, like the lack of money and thereof, you should not sugarcoat the reality of too much spending. Any resource which is unwisely spent would run out, and money is no exemption. Let them know that once they’ve used up their pocket money, you wouldn’t give them anymore of the same amount, as you are sticking to your tight budget as well.

 

With all of that being said, you’re probably looking for a bank that you’d be able to trust with all of your life’s worth of savings (and perhaps a Kids Savings Account for your little ones as well). Look no further than Cebuana Lhuiller’s Micro Savings. Initially offered in our Rural Bank branches, it is now available through our entire Cebuana Lhuillier branch networks. Simply put, you can use your 24K Plus cards at any of our Cebuana Lhuillier Pawnshop and Bank Branches in order to withdraw from or deposit to your savings. With a minimum deposit amount of only P50 and no minimum maintaining balance, it’s incredibly easy to apply for one. You can even check your savings amount via SMS. Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

It is every parent’s duty to discipline their kids and to teach them the importance of work and play balance. Work for kids is equivalent to their time in school, while play is their free leisure time. Both of these important aspects should be balanced for the purpose of teaching your kids to manage their time and prioritize studies over games. Here are just a few things parents can do in order to implement this discipline consistently:

1. No means NO!

Discipline may be either be soft or rigid. There are times in which you’d have to softly whisper instructions to your kids, something that parents often do to their obedient tykes. For strict compliances, however, the word “no” would definitely mean a strong, rigid NO! Your kids should learn that not “every time” is a “playtime,” when they try to force their way into more games, tell them the difference between priorities and hobbies. Yes, they may play, but only during their free times (weekends, after every homework is done, summer vacation, etc.), but once they come home from school, the free passes are off and they should stick to their books, and concentrate on their studies. As parents, you may assist them in accomplishing school work, but not to the point that you’d have to finish all the deliverables for them.

2. All work and no play make them non-sociable.

While urging them to focus on their studies should be on top of every school year’s “to-do list,” always remember that they still need time to loosen up and indulge in play. You can even convert this into a reward system. After they finish their home works/assignments, you may allow them to play on their cellphones or computer, given that they are able to understand their lessons, and not just rushing to accomplish it in record time. A parent’s job at this point is to monitor their children’s progress and to intervene whenever they’re underperforming. Explain the consequences of all work and no play, while at the same time, emphasizing on the disadvantages of the opposite as well. Here in the Philippines, a certain law prohibits teachers from giving their students home work during the weekends, hence, kids can have two whole days of play.

3. School work doesn’t have to be boring.

Believe it or not, teachers are actually implementing fun ways of educating their students nowadays. Gone are the days of focusing solely on books. Kindergarteners are now enticed to learn via songs and educational videos, grade-schoolers are also shown visual aids and videos to help them understand their lessons better. As parents, you may apply this process in helping your kids with their homework. There are countless videos online pertaining to class lessons. Instead of watching the usual animes and movie trailers, you may encourage them to watch a review of their lessons, some with shortcuts and techniques that would help them implement their studies faster (shorter formulas for Mathematics, memory graphs for historic dates and events, etc.).

With all of that being said, another major thing that you can teach your kids is to save. At an early age, they should know the dos and don’ts of financials, and as parents, it is your duty to let them know that money do not grow on trees. Cebuana Lhuillier can help you do just that. You’re probably looking for a bank that you’d be able to trust with all of your life’s worth of savings (and perhaps a Junior Savings Account for your kids as well).  Look no further than Cebuana Lhuiller, with its Micro Savings. Initially offered in our Rural Bank branches, it is now available through our entire Cebuana Lhuillier branch networks. Simply put, you can use your 24K Plus card at any of our Cebuana Lhuillier Pawnshop and Bank Branches in order to save. With a minimum deposit amount of only P50 and no minimum maintaining balance, it’s incredibly easy to apply for one. You can even check your savings amount via SMS 24/7. Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

The rainy season may possibly be one of the most anticipated seasons for most Filipinos. Aside from the fact that it moderates the afternoon heat and humidity, it also provides various opportunities to save. Yes, it also brings forth expenditures due to house fixes, such as roof repairs and flood controls, but property damage aside, the rain allows for a much wider choice of saving options, especially if you’re just coming out of an expense-filled summer. If you’re still not convinced, then allow us to present a few valuable tips to avoid unnecessary expenditures during the rainy season:

1. Turn off the air conditioner

The rainy season marks the start of a much cooler climate, not counting winter in the mix. This is the perfect opportunity for you to save up on electricity bills. Air conditioning would usually cost you a few thousands, and considering that you’ve had them on for most of the summer season, you may find yourself coming out of a tight budget. This is the perfect time to recover from that much expense, enjoying the cool rainy season breeze while saving up for the upcoming seasons as well.

2. Plan your laundry days ahead of time

Take note of weather reports and time your laundry days right. Experiencing the rainy season doesn’t necessarily mean you’d have constant days of rain, as there will always be sunny days. If the weather report indicates a sunny day tomorrow, then by all means, wash your clothes and hang them out to dry. And while it may seem counterproductive, do not use your dryer as well, especially if the sun is enough to dry them all. Not using your dryer would at least enable you to save more.

3. Unplug your appliances when not in use

This isn’t just about saving up on utility-generated bills. The rainy season brings many unexpected forces of nature, and one of those is thunderstorms. For your safety, unplug your appliances when not in use. A stike of thunder may overload your appliances and cause a spark. Avoid using them altogether at the first sign of thunder or lighting. Also make sure to close your windows during rain, as rainwater (being blown by strong winds) may damage your most beloved possessions indoors, and this may prove to be very costly.

4. Do your workouts indoors, instead of going to the gym

Gym memberships are too expensive nowadays. One of the main reasons why people choose to workout in their preferred gyms is that working out at home is too uncomfortable. Summer heat and lack of equipment can do that. The rainy season is bit different, however, as not only are you entitled to a much cooler temperature, it’s also unsafe to travel during heavy rains, so pocket your fare money and opt to do your workouts at the comfort of your home instead. If your windows feature an anti-mosquito screen, then by all means, open them to let cool air in while you shed the pounds.

With all of that being said, you’re probably looking for a savings bank in the Philippines that you’d be able to trust with all of your hard-earned money.  Look no further than Cebuana Lhuiller, with its Micro Savings. Initially offered in our Rural Bank branches, it is now available through our entire Cebuana Lhuillier branch networks. Simply put, you can use your 24K Plus card at any of our Cebuana Lhuillier Pawnshop and Bank Branches in order to save. With a minimum deposit amount of only P50 and no minimum maintaining balance, it’s incredibly easy to apply for one. You can even check your savings amount via SMS 24/7. Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

If you’re looking to get rid of a few pre-loved items while making a little extra cash at the same time, then pawning would be your best option. You are free to choose any pawn shop that you like; however, you should also be doing your own homework. When it comes to pawning, it isn’t just about going to the venue, surrendering your jewels, and getting your cash in return. You should also prepare, to avoid making any mistakes which may affect your appraisals. Here are just a few dos and don’ts that you should be aware of:

1. Do your homework

Do: Know the real worth of your jewelry. Before you proceed to the pawnshop, you should at least have knowledge of your item’s manufacturer, karat weight, and the current market price. These are very important, as you may need to negotiate the amount once you present the jewelry. Remember, you are trying to achieve the best deal out of pawning, and the best way of doing that would be to get the highest appraisal possible.

Don’t: The exact opposite, which is coming unprepared. Aside from the usual knowledge of your jewel’s worth, you should also clean them. An unclean item may earn you a low appraisal, and that would hurt your chances of getting a reasonable amount from pawning. The way you present your jewels would show the pawnshop representatives how determined you are of getting a great deal, and a shady presentation would indicate that you have to intention of receiving that at all.

2. Inspect the place

Do: Remember when we told you about having the freedom to transact with any pawnshop that you want? Well, that’s definitely true; however, you should also take caution. Name recognition alone does not speak for a pawnshop’s quality of service. You should see to it that the establishment is well-organized, well-lit, secure, and manned by an accommodating and knowledgeable staff. Security should be of utmost importance, as you wouldn’t want anyone taking off with your priced possessions, would you? Choose another pawnshop if these standards aren’t met.

Don’t: The fact that the said criteria weren’t met and you still chose to transact with them anyway. Nothing is worse than putting your items at risk. Thieves aren’t your only problem at this point, as low and dishonest appraisals are your worst enemies. Avoid this at all cost.

3. High-quality service

Don’t: Let’s switch it up a bit. We’re going to start with the “don’t” this time. Obviously, you wouldn’t want your jewels to be pawned off in exchange for a low appraisal; neither are you willing to wait in line just to have five to ten minutes of transaction time. There are countless ways of going about this problem, and tolerating low-quality service isn’t one of them.

Do: With all of that being said, you may be looking for a pawnshop that would provide you with the most honest return possible. No worries, as Cebuana Lhuillier has got your back. With their Pawning Service you can be sure to get a high appraisal rate and never go disappointed as they accept an array of items, from jewelry to gadgets, as collaterals. In such case, they’d also offer the best items they have once you decide to buy jewelry from them. They also lead the pawning industry by offering safety and the highest appraisal rate in the industry in its close to 2,500  branches nationwide.

Our homes cannot always protect itself against the forces of nature. While it may have strong foundations and impenetrable walls for the most part, the other parts may not hold up so well. This is true, especially during rainy seasons. Heavy rains can ruin a good home in a flash, and we’re not even getting to the flood part yet. In such case, you should be prepared at all times. Prevention is always better than cure, which is why here are a few important tips to protect your home during the rainy season:

1. Clean your gutters.

Leaves can accumulate in your gutters after sometime, so you should check them every often. During sunny days, take time to climb and monitor the amount of fallen leaves in your gutter. If there ise too much to be desired, then by all means, remove them. This would avoid any blockages during rainy season, and would allow rainwater to flow freely from the roof of your house down to the drains. Take note that you should also check your drains, as they could also cause flood if obstructed by leaves and dirt.

2. Check your roof for holes.

One common cause of property damage is rainwater seething through the roof. Take time to inspect your roof, and be ready with a sealant. Sturdy and waterproof sealants are fairly affordable in hardware stores, hence, why you should purchase about one or two of them. Brand name doesn’t matter, they would usually do as they are advertised, just be sure to have a few of them around, especially during rainy season. The amount you’d need to apply would depend on the size of the hole – the bigger it is, the more you’d have to squeeze out of the sealant packet. If you’re willing to spend extra, you may need to replace your roof overall.

3. Fix your windows.

Broken windows would not be able to deflect rainwater from entering your homes. Remember, you’re not just dealing with the rain itself; there are also strong winds which would blow rainwater indoors, towards your appliances. It is always advisable to close your windows at the first sign of rain, but a broken one would be as good as no windows at all. Replace the glass and jalousie if you have to, just as long as there would be something to prevent rainwater from coming in.

With all of these in mind, one main way of protecting your home from heavy rains and strong winds is availing Microinsurance, but you may definitely want to weight in your options, analyzing which establishment would be best for availing a microinsurance premium and coverage. Look no further than Cebuana Lhuillier’s Microinsurance, affordable insurance products to help Filipinos avail of financial services and privileges that higher-income earners have easy access to. They have innovative microinsurance products and services that promise to minimize impact of distress and misfortune on one’s financial position. Feel free to visit your nearest branch for more information.

Being on the road requires concentration and focus. Anything can happen when you’re going through curves and speeding through the highway, which is why a driver’s quick decision-making and alertness is of utmost importance. With that being said, nothing is more risky than driving in the rain. Regardless of where you’re going, the fact that wheel tractions are far limited by rainwater means that you should always be vigilant and wise. Remember, your life and the safety of your passengers are on the line, and every decision made on the road should be the wisest that you’ll ever make. If you’re not sure of what to do, here are our safety driving tips during the rainy season:

1. Slow down

We understand that you’re in a hurry to get to work or to drop off your kids at school, but not slowing down during the rain attracts accidents quicker than how a flower attracts bees. Roads are far more slippery during the rainy season, as traction is reduced due to rainwater. This isn’t magic, but pure science. In such case, you may need to check your tires before leaving home, check if the tire grips are still intact, and that your brakes are working perfectly. Safety should always be your priority. Never mind being late, as long as you’d reach your destination safe and sound.

2. Turn your wipers on.

Heavy rains usually limit visibility on the road, which is why you should turn your wipers on. This may sound like a simple instruction, but you’d be surprised at the amount of people who would prefer to try their luck during the rain, and usually, it doesn’t end well for them. A clear view in front of you would allow to see cars up ahead, as well as steep curves and sudden turns. This is far more critical when you’re driving during night time. Never rely on other drivers to turn on their lights, be vigilant yourself to turn on the wipers and stay alert during the whole ordeal.

3. Hold the steering wheel firmly, with both hands.

You would need to maximize vehicle control. There is a big tendency for the roads to be slippery, so you should at least be ready to step on the brakes and make sudden turns when necessary. The thing about driving in the rain is that you’re not the only potential perpetrator when wise decisions aren’t made, as other drivers may not be too considerate as well, causing accidents which may affect you and your passengers. To avoid this, split-second decisions should be made, and since you’re the one holding the wheel, be sure you have total control of the whole situation. Make your trip safe and worry-free.

Speaking of being worry-free, you may be looking for a full-pledged car insurance service that has nothing but your best interest in mind. Having car insurance is important, especially as you’ll have lots of long-distance travels, such as this summer family trip. With that being said, nothing beats Cebuana Lhuillier’s AutoCARE Insurance, a Standard Comprehensive Car Insurance that covers Own Damage (OD), Theft, Loss and/or Damage. Excess Bodily Injury (EBI), Excess Property Damage (EPD), and Acts of God/Nature (AOG/AON). So what are you waiting for? Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

Kids love the outdoors. It doesn’t matter if it’s hot outside, they’d always search for ways tohave fun!For the most part, they are confined within the four corners of our homes, but that should not stop them to be imaginative and wise with their playtime.. If you’re trying to find ways to bond with your kids and teach them at the same time during this long summer break then no need to look any further than our three special tips.

1) Less gadgets, more outdoor play.

Gadgets run out of batteries, so they may need to be charged from time to time. You can lessen your kid’s power consumption by allowing them to play outside. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you’d force them to play beneath the blaring sun; you also have to time it right. Perhaps an early hour jog may motivate exercise, and then indoor rest during noon, then last but not the least, a few outdoor games at dusk. Your options are endless.

2) House chores are always a good alternative form of exercise.

House chores do not only teach discipline but also initiate exercise. Think of it as a more directive form of play. It may not seem fun at first, but that is exactly the point. You’re teaching your kids discipline, and it may in turn teach them self-control, resulting to the wise usage of house resources, including electricity. Talk to them about the positive results after – lesser electricity consumption equals to more budget, more budget and less expenditures equals to more savings, especially for their lunch money during the new school year.

3) Less shopping, more learning.

Teach your kids the alternative ways of having fun. Don’t just hand them the tablet, and never hand them any money to buy sweets, as that would be counter intuitive in terms of saving. Buy them a book and enrich their mental abilities as early as now. Make them understand that not all fun can be bought. Yes, candies and toys are fun, but only for a limited amount of time. Once they have run their course, toys would no longer be played, while books would never cease to enhance their learning and answer their young, curious minds.

With all said the money you and your kids saved this summer, you’re probably looking for a bank with savings account that you’d be able to trust (and perhaps a Junior Savings Account for your kids as well). Look no further than Cebuana Lhuiller’s Micro Savings. Initially offered in our Rural Bank branches, it is now available through our entire Cebuana Lhuillier branch networks. Simply put, you can use your 24K Plus cards at any of our Cebuana Lhuillier Pawnshop and Bank Branches in order to withdraw from or deposit to your savings. With a minimum deposit amount of only P50 and no minimum maintaining balance, it’s incredibly easy to apply for one. You can even check your savings amount via SMS. Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

Yes, the heat demands higher electric consumption due to more frequent usage of electric fans, refrigerator (you need an ice-cold drink, after all), and even washing machine (you need to wash those sweat-drenched clothes), but there are actually ways to get around these consumptions and expenditures. When the summer heat seems unbearable, your needs and comforts will always have alternatives, enabling you to save, rather than to spend this summer.

1) Avoid opening your fridge door when unnecessary

The electric consumption of a refrigerator doesn’t actually depend on the number of food and beverage inside it, but rather on its capability to cool its own containment. The more that you open your refrigerator door, the longer it would take to cool its containment, this is evident on the temperature of its contents. Try to touch your tumbler or the contents of the fruit and vegetable drawers. Do they seem a bit less cool to you? That is because cool air tends to escape the containment itself each time you’d open your refrigerator door, so you should instruct your kids not to treat it as a modified air conditioning unit and keep its doors closed at all times, only opening it to retrieve cold beverage when needed.

2) Wash all your dirty clothes in one go.

Do not make multiple schedules of wash day during the summer, instead, set aside a particular day in which you’d wash them all. Understandably, you may have a whole bundle of dirty clothes during the summer (kids really love to play outdoors), which is normal, as everyone sweats and needs to change into a fresh set of clothes. If you find almost all your wardrobe exalted to this then just set aside a single laundry day. One laundry day is equals to one expenditure, rather than multiple wash days which will generate a lot on your electricity bills.

3) Quit or lessen your air conditioning usage.

This may seem counter intuitive, especially during the summer, but take it from us: you will be able to save a lot just by using your electric fans at home. If multiple fans aren’t doing it for you then feel free to visit the nearby mall with the kids. This may seem like the opposite of saving (it’s the mall, after all), but no one said anything about spending so much in one go. Take time to hang out and stroll, but don’t spend even a centavo on any item for sale. Wait for dusk to arrive or until such time that the summer heat lessens (during the evening). Feel free to go home after.

Now that you have extra money to save, you’re probably looking for a savings bank in the Philippines that you’d be able to trust. Look no further than Cebuana Lhuiller, with its Micro Savings. Initially offered in our Rural Bank branches, it is now available through our entire Cebuana Lhuillier branch networks. Simply put, you can use your 24K Plus card at any of our Cebuana Lhuillier Pawnshop and Bank Branches in order to save. With a minimum deposit amount of only P50 and no minimum maintaining balance, it’s incredibly easy to apply for one. You can even check your savings amount via SMS 24/7. Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

Summer is finally here, and it is the perfect opportunity for us to spend time with our family. While it may be fun to go on an out-of-town trip with them, precautionary measures should be taken in order to ensure that the house we’re going to leave behind wouldn’t be a fire hazard. You have the scorching heat to thank for this, and while it may seem likely that a natural disaster couldn’t be stopped, its causes and effects are a different story overall. Prevention will always be better than cure, which is why we have prepared four precautionary measures for your home during the summer:

1)  Check all of the wirings.

The common cause of fire in homes and establishments is faulty wiring. Before you leave for the summer, be sure to check all of your house’s wirings. If your house has a ceiling passage, then check that all the lighting sockets are in place. See to it that no mouse nibbles are on the wires and that no rubber strips are loose. Even a slight cut on the outer parts of your wires can cause a spark, so you must not leave your wiring unchecked.

2) Check the condition of your kitchenware.

Most specifically, your LPG. Even the simplest gas leak may cause insurmountable amounts of damage in property. Always remember that fire incidences do not claim only a particular set of item, as it also ravages all your personal belongings. The fact that you’ll be leaving home with no one to check on your property while you’re gone only means that you should make sure that everything is in place. Check that the LPG hose is properly attached, that there are no holes on the surface. You may apply a mix of dishwashing soap and water in order to detect any unusual air bubbles coming out of the tank.

3) Unplug everything before you leave.

Okay, so your wirings are in place, no nibbles, no loose sockets, etc., but did you unplug everything before you left? Never leave any of your appliances plugged in while you’re away. This is like hitting two birds with one stone; you’d be able to avoid overloading your electrical appliances while saving a lot on your bills when you get back. Appliances, like the television, refrigerator, and electric fans still consume electricity even when they’re turned off.

4) Ask a neighbor to check your home from time to time.

So you’ve managed to tick all of the boxes, wirings, kitchenware, and all appliances are unplugged, but alas, natural disasters are always unavoidable, especially during the summer season. In that case, ask a well-trusted neighbor of yours to check on the house from time to time while the whole family’s away. Tell them that you’ll only be away for a short while and that they wouldn’t even need to monitor it every day, only a couple of times a week. A well-trusted and fast-thinking neighbor would not only be able to alert you when something goes wrong, but they may also save your home if ever something occurs out of the blue.

 

With all of those in mind, one main way of protecting your home from fire hazard is availing Microinsurance, that offers protection to buildings and residential dwellings including their contents against perils of fire, lightning and other allied perils such as earthquake, typhoon and flood.

You may be wondering which establishment would be best for availing microinsurance. Look no further than Cebuana Lhuiller, which offers affordable insurance products to help Filipinos avail of financial services and privileges. They have innovative microinsurance products and services that promise to minimize impact of distress and misfortune on one’s financial position in case of any unfortunate circumstances. Feel free to visit your nearest branch for more information.

Cars are like humans – they should be taken care of the same way that we would take care of our body. The thing is, while a car may not be sentient enough to indicate that there’s something wrong with its engine, tires, and other important parts, you can definitely see and experience its current condition after a few round trips. If you happen to see or feel that there is something wrong with your ride, then it may be high time for you to do a few maintenance routines, especially this summer season, where the summer heat may do more harm than good to your ride.

1) Water your engine if needed.

Never miss this important step. Humans require water, especially during the summer season in order to rehydrate and cool down; the same thing applies to your car. An overheated engine is equivalent to a non-functioning one, so you might as well avoid overheating your engine at all cost. Take an extra gallon of water with you when traveling during noon time. Be sure to stop as well if your engine begins to emit an unusual sound.

2) Check your tires.

Regardless of your tire brand or quality, always remember that it’s still made of rubber, and habitual travels on the hot roads and asphalts would only contribute to its wear and tear. Check your tires and never hesitate to change a few of them at the first sign of tear. The lives of your passengers would depend on it; a broken or ruptured tire due to the extreme heat would be very dangerous to say the least.

3) Check your air conditioning system.

Okay, so all your car parts are working like charm, except for the air conditioner. Imagine that your travel comes to a sudden halt just because of a non-moving traffic. It may not sound bad (you can roll down the windows, after all), but summer breeze isn’t really much of a comfort either. You’re stuck in traffic, in blaring heat, with no other alternative than to wait it all out. Your travel would have been much comfortable with a functioning aircon. And this is even more critical when you’re driving your family on a summer road trip, don’t let them experience the extreme summer heat; maintain your air conditioner at all cost.

4) Check your brakes.

This should be one of your main priorities. It doesn’t even matter if you’re checking your ride for a summer trip or a winter season trip. The fact that your brakes should be intact at all cost would only mean that your safety heavily depends on it (only preceded by your safety driving skills). Make sure that the brake is still intact, still has a strong grip, and doesn’t loosen during those split second decisions on the road. Be worry-free, check your brakes.

Speaking of being worry-free, you may be looking for a full-pledged car insurance service that has nothing but your best interest in mind. Having car insurance is important, especially as you’ll have lots of long-distance travels, such as this summer family trip. With that being said, nothing beats Cebuana Lhuillier’s AutoCARE Insurance, a Standard Comprehensive Car Insurance that covers Own Damage (OD), Theft, Loss and/or Damage. Excess Bodily Injury (EBI), Excess Property Damage (EPD), and Acts of God/Nature (AOG/AON). So what are you waiting for? Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

Nothing can be more fun than a summer road trip. You have your family with you, ready to embark on another memorable outing. You may either choose to go out of town or somewhere near and affordable, the most important thing is everyone will have a wonderful time, full of fun memories to be shared. But like any other road trip, preparations should be done in order to avoid any forms of hassle along the way. Remember, if something unexpected were to occur during the trip, it would not be only you shouldering the experience, but your family as well. Here are 4 important preparations before embarking on a summer trip:

1) Make a list of all the things you’d need to pack.

We’re not just talking about clothes and swim wear. Make sure that you have all the necessary footwear that you’ll need on your trip. Beach vacations usually only require slippers, but malling and hotel entry may require you and the kids to at least be presentable in rubber shoes or crocs. It isn’t more on the fashion, but rather the function. Never forget your IDs and ATM cards as well, as you wouldn’t want to travel empty handed, of course.

2) Brings lots of water.

This is most applicable, especially on long trips. A bottle or two would suffice if your destination can be reached in only a few hours, but a few days’ worth of travel would indeed require at least a few gallons of water. Remember, it’s the summer, where the heat can be quite unforgiving, rehydrate and replenish your body fluids, as you’ll be needing that, especially during those long hours of travel.

3) Never forget your charger/power bank.

Everyone loves selfies but hates their cellphone battery getting low on power. Avoid this experience by bringing a charger and power bank of your own. If everyone in the family has their own cellphones, then each one should bring their charger, corresponding to their own gadget. If you have a separate digicam, then a power bank would be sufficient as well. Never run out of batteries, especially as you’d want to document all of your happy and unforgettable moments.

4) Save up for the trip.

There’s no point in leaving if you have no budget. The thing is, you can save up for the summer trip during the early months of the year. You’d even be luckier if you happen to have a few amounts from your Christmas bonus left. If saving isn’t really doable for you, then perhaps having a part-time job would do good as well. Earning a little extra wouldn’t hurt, as long as it would result to profit rather than spending. Pawning off your pre-loved items is a good idea as well. If you happen to have any unused item from your bundles, then at least it’ll do good to pawn them off in order to gain budget for your summer outing, rather than leaving them for a long time to collect dust. If you’re looking for a pawnshop that would provide you with the most honest and highest appraisal possible then no worries, as Cebuana Lhuillier has got your back. With their Pawning Service you can never go short in any amount, as they accept an array of items, from jewelry to gadgets, as collaterals. They also lead the pawning industry by offering safety and the highest appraisal rate in the industry in its more than 2,500 branches nationwide. Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

Summer is finally here! While for most people it’s a perfect opportunity to use up that vacation leave in their work contract, there are some who would rather set cash aside for a long term investment. Yes, summer is the perfect time to save. There are temptations in spending much for a luxurious out of town vacation, but even that can be avoided, while still having fun during the summer. This doesn’t mean you’d sacrifice the calmness of the warm weather for indoor activities, but rather, you can moderate your usual summer spending in order to save more than you had saved before.

