For some Filipino families, one paycheck has to stretch across more than one generation.    This is the reality of the “sandwich generation,” adults who support their children while also caring for or financially helping their aging parents. Between school expenses, household bills, medical needs, debt, and savings, managing one income can become a difficult balancing act.   According to the Manulife Asia Care Survey 2026, 68% of Filipino respondents provide financial support to family members, spending nearly half of their monthly income on these responsibilities. The survey also found that 17% support both their parents and children.   The...

Are you a student who’s looking for a flexible side job? Or perhaps an 8-to-5 office worker in the day who has plenty of time at night and is searching for an extra gig?   This might be the fresh tip you are looking for…   After numerous research efforts, including my personal experiences, I have collected at least five side hustle ideas to earn more money without compromising your regular occupation. And this often works as a freelance job—letting you work wherever you can.   Let’s start with number one: ESL (English as a Second Language Teacher), or in...

The peso-dollar exchange rate may seem like a concern mainly for businesses and economists, but it also affects the daily lives of Filipinos.    The exchange rate shows how many pesos are needed to buy one US dollar. When the peso weakens against the dollar, more pesos are needed to buy the same amount of dollars. When the peso strengthens, fewer pesos are needed.    The rate is influenced by supply and demand for foreign currency, along with economic and financial conditions. In the Philippines, the exchange rate is generally determined by market forces, while the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas...

As the Ber months approach, they also bring an opportunity for Filipinos to pause and reflect on whether they are building the lives they truly want. That reflection can extend to how they spend, save, and plan for the future.   But this is more than a seasonal behavior, as EastWest Ageas' newly launched PURPLE Report on Consumer Trade-Offs and Intentional Spending found that more Filipinos are now carefully weighing their financial decisions as they work toward their goals. This intentionality often starts with five simple questions:    1. Am I on Track?   It may be a simple question,...

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the driving force of the Philippine economy, making up 63% of the country’s total employment and contributing 36% to its gross value added, according to the World Bank Group. As 2026 unfolds, SMEs must continue to adapt to shifting customer needs and evolving market demands. Here are five practical strategies local businesses can apply to sustain and scale their growth this year:   #1 Upskill to Unlock Growth   Business owners are often jacks-of-all-trades, wearing multiple hats in running their enterprises. To keep up, they must continue investing in upskilling to manage these roles...