1) To save on electricity, no more dryers.
If you happen to use a washing machine each time you’d do the laundry, then chances are you may be utilizing the dryer after. This adds further to your electricity bill. Since it’s the summer, the heat would be enough for your wet clothes to dry, even after hanging them for just 30 minutes. You would no longer need to use the dryer after every wash. If you’re the type to wash your clothes manually, then you’d be able to save more out of your electricity bill.

2) No school expenses. (For students)
Much of a student’s expenditures come from school activities and other extra-curricular assignments. No lunch money and fare for commute as the kids/teens are at home, hence, the parents would be able to save for further expenses in the upcoming school year. Of course, summer vacation also entails a possibility of other travel expenditures, especially for those family trips, but they wouldn’t be much compared to the accumulated amounts expenditures during the school year.

3) No alternate routes. (For employees)
The thing about being an employee is that you have no summer vacation; hence, your expenses are continuous. In such case, you can still save money, due to the fact that there is no traffic during the summer. Most of the time, you’re running late for work due to traffic, so in order to reach the office on time, you take the extra ride and spend more daily on alternate routes. Summer vacation allows you to lessen your daily commute cost by allowing you to reach your work on time without the need for alternate routes.

4) Perfect time for a summer job.
With enough time management, you can apply for an additional source of income. Summer jobs come in many forms; they may either range from being a delivery man to being a cashier in your nearby restaurant. Nonetheless, the most efficient way to save during summer is to earn more than what you can during the other seasons.

With all of that being said, you’re probably looking for a savings bank in the Philippines that you’d be able to trust with all of your hard-earned money. Look no further than Cebuana Lhuiller’s Micro Savings Account. Initially offered in Cebuana Lhuillier Rural Bank , it is now available through our entire Cebuana Lhuillier branch networks. Simply put, you can use your 24K card at any of our close to 2,500 Cebuana Lhuillier branches in order to withdraw your savings. With a minimum deposit amount of only P50 and no minimum maintaining balance, it’s incredibly easy to apply for one. You can even check your savings amount via our SMS service, reliable and ready to serve you 24/7. Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

As an OFW, sending money to your loved ones may be one of the most fulfilling things that you’ve ever done. Just think about it, all of those countless hours at work, all of those overtime and stress, all worth it as your family would be well-provided for at the end of the day. Just as long as they’re able to receive the hard-earned money with no hassle, they would definitely be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor. With all of that in mind, you may have been sending money via money transfer. While it may be the most common way for an OFW to send money, it isn’t always the most singular option. There are other forms of money transfer that can deliver any amount as efficient as a package delivery. Let us explore one, which may help you decide with comparisons.

First of all, what is money transfer?

It is the act of transferring money from one place to another. This may occur electronically or physically. Remittance centers are usually present to handle these types of transactions.

What is the other type of money transfer?

It is called wire transfer. Also known as bank or credit transfer, it is a method of electronic funds transfer from one person or entity to another. A wire transfer can be made from one bank account to another bank account. In such case, it must involve a bank, of parallel transactions, and requires both parties (the sender and the receiver) to have a bank account of their own.

Which is faster?

For Money Transfers:

“The processing time for money transfer depends on how you send the money, the provider you choose and where you send the funds. While cash is fast, you can save a lot of money if you’re willing to wait a day.”

-Quoted from an online manuscript regarding money transfers.

For Wire Transfers:

“Wires can be completed in one day, depending on how early you submit your request to send money. It may take several hours for the receiving bank to show the wire proceeds in the recipient’s account—even if the money is at that bank. A bank employee may just need to complete several tasks to make the funds available. If you’re in a hurry to use money you’ve received by wire, a few phone calls to the bank should do the trick.”

– Quoted from an online manuscript regarding wire transfers.

If we were to compare both options, money transfers are much faster, due to the fact that they provide an option for instantaneous transaction. Yes, it may cost more, but the process wouldn’t last a day, unlike wire transfers which (aside from all of the extra processes) may take about a few hours up to a whole day to accomplish.

Which is safer?

Both are particularly safe, as wire transfers involve heavily guarded banks, and the only ones to handle your transactions are the tellers. Money transfers almost operate the same way, as only authorized personnel are allowed to handle your details and process the transfer on your behalf. It all comes down to the proper implementation of work processes and daily security measures.

Overall, both processes of transferring money may seem equal, but in terms of speed and security, money transfer still takes the top place over wire transfer. It’s still a well-trusted option.

Speaking of a well-trusted option, you may be ready to send your hard-earned money to your family back at home; however, you are still undecided as to which remitting center you should transact with. Well no need to look any further. With Cebuana Lhuillier’s Pera Padala Service, you are ensured an easy, quick, and safe way to send and receive money. With close to 2,500 branches nationwide and accredited international partners, this money transfer service is made available to clients within and outside the Philippines. All transactions are real time, which enables clients to claim the money as soon as the sender completes the sending process in the branch. So for our beloved OFW patrons, feel free to visit any of our international partners – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

For a complete list of our international partners, you may visit our website at https://www.cebuanalhuillier.com/pera-padala/

Quoted Manuscripts (Source):
https://www.finder.com/international-money-transfer-duration
https://www.thebalance.com/bank-wire-transfer-basics-315444

Summer is finally upon us, and what perfect way to enjoy it then to bask in the sun. However, take note that there should always be precautionary measures taken each time you enjoy the outdoors. The summer season brings moderate warmth during the early hours, but come noon time, the heat becomes almost unbearable, so you should be careful. Here are just a few ways to take care of your health this summer season:

1) Drink lots of water.
Avoid dehydration. Being in the heat means you’d sweat more. In such case, you should earn back lost fluids during the heat. Drinking the usual 6-8 glasses per day may not even be enough, especially as you may opt to jog in the morning. This also applies during those summer vacations involving the beach and swimming pools, as water displaces from your body if ever you swim for too long. Remember, always have a bottle or tumbler at hand.

2) Use sunscreen.
You may apply them regularly or moderately, depending on how often you’d go outdoors. Allergies would also come into play, as some people do not have the skin tolerance against ointments, so sunscreens may not even be an option. For those who are going to apply sunscreens though, be sure to check the SPF content and consult a specialist to determine which would best work for you.

3) Stay indoors.
This doesn’t limit you at home, of course, as indoors would mean a spot away from the summer heat. A shopping mall, a library, or a museum would also classify as indoors, as long as you aren’t exposed to the sun for a long duration of time. There’s nothing bad about enjoying the outdoors, as you’d need an appropriate amount of Vitamin D for your body, but being out in the heat for too long would definitely be harmful for you.

4) Exercise regularly.
This season is the perfect opportunity for you to lose weight. Think about it, the summer heat would be sufficient enough for you to sweat more; hence, you’d lose more pounds while exercising. You can run, lift weights, swim, the possibilities are endless. Some summer events are being held during this season, such as fun runs and iron man marathons. Feel free to participate in them if you feel that you can handle the consecutive activities provided by each event.

With all of those in mind, one main way of protecting yourself from unforeseen circumstances during the summer is availing Microinsurance. However, you may definitely want to weight in your options, analyzing which establishment would be best for availing microinsurance premium and coverage. Look no further than Cebuana Lhuiller’s Microinsurance an affordable insurance product to help Filipinos avail of financial services and privileges that higher-income earners have easy access to, with innovative microinsurance products and services that promise to minimize impact of distress and misfortune on one’s financial position. Feel free to visit your nearest branch for more information.

Some say that the teenage years are always the best years in a persons’ life. For the most part, that holds true. High school/college life, being with friends, having no job, no bills to worry about, enjoying the summer vacation, etc. However, such stage in life is also the perfect opportunity to develop one of the most valuable skills in managing one’s finances, namely, saving. A great way of doing this would be to open up a savings account. You may ask, what are the advantages of opening a savings account as early as your teenage years? Well, here are just a few of them:

1) Being able to save for college expenses.
Opening up a savings account during your teenage years would enable you to save up early in your high school years as well, meaning, depending on how much you save a month, you may be able to come up with a preliminary fund for your college years. We are not talking about your college tuition fees, as those are definitely handled by parents. Rather, we’re talking extra fund for all of those college expenditures outside of the usual school fees, such as immersion trips, costly school projects, donations for outreach programs, etc.

2) Learning the value of money.
During your younger years, you may find yourself enjoying too much of your parent’s budget, with not a care in the world. You don’t earn it, you don’t put much thought into it. Hence, you do not make any necessary steps to save. Things may take a turn if you open up your savings account. Not only would you learn the value of money as whole, but would also realize the importance of money once it’s all used up. Saving teaches discipline in budget; it makes you WANT to save, as you know the absence of savings would mean “no amount left for school projects” for you. This learning can be enriched and brought all the way through your adult life. If you develop this discipline now, you may not have a hard time saving in the latter part of your life.

3) Being able to help with the household expenses.
If you’re the type of person who cares for the household expenses, then deciding to open a savings account would be the perfect opportunity for you to show more of that. Saving a few amount monthly would help come up with emergency funds, just in case sudden expenditures arise. Your parents would greatly appreciate your efforts, while at the same time be able to trust you in handling further money matters. It’s not every day that you’d be able to show your maturity in financial matters, hence, this would be a chance for you to show that you can do well when trusted with money.

With all of that being said, you’re probably looking for an insitution that you’d be able to trust with all of your life’s worth of savings. Look no further than Cebuana Lhuiller’s Micro Savings Account. Initially offered in Cebuana Lhuillier Rural Bank (CLRB), it is now available through our entire Cebuana Lhuillier branch networks. Simply put, you can use your 24K card at any of our close to 2,500 Cebuana Lhuillier branches in order to withdraw your savings. With a minimum deposit amount of only P50 and no minimum maintaining balance, it’s incredibly easy to apply for one. You can even check your savings via our SMS service, reliable and ready to serve you 24/7. Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

Ah, early retirement. Not many Filipinos are aware of this concept, due to the fact that many prefer to work all throughout their lives, only stopping right after attaining their own house and personal properties. You’d think that this is just a new concept that came out of nowhere, but retiring early has been somewhat of a big decision amongst Americans in the past few years, more so some good-earning Filipinos. You might ask, “How on earth could I attain this, given that the current economy doesn’t agree to such way of life?” Well, simply put, there are a few effective habits when it comes to saving. If you begin to develop these habits now, you’re in for a treat in the upcoming years. Here are just a few important factors to follow:

 

1) Sticking to your budget.

You have your monthly salary, you’d create a list of all your expenditures, you stick to that list with no compromise, and then save a few amounts in the process. Rinse and repeat. This may seem easy and very procedural, but remember that there will always be temptations when it comes to spending. Fight them off! Resist! Even when it seems that you’re only able to save a few change per month, let that accumulate for a year until you get used to it. You’d be surprised at how far sticking to your monthly budget can help you.

 

2) Needs, needs, and needs.

New cellphone models, new flat screen TVs, new car, new Frappuccino latte in your local coffee shop, these are all temporary fillers in your otherwise long-term savings plan. Do not be fooled by them. Only buy what you need. This is somewhat similar to the first pointer, with the slight difference of the first one focusing on your monthly utility expenses (bills) while this one focuses on your monthly needs (food, water, electricity, etc.). Do not sacrifice your needs for wants and you’d be able to save a significant amount monthly, well enough for an early retirement in the future.

 

3) Declutter

“What does this have to do with saving for my early retirement?” you may ask. Well, if you organize and declutter your home, not only would you achieve a very productive personal space, you’d also find a few of your belongings which you thought might have been long gone. Going through your clutter, you might find important stuff which you can still use, thus, avoiding the need to repurchase them again, resulting into you saving more. Your favorite shirt, that beautiful mug you got for Christmas, that well-written novel your best friend gave you, all of it are filled with sentimental value, and you definitely wouldn’t want to buy a duplicate again just so you can satisfyingly utilize them to their fullest.

4) Avoiding interest.

A great habit to keep in mind is to never pay for interest. This would mean that you shouldn’t avail anything that may result in you paying for a high interest rate. Such may be found in credit cards and loans. If you plan to make a loan to buy “wants” versus “needs”, you may want to think twice. If you’re not careful, you may end up losing more in the consecutive years to come, rather than saving up for an early retirement. Interest rates are like prison chains, you can never be free of them until you’ve paid your dues. Never make this critical mistake. If you really need to buy something (an integral need), make sure you can afford it first.

5) Set aside an amount for both savings and emergency funds.

If you want to effectively save for an early retirement, take it from us, set aside a separate fund for your emergency expenditures. This may seem like you’d have to double down on your savings, but think about this, would you rather have a separate fund or would you rather use up all your savings in case of an emergency. A good emergency fund should cover up to 6 months of your living expenses. Strategize an effective savings plan and segregate every peso or centavo. At least, when something unexpected comes up, your personal savings are still safe.

With all of that being said, you’re probably looking for a way to keep your life’s worth of savings safe. Look no further than Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings. Initially offered in our Rural Bank branches, it is now available through our entire Cebuana Lhuillier branch networks. Simply put, you can use your 24K Card to open a micro savings account at any of our close to 2,500 branches in order to deposit or withdraw your savings. With a minimum deposit amount of only P50 and no minimum maintaining balance, it’s incredibly easy to apply for one. Only 1 valid ID is needed. You can even check your savings amount via our SMS service, reliable and ready to serve you 24/7. Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

 

 

The future brings many potentially successful prospects and business opportunities. Back then, people didn’t even predict how big of an industry social media networks would turn out to be, not to mention, the technically enhanced smart phones of today. In such case, 2019 is no exemption, as the advancement in technology would only mean that there are countless ways to make an industry stand out. The internet age only made it simpler for entrepreneurs to grasp their target market within reach, which is why these following ventures are sure to make a mark this year:

1) Online Stores

You might have had a glimpse of this already in the past few years. Many small time businesses began to thrive in their respective Social Media pages, may it be affordable apparels, perfumes, make-up kits, footwear, and even pastries. While the typical market stalls usually require more expense in terms of space rental and advertisements, businesses stemming from their Social Media pages are more practical and easier to execute. And not to be fooled by its seemingly obscure numbers, this is just the beginning. Sooner or later, there would be Social Media pages dedicated to selling cars, houses, and even vacation packages (who are we kidding, these things already exist anyway). Take this as an opportunity to startup your own small business as well. Strike while the iron is hot.

2) Delivery and Logistics

The first industry focuses on the sales and self-advertisement of online startup businesses, now, here is one industry that goes hand in hand with them. There are various delivery services which seemingly came out of nowhere in the recent years. These delivery services are in coordination with the online shopping business, in the sense that they deliver the goods or items that you’d order online. Think of it this way, without these logistics services, instead of receiving your ordered items at the comfort of your home, you’d be forced to pick them up from the seller’s location, and that would cost you time, money, and energy. While there may be various delivery services nowadays, the best way to stand out within this industry is through the efficiency and proper servicing of the items delivered. The earlier the packages arrive, the more that this particular logistics provider gets chosen by online sellers.

3) Tourism

With the rehabilitation of Boracay last year, many are anticipating its full-blown grand opening again to the public. You may have heard of it being opened already, but that just involves a small part of the island. If a full opening were to happen this year, a much cleaner and beautiful Boracay would rake in business opportunities, even for its residences who are hoping to startup a small venture. Simple businesses of souvenirs and tropical snacks would be in demand again, so if ever you’re one of its many hopeful residences, be on the lookout and prepare for a much bigger La Boracay comeback. You wouldn’t even need to advertise via your own Social Media page, as news of the island’s opening itself would garner enough attention.

4) Online Catering Portals and Services

If you were to search for it online, there are countless options to choose from when it comes to catering services. Back then, you’d have to personally approach a restaurant just to discuss their packages. In some occasions, you would even need at least a glimpse of their leaflets or business cards in order to contact their catering representatives. Nowadays, the internet allows you to visit their website and to get a review of their offered packages and menu. You’d also be able to see their direct lines, which you may already call for your catering needs and event schedule.

5) Various Ride Apps

Due to the recent directives of our government, the policies regarding ride-sharing services have been stricter than ever, thus, weeding out the most egregious ones and leaving the best ones at bay. This is a perfect opportunity for those left behind to improve their services further and to raise the bar when it comes to ride apps. If you have a car of your own and were to register for such service, you may want to re-consider the basic qualifications and paper works first before submitting the main application. If you were to pass all the requirements with no snag, then you are on your way to providing a smooth ride home for weary passengers while earning a little extra for your budget.

 

With all of that being said, why not pawn off a few pre-loved items to begin your startup for this year? You may be looking for a pawn shop that would provide you with the most honest return possible. No worries, as Cebuana Lhuillier has got your back. With their Pawning Service you can never go short in any amount, as they accept an array of items, from jewelry to gadgets, as collaterals. They also lead the pawning industry by offering safety and the highest appraisal rate in the industry in its close to 2,500 branches nationwide. Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

 

Many people say that you can never get enough safety features in your own ride. That is mostly true, as indeed, safety must always come first. However, due to the advancements in technology, many of these features have become outdated, so they do not really do much in terms of superior passenger protection anymore. In such case, there are newer alternatives in terms of these safety features. All thanks to these, you can be sure that you and your passengers would have a smooth and safe ride, come rain, come shine:

1) A Rearview Camera

Usually, we Filipinos rely on the help of barkers and parking attendants to lead us whenever we’re backing away from the parking lot. It may seem like a simple task at first (after all, this is one of the many things being taught at driving schools). However, limited visibility and slight miscalculations may deem too disastrous even for the most seasoned drivers, hence rearview cameras were invented. Not only would it allow you to see objects directly positioned behind your car, it would also enable you to see bystanders who may have the unwise idea of getting across from your rear without warning.

2)Automatic Brakes

Fairly new, in terms of car safety ingenuity, this wonderful invention involves sensors around your car, measuring your distance from other vehicles or objects. If you become hazardously close to another vehicle or object during motion, the device will kick in and trigger a sudden brake, avoiding any form of collision in the process. Think of it as a technical form of guardian angel in your car.

3)Electronic Stability Controls

Similar to automatic brakes, this device actually helps correct a swerving vehicle by applying brakes on individual wheels, giving drivers a chance to regain control. Think of it as a form of A.I. that aims to keep you on the road, well within the correct lane, in order to avoid being caught up in an unwanted collision. Of course, you would still have to control the car in order to position yourself at the appropriate lane, but this would at least help you maintain control if ever you’d swerve off due to a slippery road on a rainy weather.

4)Adaptive Headlights

Yup, you’ve read that right. Some modern headlights would specifically turn on (with the help of sensors, of course) in order to have better visibility when going through a curve. While it may sound useless at first, consider this, some off-road routes usually end up having tight curves, hence, you would not be able to see if another car is coming right at you after the turn. It’s better to be innovative than outdated and unsafe.

5)Modern Airbags

Now, hold on! You may be pointing out by now that airbags aren’t new, that while they may have saved countless lives already, they still offer the common design and functionality of a typical airbag. Well, you aren’t exactly correct with that, since the newer ones can automatically detect the size and position of the passenger and the severity of the crash, and can use that information to vary the force with which the air bags inflate. This means that instead of the airbag poofing you at the point of impact, it will adjust accordingly in order to avoid any blunt force during the accident. Amazing, isn’t it?

 

And those are just a few examples of modern car safety features that can save your life. Now, if you aren’t contented with such features, perhaps you may want to go for a more practical approach, look no further than a well-trusted and worry-free car insurance service. And speaking of worry-free car insurance, you’d definitely go for a full-pledged service that has nothing but your best interest in mind. With that being said, nothing beats Cebuana Lhuillier’s AutoCARE Insurance, a Standard Comprehensive Car Insurance that covers Own Damage (OD), Theft, Loss and/or Damage. Excess Bodily Injury (EBI), Excess Property Damage (EPD), and Acts of God/Nature (AOG/AON). So what are you waiting for? Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

For almost every month, there are various happenings around the Philippines that would enable you to make a living and earn a little extra than the usual. While it’s mostly seasonal, it’s always better to grab the opportunity, as Filipinos would never run out of ways to spend for such seasonal events. This February is no exemption. There are more than one major events this month and we thought we’d name at least three worthy of a business opportunity. Keep in mind that the days and locations would vary, hence, you should choose which would work best with your budget:

1) The Chinese New Year

Whether you’re a full-blooded Chinese, half-Chinese, or even non-Chinese, everyone celebrates this particular festivity. You got your local fast food chains switching up their menus to represent a few oriental alternatives, you have your nearby malls redecorating with traditional red lanterns, with a few dragon dances in between, and you also have a few scheduled fireworks display throughout the month. Yes, the possibilities for extra income are endless, but one which stands out most would have to be the never-ending sales of “Tikoy.” Yes, we know, many are already selling their own brands in the market and it seems convoluted at times, but remember, you can always get creative and add a little flavor to those typical servings. You can set up a little “Tikoy” stand, complete with an added chocolate chip or “Ube” in your menu. While the typical sweet delicacy may be found in a box around your grocery stores, you can vary it up and serve it “street food” style, already fried and well-prepared with the additional flavors. You can even present your own combo meal, include a plastic cup of “gulaman sago” or juice in the process.

2)Valentine’s Day

If the Chinese New Year isn’t your cup of tea, then perhaps you might try going for a more heartwarming option. Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity, not just for earning a little extra budget, but also for you to show off your baking skills. When it comes to Valentine’s, the sweeter, the better. You might want to try baking a few boxes of brownies, or even cakes, any type of pastry that is easy to prepare. Looking around your local grocery you’d be able to find ready mixes of baking ingredients, thus, all you have to do is add the appropriate amount of water and bake away in your home’s oven. Selling has never been easier with the advent of social media. Document your baking process to get those mouthwatering food pictures and promote that your delectable goodies are for sale.

3)The Baguio Flower Festival

We weren’t joking when we said there was going to be a location-specific event. If you are one of our avid kababayans from Baguio, then this tip is for you. This relatively new event in the country’s summer capital is similar to the Rose Bowl Parade in the U.S., as it also features a parade of floats made entirely of fresh blossoms harvested by the locals. This would be a perfect opportunity for you, especially if you have a knack for arts and crafts, as tourists would surely be swarming to see the parade, you’d be able to sell a few handcrafted keychains and festival themed apparels in celebration of the said event.

 

We understand that starting a business isn’t that easy, as you’d still require capital for even a small startup. In such case, you’d go for a convenient and practical way of pawning off your other valuables, until such time that you’ve already established a strong footing in your business. We recommend a trustworthy pawn shop that would provide you with the most honest and highest appraisal possible, none other than Cebuana Lhuillier. With their Pawning Service, you can never go short in any amount, as they accept an array of items, from jewelry to gadgets, as collateral. They also lead the pawning industry by offering safety and the highest appraisal rate in the industry in its close to 2,500   branches nationwide. Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

As a new year dawns, so are we faced with new expenses. Problems from 2018 will unfortunately continue to affect us this 2019 and we can do little but brace ourselves and prepare.

Sin Tax

Starting January 2019, the prices of tobacco and alcohol will go up. While these are technically expenses that could (and should) be avoided, how many people can honestly go cold turkey?

Something like that is near impossible for long-time smokers due to their bodies’ reliance on the nicotine they’ve gotten used to, and even those who drink recreationally will find it hard to break old habits.

If you plan your budget for 2019 without planning for the eventuality of slipups, you might end up stressing yourself even more and then end up overindulging your vices in an attempt to forget about your money problems.

Give yourself some breathing room to fail. Just make sure that you actually do your best to avoid these money-sink vices.

Tuition

If you’re still in school or you have kids, this one will be one of your priorities just behind basic living necessities. Look at your finances to see if you can pay per quarter, semester, or year. Check if the schools have payment plans you can take advantage of to make your budgeting easier. Then start planning.

As you know, tuition fees tend to rise every year, so take that into account. The best way to make sure you have enough to pay for tuition is by putting away a certain amount of money every payday like how you would with your savings.

Basic Necessities – Rice

During the latter part of 2018, there were several reports of running out of affordable NFA rice. Now this could be because people were preparing for Noche Buena, but it could also be a symptom of a rice shortage. Just in case, you should keep a few pesos handy on the off chance you go to the market and find they’re out of NFA rice.

Increase in Oil Prices

With Russia’s decision to reduce their oil production in the upcoming year, there’s a very high chance that oil prices will rise as the supply goes down. That means the prices of fuel and LPG will also increase. We might see an uptake in the prices of many goods and services in 2019.

Electric Bill Increase

When you saw your electric bill for December 2018, you might have been surprised. Starting December, Meralco increased their rates by P0.09/kwh, which means an average increase of P45.00 for residential customers.

This is because the price of electricity in the Philippines is dependent on the price of the gas needed to run the plants. While there were several rollbacks during the latter half of 2018, the overall price of gas went up. And it’s only expected to rise some more this year because of the excise tax and Russia’s decision to cut back on their oil production.

So expect higher electric bills this 2019.

Water Bill Increase

On January 1, 2018, the new rate for water will take effect.

	Consumption	Increase
Maynilad – Residential	30 cubic meters	P41.02
Maynilad – Semi-business	30 cubic meters	P50.31
Manila Water – Residential	30 cubic meters	P14.99
Manila Water – Semi-business	30 cubic meters	P18.48

* 1 cubic meter = 1000 liters

While residential customers will only experience a minimal change, those who run businesses from their homes will probably see a considerable increase in their first water bill in 2019.

It may be overwhelming to see how many added expenses we need to plan for, many coming from basic goods and services that are necessary in our everyday lives. However, we Filipinos are nothing but persevering in the face of challenges. Let’s tighten our belts this 2019 and have faith that things will improve.

If you’re looking for a place to keep your hard-earned money safe for future unexpected expenses, Cebuana Lhuillier now has Micro Savings. Opening your own savings account is easy. Just bring one valid ID and at least P50 initial deposit. So what are you waiting for? Visit any of Cebuana Lhuillier’s close to 2,500 branches now – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

Luke 19:11-28, The Parable of the Ten Gold Coins, tells the story of three servants who are each given ten gold coins and ordered to help it grow. One did extremely well and was rewarded accordingly. The second did his best and was also rewarded. The last was too scared to take a risk and was thusly punished.

What is the lesson of this story?

Those who have must not hide away their gifts. Instead, they must nurture them and put them to good use.

Usually, this story is used to illustrate the need to not waste talent, but “gifts” is a broad term and could very well refer to money as well.

While it might seem safer to avoid taking a risk on a loan and falling into debt, you might actually be holding yourself back from prospering. Don’t be like the third servant and let your fear stop you from improving your quality of life in the future.

And to help you out, here is a list of the best investments to get you started.

Home Loan

The most obvious investment loan is, of course, a home loan. Not only will this give you and your family the best type of security out there, it’s also something that can be passed down to your children and grandchildren and their children and grandchildren.

And that’s not even mentioning how the worth of land appreciates instead of depreciates unlike nearly any other investment out there.

You can either purchase an already finished house or buy a plot of land and build one according to your preference. Given the choice, you should almost always choose to rent-to-buy.

Owning your own home not only provides you security from the outside elements, it also gives you the peace of mind that comes from knowing that you and your family will always have a roof over your heads.

Business Loan

It is undeniable that money is necessary for survival. And unless you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth or have the incredible luck to win the lottery, you’re going to have to work to earn money.

Now, most people will choose to enter companies and work normal 9-to-5 jobs, but some may want something different.

If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur and have a promising idea at hand, a business loan may just be the thing to get you started in your career. To build whatever you want to build, you’re going to need starting capital. That’s likely going to be a larger-than-usual amount of money, but what’s that really in the face of your dream?

After all, business loan is an investment for your future.

Student Loan

As much as possible, you should do your best to get an education. If you find yourself lacking funds, getting a loan to pay for your tuition is one viable option. Similar to a business loan, this is also an investment for your future.

Not only will going to school grant you important skills that you’ll need in the future, a diploma or degree will also be one of the basic requirements most employers look for from their prospective employees. Job-hunting will be thrice as hard without this deceptively simple piece of paper, as many jobs perfect for your skillset will pass you over if you if they find out you don’t have one.

So yes, borrow money if you have to. As long as you work hard, this type of loan is but a little hump on the road on your journey to success. After all, money you can earn, your youth and time are irreplaceable.

Auto Loan

How you view an auto loan depends on your circumstances. If you live alone then it might be better not to bother bar excruciating circumstances. On the other hand, if you live with your family, which is often the case with Filipinos, then maybe getting a car would be beneficial.

True, traffic is nightmarish in the Metro Manila. However, you really can’t expect a senior citizen like your lolo or lola to spend hours in a crowded bus can you? I mean, they probably can… but why should they when they have other options?

Another advantage is when you have several relatives attending schools within proximity to each other. Instead of paying for each to commute or a hire a service (which can get quite expensive depending on the distance), having a car will give you the peace of mind that they are safe going to and coming home from school.
Not to mention, a car can also be a good source of income. You can apply to become a Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) and start earning back the money to pay off your loan and build a viable career out of being a driver.

Besides, there are ways to lessen how much you’re affected by the traffic. For example, you can learn to use back roads to avoid squeezing in with PUVs or schedule your everyday trips outside rush hour.

Personal Loan for Tech

Buying a laptop or a smartphone could drastically increase your productivity at work, as long as you use it properly. Technology is ever evolving and the world is evolving alongside it. Gone are the days when the best way a co-worker, your boss, or a client can contact you is by phone. Nowadays, nearly everyone will contact you through email or a messaging app. Not only is it faster and more convenient, but it also ensures that there are receipts of all your dealings.

When you start a job in any modern company, you can be sure that you’ll need a smartphone or a laptop, or both.

While most people (rightly) recoil at the thought of getting into debt, one should always remember loans are not necessarily bad. Not if you’re planning on using them to better your life in the long run.

Of course, when we’re talking about investments and savings, there is one trusted name that stands above the rest. If you’re a resident of Bacoor, Cavite, and Batangas, then the Cebuana Lhuillier Rural Bank is your one-stop spot for making investments and keeping savings. All transactions are real-time, erasing all the hassles that you may experience in other establishments. So what are you waiting for? Visit the Cebuana Lhuillier Rural Bank now – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

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After all the partying during Christmas and the New Year, you might find yourself peeking into your wallet and seeing nothing but air. Understandable since it’s the end of the year after all. And what better way to end it with a bang?

However, the arrival of a brand new year calls for the planning of a brand new budget.

It’s likely that whatever your initial budget will be, it will change several times throughout the year. What won’t change though is the expectation that prices will just go up, up, and up.

So before those things happen, why don’t you decide on what unnecessary costs to cut to make your life easier? Better get to it before you find yourself struggling to get your head above the water!

Alcohol and tobacco

17.3 million Filipinos are smokers and the Philippines is part of the top ten countries in Asia when it comes to total alcohol consumption. Just from these numbers, you can immediately imagine how much money Filipinos spend on alcohol and tobacco yearly.

With the increase in taxes due to House Bill (HB) 8677 on tobacco and HB 8618 on alcohol set to start on January 2019, we can almost be certain that the amount will go up.

Understandably, it’s not easy to stop smoking. Nicotine is an addicting substance and the longer you smoke, the more your body begins to rely on it. It’s nearly impossible to go cold turkey. However, even just slowly cutting down on your consumption can be a big help on your budget, and hopefully your health.

Alcohol, on the other hand, does not actually contain a substance that makes your body reliant on it. Instead, research suggests that it increases the production of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. Alcoholics become addicted to the feeling of the pleasure the endorphin brings. Unlike smoking, it is possible to go cold turkey, but there are other pressures (such as social engagement and events) that could potentially sabotage attempts to stop.

Also, many Filipinos turn to drinking when facing problems. As mentioned above, endorphins make it easy for them to forget pressing concerns. However, we all know that those problems won’t disappear even if you forget about them.

While alcohol does bring a sense of pleasure, it’s better not to use it as an escape. Nor is it good to overindulge in it once you get the chance, doing so could lead to dire consequences once you sober up.

As our Ms. Universe 2018 said, “Everything in moderation,” so moderate your substance consumption and you’ll have more money in your pocket for more important matters.

Gas

While the TRAIN Law did help many low-income to middle-income families earn more money, it also increased the prices of several necessities, most notably, gas. While the prices of fuel have been falling these past few months due to dropping demand, the excise tax will soon add P2.00 per liter likely sometime this 2019.
It doesn’t help that the price in the world market is heavily affected by the decisions of a few countries. Just recently, Russia, the largest producer of crude oil in the world, decided to cut their total oil import by 60,000 barrels on January 2019. They plan to continue reducing their production during the following months as well.

It’s difficult to predict how exactly the prices of fuel will change in the future. It’s best that you prepare by finding ways to make your gas usage more efficient like carpooling, driving slower (to decrease drag and fuel consumption) or turning off the engine while waiting.

Smartphones

Filipinos, on an average, spend over nine hours on the internet per day, the 2nd longest time in the word right behind Thailand, and the most convenient device to use is, of course, the smartphone.

With a total population of 104.9 million, 70.9 million Filipinos are mobile phone users. And with the rise of more affordable smartphone brands such as Cherry Mobile, Oppo and Vivo, more and more people are purchasing smartphones.

However, ask yourself this: Do you really need a replacement?

Unfortunately, for many Filipinos, it has become an obsession to always buy the newest release, to get the highest specs, to have the latest model, despite the fact that their old phone is still in perfectly working condition.

It is both a waste of money and resources. You don’t really need the latest phone to send messages or make calls, or can you really spot the difference between using your one-year old phone to take a selfie versus using the camera of the latest model. The picture will get compressed anyway when you upload it on Facebook.
So why don’t you skip that new model release and save yourself a couple thousands of pesos at the same time?

Clothes

Nowadays, when you say ‘trending’ people immediately think of what is currently big on social media. However, a decade or so ago, trends were more often than not connected to a certain cut or way people wore clothes.

Like how the understanding of the term has changed, so do the fashions of our time. The term “trend’ right now is often thought of a short phase of fascination, like how few years ago, the “hipster” look was popular but can be seen less today. In truth, this is what should be called a “fad.”

Trends are styles that last years. That’s why when people say the 70s or 80s, we immediately can imagine what sort of clothes were worn back then. Meanwhile, fads quickly pass and things bought during this time often find themselves discarded in very short order. Following fads will not only waste your money, it will also take up space in your closet.

When buying clothes, you should prioritize the current trend and your personal preference, of course! For example, instead of choosing a singular style of clothes, try to stick to tasteful basics like a button down polo with clean lines or the famous LBD (little black dress). Choose things that can easily dressed down for a casual look, or dressed up for more formal events.

Remember: Fashion passes; style remains.

Online Purchases

In recent years, more Filipinos have begun to dabble in the world of online shopping. Not only is it more convenient, it can possibly even be cheaper than going to a brick and mortar store.

Unfortunately, because of the ease and convenience of online shopping, spending money has never been easier as well.
There are several tactics online vendors use in order to get you to spend money. They could send you discount codes with a minimum purchase requirement, offer free shipping with the same condition or even limited-time items to urge you to buy immediately. And with your credit card just a few buttons away or a Cash On Delivery system in place, it’s very easy for you to fall for their tricks.

First and foremost, before buying any non-essentials, make sure that you really want it. Take a week or two to mull it over and see if you still want it after that period. Another way to save some money is to purchase everything you want to buy at the same time instead of adding more things in you cart to reach the free shipping requirement every time you see an item that interests you. Another pro-tip is to check the prices of wanted items before an expected sale is announced. More often than not, vendors will exaggerate the price drop of a certain item in an effort to make it seem more valuable.

Basically, if you want to take advantage of the convenience of online shopping, you should at least be smart about it and do the necessary research.

Some of the items in the list are easier said than done. However, if you want to remain financially healthy throughout 2019, following them is but the tip of the iceberg. If you have to, add them to your New Year’s resolutions and do your best to stick to your guns.

With the money you’ve saved from reducing your spending, surely you’ve put aside quite the amount as savings. If you’re a resident of Bacoor, Cavite, and Batangas, then the Cebuana Lhuillier Rural Bank is your one-stop spot for opening your own savings account. All transactions are real time, erasing any and all the hassle that you may experience in other establishments. So what are you waiting for? Visit Cebuana Lhuillier Rural Bank now – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

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A lot of people from the province move to the city in hopes of finding a better life. While some succeed, there are a number of individuals that fail and lose their money.
The metro may look like a shining beacon that promises success, but the province has just as much promise if you’re willing to put a little bit of effort.

Farming
The best advantage of provinces compared to the city (aside from better traffic conditions) is space. Land is not only much, much cheaper outside Metro Manila but also much, much more fertile. If your family owns land, or you have the capital to buy a few plots, why don’t you make the most out of them by planting your own mini garden? If you’re a bit more ambitious, you might even want to consider buying a few egg-laying hens or ducks. This ensures that you always have fresh vegetables and/or eggs within reaching distance. Any extra you can sell in your local market.

Party Supplies Rental
Unlike the metro, there isn’t an abundance of restaurants in the province. In fact, when celebrations occur, catering is usually done by the hosts with the help of their family. While food is simple enough to take care of, there is the problem of seating and entertainment for the guests.

Celebrations don’t occur every day after all, so people are not likely willing to buy 10 tables and a corresponding amount of chairs just for one birthday party. However, while a family may not need a set of tables and chairs the day after their youngest’s birthday, there might be another family celebrating their eldest daughter’s wedding on the other side of the barangay.

If you have a decently sized space you can use for storage, why not invest on reusable party supplies?
You only need to purchase the items once, decide on a fair price and then you can start renting them out to people with events to celebrate.

Internet Cafe
If by some chance you are in an area with decent coverage, then maybe you’d be able to open a small internet cafe. Computers remain uncommon in the most rural provinces but have increasingly become a necessity, especially with the government’s efforts to turn digital.

If you have the funds, you can set up a few computers connected to the internet and a printer with refillable ink. Students and job-seekers will flock your shop for the opportunity to use the internet for research.

Transport Service

Unlike the messy (yet predictable) transport system in the metro, transportation in the province tends to be less coordinated. Sure, some areas have jeepney, tricycle and bus stations, but a lot of areas in the province remain outside of their area of service.
If you know of such a place without a decent transport service and where many people gather, you could possibly make a pretty penny from offering a service direly needed by the public. Buy a few sturdy motorcycles, turn them into tricycles, hire a few good drivers, get the proper certification from your local government and start helping people while making a decent living.
Next time you dream of making it big in the city, why don’t you first take a look at your province? There are many ways to succeed, don’t box yourself in one idea, broaden your horizons and find the potential in your home.

Looking for a trustworthy bank where you can take out a loan from to start your dream business? Look no further than Cebuana Lhuillier Rural Bank, the rural bank that gives micro, small and medium enterprises a chance to jumpstart and grow. With its varied financial services and high quality customer service, potential business-owners cannot go wrong with Cebuana Lhuillier. Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

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As an OFW, you should always try to cut expenses and save as much as possible, owing to the fact that you have a family to support back home. In such case, you have options to save cost, even when it comes to money remittances. You may ask, “What are the things that I should do in order to accomplish that?” Well, look no further, as we have enumerated a few cost-saving tips on money remittance for OFWs:

1. Don’t be frequent, be smart.

It’s only natural for OFWs to be excited about sending money to their loved ones. After all, isn’t that the main reason of their departure, to provide a better life for their family? One main thing to keep in mind, however, is that every money remittance has an equivalent transaction fee. No need to worry, as a good remittance center would usually charge the same fee, regardless of the amount that you’re going to send. What you should take note of is the frequency of your transactions. Instead of sending cash a couple of times, thus accumulating your expenditures on transaction fees, you may instead save up the whole amount and send it all at once, in order for you to avoid spending on fees multiple times.

2. Be aware of the foreign exchange rates.

We couldn’t emphasize its importance enough. You’re sending an amount that would equal to a much bigger sum when it reaches the local remittance branches, that’s already given, but time it right so your loved ones would receive a much higher amount. Observe the ever-changing rates and values and try to keep an eye out for any indication that the said rates would go higher. When you’re sure of the exchange values, feel free to remit your well-earned money.

3. Ask about any hidden charges.

One main way to save on remittance fees is to avoid paying any hidden charges. It’s one way to pay for an upfront charge, but another to pay for charges only mentioned in the fine print. You have the freedom to look around for a much better remittance center if you feel that you’re spending a lot on transfer fees. Those amounts could have gone to your family’s budget back home, instead, they’re being spent on remittance cost. You definitely want to avoid that.

4. Make good use of technology.

Getting tired of travelling back and forth to your nearest money remittance center? Add convenience to your life by transferring money online. Your choices may range from a browser-based money transaction to an app that allows you to do the same thing with one click. Avoid long lines and send the amount on time.

5. Go for a well-known remittance center.

Some remittance centers offer a low service charge for the transaction, but holds the risk of a non-secure transaction. It is much better to deal with a reputable agent to avoid any hassles or possible scam in the long run. Your loved ones would be waiting for your money transfers. Ensure that they would receive it and not some unknown stranger.

Speaking of well-known remittance centers, you are ready to send your hard-earned money to your family back at home; however, you are still undecided as to which remitting center you should transact with. Well no need to look any further. With Cebuana Lhuillier’s Pera Padala Service, you have an easy, quick, and safe way to send and receive money. With more than 2,200 branches nationwide and accredited international partners, this money transfer service is made available to clients within and outside the Philippines. All transactions are real time, which enables clients to claim the money as soon as the sender completes the sending process in the branch. So what are you waiting for? Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we deliver a fast, easy and secure transaction.

In 2017, OFWs sent home $31.29 billion in remittances, with nearly $3 billion in December alone. Known as the modern heroes of the Philippines, OFWs contribute 10% of the Philippines total gross domestic product (GDP).

Just from these numbers alone, no one can deny how much OFWs help the Philippine economy.

However, OFWs not only have to help support their families, they also need to keep themselves alive at their place of work.

Sure, OFWs sacrifice energy, time with their family, and the comfort of living in their home country, but at the very least, they should not have to sacrifice their well-being to send money home.

If you’re an OFW, here are some tips to help you balance your personal budget and the remittances you send home:

Budget

Budget, budget, budget. The budget always comes first.

Create a budget for yourself and ask your family to send you a copy of their budget at home. Decide together (through Skype, FaceTime, etc…) what your responsibilities are and how to divide your wage for your needs.

Ask yourself relevant questions like: Am I in charge of paying for my kid’s tuition, the house bills, and lolo’s medical bills? Am I responsible for all their utility expenses? Is there someone at home who can help, or am I on my own? Make sure you add those considerations when you plan.

Get a good feel of the situation at home and send money accordingly. Send enough to pay for your family’s needs and to improve their quality of life but avoid sending extra unless it’s a special occasion. This keeps the people back at home from treating you like an ATM machine.

Pay attention to the season

There are certain times in the year when your family will need a large amount of money, notably school enrollment season. It can be difficult to balance both your needs and your family’s when these times come.

Of course you want your kid to go to a good school, but you’ve already used up all of your wages for the month. Where are you going to get their tuition?

One way of making sure you can send money home whenever your family needs it is by saving throughout the year. Instead of looking for a plan to pay your kid’s tuition every time the need pops up, you can put aside a little bit of money every cut-off and let it accumulate over time. If you make space for savings when you create your personal budget, the shock of needing a large amount of money at any given time will not affect you as much.

Consider online bills payment

It’s not easy to admit, but some families have members that just don’t value hard work. If you know anyone like that in your family, then maybe consider looking for online bills payment options. This lets you help your family without the risk of that one person using your hard-earned cash on frivolous things.

Canvass

If you have a family member asking for some expensive gadget for school, confirm it with a mature member of your household first. After receiving confirmation, don’t just buy the first thing you see that looks okay. Make sure to canvass for brands and models to see what would fit the requester’s needs without breaking your budget. Then compare the prices in your work country and in the Philippines to see where it is more cost-efficient to buy.

Plan ahead when filling your balikbayan boxes

When you fill up your balikbayan boxes, make sure you ask your family what they need first. Prioritize those over anything else. Then fill your boxes with things you think will be useful at home, like laundry detergent, cooking oil and the like. This will lessen grocery expenses at home and hopefully give you a little breathing room as well.

Control your gift-giving

This may be the hardest tip in the list.

As an OFW, it’s more than likely you went abroad because you want to give your family a better life. You want them to have nice things and experience what you’ve never experienced. However, sometimes, too much misplaced love can only lead to hurt.

You probably want to show your love by sending your family gifts, and that’s fine! But keep it to special occasions. Bombarding them with frivolous things will do nothing but spoil them and hurt your budget.

Instead of sending gifts to show your love, it’s better to try to spend time with them through phone calls and/or Skype. Be present in their lives by engaging with them in social media. Sending them a “Congratulations on passing your exam!” or “I miss you!” costs less but infinitely means more.

With all that in mind, you may have decided the perfect amount to send back at home. With Cebuana Lhuillier’s Pera Padala Service, you are ensured an easy, quick, and safe way to send and receive money. With close to 2,500 branches nationwide and accredited international partners, this money transfer service is made available to clients within and outside the Philippines. So our beloved OFW patrons, visit any of our international partners – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

Money problems aren’t reserved for a single generation. Everybody, from Baby Boomers, to Gen Xers, to Millennials, has likely experienced the need for more funds, whether it’s for their family, career, or education. There are several methods to address this problem. In the Philippines, one of the quickest and most convenient way is pawning.

However, not every generation is sufficiently equipped to use this service. Most Millennials don’t really own genuine jewelry, the go-to item to pawn. Instead, they have gadgets.

While admittedly not as valuable as jewelry, gadgets can also help you get some quick cash when in a bind. Just make sure you know what to look out for when you plan on pawning away your gadget.

Brand

If somebody asks, “What is the best smartphone brand in the market?” you’ll likely answer “iPhone!” or if you’re an Android user “Samsung!”

Because of their history, branding and strong media presence, their names are the most likely to pop up when you think of smartphones. Similarly, when consumers start shopping for a phone, these brands are likely the first ones they’ll check.

When bringing a gadget to a pawnshop, the first thing the appraiser will notice is the brand.

Unlike jewelry, brands matter when appraising gadgets. They carry a name and a certain type of prestige. They are also easier to appraise because their initial value can easily be found online. Not to mention, brand name items are easier to sell should a pawner default on their loan.

In short, a well-known branded item can fetch a higher appraisal rate than an unknown branded item.

Model

The price jump from an iPhone 8 (₱39,490) to an 8S (₱45,990) is huge. The difference between them? The screen sizes and the camera.

Having seen the difference between two phones from the same generation, you can only imagine how big the jump is from one of the older models (Hint: iPhone 7 – ₱28,990, iPhone 7S – ₱36,990). Similarly, other brands and gadgets follow the same trend, though not to such an exaggerated manner (Vivo V11 – ₱19,999.00, Vivo V9 – ₱17,990.00).

Model also affects functionality. A general rule in technology is that newer releases will always have better specifications than their older counterparts. This increases their functionality, and therefore their value.

The newer and higher the gadget model is, the more money you can get for it. Note that this trend works inversely as well; as tech companies churn out new phones and laptops each year, your gadget’s value depreciates the older it gets.

Condition

Outside of the original value of your item, another thing to consider is its condition when you bring it to a shop to pawn. Is it clean without any scratches and dents or is the screen cracked? Does your laptop run like a dream or does it take forever to start up?

Pawnbrokers will test your gadget before giving an appraisal. No matter what brand it is or how new your item is, it’s useless if it’s broken.

Rarity

As a counterpoint to the second factor, model, it is possible to pawn a few older model gadgets for a decent amount of money. That is if the model itself is out of production and a collector’s item. For example, certain game consoles release special editions, and pawning these will likely fetch you higher price due to its rarity.

As always when it comes to pawning, the appraisal will also depend on the pawnshop you go to. Cebuana Lhuillier’s Pawning Service offers an appraisal rate of up to 30% higher than other pawnshops. They also accept a wide array of items, from jewelry to gadgets, as collateral. So if you’re in need of some quick cash, visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – for a fast, easy and secure transaction.

We budget, we save, and we invest; we do a lot of things to make sure that our future is secure. However, something outside our control occurs, an accident or an act of God, and suddenly we find ourselves losing everything we’ve worked hard for.

This series of events is not new to many Filipinos. Living in a country plagued with natural calamities, accidents and shortages, majority of us have suffered lightly or harshly from the following:

Fires

During the summer season, the Philippines often suffers a sharp rise in fire-related incidents. Volunteer and employed firefighters do their best to respond to each call, but sometimes they are too late, or the fire is just too strong to control.

Having your house burn down is a tragic event. Not only can you lose all your belongings, but you could even lose your life or your loved ones.

Luckily, you can lessen the chances of a fire occurring by taking some precautions.

First, know what to look out for. According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the top three causes of fire in the Philippines are faulty electrical connections, lit cigarette butts, and open flames from unattended stoves.

After finding the information that you need, make sure you habitually inspect your house for any fire hazards. Quickly fix sparking electrical outlets and uncovered live wires. If you have any smokers living with you, be careful of using flammable products like hairspray and spray-on deodorant around them when they are smoking. Make sure that they completely snuff out their cigarette butts when they’re done smoking. When cooking, keep a close watch on the stove and properly close the gas tank when finished.

Unfortunately, you can only do what you can in your own house; you have no control over your neighbors’ actions. So, in case an incident does occur, make sure you know the correct numbers to call.

Bureau of Fire Protection (NCR) Direct line: (02) 426-0219, (02) 426-3812, (02)426-0246

Storms

Living in a country that is part of the Typhoon Belt, Filipinos are used to weathering the devastating storms of Mother Nature. Approximately 10 typhoons enter the country yearly, half with the potential of being destructive.

Because we Filipinos are so used to it, there are already strict procedures in place when a storm comes, especially in the provinces near bodies of water. Despite this, we always hear stories of people refusing to evacuate their houses, because leaving their homes may also mean leaving all they have to be washed away by the storm.

Remember though, material possessions are not worth your life. As long as you are alive, there is always hope of starting over.

Landslides

Landslides can come as a consequence of a powerful storm, or less commonly in our country, an earthquake. Just last September, a landslide in Naga, Cebu brought about by the aftermath of Typhoon Ompong (International name: Mangkhut) buried dozens of people alive, killed 22 other people and crushed over 30 houses.

While not as rampant as storms, landslides can occur without any warning. And like the first two events, it can completely wipe out all your life’s work.

Road Accidents

Conversely, road accidents happen in Metro Manila, and they happen more often than you think.

Getting in a road accident can not only cost you money in property damage, but depending on the cause, you might even find yourself getting sued. And even if you win your case, you’ll still need to shell out money to pay for legal fees.</span

Medical Concerns

This particular problem can be brought about by accidents or genetics. You could land yourself in a road accident and break your leg, or maybe your family has a history of breast cancer. Unfortunately, medical problems are an issue you can never fully guard against even if you try to live a healthy lifestyle.

While the government has done its best to make medical procedures more accessible to the masses, it remains a fact that the best doctors, the best equipment, and the best procedures cost a whole lot of money.

Should you find yourself forced to undergo an expensive procedure, you better be prepared to lose a good chunk of your savings. Not only that, most operations require a recovery period and aftercare drugs. This means shelling out more money while not being able to work.

A word of advice: Take advantage of the free check-ups in health centers; catching a disease at its earliest stage will go a long way in saving your money and your life.

With that in mind, you may find yourself wanting to protect yourself from these natural calamities. Look no further than Cebuana Lhuillier’s Microinsurance, affordable insurance products to help Filipinos recover in times of need. Cebuana Lhuillier offers several innovative microinsurance products that promise to minimize impact of misfortunes on one’s financial position. Visit https://www.cebuanalhuillier.com for more information.

With Christmas approaching, it’s likely that you’re filling your final balikbayan box for the year. But are you sure that you’ve packed up everything important? That you have everything your family needs? Are you sure that everything in your box will safely go through customs? Just in case you’re not, below are a few tips and reminders to keep in mind while filling your balikbayan box.

Keep in mind the total amount you have sent back home.

The first and likely most important factor to keep in mind is the total worth of all the balikbayan boxes you’ve sent home throughout the entire year. Remember, you are only allowed up to P150,000 worth of items unless you are willing to pay for the duty and import tax. Also, if the worth of your balikbayan box is equal or below P10,000 then it is no longer taxable.

Ask your family what they need.

While it might be fun to fill your balikbayan box with all the interesting things you’ve seen, it would be remiss of you to neglect your family’s actual needs. Before filling your balikbayan box, make sure you contact your loved ones and ask them what they need, be it a new pair of shoes for PE, or a replacement for a 7-year-old laptop. After all, that PS4 might seem fun, but will it help your son finish his thesis project?

Fill your balikbayan box with food.

With the rising prices of goods in the Philippines, you might want to consider sending over some food in time for noche buena. Pack some traditional fare from wherever foreign country you are, or some hard-to-get items, like novelty flavored noodles. Just make sure you stick to non-perishables and avoid liquids.

Avoid putting glass in your balikbayan box.

Unfortunately, it takes a long time for a balikbayan box to arrive in the hands of your loved ones. During that time, you won’t know exactly how the couriers are handling your precious cargo. Putting something made of glass inside is just asking for trouble, especially if it’s liquid-filled glass. But if you really, really need to, make sure you invest in lots of bubble wrap or cushion it between items like clothes or towels.

Don’t stuff your balikbayan box with clothes.

A few pairs of shoes, a dress, some pants, that amount is fine, but it’s such a waste to fill the entirety of a balikbayan box with just clothes. Even in the Philippines, clothes are a dime a dozen as long as you know where to look. Also, there’s a chance that the customs officer might consider such a haul for commercial use instead of personal.

Never put money inside your balikbayan box.

Different hands will be handling your box with you being none the wiser. Some unscrupulous individual might get the idea to do a ‘surprise inspection’ and see the cash. It’s infinitely better to stick to pasalubong items and keep temptation at bay. There are other, much safer ways to send money back home.

One such way is by availing of Cebuana Lhuillier’s PeraPadala Service, where you are ensured an easy, quick, and safe way to send and receive money. With close to 2,500 branches nationwide and accredited international partners, this money transfer service is made available to clients within and outside the Philippines. So for our beloved OFW patrons, feel free to visit any of our international partners – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

For a complete list of our international partners, you may visit our website at https://www.cebuanalhuillier.com/pera-padala/.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 1.25 million people die in road accidents annually, while 20-50 million suffer minor to permanently debilitating injuries. In the Philippines, a daily average of 37 Filipinos lost their lives in road incidents last 2017. Aside from harming people, road accidents also result in huge financial losses, costing most countries 3% of their gross domestic product (GDP). Last 2017, the Philippines’ GDP was $313.6 billion, and using the previous data as a guide, the country lost a total $9.408 billion in road crashes.

From these numbers, you can immediately tell how much road incidents are costing the country in terms of money and lives. With hotheaded drivers, heavy traffic and a blatant disregard for the unspoken rule of “pedestrians first,” the Philippines has always been a dangerous country to drive in. Most of the danger is, unsurprisingly, centered in Metro Manila due to the high congestion of automobiles.

According to Data for Road Incident Visualization Evaluation and Reporting (DRIVER), the government’s incident data gathering tool, 11,816 road incidents have already occurred the last 365 days, costing the country hundreds of lives and incurring billions of pesos in damages.

Below are the top ten most dangerous cities to drive in the Philippines ranked accordingly to the number of incidents from the last 90 days (October 28. 2018):

As the data shows, Quezon City, Mandaluyong, and Makati are the most dangerous cities to drive in the Philippines. The most dangerous, Quezon City, is the most populous in the country and has more than quadruple the amount of incidents than the second most dangerous, which is Mandaluyong. Eight of the top 10, including the top five, are cities in Metro Manila.

In short, anyone living within the National Capital Region (NCR) is at risk of getting in a road accident, whether they are a driver or a pedestrian. What’s worse is that even if you’re careful, it’s impossible to be 100% sure that you will avoid all accidents. After all, you can’t control the people around you. The best you can do is to follow all the traffic regulations to ensure you aren’t at fault for any violations, and protect yourself and, if you’re a driver, your vehicle.

With that in mind, you might want to secure your ride (and finances) better, especially when the unthinkable happens. Cebuana Lhuillier’s AutoCARE Insurance is a Standard Comprehensive Car Insurance that covers Own Damage (OD), Theft, Loss and/or Damage, Excess Bodily Injury (EBI), Excess Property Damage (EPD), and Acts of God/Nature (AOG/AON). So what are you waiting for? Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch and inquire now – we promise a fast, easy and secure transaction.

Often, our elders or our more financially-savvy friends will advise us not to waste money on things we never plan to use. And really, that’s great advice! However, there are always exceptions to every rule. Here are a few things you might want to consider purchasing before there’s ever a need for them.

Security System

Investing in a few CCTV cameras, an alarm system, or even just a guard dog could very well save your property and life one day. Burglars don’t just target rich households; to them, any house is fair game. A security system serves as a strong deterrent for any would-be thief.

First Aid Kit

Prevention may be better than cure, but accidents do happen. As long as you know how to use it, having a fully-stocked first aid kit at hand will keep injuries from worsening before you can get professional help.

Home

While you might think that you don’t need a house right now, remember, land is one of the few assets that appreciates in value over time. Buying early will save you money in the long run. Also, owning your own house takes a huge chunk of burden called rent off your shoulders. Even if you don’t plan on settling down now, you might want to start making plans for your future home.

Insurance

As mentioned before, accidents happen. As careful as you may be, there will be times when you won’t be able to avoid damaging your health, your car or, in the worst case scenario, your life.

Health, car and life…all of these can be insured. And really, if you can afford it, you should. Insurance is one of your first lines of defense should the unthinkable happen. It will keep you from drowning in fees should you, your home, or your car get into trouble.

Memorial Plan

If you’re getting on in the years, it may be time to think about getting a memorial plan. Loss is inevitable, but you can make it easier on your family by giving them the time and chance to properly mourn for you. Leave the planning to the experts. It’s the practical and thoughtful decision to make.

With all of these in mind, you may want to weigh in your insurance options. Look no further than Cebuana Lhuillier’s Microinsurance Services, affordable and innovative insurance products for every Juan that promise to minimize the impact of distress and misfortune on your financial position. Visit your nearest branch for more information.

Cebuana Lhuillier founder and Philippine Ambassador to Spain Philippe Jones Lhuillier graces the cover of Diplomacia Magazine. In this October 2018 issue, the ambassador highlights his diplomatic work, the thriving relationship between the Philippines and Spain, and his enduring love for the Filipino community.

 

INTERVIEW WITH H.E. AMBASSADOR PHILIPPE J. LHUILLIER

(Pages 6-14)

 

How is the Philippines doing?

The Philippines has been enjoying a period of continuous economic growth of over 6 percent annually for the past several years. In fact, the country just recorded 6.8 percent GDP growth in the first quarter of 2018, which makes the Philippines one of the best performers not just in Asia but in the world. This is the tenth consecutive quarter that the Philippine economy was able to achieve an output expansion of 6.5 percent or above. This performance demonstrates that the groundwork for reforms in many of our country’s sectors has been sustaining growth.

Under Build! Build! Build!, the Philippine Government’s landmark infrastructure program, we continue in our forward trajectory in providing jobs, enhancing connectivity, and ensuring dependable delivery of public services.

With the outstanding showing of the economy, our Economic Planning Ministry has reported that the Philippines is poised to become an upper-middle income economy as early as next year.

President Rodrigo Duterte, in his State of the Nation Address, stated his desire to focus on the country’s safety and security, and at the same time, its prosperity. The President invites the establishment of more businesses and wishes to simplify all government agency processes and cut red tape.  He also reiterated his promise to reform the tax system and ensure reliable, affordable, and secure telecommunications services. The Philippine government remains committed to achieving our goals and to making this growth inclusive for all.

 

How do you characterize the relations between the Philippines and Spain?

Last year we celebrated a milestone in our relations when we celebrated the 70^th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Since then, we have concluded over 60 bilateral agreements in various fields.  These include agreements on education and sports, cultural cooperation, tourism, technology, investments and other equally important areas. The most recent of these is the Air Transport Agreement, signed on 12 June 2018. These agreements attest to the fact that the Philippines and Spain have been striving together to strengthening our relations through the years.

It is also worth mentioning that, on top of these agreements, the Philippines enacted a law on 22 July 2002 marking the 30^th of June of every year thereafter as “Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day.”  The law (Republic Act No. 9187) was approved on February 5, 2003, and it further sealed the bond of friendship between the Philippines and Spain.  “Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day” commemorates the cultural and historical ties of friendship and cooperation between our two countries.  It is declared as a national special working holiday and a special non-working holiday in Aurora Province in the Philippines.

Through the years, we have also seen high-level visits from both countries. We had Queen Sofia visiting the Philippines in 2012 and former President Aquino visiting Spain in September 2014.

We have a mechanism that takes stock and looks into the future of the bilateral relations through a high-level political consultation between Spanish and Philippine diplomatic officials.

Overall, the Philippine-Spanish relations can be characterized as strong and vibrant.

 

What is your vision for PH-Spain relations? How can PH-Spain relations move forward?

The level of engagement between the Philippines and Spain, as well as its quality and quantity, speaks volumes concerning the direction that we want to take as far as our bilateral relations are concerned.

These past years, we have seen the emergence of Philippine investments in Spain, notably in wine manufacturing and real estate. We feel confident about the strong possibility of major Philippine brands coming into Spain in the next few years. Likewise, Spanish investments and presence have been growing in the Philippines.

But there is much that remains to be done. The Philippines wants to maximize existing mechanisms that will further boost our trade and investments with Spain. We welcome the participation of Spain in the implementation of President Duterte’s 10-point socio-economic plan. We look forward to the entry of more Spanish firms, particularly those involved in infrastructure development, as the Duterte administration ushers in the Golden Age of Philippine Infrastructure Development through its “Build! Build! Build!” Policy.

During my tenure as Ambassador of the Philippines to Spain, I will also work towards the establishment of a Philippine Center. The Center will be a one-stop shop of services for Filipinos in Spain, while also serving as a venue where Spanish-Filipinos can go in order to reconnect with their heritage, and where Spanish tourists can go whenever they wish to learn about anything related to traveling in the Philippines.

The coming years will surely be an exciting time for Philippine-Spanish relations. Spain remains one of our most valued friends. The special relationship built on years of mutual respect and admiration will certainly be reinforced in the years to come.

 

What ways can Philippines and Spain collaborate in?

The Philippines and Spain share so many things in common that it is easy for both countries to collaborate on issues and projects of mutual concern.We recognize Spain’s many development assistance and projects in the Philippines. I am also aiming for more economic cooperation and activities between the two countries. The value of Philippine investments in Spain is considerable. I hope that Spain will likewise look to the Philippines’ potential to host more Spanish firms and companies.

 

What’s your dream for Filipinos in Spain?

I want them to be proud of their identity, to be comfortable with their place in society while maintaining affinity for the Philippines. Our citizens here should be the Philippines’ambassadors in Spain. This is why I am working hard to have the Casa Filipina, which will showcase the best in the Philippines. This will be a source of pride for the Filipinos because they will have a space that is devoted for their social, cultural and economic growth, as well. I am also in the talks with the Catholic Church to give the Filipinos their own church.

 

The 500^th anniversary of the circumnavigation of the globe by Magellan and Elcano is coming up soon, what does this mean for the Philippines and how can both countries take advantage of such a historic event?

This is truly an important event in many ways—in the fields ofgeography, world politics, global economy, etc., but we also see it asa chance to reflect on how our two countries have changed, and to see that we are now both equal sovereign states and nations. It is also important to learn about each other’s understanding of this event that ties our nations together, and to consider what that says about our respective countries’ values, and how important it is to reconcile these narratives to arrive at an understanding of what that point in history meant to each country.

We are privileged to be part of this historic event, and we are planning a series of activities are planned to commemorate it.

 

You’ve been an Ambassador for close to twenty years, now, and you’re also a very successful businessman. What drives you to continue towards the path of public service?

Service to the people is what drives me. Although my family has told me many times to just quit the foreign service and devote myself to my personal and business interests, I tell them that my intention to help my country is what pushes me. For as long as I can, I will continue doing what I think is best for my people and country.

 

What are your priority projects right now?

Aside from the aforementioned Casa Filipina, I am pushing for a Philippine-Spain Dual Citizenship Treaty as well as more academic exchanges between the Philippines and Spain. We also wish to increasing bilateral trade, and we hope that Spanish tourist arrivals to the Philippines will double in the next few years.

The Filipino Community is of great importance to me, as well. I want to further engage the Filipinos here in Spain. The Casa Filipina is for them. They will want a center that speaks proudly of their proud heritage and exciting future. I want the Filipinos in Spain to be better integrated into the host country, so they can develop to their fullest.

 

What’s something about the Philippines that Spanish people don’t know?

There’s a lot! We have a country of over 106 million population and over 150 languages and dialects. We are a unique melting pot of cultures. It is worth nothing that many Philippine languages have borrowed a lot of Spanish words, so I think a Spaniard who has never been to the Philippines would find so many surprisingly familiar things. In a sense, once Spain left, the Philippines became a time capsule of Spanish customs and languages, so going to the Philippines could allow a Spaniard to learn so much about his or her own history.

 

PHILIPPINE-SPANISH BILATERAL RELATIONS

(Pages 20-22)

 

Last year, the Philippines and Spain celebrated an important milestone in their bilateral relations, in which we marked the 70^th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic relations. The signing of the Treaty of Friendship in 27 September 1947 strengthened the already-strong historic bonds between our two countries. Since then, the Philippines and Spain have concluded over 60 bilateral agreements in various fields.

These include agreements on education and sports, cultural cooperation, tourism, technology, investments and other equally important areas.  The most recent of these was the Air Transport Agreement signed on 12 June 2018. These agreements attest to the fact that the Philippines and Spain have been working hard towards strengthening our relations through the years.

It is also worth mentioning that, on top of these agreements, the Philippines passed a law on 22 July 2002 marking the 30^th of June of every year thereafter as “Philippine–Spanish Friendship Day.” The date coincides with the anniversary of the end of the Siege of Baler where the last remnants of Spanish colonial forces held out for 11 months against Filipino revolutionaries. As a gesture of friendship, and in recognition of their valor, then-President Emilio Aguinaldo granted the survivors safe passage to Manila, en route to their return to Spain.

This law was approved on 05 February 2003 and further sealed the bond of friendship between the Philippines and Spain.  “Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day” commemorates the cultural and historical ties of friendship and cooperation between our two countries.  It is now a national special working holiday and a special non-working holiday in Aurora Province in the Philippines.

On 30 June 2011, the Spanish Congress of Deputies, through Speaker Jose Bono Martinez, made a historic Institutional Declaration on the occasion of the 9th Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day. A similar declaration was made by the Spanish Senate, through Senate President Pio Garcia-Escudero Marquez, a year later.

Through the years, our countries have also seen exchanges of high-level visits, with the latest being Queen Sofia’s visit to the Philippines in 2012 and President Benigno Aquino’s visit to Spain in September 2014.

In addition, there is a regular high-level political consultation mechanism between Spanish and Philippine diplomatic officials to take stock and plan for the future of our bilateral relations.

This level of engagement, its quality and quantity, speaks volumes about the direction both countries want to take as far as our bilateral relations are concerned.

Beyond the political sphere, Philippine investments in Spain, notably in wine and brandy manufacturing and real estate, is on the rise. We are upbeat about the huge possibility of major Philippine brands coming into Spain in the next few years. Likewise, Spanish investments and presence have been growing in the Philippines.

We have made much progress, but there is still more that remains to be done. In 2017, Spain ranked as the Philippines’ 27^thlargest trading partner, 26^thexport market and 26th import source. Total bilateral trade reached USD602.60 million, of which exports to Spain amounted to USD 195.30 million and imports to the Philippines pegged at USD407.30million. The Philippines has expressed its desire to take full advantage of existing mechanisms to further boost Philippine-Spain trade and investments.

It is hoped that more Spanish businesses, particularly in infrastructure development, will come to the Philippines in line with the thrust of President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration to usher in the Golden Age of Philippine infrastructure development through its “Build, Build, Build” program.

The coming years will surely be an exciting time for Philippine-Spanish relations. Spain remains a most valued friend of the Philippines. The special relationship built on years of mutual respect and admiration will certainly be reinforced in the years to come.

 

INVESTING AND DOING BUSINESS IN THE PHILIPPINES

(Pages 24-31)

 

The Philippines is one of the fastest-growing economies in the Asia-Pacific region, and there has never been a better time to invest than now. With a population of over 100 million, the Philippines aims to sustain its sound macroeconomic fundamentals and investor confidence with a comprehensive national strategy focused on creating globally competitive, value adding, innovative industries. To this end, the Philippine government has placed great importance on partnership with the private sector and maintainingan enabling business environment, especially in view of the challenges posed by regional integration.

To fast-track efforts in boosting key growth industries, the government is strengthening its collaboration with the business community, to keep the country’s economic momentum and to realize a truly inclusive, innovation-led growth that spurs economic prosperity from the bottom of the pyramid.

Teeming with natural resources and boasting staggering landscapes, the Philippines does not disappoint those who go the extra mile to reach it. Indeed, nothing compares to the abundance of diverse natural resources offered by the Philippines.

However, it is the Filipino citizen that makes the country truly wonderful. Even when faced with adversity, Filipinos are the warmest and most easy-going people anywhere. Filipinos are noted for their courtesy, hospitality and, most of all, talent. Competent, multi-skilled and highly trainable, the Filipino worker can surpass any other in dedication and hard work.

The country is blessed with an educated, multi-cultural, bilingual and skilled labor force. In the 2017 World Bank – International Finance Corporation Doing Business Report, the Philippines once again improved its ranking, placing 99^th compared to 103^rdin the previous year. Since 2011, the country has climbed 49 spots in the Doing Business Report.

The 2017 report measured regulatory factors that have an impact on the areas of the life of a business. The Philippines boosted its ranking in protecting minority investors, dealing with construction permits, paying taxes and enforcing contracts. The country also sustained its position in registering property and trading across borders. These indicators show that the Philippines has a low-cost, economically-sound, and cosmopolitan environment in which to do business.

The Philippines is set to achieve the status of upper-middle-income economy in 2019. In addition, with its favorable demographics and rapid growth in global trade, the Philippines is expected to become the 16^th largest economy in the world by 2050, according to estimates by HSBC.

 

Economy overview

The Philippine economy has consistently grown between 6 and 7 percent per year for the majority of the last decade. It has enjoyed a string of upgrades in recent years from credit raters recognizing the country’s improving fundamentals. The Philippines continues to enjoy investment grade status since its upgrade by Fitch Ratings, Standard & Poor’s (S&P), and Moody’s Investor Service in 2013. The country’s rapid growth is fueled by higher investment opportunities and consumption as well as the growth of manufacturing, trade, and real estate, renting, and business activities.

Philippine exports have substantially grown over the last decade, earning $69 billion in 2017, from only $41 billion in 2005. And after averaging $1 billion in foreign direct investment inflows annually in the first decade of the 2000s, in 2017 the Philippines attracted more than 10 times as much. There is also evidence that the country’s growth has become more broad-based, and its benefits more inclusive. Whereas private consumption spending had predominantly driven the economy’s growth in the past, investment spending, which has grown consistently at double-digit annual rates since 2010, now contributes much more to GDP growth.

 

Offshoring and outsourcing

The Philippines is among the world’s top outsourcing destinations, thanks in large part to low business costs and a large pool of university-educated, English-speaking and highly adaptable workers. The Philippine business process outsourcing sector grew at 19 percent a year from 2011 to 2015. The IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) targets US$40 billion in revenues and a 15 percent global market share in 2022. The World Bank also anticipates the sector’s expected revenues of US$35 billion in 2018 to overtake the projected value of remittances.

Collectively, the industry provides services for a wide range of prominent Fortune 1000 firms in North America, Asia, and the European Union. The Philippines is the global leader for voice business process management services and the second most-preferred location for non-voice services, showing capability in areas such as healthcare, IT, finance and accounting, human resources and creative processes.

In 2016, a Tholons study ranked Metro Manila second and Cebu seventh among the “Top 10 Outsourcing Destinations,” while Davao City, Sta. Rosa, Bacolod, Iloilo City, Dumaguete, Baguio, and Metro Clark were in the Top 100. The IT-BPAP also seeks to provide 500,000 jobs outside of Metro Manila by 2022. Among the activities eligible for Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) incentives are: IT-enabled services such as BPO, call centers, data encoding, transcribing and processing; software development and application; and content development for multimedia or internet purposes.

As of October 2016, there are 243 operating IT Parks or Centers in the Philippines. These zones serve as one-stop shops for e-services investors who may want to locate in the Philippines. Manila, Baguio, Cebu and Davao are known as the country’s information and communications technology (ICT) hubs. Outside Metro Manila, there is also the rapid development of regional ICT hubs in locations such as Bacolod, Bohol, Cagayan de Oro, Clark, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Legaspi, Lipa, Naga and Rizal. Many of these, along with those cited by the Tholons report, have also been proclaimed by the IBPAP as Next Wave Cities beyond the capital that are conducive for investment.

 

Tourism

Tourism is another bright spot in the economy. Foreign visitors to the Philippines in 2017 reached an all-time high record of more than 6.6 million, marking an unprecedented growth in the country’s tourism industry.

There are 10 international airports in the country with several slated for major renovations via Public Private Partnerships (PPPs). Key gateways include those in Manila, Cebu, Davao, Clark, Pampanga and Laoag. The Ninoy Aquino International Airport is the country’s main airport. It has five terminals, some servicing domestic routes, and other servicing international flights to Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America.

The country has been upgraded to a Category 1 rating in Aviation Safety by the US Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration, allowing local airline companies to expand their operations in the US.

The European Union (EU) has also allowed local carriers Philippine Airlines and Cebu Air, Inc. to fly into European airspace as recognition of the airlines’ commitment to safety and full compliance with international aviation safety standards.

The Mactan International Airport in Cebu has regular flights from Busan, Doha, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and various other cities in Korea, China and Japan. The Davao International Airport has regular flights from Indonesia and Singapore, and seasonal flights from Macau.

The Clark International Airport in Clark has regular flights from Hong Kong, Doha, Dubai, Macau, Singapore and various cities in Korea and Malaysia. The Subic International Airport in Zambales has regular flights from Korea and Macau, while Laoag International Airport in Ilocos Norte has regular flights from Macau. Kalibo International Airport in Aklan has regular flights from Taiwan and various cities in China and Korea.

Other international airports in the country are the Puerto Princesa International Airport in Palawan, Zamboanga International Airport and General Santos International Airport, which are both in Mindanao. By sea, major cruise ships and international container vessels call at the port of Manila. Interisland ships connect Manila to major ports in other provinces.

 

Manufacturing

The National Statistical Coordination Board reported that manufacturing growth has continued to accelerate. The manufacturing industry posted a 14.4% growth in 2016. This comes as the government has rolled out the inter-agency Philippine Manufacturing Industry Roadmap, which aims to have the industry account for 30% value added to the economy and generate 15% of total employment by 2025 compared to 22% and 8%, respectively, back in 2012.

Phase I of the roadmap from 2014 to 2017 focused on automotive and aerospace parts, electronics, garments, food, resource-based industries, chemicals, furniture, tool and die, and shipbuilding. Phase II from 2018 to 2021 shifts to high value-added activities and investments in upstream industries such as chemicals, iron and steel, med-tech basic and fabricated metal, link and integrate industries, small- and medium-sized enterprises and large firms, and the innovation ecosystem.

From 2022 to 2025, Phase III will move to high-tech activities, transport, electronics and chemicals as well as participate as manufacturing hubs in regional and global production networks for automotive, electronics, machinery, garments and food. Foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Philippines as of 2017 reached USD 10 billion, up from USD 7 billion received in 2016, with the bulk of equity capital investments channeled to manufacturing. This growth in FDI is expected to continue, as a result of the Philippine economy’s upgrade into investment-grade territory.

 

Construction

The construction sector remains a top growth contributor on the back of strong private real estate development activity as well as the government’s Public-Private Partnership program, strategic infrastructure projects, and disaster reconstruction. In the fourth quarter of 2016, the construction industry grew by 11.1%, compared with the 8.2% growth in the past year. Public investment in infrastructure expanded by 23%, which is higher than the 20.1% growth rate in the third quarter, while the private sector grew significantly by 16.2%.

The outlook for the Philippine construction industry remains positive as it is expected to continuously grow over the forecast period between 2016 and 2020. The Philippine construction industry is expected to record 9 percent real growth in 2017 and 8.5 percent in 2018. This is largely due to the Philippine government’s flagship Build, Build, Build(BBB) infrastructure program, which aims to spend more than USD 144 billion in infrastructure between 2016 and 2022, as well as the USD 24 billion worth of financing and investment deals signed in October 2016 during President Rodrigo Duterte’s visit to China.

Key infrastructure projects under the BBB Program include the Subic-Clark Railway; the North-South railway projects connecting Los Baños, Laguna to Tutuban, Manila and Clark Freeport in Pampanga; a 1,500-hectare industrial park in Clark, Pampanga; and an expanded Clark International Airport also in Pampanga. Other projects include four new energy facilities; 10 water resource projects and irrigation systems; five flood control facilities; and three redevelopment programs.

Industry growth will emerge from the country’s development plan, Vision 2021, as well as population growth, urbanization, and favorable government policies with regards to PPPs. A total of 26 major public-private partnership (PPP) projects were awarded in December 2017.

 

Mining

According to the Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the country’s estimated mineral reserves are placed at about 14.5 billion metric tons of metallic minerals and about 67.66 billion metric tons of non-metallic minerals. It is also the fifth most mineralized country in the world, third in gold reserves, fourth in copper, and fifth in nickel. In the mining statistics released by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau in February 2017, the gross production value in mining amounted to a total of PhP100.6 billion.

The Philippines currently hosts 41 operating metallic mines consisting of 27 nickel mines, six gold mines (with silver as co-product), three copper mines (with gold and silver as co-products), four chromite mines and one iron mine.

 

Renewable energy

The Philippines is already the world’s second largest producer of geothermal energy, with a still untapped resource potential of 2,600 megawatts. There is an untapped potential of 70,000 megawatts for wind energy and 13,097 megawatts for hydropower.

A total of 724 renewable energy service contracts with aggregate potential capacity of 14,498 megawatts were awarded as of the first half of 2016, while the total installed capacity was 4,132.5 megawatts. Of these contracts, 398 were hydropower projects and 160 were solar projects, 144 of which were on-grid and 16 were own-use.

The Philippines has a high-profit potential from biodiesel exports and is a large producer of coconut and sugarcane, two major sources of biofuels. With a total of 11 ethanol plants operating in the Philippines this year, the production is estimated at 322 million liters.

The 2012-2030 Philippine Energy Plan prepared by the government estimates that under a low carbon scenario, renewable energy’s contribution to the country’s total power mix will grow by an annual average of 3.2 percent and comprise a 37.1 percent share.

 

Agriculture

The Philippines has about 10 million hectares of agricultural land and is a major exporter of banana, coconut, pineapple and fishery products, with farming outputs contributing around 10 percent of the country’s gross domestic product. Sugarcane and coconut are major sources of renewable biofuels such as bio-ethanol and coco-diesel. The agriculture sector accounts for 27 percent of the total labor force.

The sector as a whole grew by 3.9 percent in 2017, exceeding the target annual growth rate set by the government. The total production value of Philippine agriculture was valued at USD 9.6 billion for 2017, up by 9.32 percent from the previous year’s record as the crops, livestock and poultry subsectors registered significant gains.

 

Competitive human capital resources

The Philippines offers a highly educated and literate workforce, with most people having a good command of the English language. The UNESCO Institute for Statistics records an adult literacy rate of 96.62% among Filipinos aged 15 years and older while according to the UN Population Division, the median age is 24.2. The country’s labor market is one of the most competitive in the world, ranked 4th out of 61 economies in the 2016 International Institute of Management Development (IMD) World Competitiveness Report.

In the World Talent Report also released by the IMD, which focuses on countries’ ability to develop, attract and retain talent based on three factors, the Philippines ranked 23^rd in the readiness factor. Among all criteria, the country performed well in terms of the availability of skilled labor (4^th), the availability of competent senior managers (14^th), language skills (18^th), and the international experience of senior managers (21^st). It also ranked in the upper half of economies when it comes to the sufficiency of apprenticeships (23^rd) and the importance given to employee training in companies (25^th) under the appeal factor.

 

Out of 138 countries, the country ranked well in the higher education and training pillar of the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Index 2016-2017, with the extent of staff training (31^st), quality of management schools (41^st), quality of the education system (44^th), and local availability of specialized training services (48^th) as contributing factors. It is also on track to meet its Philippine Development Plan targets related to enhancing the knowledge and skills of the workforce as higher education graduates as well as technical vocational education and training (TVET) graduates continue to increase.

 

Growing bilateral investments

The Philippines-based company Emperador, Inc. is a major beverage producer with significant investments in Spain. In 2015, the company acquired Fundador Pedro Domecq, Spain’s largest and oldest brandy. The Emperador brand is now the world’s number one selling brandy by volume and the company has gone on to acquire a 500-hectare vineyard in Toledo in 2013.

Spanish firms with investments and interests in the Philippines include Inditex, which opened its first Zara branch in Manila in 2005 and continues to expand; Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF), which is set to supply the Philippine government with 30 light rail vehicles; Acciona, which is currently undertaking major infrastructure projects such as bridge construction between Philippine islands;and Leche Pascual, which has partnered with Asia Brewery, one of the Philippines’ leading beverage manufacturers.

 

“FILIPINOS ARE THE PHILIPPINES´ BEST ASSETS”

A TRIBUTE TO THE LONGEST-STAYING FILIPINO WORKERS

IN SPAIN AND ANDORRA

(Pages 54-57)

 

“The best assets of the Philippines are its people.” Philippine Ambassador to Spain Philippe J. Lhuillier said during the awarding ceremony of the ten longest-staying Filipino workers in Spain and Andorra in June 2018 which was held in Madrid at the colorful Fiesta Filipina 2018 to commemorate the Philippine National Day.

The award was the first in the 70^th year history of the Embassy and was the brainchild of the Ambassador. “This award has long been overdue, I always believe that we should honor those who were there before us who served as inspiration and strength, not only to their families but also to overseas Filipino workers all over the world, particularly to those in Spain and Andorra”, said the Ambassador who was visibly very excited to meet the ten longest-staying Filipinos in Spain and Andorra.

The Ambassador, who was obviously beaming with pride, continued, “this recognition speaks of us as Filipinos. We are committed and loyal, we work hard, we persevere, we always do our best and we can easily adjust and assimilate in the culture, particularly in Spain.  We are a part Spanish, that is why we endure. I can say that, we are considered one of the best workers and the best people in the world because we always give our hearts and soul no matter what the circumstances are.  We never give up easily on any challenges, we take the challenge and make the best in any situation.  We can easily adjust to language, culture, skills, working hours and other difficulties.”

Mr. Eduardo Alvarado Fernandez was recognized this year as the longest-staying Filipino worker in Spain having been in Spain for 45 years. He arrived in 1972, initially to work in London, but decided to stay in Barcelona where he worked until his retirement.

The story of Mr. Alvarado was echoed by the nine other awardees. All of them came to Spain to provide better future for their families. They all shared their grief, fears, and uncertainties of being in a foreign land on their own, away from their families.  At very young age (most of them were in their early 20s when they arrived in Spain) , they braved home sickness and difficulties when they first came to Spain.  Some almost gave up but they all won their battles and now shared their love for the country and the people that adopted them.

Mr. Reynaldo Rojas Manzano has been in Spain for 38 years. He was hired in 1979 to work as a key puncher but when his company closed, he took any work he could find, including in farm lands where he would eat left over apples for lunch and dinner to survive while waiting to be paid by his previous company. Since he was exceptionally good, he was then offered a job in Hacienda where, at first, he thought that he would take care of animals and work in the farm, only to find out that it was the Ministerio de Hacienda, as key puncher.  Hacienda is always known in the Philippines as a large estate where people work as farmers or animal care takers.  This is one of the Spanish influences in the Philippines.  Mr. Manzano never stopped and pursued his education while working and he is currently a computer system manager.

Another awardee, Mr. Armando Gabriel came to Spain in 1978 with his wife and worked with the same employer for more than 20 years until their employer passed away, a story of loyalty and care which is shared by majority of Filipinos.

The same situation was shared by another awardee when she took care of her employers for three years until she passed away without any salary or compensation because she said that her employer was family.

There were of course funny and entertaining experiences such as that of nanny who during her first week of work heard her seven-year old ward shouting “socorro, socorro”.  The child was climbing the fence but the nanny thought that she was calling a neighbor whose name was “Socorro”, which is a very popular name in the Philippines. There was this Filipino who firstthought that taxi cabs are free in Spain when she rode for the first time since there was a sign “libre”, which means “free or no payment” in Filipino.

“It is heart-warming to hear their stories” said Ambassador Lhuillier. “I am very proud that I represent the people who are caring and loving and whose heart goes beyond their call of duty. But these stories are not uncommon of Filipinos”.

The Philippine Embassy in Madrid paid tribute to these heroes with the first-ever Gawad Ambassador Philippe J. Lhuillier Para sa Pinakamatagal na Manggagawang Pilipino sa Espanya at Andorra (1^st Ambassador Philippe J. Lhuillier Award to the Ten Longest-Staying Filipino Worker in Spain and Andorra).  The Ambassador himself donated the specially designed trophies, certificates of recognition and cash prizes to the following recipients:

 

Mr. Eduardo Fernandez Alvarado, 45 years in Spain.

Ms. Adelaida Abrero Suyat, 42 years in Spain.

Ms. Francia Berdalosa De Villa, 40 years in Spain.

Ms. Editha Cariño Etrata, 40 years in Spain.

Ms. Concepcion Piñon Zaragoza, 40 years in Spain.

Ms. Leonida Honrada Hipolito, 40 years in Spain.

Ms. Marjoling Madrid De Leña, 40 years in Spain.

Mr. Armando Tiro Gabriel, 39 years in Spain.

Ms. Ma. Luzviminda Roque Ramos, 38 years in Spain.

Mr. Reynaldo Rojas Manzano, 38 years in Spain.

 

There are approximately 50,000 Filipinos living in Spain, in addition to Filipinos who are already Spanish citizens. Philippines and Spain relations goes beyond its 70 years of diplomatic relations.  Philippines or “Las Islas Filipinas” was named in honor of the King Philip II of Spain when the earliest recorded European expedition landed in the Philippines in 1521. The three hundred and thirty (333) years of Spanish influence in the Philippines is evident in the country´s cuisine, names, language, and many social and cultural aspects of the Philippine society.  It is not surprising that the Filipinos can easily learn the Spanish language and assimilate to Spanish culture.

“We are a universal people” said Ambassador Lhuillier as he narrated the influences brought about by the Chinese, Dutch, Portuguese, Japanese, Indians, Americans and many other cultures. “It is for this reason that we, as people, are at home in any culture.” He added.

Spain is particularly important for Filipinos because of its historical connection. With more than three decades under Spanish rule, the Philippines is partly Spanish and its influence left a lasting impact to the Filipinos even to present times.

It cannot be denied that Spanish is embedded in the Filipino culture. Numerous Spanish words are in the Filipino language.  In fact, in the southern part of the Philippines, Chavacano which is a criollo language based largely on Spanish vocabulary is still widely spoken. In the same manner, several Filipino cuisines are of Spanish influence such as valenciana, adobo, estofado, adobo and many others.

Most Filipinos have Spanish surname because the Spanish government decreed in 1849 the distribution of surnames and implementation of the “Spanish naming system” or the Catálogo alfabético de apellidos (“Alphabetical Catalogue of Surnames”).

Dr. Jose Rizal, the Philippine National hero, studied in Spain. Paulino Alcantara Riestrá who played for FC Barcelona, who later became doctor was a Spanish-Filipino football player. Numerous professionals, artists and educators spent their time in Spain.  Today, according to official statistics, there are more than 100,000 Filipinos who are Spanish citizens and around 5,000 Spanish citizens living in the Philippines.   Filipinos are embedded in Spanish society as engineers, educators, businessmen, artists, sportsmen and other workers.

Recently, Grupo Emperador Spain S.A., a wholly owned subsidiary of Emperador, has signed an agreement to acquire an additional 230 hectares of vineyard land in Toledo. It is owned by Filipino businessman Mr. Andrew Tan, who also owns the Torre Espacio in Madrid.  Mr. Lucio Co, another Filipino businessman became a shareholder of Spain´s Williams & Humbert Wineries by acquiring a significant stake in the Jerez winery.  The newly-appointed Philippine Honorary Consul in Barcelona, Atty. Chona Abiertas Tenorio, is a Filipino-Spanish Lawyer.

“The Filipinos are certainly present in Spain. You see us work in restaurants and various establishments, educational institutions, business world, art circles, medical field and many other areas of the Spanish society. We are not only good and hard workers, we are also achievers, leaders and most of all, we have a big heart who loves what we do and do what we love.  These ten awardees represent the love, dedication and commitment that I am talking about,” Ambassador Lhuillier said with a smile as he walked down to personally congratulate the awardees.

 

THE PHILIPPINES IN SPANISH CULTURE AND SOCIETY

(Pages 58-59)

 

While reasons vary for many people to choose Spain as their new home, one thing remains constant – Spain´s long history of embracing and welcoming peoples and ideas is a known fact.

Even though the Philippines ceased to be a part of the Spanish empire, the Filipinos are among the many who have chosen to settle in Spain. Integration of Filipinos has made settling easy due to deeply intertwined common and familiar cultures and history.  Some of those who found a new home in Spain have left marks in the Spanish society and popular culture.

Isabel Preysler is one such Filipina whose celebrity persona continues to grace pages of magazines and TV programs. Her style and fashion remain to be a topic of discussion, along with her family life. She is the mother to the famous pop singer, Enrique Iglesias, who, in several instances, has recognized his Filipino roots.

In the field of sports, Paulino Alcántara Riestrá, the Philippine-born football player, held a record for themost number of goals for FC Barcelona. His record was broken by Messi only after 87 years in 2014. Another Filipino-born football athlete was Marcelino “Chelin” Galatas who once played for the Spanish national team in 1927.

Philippine-born singers Luis Eduardo Aute Gutiérrez and Antonio “Junior” Morales, father Shaila Durcal, have likewise left imprints in the Spanish music scene.

Many other Filipinos are slowly making names for themselves in their own fields. It is estimated that there are over 40,000 Filipinos in Spain; however, the number is expected to be higher when one will include second and third generation Filipinos. The Filipinos in Spain are concentrated in the cities of Madrid and Barcelona, bringing their ways, ideas, care and talent into the Spanish society.

They did comment, however, that the language barrier was the most difficult challenge faced by Filipinos coming to Spain in the past 30 years. Spanish was removed from among the official languages in the Philippines in the 1987 Constitution, leaving the current population with some understanding of Spanish but lacking the facility to communicate in it. It can be said that the Filipinos with superior Spanish competence are those born before 1945. Those who continue to speak it comprise the small yet active number of Spanish speakers.

While some would lament about the state of the Spanish language in the Philippines, Filipinisms still found their way into the Spanish language since they were admitted by the Real Academia de Española. Amongthem are tuba (licor de palmera), yoyo (un juguete), abaca (cañamo de Manila) and dalaga (mujer soltera).

The Filipinos´ lack of Spanish linguistic abilities is offset by their competence in the English language which is a prized skill for employment in Spain. More and more Filipino nannies are hired by Spanish families not only to care for their children but also to supplement their children´s training in the English language. We shall soon be seeing a generation of Spanish kids reared by Filipinos, whose nurturing attribute is known throughout. Furthermore, the contribution of Filipino workers in the tourism and service sectors in Spain is appreciated.

Philippine companies and entrepreneurs have also found their way in Spain. The famed Sotogrande, the largest privately-owned residential development in Andalusia and playground of the rich, was founded by Filipino-Spaniards in the 60´s. Soon, a fifth tower in the Cuatro Torres Business Area in Madrid will rise thanks to a substantial investment by the Philippine real estate company Megaworld Corporation in partnership with Villar Mir Group. The addition of the new tower increases Philippine presence in the world of real estate. Torre Espacio, which houses several embassies in Madrid and is found in the Cuatro Torres Business Area, is also owned by Filipino magnate Mr. Andrew Tan of Megaworld.

The city of Cuenca, some 160 km southeast of Madrid, is home to the Museo de Arte Abstracto Español, a museum founded by Philippine-born Fernando Zobel. His contribution to the growth of Spanish abstract art is widely recognized, impacting his adopted city of Cuenca and generations of abstract artists all over the world. A trip to this mountain city via the train would take you to the train station named after him.

Five hundred years of interaction between the Spain and the Philippines have created influences over each other´s cultures and societies that go beyond family names and cuisines. The links established seal the bonds between the two countries and is worthy of a toast over San Miguel Beer, which, by the way, was originally brewed in the Philippines.

 

TRIBUTE TO SENATOR EDGARDO ANGARA

(Pages 60-63)

Former Philippine Senator Edgardo Angara left a legacy in rekindling the already friendly and vibrant relations between the Philippines and Spain when he authored the law that institutionalized the celebration of Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day.

 

Republic Act No. 9187 states:

June 30 is a day when President Emilio Aguinaldo commended the besieged Spanish soldiers in the Church of Baler for their loyalty and gallantry. To mark this momentous occasion, there is a need to declare said day a national holiday to remember the act of benevolence which has paved the way in bridging better relations between Philippines and Spain.

The 30th of June of each year is hereby declared as Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day to commemorate the cultural and historical ties, friendship and cooperation between the Philippines and Spain. It is hereby declared as a national special working holiday and a special non-working holiday in Aurora Province.

 

Every 30^th of June in the Philippines, series of events commemorate that turning point in Philippine-Spanish history.

It can be said that in recent years, no other Philippine legislator had championed Philippine-Spanish relations more than the late Senator Angara did.

His demise on 13 May 2018 was not only a sad note in the lives of his family but also to the promoters of the relations of the two countries.

Tributes all around poured in. During this year´s celebration of the Philippine National Day in Madrid on 12 June 2018, then Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of Spain, Mr. Ildefonso Castro, in his speech, recognized the notable contribution of Senator Angara in advancing the Philippine-Spanish relations.

Even days before he passed, Philippine Ambassador to Spain Philippe Lhuillier remembered meeting the senator in the Philippines to discuss the Embassy´s projects in Spain.

“He supported all the proposed projects. He was excited at the possibility of a one-stop shop in Madrid,” Ambassador Lhuillier recalled his meeting with the senator.

Among the recognitions received from Spain are Premio Casa Asia in 2010 and the Order of Isabel the Catholic, Great Cross, in 1995 when he was Senate President.

His absence was palpable last October 8, when the world celebrated the International Day of the Galeon. He was one of the main actors who pushed for the UNESCO proclamation to institutionalize the celebration of the Galleon Day, which was a Philippine initiative. Since the start of the celebration in 2010, he had spearheaded activities in the Philippines that highlighted the Galeon Trade as a forerunner of globalization, and one of the longest-running successful shipping routes ever.

He recognized that other than economic benefits, the galleon trade also brought interchanges of cultures, traditions and ideas among the peoples of the four continents.

He may have left the world without a visible successor, among the current legislators, to champion Philippine-Spanish relations, but he left more than enough for future generations to appreciate the lasting relations that the Philippines and Spain have.

 

FINDING COMMON MEANING IN THE 500^TH ANNIVERSARY OF

THE ARRIVAL OF SPAIN IN THE PHILIPPINES

(Pages 64-66)

 

The 500^th Anniversary of the arrival of Europeans to the Philippines means different things to different countries and their people. To Spain, the voyage commissioned by the Crown since 1518 meant a celebration of the its role in the marvels of nautical science, astounding foresight toreach previously unknown lands, and the beginning of a glorious empire that was to last four centuries.

To the Philippines, that first contact meant the beginning of its opening to the rest of the world, and unintentional it may be, the impetus in the eventual formation of nationalism—a common consequence of empire building—and the beginning of its journey towards nation-building.

To the rest of the world, as some would argue, this was arguably a key milestone in the history of globalization, and thereafter the exchange of cultures, ideas, technology was spurred to unprecedented heights.

Not surprisingly, the eventual disconnect in the narrative surrounding Spanish arrival in the country developed as each narrating country was constructing its national identity. Certain events are highlighted by storytellers, in this case the states, and proselytized among their respective local audience.

One such example of this is the marked difference in the retelling of the story of Ferdinand Magellan’s death. Antonio Pigafetta, the Italian scholar who kept a detailed journal of the events of the voyage, wrote of how Magellan was besieged by natives in Cebu while attempting to help a recently Catholicized local ruler convert other rulers to Catholicism. Magellan believed that his display of force would convince the chieftains to become Catholics. That fateful decision and his miscalculation of enemy forces, led by LapuLapu, resulted in Magellan’s death when he was struck in the face by a Mactan warrior using a local scimitar, and the retreat of Spanish ships from Cebu.

Forty-four years later, Spain would be back to successfully establish its first settlement in the islands, but that very first encounter in 1521 was marked by indigenous resistance.

Few mainstream, Spanish reading materials make mention of how Magellan died. A book on Spanish history found at a popular museum souvenir shop in Madrid, for instance, note that he “died en route,” and often times if you ask a Spaniard what they know of how Magellan died, they would tell you that as taught in school, he died from a poisoned arrow. The emphasis on poison, often associated with cowardice, seems an allusion to the impossibility of a larger-than-life character like Magellan being killed by indigenous peoples living in a far-away land.

In contrast, in the Philippines, Magellan’s arrival in the country is presented as the arrival of an interloper. His story begins upon arrival, and quickly ends in his death at the hands of a local warrior. That Filipinos highlight this fact is a constant reminder of their rare victory against colonial Spain and is rooted in, of course, nationalism, that has in turn, largely been shaped by Filipinos’ colonial experience. Unlike in Latin America, it is rare to find, in the Philippines, a public monument of a non-religious, political historical figure with Caucasian features. Filipinos are immensely proud of the fact that Magellan was killed in the Philippines. It is not the death of Magellan that is celebrated, but that Filipinos, through Lapu-Lapu, resisted. Lapu-Lapu is a hero, Magellan the villain is a story that every Filipino child can retell by heart.

The difference in our retelling of a single history brings to fore what ought to be underscored by both countries as we celebrate the Spanish and Filipino encounter in 1521. This is a story that, in reaching 500 years, has a number of iterations but whose two leading ones—those respectively told by the Spaniards and Filipinos—should be reconciled.

From the Filipino perspective, it is important to recall crucial elements in this story that have often been overlooked by Western historians in the past 500 years. When Magellan reached the archipelago, the island of Luzon to the north of Cebu was already home to societies for close to 17,000 years. Several “Datus” in Cebu who worked with the Europeans were clearly operating on their own network—of trade and familial relations—that enabled them to interact with Magellan and his crew confidently. From the 10^th to 13^th centuries, the archipelago hosted societies that were able to cultivate the talents of goldsmiths who crafted jewelry, regalia and other artifacts made from gold.

These recent discoveries of a pre-colonial antiquity in a country whose climate and earthquake-prone geography often doesn’t allow for preservation of artifacts and architecture, evoke the precolonial past that Filipinos continuously seekas basis for a national identity that is free of colonialism.

This is why Filipino nationalists are vexed when Westerners refer to the arrival of Magellan as the “discovery of the Philippines.” This fallacious, Western-centric phraseology has been repeated so many times in history textbooks that it will take several generations to expunge such language from educational materials, but also, crucially, the national mindset that this presentation of events helped to mold. For a group of people, it creates a conviction of inferiority to be told through Western-oriented social science classes that your country was discovered by someone else, and your heritage began from that discovery.

Perhaps there is no stronger evidence of the strength of pre-colonial identity than in the existence and uninterrupted use of Filipino languages. Unlike Latin America, the Philippines has never been a fully Spanish-speaking country. This is another thing, perhaps, that makes this country different from the rest of Spain’s former colonies. People like to say that Spain never truly taught Spanish to the people of the country but this may only be partly true.

What is remarkable though is that Pigafetta wrote a vocabulary of the Butuanon and Cebuano languages, with most of the words still widely used to this day by native speakers of that language. The fact is, after 333 years of Spain, and almost 50 years of American rule, the Philippines can still account for more than 175 of its languages. One may therefore argue that Spanish did not become a lingua franca because in the same way that Tagalog is not widely spoken outside of Luzon and parts of Mindanao dominated by Tagalog settlers, the local languages were more than sufficient in communicating effectively among each other.

The Philippines is a country of passing conquerors and politics, but what remains constant through it all is its local languages.

It is important to note that the Philippines has only ever been independent for 120 years, versus the 333 years of Spanish rule from 1521-1898. There are so much in the Filipino psyche, language and traditions that come from Spain and that Filipinos are little aware of as they’ve been entrenched so irrevocably in the Filipino way of life. It is also hard to speak of the Filipino-Spanish relationship without mention of Catholicism, which was wholeheartedly embraced by Filipinos much more so than they did the Spanish language.

The 500-year-old ties that bind the Philippines and Spain are long, enduring, rich and complex.

As Spain and the Philippines celebrate 500 years of knowing each other, it is important to take stock of the things that define this relationship and find relevance and common meaning from this crucial, watershed moment in world history. Understanding the reasons behind certain narratives through a pragmatic view of history will surely allow both sides to learn more from each other, and from there, further develop bilateral and people-to-people relations that is forward-looking but fully acknowledges the past.

 

Being more accessible than banks, pawnshops have been a prevalent presence in the lives of Filipinos for many years. They have stood against the test of time and have continued to provide funds for any struggling kapwa Pilipino at a reasonable cost. Despite this, there are a lot of things not known about them. Below are a few lesser-known facts about pawnshops that might just surprise you.

1. Regulation

Licensed Philippine-based pawnshops, like Cebuana Lhuillier, are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) through the Registration of Pawnshops and Money Service Business. This is to ensure the physical and financial safety of all pawnshop customers.

2. Responsibility

Aside from regulation, pawnshops also work with various establishments to ensure that the items they accept aren’t stolen goods. Pawn brokers are trained to identify their customers and keep records of the people they deal with.

In fact, all personnel in charge of pawnshops are screened and required to attend a seminar as per the orders of the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLA). This is to ensure that they are knowledgeable about customer identification, record keeping, and reporting of covered or suspicious transactions.

3. Authenticity

Pawnshops disregard age, style and brands when appraising jewelry. Instead, they pay attention to the actual value of the item. The prices of precious metals, such as gold and platinum, and precious stones, like diamonds, tend to fluctuate in the international market. Pawnbrokers monitor these and will adjust their prices accordingly to the weight and karat of your item. This means that, no matter how old your item is, you’ll still get a fair price according to the world market.

4. Accessible

According to the BSP, 86% of Filipino households don’t have a bank account. That means that these Filipinos cannot apply for a bank loan should the need arise. Also, most lending establishments will require you to present a credit report, something that is not at all easy to keep spotless nowadays.

Pawnshops, on the other hand, do not require you to have a good credit score. They only need two things to conduct a transaction: a valid ID and collateral.

That’s not to say that pawnshops are unsafe because of their availability. The essence of their business, to ‘hold’ an item in exchange for a loan, protects the establishment from losing money by taking ownership of said item should the pawner default on their payments. But as long as you stick to the agreement, you’ll get your item back at the end of the loan period.

This is good news for people outside the financial mainstream. Sure, temporarily losing your precious ring or laptop may not feel good, but going to a pawnshop is a much safer bet than borrowing from an unscrupulous lender and falling in an unending cycle of debt.

5. History

What may come as a surprise to most people is that St. Nick, Father Christmas, or more commonly known as Santa Claus, is the patron saint of pawnshops. The pawnshop industry started out as charitable organizations that helped the needy known as montespietatius. They would give low-interest loans to the poor to help them buy food and other necessities. Santa Claus’ well-known generosity and selflessness cemented his place as the patron saint of the montespietatius.

In the context of the Philippines, not much has changed. While most people who go to pawnshops are not in such dire straits that they are lacking in food, they still receive the help they need at an affordable cost.

With all of that said, you may be looking for a pawnshop that can provide you with some help during this Christmas season. No worries, as Cebuana Lhuillier has got your back. With their Pawning Service, you can be sure that you’ll never go short on any amount, as they accept an array of items, from jewelry to gadgets, as collateral. They also lead the pawning industry by offering safety and the highest appraisal rate with close to 2,500 branches nationwide. Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – for a fast, easy and secure transaction.

Let’s admit it. Sometimes, we want things we can’t afford. Most of the time, we can curb such destructive desires because we know better. However, there are rare times when that thing we want is actually also a thing we need. If that’s the case, then maybe it’s time to think about getting a loan.

There are several ways to get a loan in the Philippines, but let’s compare two of the most common methods: loans from banks and loans from pawnshops.

Who can get a loan?

To apply for a bank loan, you must have an account in a bank. You also need to meet a certain financial standard depending on the type of loan (housing, business or car) and the amount of money you want to borrow.

Pawn loans don’t need any sort of membership. As long as you have something valuable enough to pawn, you’re good to go.

How much can I get?

Bank loans can readily give higher amounts of funds. More often than not, people take out bank loans to pay for large expenses like cars, a house, or to start a business.

The amount of money you can get in a pawn loan depends on the value of the pawned item. Likely, it won’t reach the same amount than that of bank loans’.

How long does it take?

Typically, the entire process of applying, reviewing, and approving a bank loan takes around seven days. In some cases, it may even take a little longer.

On the other hand, as long as everything is clear, a pawn loan won’t even take you an entire day. This is good news for people who are in urgent need of money.

Which is best for me?

It depends on your needs really. If you plan on getting a loan for a business, a bank loan might be more suitable as it’s likely that you’ll need a large amount to get your startup running. However, pawn loans are more convenient if there’s an emergency, if you’re in a hurry, or if you just need a certain amount to tide you over the next few weeks.

With that in mind, if you are in need of no-fuss quick cash, Cebuana Lhuillier has got your back. With our Pawning Service, you can feel at ease that you’re getting your collateral’s worth. Our expert appraisers will provide you with the highest appraisals and the fairest terms. Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

The local news is always abundant of reports involving crimes. Each and every day, we’d hear news of break-ins and robberies. Indeed, it is a risky world out there, which is why we are always comforted by the fact that the four corners of our home will always be a reliable fortress against these people who do not particularly have our own interest at heart. However, what if our homes are the next target of these muggers? No need to worry, as we have enumerated a few cost-effective ways to rack up the security of your homes against these burglars:

1) A few small adjustments can go a long way.

Home security doesn’t have to be complicated. If you want to know the mindset of a thief, think like one. Re-enact the possible scenarios, “What if I was a thief? Where would my point of entry be? What would I have to steal first?” Assess the situation, analyze the scenario, and change what has to be changed. You could block entry points to your home. You could fix that broken lock on your windows (local hardware stores sell them at an affordable price), you can trim shrubs at your yard, you can plant empty soda cans that goes “crunch!” whenever someone steps on them at the late hours. Your options are limitless.

2) Keep expensive outdoor items in the garage.

If your vehicle isn’t occupying the whole garage space, then consider stowing in your other outdoor items with the vehicle as well. You can keep your motorcycle, bikes, and grill beside the vehicle, behind closed doors and away from the prying eyes of thieves. You can also install an additional lock within your garage; hence, it could only be opened from the inside, an added security measure, overall.

3) Install curtains on your windows.

One of the most overlooked security measure may just be the simplest yet – curtains. Your mom and grand mom would normally install them in order to keep the heat of the sun at bay, and when there’s a cool breeze, you can simply tie them in order to let the breeze in. However, they are also an effective way to limit visibility from the outside. Thieves are master planners when it comes to staking out their targets, hence, why it’s important to block their view. Curtains would not only keep outsiders from seeing your valuables, they’d also prevent assailants from having a definite idea of the number of people they’d have to go against with, if ever they make the crucial mistake of breaking in your humble home.

4) Don’t hide keys outdoors.

There are times in which we’d lose our keys due to work stress and confusion, that happens to everyone, but you should remember not to keep a spare key outside your home. You may be used to the idea of hiding a key under a rock or the welcome mat, but thieves are perceptive nowadays, hence why you should mix it up and avoid doing the usual. If you want to keep a spare key, you may do so within your own pocket or bag, you may even keep it inside the shoe you’re wearing, just as long as there’s proper padding to keep it from puncturing your sole.

5) Whenever you leave the house, even for a while, leave a light or a radio on.

Nothing terrifies a thief more than the presence of residents within a supposedly empty home. Don’t give them any peace of mind or satisfaction at all, leave a diversion instead. Burglars are wary of in-home presence, and they’ll always think twice of entering a home with a loud radio or a light turned on.

6) Adopt a dog.

It may seem counterintuitive at this point, but think of it this way, you’ll not only earn a very loyal companion, you’ll also have an active defense against burglars, 24/7. Even if the burglars were to change their mind upon seeing the presence of your dog, you’d still have enough time to call the police and report a burglary attempt. This would further re-enforce your community security as a whole.

With all of those in mind, one main way of protecting your home is availing a home insurance; however, you may definitely want to weigh in your options, analyzing which establishment would be best for availing a home insurance premium and coverage. Look no further than with Cebuana Lhuillier’s HomeCARE Insurance, with its very affordable insurance coverage. It offers loss protection to buildings and residential dwellings including their contents against perils of fire, lightning and other allied perils such as earthquake, typhoon and flood. Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

Jewelry is everyone’s best friend. You may get properly groomed with a gold or silver ring, a necklace, a bracelet, or even a pair of earrings, and the outcome would always be the same, you’d always look elegant and dashing all throughout. In such case, you are thinking of trying to get a bargain over other shops and are analyzing your options. A majority would go for the obvious choice; but not all obvious choices are correct. Here are a few pointers regarding buying jewelry from pawnshops vs. buying them from jewelers:

Buying from pawnshops:

• Pawnshops are more analytic when it comes to pricing their items. Believe it or not, they can even price their gold pieces according to the current price of gold in the market. Think of it as their way of monitoring the market, in order to ensure that you, as the buyer, and them as the seller are both going to get the best deal. This means that their prices are even more realistic than what you can find on a jewelry retailer nowadays.

• Aside from monitoring, they can also adjust their price to reflect the said rate of jewelry. While jewelers price their items according to its make, design, and even designer name, pawnbrokers price theirs according to weight and karat. Think of it this way, it’s not all about aesthetics, it’s about the real value of the item. This means that you would always get a fair price, or even lower if the item in question is affordable according to the market markdown.

• This brings us to one of the significant pointer of pawnshops; they would usually disregard designer name and origin, in order to evaluate the jewelry fair and square, its contents, its weight, its make, the intricacies of its design, etc. Getting rid of the designer name makes it more practical to analyze the item, since you wouldn’t want to raise its price just because the designer or brand name is famous. The reputation of the designer would definitely come last; it’s all about the actual quality of the jewelry.

Buying from jewelers:

• Jewelers or retail jewelry shops in particular do little to no effort when it comes to changing the price of the item. It’s all about the origin of the item (how it was designed, who designed it, etc.). In short, they are all priced according to cost basis. It’s just like buying one of those modern cellphones, regardless of the features; you’re always going to be charged according to the name and legacy of its manufacturer, not because of the functionality and convenience it provides.

• Fun Fact: Jewelers buy their items wholesale, like groceries. Now, take notice of the word ‘buy’ from that recent sentence. You may ask, “So, jewelers spend money outright just so they’ll have something to sell?” Yes, you got that right. The thing is, this will enable them to mark up the price of each item, even going as high as a 100%, in order to get back what they’ve spent and make a profit at the same time. So regardless if it’s just a small ring or a miniscule pair of earrings, you will still be charged a high cost. We’re not even getting to the part that they might charge more simply because the item was made by a well-known designer, no different from those luxurious designer bags or dresses.

• A jeweler wouldn’t bother to adjust their prices due to the two former reasons; hence, you would not be able to adjust your budget. There is never a low cost when it comes to retail jewelers, unlike pawnshops, in which both you and the pawnbroker could strike a fair deal – a win-win situation.

With all of that being said, you may be looking for a pawn shop that would provide you with the most honest return possible. No worries, as Cebuana Lhuillier has got your back. With their Pawning Service you can never go short in any amount, as they accept an array of items, from jewelry to gadgets, as collateral. In such case, they’d also offer the best items they have once you decide to buy jewelry from them. They also lead the pawning industry by offering safety and the highest appraisal rate in the industry in its close to 2,500 branches nationwide.

Image source: https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/golden-jewelry-in-store-window_1474608.htm

OFWs are one of the thriftiest when it comes to their budget. There are countless stories of OFWs coming back and staying in the Philippines for good, with their entire savings well enough to last them for countless years to come. Perhaps that would be an indicator that they finally have enough for a local business venture. Either that or they were able to settle down with a non-luxurious lifestyle, hence, decreasing their daily expenses. With that in mind, there are also those who were unlucky enough, perhaps due to a few wrong decisions along the way. With their savings gone and foreign contract fulfilled, they are obliged to travel again and repeat the never-ending loop of working far away from home. Don’t make the same mistakes, avoid the following pitfalls:

1) Falling for pyramid scams.

Pyramid scams are rampant and some victims are OFWs. Many of them are tempted to join such get-rich-quick scams due to the fact that an easy surge of money would mean that they’ll be able to come home to their families sooner than expected. These are of course too good to be true, and they end up regretting ever participating and wasting their time and hard-earned money for promised riches which are definitely a lie.

2) Not setting a financial plan.

Don’t just strive to save; you got to have an end result in mind. How much are you planning to save? What will you be using it for? How are you going to save a much bigger amount? These are questions that only you could answer. Remember, the more you budget, the better. Don’t be embarrassed to create a list. Having a written plan of your financial goals is a great indication that you’re willing to put in the work, just so you can save from each salary cut-off. Speaking of which…

3) Not including your savings as part of the expense pool.

You might be confused, “Why would I even call it savings when I categorize it as part of the expenses?” Allow us to elaborate. As an OFW, you still have your monthly dues, bills, rent, groceries, etc. But those are just the usual expenses, remember, you must consider the amount that you’re going to save as part of the expenses as well. This is the alternate perception of “saving only if there is any amount left.” This is wrong! Instead, practice the “I better put aside an amount, regardless if there would be any leftovers or not.” It’ll motivate you to set aside a specific number, rather than trying to save from a few monthly penny leftovers.

4) Being the only source of income for your family back at home.

There is nothing wrong with providing for your family – it’s your obligation and the main reason why you left the country in the first place. However, you are also entitled to let your family know that you can only do so much. You are not the owner of a multi-billion company, and neither are you the president of your own country to provide for everyone every time there’s trouble and shortages. As an OFW, it is your responsibility to help and provide for the usual budget, but if you’re going to be forced into providing for the whole ‘barangay’ then that’s definitely counterintuitive.

5) Having no emergency funds.

Set aside an emergency fund every salary day. This should be different from your savings. The thing is, you shouldn’t even be touching your savings at all. Whenever unforeseen circumstances were to occur, your emergency funds would diligently provide for you, without hurting your financial roadmap in the long run.

6) Being a “Yes Man.”

God always loves a cheerful giver. During your stay abroad, you may encounter a fellow OFW going through some rough time. You should definitely help out, but do not pour out all your hard-earned cash, hoping that you’ll be paid back immediately. The best that you could do without hurting much of your budget? Respectfully say “No.” If your budget wouldn’t allow it, let your fellows know that you are in the same rough patch as they are, and you’ll definitely help out if ever you’d get any extra. But until then, you may just decline any effort to borrow cash from you.

7) Ignoring legitimate investment opportunities.

What better way to earn than to pursue a good investment opportunity. You could invest on your fringe benefits, you could invest on a house back at home, or you could even invest on a few healthcare services. These investments are not to be confused with pyramid scams, as those would usually promise easy money. Legitimate investments do not promise quick cash, but instead, showcase a few good terms which could work best for you. The more that you’ll indulge on investment numbers, the more that your money would grow in the long run.

With all of that in mind, you may have saved enough and finally be ready to send your hard-earned money to your family back at home; however, you are still undecided as to which remitting center you should transact with. Well no need to look any further. With Cebuana Lhuillier’s Pera Padala Service, you are ensured an easy, quick, and safe way to send and receive money. With close to 2,500 branches nationwide and accredited international partners, this money transfer service is made available to clients within and outside the Philippines. So for our beloved OFW patrons, feel free to visit any of our international partners – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

For a complete list of our international partners, you may visit our website at https://www.cebuanalhuillier.com/pera-padala/.

Image source: https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/money-flying-cartoon-vector_756523.htm

As the saying goes, a good magician never shares his secret. In most cases, it’s all full of smoke and mirrors, with a big pay off at the end. The same can’t be said for pawnshops though. Pawnshops have a set of rules and policies to follow, each one put in place in order to make sure that, unlike magic tricks, there are no sleight of hand, but instead, great deals and value between the pawner and pawnbroker. The goal for both parties is to attain a win-win situation at the end. In such case, many are still intrigued and unaware of the process that happens within the pawnshop, many questions which were left unanswered, until now.

Here are 7 common questions about how pawnshops operate:

1) What are pawnshops for?

Want to earn a few extra cash? You may just head over to your nearest pawnshop, just make sure that the items you’d bring are in good condition. You may see pawnshops as an establishment to lend you cash, in a way, it is. However, unlike banks, pawnshops would require you to leave behind a valuable item, may it be jewelry, a gadget, etc., after which, the pawnshop will hold onto that item. Only after the loaned amount has been paid in full could you get your valuable/s back.

2) I can get a loan from places other than pawnshops, so why go to a pawnshop then?

When you say other places, you may have been referring to banks. It sounds logical at first mention, but remember, banks wouldn’t often take time to even bother lending you a small amount. There are a lot of paperwork that goes into loaning from a bank, not to mention, the hassle that you’d have to go through in order to even proceed with each process. Pawnshops offer something that banks don’t – convenience. Pawnbrokers would just analyze the item to be pawned, and then, you’re all set to receive the amount (the exact value would depend on the condition of the item).

3) You mentioned no paperwork, so what are the requirements then?

Two main things: A valid ID and the item in question. Pawnshops wouldn’t require any other heavy paper load. Just as long as you’re honest about the value of the item and you have a clear ID at hand, you’re all set to push through with the deal.

4) What can I pawn?

Jewelry is at the top of the list, but other items such as gadgets and a few select appliances are also accepted. As long as they’re not damaged and are still functional, you can bet that you’ll receive a good appraisal for them. Pawnbrokers are analytic, but not very picky, just as long as the items in question are qualified according to the rules and regulations of the pawnshop, then you’re good to go.

5) What are the benchmarks of indicating my item’s value?

There are a few important factors to be considered in doing this. For a better understanding, we may also see these factors in question form:
• What is the condition of the item?
• What is its current market value?
• What is the cost of storing/holding onto the item?
• How big is its potential to be sold?

Some experienced pawnbrokers may determine these factors upon witnessing the item firsthand, though in most cases, they’d do further digging, just to make sure that you’ll get a fair amount in return.

6) What are the offered lengths of payment?

A standard practice nowadays is to hold onto the item for at least 30 to 90 days, it would all depend on the agreement between pawner and pawnbroker. In most cases, policies are to be followed, so the pawnbroker would dictate the length of the payment period. No worries though, as you wouldn’t be given any unfair length, depending on the value of your item. Take note that you can renew the loan period (with a fair amount of interest in exchange). If you ever reach the point of not being able to pay back the loan at all, no worries, as the pawnshop wouldn’t even come after you; they will just keep the item or auction them off.

7) Are pawnshops secure?

Yes, they are. Most pawnshops are situated within re-enforced establishments, usually offering a safe place for you to transact with the pawnbroker. They are well-secured (CCTV cameras, security guards, etc.) and adhere to the law and regulation of proper pawning business practices. You wouldn’t have to worry about scams and unfair deals, just as long as you transact within the premises of the pawnshop, and with well-ID’ed and uniformed personnel.

With all of that being said, you may be looking for a pawn shop that would provide you with the most honest and highest appraisal possible. No worries, as Cebuana Lhuillier has got your back. With their Pawning Service you can never go short in any amount, as they accept an array of items, from jewelry to gadgets, as collaterals. They also lead the pawning industry by offering safety and the highest appraisal rate in the industry with its close to 2,500 branches nationwide. Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

Image source: https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/car-stack-of-coins-colored-pencil-calculator-and-magnifying-glass-on-financial-report_3090850.htm

Every once in a while, you find yourself in need of cash. When monthly income isn’t enough, you may decide to take a few of your pre-loved items out of the storage bin and sort out which you can sell off. There’s nothing wrong with doing that (especially if the items are still in pristine condition), but did you know that you may still do something better with your old items rather than simply selling them? Why, you pawn them off, of course. You may ask, “Are there any advantages in pawning over selling?” Yes, there is. As a matter of fact, we had enumerated a few of the most significant ones:

1) The item is still yours.

Yup, you’ve read that right. If you’re having second thoughts about selling your item, then fear not. Pawning allows you to receive money from your pawned item while keeping it safe for the time being. Of course, this is to be considered as something closer to a loan rather than a sale. As with all loans, you may need to pay a small fee monthly in order for the pawnshop to keep your item safe. As long as you pay it all off, then you’d have nothing to worry about. You can still get your item back once everything is settled. This is very much unlike a garage sale, where your pre-loved items may be gone forever, owned by the owners who bought them from you.

2) No hassle and haggle.

When selling off your items, the potential buyers would usually haggle with you, telling you that your pre-loved cellphone is no longer “on trend,” thus should cost a lot less. This is understandably frustrating, yet very avoidable when you choose to pawn off your items instead. If the item you’re pawning off is still in pristine condition, then there is a chance that you may still get a great deal out of it. You may do your own homework, research on the current value of your old items, and then verify the possible price to be offered by the pawnshop. Nonetheless, pawnshops follow a particular standard range, so you should still get a good deal with no haggling involved.

3) Aside from current market price, the item condition is also a plus factor.

If you’re the type of person who doesn’t like wear and tear on his/her personal belongings, then you’re in luck. In spite of the underlying lower value in second-hand items, you can still get a high rate from pawnshops rather than from garage sales. You see, a good-working cellphone, regardless if it’s second hand or not, as long as it still functions the way that it should would still hold significant value. Selling off the item, however, welcomes the possibility of the potential buyer wanting to get a better deal than you, thus, a win-lose situation. Avoid experiencing any of this and go for a win-win situation. The better the item is, the higher the appraisal from pawnshops.

With all of that being said, you may be looking for a pawn shop that would provide you with the most honest and highest appraisal possible. No worries, as Cebuana Lhuillier has got your back. With our Pawning Service you can never go short in any amount, as we accept an array of items, from jewelry to gadgets, as collaterals. We also lead the pawning industry by offering safety and the highest appraisal rate in the industry in our close to 2,500 branches nationwide. Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we guarantee fast, easy and secure transactions.

All OFWs have the obligation to provide for their family. Money remittance is the most obvious choice when it comes to sending financials back at home. You may ask, “Is it all because of convenience? Is that the only reason why both the senders and receivers prefer money remittance over other forms of financial transfers?” Well, the definite answer would be negative, as safety and quick results would always come in play. With all of that being said, safety measures should still be practiced by both sides, especially now that countless scams are rampant. Here are a few important tips for both the senders and receivers regarding safe money transfers:

1) Verify the money transfer service that you will be transacting with.

If you are sending money, go for a trusted name when it comes to money transfers. Do your own homework, research on the remittance establishment before shelling out your hard-earned cash for the transfer process. There have been news of OFWs getting scammed in recent years due to them being in contact with scammers pretending to be personnel of countless remittance centers. Do not make the very same mistake. Be cautious and only transact within the confines of the establishment itself. Avoid any person claiming to be part of the remittance company if they are lacking the necessary identifications.

2) Only share the transaction details with your loved ones.

Never share any transaction information with other people, may it be your office mates or overseas friends. Things may get out of hand and the information may be leaked, leading to the perpetrators waiting on the receiving end of the remittance, rather than your family. Make sure to communicate the transaction only with your family members, a few days prior to the transaction itself, so that they may prepare for the quick travel towards their nearest remittance center. You may even text the details (instead of saying them out loud via call), so that they may only be the ones to receive such important information like control number and the remittance amount.

3) Avoid any suspicious-looking apps that may claim to handle money transfers via your smartphone.

While the advent of technology enabled a few legitimate money transfer apps to exist, that doesn’t mean that all of the money transfer apps that you see online are all legitimate. Some are just phishing apps, hoping to get your personal details, resulting to your income loss, or worse, identity theft. It is still better to transact within the confines of a well-verified money transfer establishment, just as long as you’d consider the first two pointers.

4) Be cautious of text messages coming from people who are pretending to be your so-called loved ones abroad.

Ever had the experience of receiving a text message from a person who claims to be your OFW relative abroad? Did he/she ask you to send over cash or cellphone load in order to receive that long-awaited remittance? Well, if ever you did, you are just one of the many that were a target of these ridiculous scam messages. Never give any important info, and most of all, never reply to any of these messages. If your smartphone would permit, block the number and report them to the authorities, as these crooks are always on the text prowl, looking to make an easy score from any unknowing person who isn’t familiar yet with this type of scam.

5) After receiving the remittance details from your loved one abroad, never share it to anyone.

This is similar to the second pointer, but in reverse. Keep the control number and remittance amount all to yourself. Never share any details; never tell of the upcoming money transfer even to your neighbors. Word may spread, and this may be utilized by thieves in planning to do something bad when the day of the remittance arrives. Remember, remittance info may only be received by you and you alone, so never hesitate to keep it to yourself.

6) Only transact within the confines of the remittance center.

Stay alert and be cautious of your surroundings. Never speak with anyone claiming to be employees of the remittance center. Only communicate with the remittance personnel inside the establishment itself. It’s easy to recognize which is which, identified by their uniforms and IDs. After the transaction (and as much as possible), never linger for too long. Immediately take a ride straight home, so that crooks wouldn’t have enough time to monitor or plot your every move. Remember, prevention is always better than cure.

Speaking of well-trusted remittance centers, you may be ready to send your hard-earned money to your family back at home; however, you are still undecided as to which remitting center you should transact with. Well no need to look any further. With Cebuana Lhuillier’s Pera Padala Service, you are ensured an easy, quick, and safe way to send and receive money. With close to 2,500 branches nationwide and accredited international partners, this money transfer service is made available to clients within and outside the Philippines. So for our beloved OFW patrons, feel free to visit any of our international partners – we guarantee fast, easy and secure transactions.

For a complete list of our international partners, you may visit our website at https://www.cebuanalhuillier.com/pera-padala/.

Image Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/SkA2TeXOfks

Moms, what would we be without them? Aside from the unbeatable care and love that a mother provides for her child, she is also someone whom a son or daughter can look up to as he or she grows up. The most impressive thing about moms is that they aren’t only focused on household matters; most of them would also try to balance family life and career. The fact that they are able to accomplish this with seemingly no effort at all (or so we think) is what makes them the modern-day superheroes of our lives. This is even more challenging for OFW moms, who not only have to endure stress from work, but also the loneliness brought about by being far from their loved ones. For all the OFW moms who are looking for valuable tips on practical parenting but do not know where to begin, well, look no further than our five important tips:

1) Evaluate your priorities.

For moms who travel from time to time, it is important to set your free time for giving your kids the attention that they need. Fill in that gap brought by your absence due to overseas work. Communicate with them, connect with them, make them understand the situation, and let them know that even if you aren’t around often, they are always in your mind every step of the way. It’s tough balancing travel paperwork tasks and family weekends during your short annual vacations, but be sure to spend a majority of them with your kids. Show them that they matter more than any amount that you can earn from your overseas job.

2) Help them out with their academics online.

One good thing about technology is that they enable you to communicate with loved ones, even if they’re miles away. There are countless online apps that cater to your needs, specifically, those that provide video calling. With that in mind, you can now help out your kids with their school work. Be updated on their academic performances and achievements. Assist them with their homework and make them feel that you can still help them even if you aren’t physically around.

3) Always make time for communication.

This is somehow similar to the first pointer, however, this is leaning more towards the sudden offset of communication, not the planned ones. As kids grow up, they start asking crucial questions. It is essential for moms to answer these types of questions (in equal importance with the dad) in order to guide your kids with life advice and encouragement. Not making time at all for these types of situations may result in your kids becoming aloof and isolated, and you wouldn’t want that to happen.

4) Never forget important dates.

This is definitely one of the least things that an OFW mom would ever have to worry about (as no mother can and would ever forget their loved ones), unless of course they are always pre-occupied with work. It doesn’t matter if it’s your kid’s birthday, first communion, graduation, etc., never forget to acknowledge your kids during such important dates. Greet them, congratulate them, and show them that they will always be a part of your life regardless of the distance.

5) Reward them on every valuable triumph and academic achievements.

Birthday bash, graduation, high grades, you name it. Send over a new console that they’ve been asking for a long time, or the latest rubber shoes available in the market. If they’re at the right age, you may also buy them the latest cellphone model, as long as they promise to take care of it. Your choices are endless when it comes to rewarding your kids.

If you’re not sure on the type of reward for your kids, then why not let their dad handle it? You can just send him the cash amount to avail the item back at home. You are ready to send your hard-earned cash; however, you are still undecided as to which remitting center you should transact with. Well no need to look any further. With Cebuana Lhuillier’s Pera Padala Service, you are ensured an easy, quick, and safe way to send and receive money. With close to 2,500 branches nationwide and accredited international partners, this money transfer service is made available to clients within and outside the Philippines. So what are you waiting for? Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we guarantee fast, easy and secure transactions.

Image Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/TCYj_UxoIUY

We are all bothered by mess. It’s counter-productive to work at a station filled with your unorganized stuff, the same way that we are all hassled at home by a pile of our used clothes. If you’ve been putting off your cleaning schedules or weekend duties, the clutter in our homes would come back to haunt us, one way or the other. “How on earth would I be able to clean all of this mess?” – you may ask. Well, look no further than four of our best tips:

1) In with the new, out with the old.

If you happen to purchase a new set of wardrobe or furniture, it would only be sensible to set aside the ones which you are no longer going to use. Depending on the amount of free space in your home, you may either stash (in an orderly manner, of course) the old items inside your cabinet or at a spare room (for some, this may either be a room once occupied by a family member who already went away to work abroad or a typical guest room). If there isn’t any spare room at home, you may also store the unused items in your garage, provided that your car doesn’t take up the whole space.

2) Organize, organize, and organize.

What better way to organize than with a few affordable drawers or bookshelves. The thing about decluttering is that you have the option to arrange your items creatively, without having to throw away anything. If your magazine or book collections are just lying around the house, a nifty bookshelf may just be what you need. On the other hand, for those types of belongings that you wouldn’t want others to see, you can just simply lock them away in a drawer. The choice is yours.

3) Never leave off any minor clutter from the beginning.

A small amount of clutter can pile up, thus, leaving you with a huge amount of mess, sooner or later. Learn to organize from the very beginning, so that you wouldn’t have to put up with the clutter during your rest days. Weekends are for relaxation, so do not leave off any mess during the weekdays.

4) Pawn or sell off your old items.

If you have no extra space at home for your old items, then the best option would be for you to sell or pawn your items off, whichever suits you best. The thing about garage sales is that they always attract a particular set of people who are either looking to buy something cheap or add something to their novelty collection. In such case, you’d only be able to sell your old items for a smaller price, rather than pawning them off, which would provide you with a much better deal, given that your items are still in pristine condition.

With all of that being said, you may be looking for a pawn shop that would provide you with the best deal possible. No worries, as Cebuana Lhuillier has got your back. With our Pawning Service, you can never go short in any amount, as we accept an array of items, from jewelry to gadgets, as collaterals. We also lead the pawning industry by offering safety and the highest appraisal rate in the industry with close to 2,500 branches nationwide. Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we guarantee fast, easy and secure transactions.

Image source: https://unsplash.com/photos/bYOi200uQ6w

You obviously need capital to start your dream venture. You may decide to apply for a business loan in order to acquire the necessary financials. However, you may be unaware of a few pre-requisites. These documents are important to assure the lenders that you are able to pay back the money that you owe after your business takes off. With this in mind, we have enumerated a few loan requirements for you to take note of:

1. The Business Plan

Lenders need to know what your business is all about. What products or services are you going to offer? How many people are going to manage it? How do you intend to grow? Where are you planning to open up? These important questions should be answered within your business plan. This way, not only would lenders know of your good intentions towards the amount that they’re going to provide, but they’d also have a fair idea of the amount that they should lend you.

2. Disclosure of other Debts

Much like when you’re applying for a credit card, lenders need to know whether or not you have other unpaid debts. This isn’t much about your business goals, but more of your ability to pay them back later on. If you have other unpaid debts even before you’ve applied for a business loan, chances are, lenders would have second thoughts in approving your claim. Not being diligent in paying past debts is a sign that you are unfit to pursue further financial responsibilities.

3. Collateral

As with all loans, there are times when the borrower would not be able to pay up on time. In such case, the lending institution may require collateral, something that they may get in return for the unpaid borrowed amount. Signing a loan contract puts you in a commitment to pay back what you owe, and not being able to do so would hurt the lenders much more than you, hence, the policy of acquiring collateral for the loaned amount. Take note that collaterals may come in different forms, may it be your car, your indoor belongings, or even your house.

4. Bank Statements

One of the main things that lenders are looking out for is your financial responsibility. Of course, the main reason why you’re applying for a business loan is because you do not have the right amount for your capital. However, loaning institutions would still require this in order to evaluate how healthy your business’ cash flow is. Are you the type who saves and spends responsibly, or are you the type of person who withdraws cash from his account and jeopardizes the business’ financial health? Your financial habits and reputation would precede you, overall.

5. Business Licenses and Permits

This is one way to show the lenders that you’re really serious about your dream venture. It doesn’t matter if you’re opening up a spa or a net café, as long as the local government knows about it and is cleared to operate within your chosen location, then it’s a solid proof for the loaning institution that your business would exist once they approve your loan.

When you’re ready to give it another try, get a jumpstart on your business venture with a trusted name that offers only the best service possible. Our network of more than 2,200 Cebuana Lhuillier branches and online presence give customers unlimited access and utter convenience in applying for a loan. Our five-point application to disbursement process ensures services are delivered on time. So what are you waiting for? Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

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Start them young, as they say. It doesn’t matter if you’re still below the age of 30, you can already start your own business. Age doesn’t matter nowadays, especially if you’re planning to achieve your goals well within your 20’s. Whatever fits and works for you, go for it! With that in mind, every entrepreneur with a dream venture definitely needs capital in order to start their business. If you’re one of the few who have already saved enough for such needed capital, then we congratulate you! However, if you’re one of the many who have yet to find their investors, then keep on reading, as we have enumerated a few business financing tips for you:

1. Borrowing your capital amount from your family and friends.

If you want to borrow money, look no further than the people you’d meet each and every day of your life. Let them know of your intentions and be sure to explain the ins and outs of your business. The thing about family members is that they are always supportive of your good deeds, the same goes for your friends. If you present your business plan in a simple, yet, effective way, they may even consider adding a few extra to your capital, just to help you out in the long run. Of course, never forget to pay them back, depending on the agreed date and time. As much as they are your family and friends, you wouldn’t want any conflict to arise just because you haven’t paid yet what is due, even after your business has already taken off successfully.

2. Consider looking for Angel Investors.

Simply put, angel investors are wealthy individuals who provide capital for a business start-up, usually in exchange for convertible debt or ownership equity. Take note of the “convertible debt” part, that means that they may either refuse to receive money in return, but instead, partial equity of the business. This would fit you if you have no concern over being a full owner and are willing to part with some shares of your business in exchange for funding. Many businesses who rely on angel investors find success along the way (given that their main owners put in a lot of the hard work as well), so this is indeed a tried and tested way of starting up your business.

3. Via Crowdfunding.

Being a recent phenomenon due to technology and improved connectivity, crowdfunding is defined as the process of rallying people behind you in order to acquire the funds that you would need for your dream venture or business ideas. A particular website enables modern-day innovators and business hopefuls to showcase their ideas via videos and visual aids, thus, providing an opportunity for community engagement and funding on the needed capital. The more impressive your idea is, the more support that you will get from your countless financial supporters.

With those methods in mind, there’s another surefire way of getting a jumpstart on your business venture with a trusted name that offers only the best service possible. Our network of more than 2,200 Cebuana Lhuillier branches and online presence give customers unlimited access and utter convenience in applying for a loan. Our five-point application to disbursement process ensures services are delivered on time. So what are you waiting for? Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

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For us Pinoys, every centavo counts. There would come a time that we’d need to sacrifice a few wants in order to make ends meet, in order to prioritize the needs. There is nothing wrong with that, as the ever-increasing prices would dictate that we should live according to our means. However, there are countless tips, “life hacks” to be exact, which would not only enable us to leave a few amounts for our savings, it would also allow us to spend a few for ourselves and non-frequent relaxations times:

1. Keep every spare amount.

It doesn’t matter if it’s just a bit of loose change or a few 20 Peso bills, if you’re not going to use it for now then add it to your savings. What many fail to realize is, no matter how small your current savings are, if it accumulates, you’ll be glad to find thousands in your account sooner than later. Let your savings grow by keeping your loose change aside instead of spending them compulsively.

2. Manage your financials the same way that you’d manage a business.

No one wants their business to fail; hence, they would do anything in their power to maintain its continuous growth and income. The same thing should be implemented towards your savings. Making sure that your account balance doesn’t reach zero would ensure that you’d still have a well-maintained account to deposit to after every payday. If you do not have a business, the same principle still applies, just think of it as a learning curve for when you finally decide to have a venture in the future.

3. Make saving a habit.

It’s tough, especially if you have friends who’d usually invite you to those late night parties and dinners every payday, however, that doesn’t mean that you do not have the option to say no. If they really are your friends, they would understand, and if you really are motivated to save, then by all means, respectfully refuse any expenditure as you go along the way. It may take a while for you to adjust to this “saving” lifestyle, but the payback is much more rewarding than your sacrifice.

4. Never spend impulsively.

This is a mistake that a majority of us would commit. Temptation is everywhere, a new cellphone model, a brand new car in the market, a newly opened ramen house, etc. It takes great strength to pull away from temptations; however, that particular task is eased up by a particular motivation, to save. Remember, these things, no matter how new, innovative, or delicious they are, are only temporary, and the needs must always come before the wants. The need to save for future expenditures should always be kept in mind in order to avoid spending your savings on an impulse. Choose wisely, spend wisely.

5. Consider undergoing a lifestyle change.

For some, lifestyle changes would only equate to expenditures, however, that is just a common misconception, as you may also undergo lifestyle changes in order to effectively save up money. The food you eat, the clothes you buy, and even your way of commuting to work may very well eat up a majority of your earnings, hence, why not choose a much affordable daily meal package perhaps? Or a cheaper, yet, still good quality of clothing brand? Or even a faster, yet, cheaper commuting alternative? The possibilities are endless. The amount that you’d be able to save with these lifestyle changes would ensure that you’d still have some left for future expenses.

6. Be aware of rampant scams and money-making schemes.

Nothing can be more damaging to your personal budget than being involved in a money scam. There are many to mention, however, their “procedures” are all the same: “Invest some cash in our group and we’ll double that amount after a few months.” This scheme has been around for a long time and yet, many still fall for the same old trick. This may be due to the fact that they mostly operate online and are usually made up of people who are well-versed in twisting financial terms. Don’t be fooled, avoid them at all cost, and instead, find other means to use your money wisely.

7. Investing on Microinsurance.

One way of wisely spending your money would be to invest on microinsurance. It’s your choice, house insurance, life insurance, livelihood insurance, car insurance, etc. You may ask, “Wouldn’t it cost me much to invest on microinsurance packages? Why not just save the money instead?” Well, that may sound like a logical point at first, until you realize that house and car damages would cost a great amount to fix, the same goes with hospital bills as well. Microinsurance packages would actually ensure that you may either be given a big discount or a free pass from all of the sudden expenditures (depending on your insurance coverage). Aside from that, you’d never have to worry about emergency finances anymore, as insurances would cover that as well. Be ready, be prepared, and invest on microinsurance.

With all of those in mind, you may definitely want to weigh in your options, analyzing which establishment would be best for availing a microinsurance premium and coverage. Look no further than with Cebuana Lhuiller’s Microinsurance Services, affordable insurance products to help Filipinos avail of financial services and privileges that higher-income earners have easy access to, with innovative microinsurance products and services that promise to minimize impact of distress and misfortune on one’s financial position. Feel free to visit your nearest branch for more information.

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As parents, it is our responsibility to teach our kids the proper way of handling finances. For some, this topic is too much of a taboo, especially for those who believe that money matters shouldn’t be discussed in front of their children. There is that traditional Filipino belief of not allowing kids to be exposed to mature subjects of discussions. What many fail to see, however, is that teaching kids the dos and don’ts of money spending would not only prepare them for a much stable financial future, but it would also instill in them a sense of responsibility when it comes to handling their finances. Here are five money lessons that may impact your child’s future:

1. You can’t buy all things immediately.

In short, this is trying to tell your kids that they just can’t buy anything they want, whenever they want to. Teaching this valuable lesson during their early years would not only refrain them from growing into spoiled brats, but also make them understand that money takes time to earn, hence, it should be spent, ideally, only when needed.

2 . Make the right decisions when it comes to spending your money.

We usually tell our kids to eat right and to avoid junk foods at all cost. The same principle applies for money spending. Make them realize that there are more important things than just toys and candies. Teach them about the basic necessities, such as clothes, food, and even shelter. Expose them to the fact that needs are always more valuable than wants, and that needs usually outlast wants when it comes to functionality, hence, the latter shouldn’t overshadow the former when it comes to budgeting and expenditures.

3. Money doesn’t grow on trees.

This is the best way to summarize the two pointers above. Make your kids realize that money is earned, not plucked from magical trees or summoned from your pockets. Let them know that adults work hard for each and every centavo earned, and that someday, they would definitely do the same thing. Instill in them the importance of spending wisely in order for them have a few amounts left for their piggy bank. Speaking of which…

4. Save, save, and save.

Teach your kids to save up for any future purchases. While they may be too young to work for their piggy bank savings, their main “job” for now would be to save up the extra change that they’d receive from mommy and daddy. As with Philippine traditions, relatives would usually give envelopes to the little members of the family during the holiday season. Teach them to keep these gifts aside for their future purchases.

5. Learning to share.

You might be confused, “I thought these lessons would encourage my kids to save and use their money wisely?” Yes, that is indeed true; however, this particular advice would not just instill goodness towards your kids, but also the spirit of investing wisely. Keeping money all to yourself would not enable it to grow. Proper investments, on the other hand, would not only gain you financial experience, it would also enable you to see your earnings grow each day. Sharing their money to those in need would let them see that the money they provided would do well in the long run.

Of course, when we’re talking about proper investments and savings, there is only one trusted name that we can surely recommend our kids in the future. If you’re a resident of Bacoor, Cavite, and Batangas, then the Cebuana Lhuillier Rural Bank is your one-stop spot for opening your own savings account. All transactions are real time, erasing all the hassles that you may experience in other establishments. So what are you waiting for? Visit the Cebuana Lhuillier Rural Bank now – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

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1. Fly Home with Cebuana Lhuillier Countrywide Promo Mechanics
   • Complete qualified transaction: Remittance (any amount) sent from Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Canada to the Philippines through any of CL’s remittance partners and claimed in close to 2,500 branches nationwide.
   • (1) one qualified transaction per month = (1) one e-raffle entry
   • Lucky senders from each country will be drawn to win a roundtrip ticket to the Philippines on the following raffle draw schedule:

Country	No. of Winners	Promo Duration	Raffle draw date
Taiwan	20	September 1 to October 31, 2018	November 9, 2018
Singapore	20
Hong Kong	20
Malaysia	20
Canada	5	October 1 to November 30, 2018	December 6, 2018

List of Participating Partners:

Country	Partner Name
Taiwan
	EEC Int’l Phils Corp
	Metrex Services Corporation
	WCT Express Remittance Services
	Well Chain Int’l Co. Ltd.
Singapore
	BKK Forex Pte Ltd
	Brunphil Express Pte Ltd
	iRemit
	Metrobank
HK	Franki Exchange
	Cebuana Lhuillier HK
Malaysia	CIMB Islamic Bank
	Placid NK Corporation
	SMJ Teratai Sdn Bhd
	TML Remittance Center Sdn Bhd
	Tranglo Sdn Bhd
	Merchantrade Asia
Canada	Family Express
	PNB
	Atin Ito
	Filremit
	Iremit
	Metrobank

1. • Roundtrip tickets are only valid for 6 months, upon claiming of winners.
   • Raffle draw will be held at ICT Office 3F The Networld Hub 156 Jupiter cor. Comet Sts. Bel-Air Makati City
   • Announcement of winners will be done thru partner in-branch announcement and social media.

2. Promo reminders:

1. • Raffle entries are computer-generated and are based on transaction numbers and agreed cut-off per month.
   • Clients can earn as many entries based on their number of qualified transactions.
   • Clients can only win once.
   • Winners will be notified through partner branch announcements and digital winners’ ads. They must bring at least one (1) photo-bearing valid ID when claiming their prize.
   • Winners have (30) thirty days to claim prize or prize will be forfeited in favor of Cebuana Lhuillier Services Corp.
   • Roundtrip tickets are not convertible to cash.
   • Client shall shoulder all travel-related requirements upon return to destination country.
   • Employees of P.J. Lhuillier Group of Companies, Ad/ Creatives Agency, PR and Media agencies, and their relatives up to the second degree of consanguinity or affinity are disqualified from joining the promotion.

 

There are times when you find yourself needing financial help. You may be looking for ways to avail that shiny new cellphone or embark on your dream vacation. Sometimes, you may also find yourself financially able, only needing a few extra amounts in order to buy something costly or pay up a major debt. In such case, you may need to apply for a personal loan. It’s easy to submit your requirements and to just wait for your approval. However, there are also instances when you’re not really sure if you’re ready to apply for one. Here are a few indicators that you may be ready for a personal loan:

1. You’re in real need of cash.

We’re not just talking about the usual grocery budget or house rent payments, but rather, you’re in dire need to pay for something major. A personal loan would ensure that you have the amount ready, may it be a sudden injury or the debt collector knocking at your door.

2. You have the complete requirements.

Paperwork can be too time-consuming; however, if you already went through this particular stage, then congratulations! The thing about personal loan application is that the lenders aren’t just validating your past credit history, they’re also on the lookout for your dedication and focus during the whole process itself. If you have the commitment to complete your requirements, then you also have the potential to pay up in return according to the loan conditions.

3. Your means of income is consistent.

The thing about loans is that, basically, you are just borrowing money, regardless of the amount and the main purpose of your loan application. If your job pays regularly with no delay whatsoever, then you are in a good position to apply for a personal loan, as this entails that your regular income would enable you to pay back the loaned amount with no delay in the future.

4. You have a clean credit history.

Lenders usually do background checks when it comes to loan applications, and this includes the credit history of the applicant. Was he/she diligent enough to completely pay for their past loans? Do they have an outstanding credit balance? Do they have a positive credit score? All of these will come into play during your personal loan application, and not setting your past obligations would hurt your chances.

5. You have a manageable debt.

Now, don’t be confused. We had already mentioned before that you may opt for a personal loan in order to pay up a major debt. However, also take into consideration the amount of the debt itself. You can use a personal loan to pay up a 4-digit debt, but anything more than that and you may need to find other ways in order to complete that obligation. Think about it, what’s the use of paying a very high debt with a huge loan if that would mean you still have the same amount to pay up in the long run.

6. You are committed to paying in long term.

If you are the type of person who is okay with sticking to long-term financial obligations, then by all means, a personal loan may indeed be right up your alley. Take note that others would prefer a one-time payment, but that means they would need to pay up immediately, whether they already have something to pay with or not. A long-term payment such as a personal loan would mean that you’d have enough time and breathing space to pay the loaned amount.

With all of that in mind, when you’re hoping to acquire a personal loan, look no further than Cebuana Lhuillier. Our network of more than 2,200 Cebuana Lhuillier branches and online presence give customers unlimited access and utter convenience in applying for a loan. Our five-point application to disbursement process ensures services are delivered on time.

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It may seem strange for some, but being in financial trouble usually doesn’t sink in, not until it’s already too late. For most people, being in financial trouble would usually mean that the debt collectors are piling up on your front door, calling you in the late hours, or making their presence felt via service disconnection or summon letters. But did you know that there are other indicators when it comes to being in financial trouble. Here are a few major examples to look out for:

1) You have no emergency funds.

Okay, so you technically do not have debt collectors bothering you, but that doesn’t mean that they are not ready to hassle you once you encounter sudden expenses (leading to debts). May it be accidents or natural calamities, emergency funds are a must, and having little to no reserved funds would spell trouble for you, especially as hospital bills are on a sky high nowadays and that they mostly charge a penalty for late payments.

2) You have an outstanding credit history.

Having a negative credit record would mean that applying for future loans would result to smaller chances of approval. Lenders are very strict when it comes to loan applications and a negative credit score would indicate that you are not exactly the most trustworthy person that they could lend their money to.

3) You are paying off your debts with other debts.

This is not the right way of paying off past obligations. You’ll just be going in circles, not having any amount to put into your savings account. Find other means to pay off your debts. Work part-time perhaps, or request for a few extra hours in your regular job, but never borrow money just to pay your debts. It would lead to more debts in the long run, and you’ll be trapped in payments rather than earnings.

4) Your monthly earnings are just enough to get by.

Simply put, you have no savings. What you’re earning every month is just enough for food and utility bills. This shouldn’t be your financial situation, but rather, you should have the breathing space to at least spoil yourself every once in a while. Having the chance to set aside even a small percentage of your monthly earnings would mean that you’re financially ready for any unforeseen expenses or purchases in the future.

5) You have no insurance.

You may ask, “What does insurance have to do with my current financial status?” Well, it may have no indications as of now, but it may very well affect your future. Insurances (depending on the types and coverages) would ensure that huge amounts of your future expenses, especially those which arise from unforeseen situations, would be taken off your load. Think of it as a way of protecting your current financial status from turning into a future financial trouble. You might say that, “Well, I have no extra cash to invest in any form of insurance.” That statement alone is enough indication that you are indeed within the category of financial trouble. Do what you must in order to gain a little extra every month, enough to invest on a worthy insurance coverage.

With all of that in mind, one may wonder if they can find just the right insurance to fit all of their needs. Well worry no more, as here in Cebuana Lhuillier. We offer our Alagang Cebuana Plus Gold, a microinsurance product designed for individuals aged 7 to 70 years old with coverage of Accidental Death/Dismemberment & Disability (ADD&D), Fire Cash Assistance (FCA), rider benefit for Unprovoked Murder and Assault (UMA), and a micro-life insurance. ACP Gold is a 24/7 Personal Accident Insurance with worldwide coverage. For as low as P40, each certificate is valid for four (4) months and can be availed up to a maximum of five (5) certificates per insured. So what are you waiting for? Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we promise fast, easy and secure transactions.

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Whenever you’re on the road, it’s always important to be aware of your surroundings. The streets and passageways are unpredictable places. In most cases, incidents and other risky situations can be avoided with precautionary measures. If you’re the type of person who’d rather be safe than take unnecessary risks, then these driving tips could save your life:

1. Always keep your hands on the wheel.

There’s a reason why, here in the Philippines, strict rules are set against drivers who use their cellphones on the road. This is mainly due to frequent accidents which are caused by distracted drivers. It is important to keep your hands on the wheels, so that you can maneuver away from danger if the need ever arises.

2. Pay attention to road signs.

Imagine this: You’re so distracted by your passenger’s joke that you fail to notice the “One Way” sign on the roadside. Then, accident ensues and you’re the only one to blame thereafter. Make it a habit to look out for signs that may or may not be too visible, especially at night. If you’re passing by a school area, be on the lookout for pedestrian crossings as well.

3. Keep a “one-car” distance between you and the vehicle upfront.

Don’t drive too close to the vehicle in front of you. Give them enough space, just in case they’d come to a sudden halt or turn. This is a very critical rule to follow, most especially if it’s a truck, a bus, or an armored bank vehicle, as they may have lesser visibility of the vehicles behind them.

4. Adjust your side mirrors before every travel.

Make sure that side mirrors are properly angled to give you visibility of other vehicles that are driving up your side. It would save you a lot of trouble; especially as some drivers aren’t responsible enough to honk when they’re overtaking. Prevent a few dents and scratches with the simple act of adjusting your side mirrors.

5. Stay within the designated speed limit.

Expressways usually allow drivers to run at a higher speed, but city streets are a different story, as there is a smaller space to drive through and the amount of pedestrians are a lot more. The general speed limit in the Philippines is 60 km/h as its minimum and 100 km/h as the maximum. This varies depending on the vehicle type, as trucks and buses are only allowed to run as fast as 80 km/h.

Memorize and comply with all of these, and you’d need to worry less about road accidents. The more you know, the less chances of you getting involved in a dangerous situation.

But just in case, you’d definitely want to avail a full-pledged service that has nothing but your best interest in mind. With that being said, nothing beats Cebuana Lhuillier’s AutoCARE Insurance, a Standard Comprehensive Car Insurance that covers Own Damage (OD), Theft, Loss and/or Damage, Excess Bodily Injury (EBI), Excess Property Damage (EPD), and Acts of God/Nature (AOG/AON). So what are you waiting for? Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we promise fast, easy and secure transactions.

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As an OFW, it is our responsibility to provide for our family back at home. It is the main goal of OFWs everywhere and the driving force that motivates us against homesickness and stress. With that in mind, it is only appropriate that we take all measures to ensure that our loved ones receive our hard-earned cash with no hassle and no delay. And while there are many options to choose from, when it comes to money remittance centers, you have to be on your toes in order to avoid a few cons among the pros. Here are 5 traps to avoid when sending money overseas:

1. Providing the wrong details.

Double-check the details that you’re going to provide for the remittance transaction. Check if the names are correctly spelled, make sure that they can be easily read by the remittance agent, and that the contact numbers are in place. Your recipients would have a hard time receiving the cash if there are spelling errors, as the remittance agents from their end would usually require a valid ID for verification. If the spelling doesn’t match, then they will refuse to release the amount to your loved ones.

2. Transacting with the very first remittance option that you encounter.

Like a customer hoping to make a good bargain, learn to look around for various options. Choose one which would best work for you. Other money remittance centers charge higher transaction fees than others, so make sure to ask around for a much better and lower price. Remember, it’s always better to send majority of your earnings to your family, rather than have a big chunk of it paid towards transaction fees.

3. Not being aware of the current conversion rates.

Do your homework and make sure to time your remittance right. Currency rates change from time to time, and you wouldn’t want to send your hard-earned cash at a lower rate. Take a peek at your morning television news, flip a page off the daily newspaper’s business section, or simply search for the current rates online. The higher the conversion rates, the more amount your family will receive.

4. Sending the wrong control number.

For the usual money remittance process, your loved ones at home should have the control number ready. Regardless of transaction types, the control number should be 100% correct. You will be given the control number from your end, after which, you should immediately send it to your loved ones, either by text or online message. Make sure that every digit is sequenced correctly or your family would not be allowed to receive the amount.

5. Transacting with unauthorized agents and unverified remittance centers.

Probably the worst mistake that any OFW may commit is not taking enough time to validate whether or not they are dealing with trustworthy individuals. Do not give your amount to any person claiming to be a representative of a remittance company outside of the main establishment. Be sure that you are within the premises of the remittance center, and that they are behind the transaction counter, complete in uniform and valid work ID. Remember, there will always be those who do not have our best interest in mind, and being a wise and cautious sender would be the best way to avoid them. Also, take note of the main establishment, and determine whether or not they are verified remittance partners. If not, it would be best to avoid them and to search for a more trusted option.

Speaking of a much-trusted option, if you are still undecided as to which remitting center you should transact with, no need to look any further. With Cebuana Lhuillier’s Pera Padala Service, you are ensured an easy, quick, and safe way to send and receive money. With more than 2,200 branches nationwide and accredited international partners, this money transfer service is made available to clients within and outside the Philippines. So for our beloved OFW patrons, feel free to visit any of our international partners – we promise fast, easy and secure transactions.

For a complete list of our international partners, you may visit our website at https://www.cebuanalhuillier.com/pera-padala/.

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For every pawning transaction there will always be the process of assessing the item. There is nothing unusual about that as it would only be correct for the pawnshop to check if the price that you are asking for is fair and justifiable. However, there are certain factors that most customers overlook in the long run, and that is the dos and don’ts whenever you’re getting your jewels appraised. It may even be the first time that you are reading about this factors, hence, feel free to take note of these important tips, as not only would they help you get a great deal off your items, they would also teach you the most valuable techniques in pawning of your other jewels in the future:

Let us begin with the “Dos”:

     1) Do feel free to check with multiple appraisers.

Many customers would usually settle with the very first assessment that they would get, not knowing that there may be a possibility of getting a better deal elsewhere, and that possibility usually comes off correctly at the end. There is a particular “rule of three (3)” when it comes to finding the best deal. Get your items assessed in three different pawnshops, in that way, you may get a reasonable estimate of your jewelry’s value. Whichever one of them offers the best amount, then go for it. Remember, you have every right to scout for the best deal there is, and your options will and must never be limited.

     2) Do your own research regarding the current rates and values of different jewelry.

What better way to come up with a reasonable price than to know the current market price itself. This is done in order for you to not undervalue or overprice your item. Yes, the customer is always right, but that doesn’t mean you have every right to price your item, at the expense of the pawnshop. Overpricing was never a right thing to do in the first place, especially if you’re pawning off second-hand jewelry. The opposite may be said as well if ever you do not do your homework, the pawnshop itself may attempt to give you a very low price, knowing that you do not its current value.

Now, for the “Don’ts”:

     3) Do not pawn to the very first appraiser that you would encounter.

Remember when we said that you should not limit your choices? Well, that also applies in this particular pointer. As with shopping for your own clothes, you have various options to choose from. Even a shirt with great quality- can totally be bought for a cheaper price. The same may be said about the pawnshop that you’re transacting with. After getting your very first appraisal, ask around for another price assessment. If the first one doesn’t sound right, go for a second. If the second one still doesn’t do it for you, then go for a third. Feel free to discover as much options as you can to receive the best deal.

     4) Do not pawn your items in bulk.

Remember, you are pawning off your jewelry, not your old DVD collection. Pawning them off in bulk only gives them an impression of undervalue. Pawn them off separately, to various pawnshops or branches, if possible. Whichever way you can get a high price for each jewelry that you’re going to pawn, then go for it. In this way, you may also get a general idea of their estimated justifiable price from each branch that you would come across with, make comparisons in the long run, and plan out your strategy with each visit.

With all of that being said, you may be looking for a pawn shop that would provide you with the most honest and highest appraisal possible. No worries, as Cebuana Lhuillier has got your back. With our Pawning Service you can never go short in any amount, as we accept an array of items, from jewelry to gadgets, as collaterals. We also lead the pawning industry by offering safety and the highest appraisal rate in the industry in our more than 2,200 branches nationwide. Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

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Microinsurance is usually seen as an adult matter. When you’re mature enough to work and move out of your parents’ house, you may consider the everyday risks that you’ll encounter, thus, prompting you to get a financial cushion with the help of various coverages and insurance options. However, do you know that there are also microinsurance options for college students? Yes, you’ve read that right, microinsurance extends even to those who aren’t even working yet (or at least trying to balance both work and studies, if ever they’re a working student). You may ask, what advantage would it give college students? What is the use of getting a microinsurance plan that early? Well, no need to look any further, as we have enumerated a few important reasons why:

     1) Stressful activities.

College students grind day in and day out, giving your all when it comes to your studies, hence it wouldn’t be much of a surprise that you tend to get ill as well on certain occasions. Stress and lack of sleep is common among hardworking students, and trying to balance both your academics and extra-curricular activities is no joke. You may either experience the cold, the flu, and even the heatstroke if you’re not hydrated enough for your daily university activities. In such case, what better way to prepare for such occurrences than getting a health insurance? It is natural for students to live on a limited budget, especially if they’re not a working student at all, hence a health insurance would help cut down on the medical bills if ever they would need to be treated or hospitalized due to extreme academic stress.

     2) Uncertainty when travelling towards school.

Accidents may happen in the blink of an eye. If a college student were to commute towards their university on a daily basis, they are at a much higher risk of getting involved in a road accident, the same as employees commuting to work daily. This risk is even doubled per day, as they do not only need to commute towards school; they also need to commute back at home after class has ended for the day. Acquiring health insurance (like in the first pointer) would reduce the amount of expenses garnered if ever an accident were to occur during your travels.

     3) It is a long-term safeguard, even after you’ve graduated.

Yes, your young body may be able to withstand the everyday stress brought about by your studies, but that doesn’t mean that it’ll stay that way forever. A human body can only take so much during its younger stages, but once you had reached and went beyond your mature stages, you are bound to encounter illnesses that can only occur in your old age. Now, don’t panic, it may sound scary, but this can actually be avoided if you take care of yourself during your early days, including your college years. Some health insurance coverage includes check-ups, so you may know the condition of your body, and do the health regimen to tone it well-enough for your old age. Think of it as a fruitful investment, rather than an extra bill that has to be paid.

With all of those in mind, you may definitely want to weigh your options, analyzing which establishment would be best for availing a microinsurance premium and coverage. Look no further than with Cebuana Lhuiller’s Microinsurance Services, affordable insurance products to help Filipinos avail of financial services and privileges that higher-income earners have easy access to, with innovative microinsurance products and services that promise to minimize impact of distress and misfortune on one’s financial position. Feel free to visit your nearest branch for more information.

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Your business loan application has been rejected. Your bright vision of a simple startup venture suddenly turns gloomy and you have no idea how on earth you can bounce back after this. Yes, rejection is a common part of being human. There may have been other instances in your life in which you were rejected, yet, this may very well be one of the heaviest that you have ever experienced. Well, allow us to turn that frown upside down, as with all things in life, there will always be a solution and another chance for you. You may ask, what do I have to do in order to pass my next business loan application then? Look no further than our tips:

1) Never hesitate to ask for help.

You may ask assistance from a consultant regarding the next step that you would do. More often than not, there are details that we may have missed, causing the incompletion of our loan requirements, thus, ending in a negative result. A consultant may be able to point out your mistakes and shortcomings, and may even provide you with some valuable tips on how to bag the business loan application the second time around.

2) Be sure to garner feedback regarding the rejection.

Remember in your high school days, when you asked your parents to raise your lunch money, only to receive a firm “no” and a scolding to top it off? Your parents would explain why you were not granted such hefty request. The same goes for rejected loan applications; you must know why your business plan and ideas were rejected in the first place. You are bound to make the same mistakes over and over again if you do not know where you went wrong, so asking about what to improve on would definitely help you prepare the next time you decide to apply for a business loan.

3) Smoothen out your business plan and proposal.

It may have been due to the fact that your business ideas were not presented in a very complete and convincing manner, thus your application was rejected. Analyze what went wrong and focus on either changing or improving on that. Point out the weak part of your business proposal and convert it to a formidable plan, well enough to convince the lenders to chime in on your venture. Remember, not everyone succeeds on the first try, so be sure to give it another shot.

4) Settle your past debts.

Alas, the past always tends to get in the way of our future, especially if there are still unsettled concerns which were not dealt with. Your records may have been the reason for the lending company to reject your proposal, as any company or institution would have second thoughts approving your business plan if you were not even responsible enough to settle recent debts. One main way of showing that you are capable of fulfilling your future tasks ahead is by fixing your past records and resolving your unsettled accounts.

When you’re ready to give it another try, get a jumpstart on your business venture with a trusted name that offers only the best service possible Cebuana Lhuillier’s Lucky Loan is definitely your top choice. It is a multi-purpose loan offered to registered entities such as tricycle operators, credit cooperatives and other groups, as well as SMEs such as restaurant and mini groceries, among other businesses. Our network of more than 2,200 Cebuana Lhuillier branches and online presence give customers unlimited access and utter convenience in applying for a loan. Our five-point application to disbursement process ensures services are delivered on time. So what are you waiting for? Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

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For an OFW, nothing can be more fulfilling than to be able to send money to your loved ones back at home. Not only would you be able to provide for your family’s needs, you’d also allow them to avail their wants every once in a while. It’s a token of your love, and definitely an indication of your support for your family. However, such may only be accomplished by two things: hard work and budgeting. You wouldn’t have to worry about being hardworking, as that is already one of your biggest traits. You wouldn’t be an OFW if you were not hardworking in the first place. The tricky part comes from the budgeting side. Simply put, this is knowing how to wisely spend your hard-earned money, so that you would still have sufficient amount left to send back at home. Here are a few tips to accomplish that:

     1) List down your daily expenses.

What better way to budget than to get a general view of your daily expenses. List down each and every one of them, from your usual transportation/commute fare up to your lunch money. Segregate those which you can live with and can’t live without. In this case, you can’t live without food; however, you may eliminate that extra snack in the afternoon if you’re not hungry during those particular hours. No matter how little you may save, it would accumulate well enough into a good amount.

     2) Plan your groceries.

Make a solid shopping list and buy only what you need. Soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc. are definite must-haves, but if you’re not really much into other expensive grooming products (like hair gel and body spray) then by all means, take them off the list. Also take note of the annual sale, they are usually advertised through newspapers and magazines, so you’d be able to plan out better.

     3) Never use credit cards.

Yup, one main way of saving money is by not getting burdened with debt. Credit cards may promise a buy-now-pay-later scheme, but the interest rates may be unforgiving at times, and you wouldn’t want all your earnings to be spent on that. If you really want to purchase something for your loved ones (like a new cellphone for your spouse or a game console for your child), then you may canvas and ask around for a better deal, rather than be tied to a credit contract.

     4) If you can manage, get a part-time job.

It is common nowadays for OFWs to have more than one job. If your health and energy permit, then feel free to apply for a second one. Of course, be sure that you wouldn’t get into a conflicting contract with your current company, rather, go for a second job that would still allow you ample time for regular work and rest during day offs. The best way to save money is to earn more than what your average job has to offer.

     5) Never deprive yourself of your needs.

Yes, you may sacrifice the wants, but never sacrifice your needs. Being able to save does not mean you no longer have to spend money for food and toiletries; you still need to manage your health and your hygiene. Perhaps dining out on days off isn’t a bad thing, just as long as you wouldn’t overspend. Be in good shape, as medical bills would definitely drain your earnings. Keep yourself healthy and you’d never have to worry about other unforeseen expenditures in the long run.

With all of that in mind, you may have saved enough and finally be ready to send your hard-earned money to your family back at home; however, you are still undecided as to which remitting center you should transact with. Well no need to look any further. With Cebuana Lhuillier’s Pera Padala Service, you are ensured an easy, quick, and safe way to send and receive money. With more than 2,200 branches nationwide and accredited international partners, this money transfer service is made available to clients within and outside the Philippines. So for our beloved OFW patrons, feel free to visit any of our international partners – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

For a complete list of our international partners, you may visit our website at https://www.cebuanalhuillier.com/pera-padala/.

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As OFWs, it is our obligation to make sure that our loved ones would receive our hard-earned cash. While working hard for a much better pay would be our starting point, the end-goal is always for our family to buy their every need (and even wants). In such case, the process involved in sending them the cash amount should be tight as a drum and secure. You may ask, “What would be the important factors to consider when sending money to the Philippines?” Well, look no further than a few of our tips:

     1) Always plan the transaction before doing anything.

The rule of thumb, look out for exchange rates. If it’s an emergency and a family member would need the cash amount in no time, then by all means, send it immediately. However, if it isn’t really an emergency and there doesn’t seem to be any rush in receiving the amount, then you may need to time it right. Exchange rates regularly differ; no one can predict them, except for expert financial analysts. In such case, you may need to monitor the constant changes online or via a phone app, and then wait for it to reach its peak. If the exchange rates reach their highest (meaning that your family would receive a higher amount back at home), then go for it!

     2) Take note of the transaction fees.

Every money remittance transaction would require an equivalent fee. The price varies, so you may need to look around for a different remittance center that would cater to your needs. Also be sure to ask for any hidden charges, as some centers are reluctant to share that type of detail. Once you find a remittance center with the lowest transaction rates possible, feel free to proceed. This is somehow related to the first pointer, in the sense that, they both require you to plan ahead and take time to look for a better option.

     3) A great customer service experience indicates proper management.

If in case you’d encounter a concern during the remittance process, the way it would be handled would be a reflection of the type of remittance center you are dealing with. Great handling by the agents would mean that they care about you and the money that you’re sending towards your family, well enough for the transaction to normalize and yield great results. Be sure to take note of your customer experience per remittance center, so you’d know who to go to the next time you’ll be sending money back at home.

     4) Take note of the remittance center’s reputation.

Do your homework. Read every review and customer experience that other OFWs have had from a particular remittance center. If the reviews are good, then you may proceed to transact. If you’d hear of negative feedback, however, then do not limit your options, find a more reliable center that would tend to your every need. A well-known remittance center with countless years of service would indicate a well-established management, one which you can really rely on.

Speaking of well-known remittance centers, you may be ready to send your hard-earned money to your family back at home; however, you are still undecided as to which remitting center you should transact with. Well no need to look any further. With Cebuana Lhuillier’s Pera Padala Service, you are ensured an easy, quick, and safe way to send and receive money. With more than 2,200 branches nationwide and accredited international partners, this money transfer service is made available to clients within and outside the Philippines. All transactions are real time, which enables clients to claim the money as soon as the sender completes the sending process in the branch. So for our beloved OFW patrons, feel free to visit any of our international partners – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

For a complete list of our international partners, you may visit our website at https://www.cebuanalhuillier.com/pera-padala/.

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Technology is a wonderful thing. Nowadays, you can do so much online that you weren’t even able to do so in the past. The possibilities are endless: you can order food, you can make a random purchase, and you can even monitor your stocks and private messages. Yes, the internet tends to provide the well-needed convenience that we have all been looking for, but do you know that you can also pawn online? Yes, you’ve read that right. Online pawning is the newest innovation that the web has to offer. It’s okay to be skeptic at first, as of course, all new things should be seen with an eye for precaution; however, the process of pawning online actually has a major advantage over the traditional way of pawning: Safety. Here are just a few pointers describing why online pawning is a much secure option:

1. Online pawning provides you your own secure account.

As with all social media apps, every individual account is segregated by their own details and passwords. This only means that a person would not be able to access another person’s account, unless they were given the critical details, such as the username, e-mail address, and password. Online pawning is no different, as every user or customer should register first before proceeding to transact in any pawning activities. This registration ensures that you have an account, unique only to you and you alone, including the access codes and other important details.

2. You can adjust your profile settings to tighten your online security when pawning.

Similar to other social media apps, you can also adjust your user and privacy settings. Think of it as a definite measure to lock out online crooks and hackers from your complete information. No longer would you need to worry about someone sneaking in to meddle with your pawning transactions; you can simply change passwords from time to time, adjust other privacy features, and see any transaction history in your account for good measure.

3. With an online account, you do not expose yourself to the risk of robbery or loss of the valuable item outdoors.

Simply put, you may accomplish the transaction within the comfort of your homes, away from the prying eyes of crooks in public. Unlike in traditional pawning procedures, in which you’d have to wait in line for your turn and risk being monitored by thieves, you can enjoy the pawning process within the four corners of your home, thus, saving you from any negative incident involving robbers and scammers.

With all of that being said, you may be looking for a trustworthy pawn shop that would provide you with the best service possible. You may also want to know the estimated return amount of your pawned items and the possible requirements within the process. No worries, as Cebuana Lhuillier has got your back. With our Online Appraisal Calculator, you would be able to get an estimate amount of your item’s worth, get a glimpse of the valid IDs accepted in our transactions, and even have a general idea of the items we accept in our 2,200 branches nationwide. Feel free to explore our official Cebuana Lhuillier website now!

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As an OFW, it is our responsibility to provide for our families back home. It was our goal to find a greener pasture. When we finally find one, we are given more opportunities to share our blessings with our loved ones. But in spite of that, not everyone in our surroundings share the same humble goal as we do, and instead, do not have our best interest in mind. Case in point, there are money transfer scams, hoping to prey on unsuspecting individuals who are not cautious about their everyday transactions. Here are just a few tips in order to avoid money transfer scams:

1. Beware of suspicious e-mails.

Just last year, news broke out of a few OFWs being victims of money transfer scams via e-mail. The modus operandi was that a particular e-mail was posing as a family member message, asking for bank details and such. The unsuspecting victims then gave the required details, resulting to the loss of their savings and hard-earned money. Never give out your personal info online, especially if it has something to do with your financials. Remember, you are not sure of whom you’re really interacting with online, so be sure to check with family members if there really is an emergency back home before interacting further.

2. Quick-money opportunities.

Mostly found in social media sites, networking has been around for a few years now. There are countless promises of quick money, with the so-called “representatives” posing next to expensive cars, with a bundle of money in hand. If it seems too good to be true, it usually is. Do not fall for this scam; mainly because the only one gaining a huge amount of money is at the main peak of the scam pyramid, the “downlines” usually receive less to nothing at all. Never transfer “cash investments” when asked to and avoid dealing with their so-called “representatives.”

3. Use a well-known money transfer service.

One main reason of OFWs falling victim to money transfer scams is because they usually choose a money transfer channel which promises a reliable service, with no validity to back that up. These types of money transfer booths are unsecured, and full of security holes, which is why personal infos usually become compromised and reach the hands of scammers. Choose a well-known institution, with years of excellent service and unbeatable efficiency, only renowned by many of its clients worldwide.

Speaking of well-known remittance centers, you may be ready to send your hard-earned money to your family back at home; however, you are still undecided as to which remitting center you should transact with. Well no need to look any further. With Cebuana Lhuillier’s Pera Padala Service, you are ensured an easy, quick, and safe way to send and receive money. With more than 2,200 branches nationwide and accredited international partners, this money transfer service is made available to clients within and outside the Philippines. All transactions are real time, which enables clients to claim the money as soon as the sender completes the sending process in the branch. So for our beloved OFW patrons, feel free to visit any of our international partners – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

For a complete list of our international partners, you may visit our website at https://www.cebuanalhuillier.com/pera-padala/.

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To further strengthen brand presence in the United Arab Emirates and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Cebuana Lhuillier participated in several local events such as Philippine festivals, sports events, and Filipino organizationled events. Among these include the recently concluded events like the FILCLUB Thanksgiving, United Boholanos Sportsfest, and the 6th UAE Sinulog Festival, which were attended by more than 6,000 Filipinos combined.

In an effort to inform Filipinos in the Middle East of Cebuana Lhuillier’s convenientinternational remittance services, the brand and its collaterals were mentioned in the program and prominently displayed in the activity venue. Similarly, attendees who registered in the Cebuana Lhuillier booth received branded giveaways.

Scams are rampant nowadays. You may encounter scams online, through the phone, and even in public places. This urges us to take cautious steps when dealing with a variety of people, especially those which we do not fully know. If your job involves dealing with jewelry, then it’s your obligation to avoid scams such as fraudulent sales and counterfeit gems. Here are just a few ways to identify and determine the authenticity of jewelry:

1. Color and markings.

There is a big difference between gold and gold-plated. Of course, you want to go for the former; however, the latter may very much look like the real deal, so it’s not surprising that many would be fooled into buying a gold-plated item, not knowing that it isn’t what they’d hoped for. Authentic gold has the Karat indicated on them; it may seem small though, so you’d definitely need a magnifying glass. A different metal underneath may also indicate a gold-plate, so be sure to inspect the jewels closely.

2. The magnet test.

Simply put, real gold isn’t magnetic. So holding a strong magnet nearby would determine whether or not it’s authentic. If the item were to be pulled towards the magnet, then it’s fake, but if it remains in the same position, then you may very well have real gold in your hands. Take note, however, that this isn’t a foolproof method, as crooks have recently adjusted to using non-magnetic materials for counterfeit gold.

3. Sharpness and roundness.

Another method is made possible with the use of a magnifying glass. When it comes to diamonds, you have to look closely. If a diamond’s edges are sharp then it is real, and if it’s rounded, you can very much be certain that it’s fake. Of course, it is not to say that all diamonds are perfect, as they are a natural stone and there will always be imperfections on them. Regardless, they are still worth a fair amount of money.

4. It’s usually in the mountings.

Want to determine whether or not a diamond ring is authentic? Real diamonds are usually mounted on gold and platinum. Fake ones, however, are found on gold-plated materials and silver, thus, you have multiple things to inspect when using this method.

5. Using sandpaper.

Here’s one “rough” way to check a diamond’s authenticity, by using sandpaper. Diamonds are hard, real hard! Hence, rubbing them in sandpaper will determine if they are fake or not. Real ones do not get scratched or damaged, while the opposite may be said for fakes.

With all of that being said, you may be looking for a pawnshop that would provide you with the most honest appraisal possible. Here at Cebuana Lhuillier, we offer only the most accurate appraisal for all of our customers. With us, you can be sure that what you’re getting in return for your pawned items would definitely be fair and square, so be sure to visit any of our 2,200 branches nationwide.

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So you’ve decided to pawn off or “sangla” your item/s online, may it be jewelry or a gadget. All is well and good, until it’s finally time for the transaction, after which you are only given a certain amount in exchange. You wonder why the price was less than what you have expected. If your guess was about the condition of the item, then you are very much correct. Pawnshops have strict rules when it comes to the items that they’d accept (and in some cases, would not at all). This means that you may have not prepared the item, well-enough to look presentable and functional. Here are a few tips to prepare your item/s for pawning:

1. Clean it well.

For jewelries, make sure that there are no markings, discolorations, and stains. Unless you’re intending to sell a gold-plated item, there should be no discoloration at all. Real gold does not have any spectrum underneath, no silver or platinum markings at all. Gadgets are much more meticulous in a way, no scratches on the screen, no cracks, and no unhinged parts (for laptops and cellphones). Wipe off the dust and show that the item has been well-taken care of.

2. Check for any damage.

Don’t attempt to pawn off a broken item, the pawnshop representative would know and are skilled in determining such functionalities. Damage in jewelries is much easier to detect, all thanks to the simple use of a magnifying glass. Gadgets are much more subtle, yet, pawnshop representatives are also trained to determine loose wires, hidden cracks, and boot looped home screens, so beware.

4. Presenting a Certificate of Authenticity.

Some jewelry comes with their very own Certificate of Authenticity. This would indicate that they are indeed real, and not “bootlegged” (market term for imitation products) versions of the real thing. This is given to a few diamond earrings, for example, and is recognized with an authentic seal.

5. Double-check the functionality.

We had mentioned working condition before, but in this case, it isn’t just about simple damages, but more on the overall functionality of the item. If the diamond is falling off the ring mount, then that is definitely damage worthy of a huge price deduction. The same goes for gadgets which may either be rendered useless or not functional at all. A cellphone which has a blank screen and a tablet which boot loops at the home screen may not be accepted at the pawnshop, so keep that in mind.

With all of that being said, you may be looking for a pawn shop that would provide you with the most honest return possible. No worries, as Cebuana Lhuillier has got your back. With their Pawning Service you can never go short in any amount, as they accept an array of items, from jewelry to gadgets, as collaterals. They also lead the pawning industry by offering safety and the highest appraisal rate in the industry in its more than 2,200 branches nationwide.