5 Things to Consider in Buying Your First Car.

Buying your first car can be very exciting - the thrill of stepping inside a showroom, inspecting the cars on display, going out for a test drive, closing the deal, and finally driving home with the car of your dreams. Sounds idyllic, right? But in reality, buying a car can be very overwhelming since it entails tons of financial responsibilities, as well as lots of paperwork.

For most people (and that includes me), a new car is the second most expensive item they will ever buy, aside from their home. Here in the Philippines, the retail price for a brand new regular sedan hovers around Php 681,000 - an amount accessible enough for the middle class. Of course, not everyone can cough up more than half a million pesos right away. As such, it is important to be fully prepared both mentally and financially, because buying a new car is not as simple as let's say, buying a new smartphone. 

There are several things to consider when buying a car, whether it's brand new or second hand, and here are some of them:

Your Needs

So why exactly, do you need a car? 

Kim Seon Ho in Start Up (2020).

Are you buying a car for the safety and convenience of your family so that they won't have to use public transport and avoid possible exposure to COVID? Or are you simply buying a car for long drives and weekend getaways? Do you need a posh-looking car for meeting with clients and executives? Or are you buying a car that can also be used for side hustles (think courier services and car trunk surprises)? 

As you evaluate your needs and your lifestyle, you will be able to pinpoint the car specifications that you need and which car model will suit you best.

Your Budget

Before you make a run for the showroom, you need to think long and hard if you can really afford to buy a (new) car.

Photo credit: Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.

As a rule, your car budget should be around 10% to 15% of your total monthly budget. This includes expenses such as car insurance, car maintenance, gas allowance, and parking and toll fees. Calculate your finances carefully, and look into car brands and models that will fit your budget. 

Car Options

In this digital age, it is now easier to "shop around" for a car. With the wealth of information that the internet has to offer, you can easily compare and contrast car brands and models and narrow down the choices within your budget range. 

Toyota Cars' virtual showroom.

Car dealerships and agents are now easier to contact too, thanks to messaging apps. You can ask multiple dealers to quote you prices without having to visit the showroom right away. Some of the leading car brands now have virtual showrooms which allow you to check out the latest vehicles right in the comforts of your home or office. How's that for some COVID-free car shopping?

Test Drive

Of course, nothing beats the experience of actually riding and driving the car that you've been eyeing and checking out its features firsthand. When you go out for a test drive, make sure to bring friends or family along so that you can also have a "feel" of the car from the backseat (comfort, leg space, cargo space, and the like). Pay attention to the small details such as the feel of the steering wheel, how comfortable the seats are, how the car feels when you make a turn, or how the brakes respond. 

Jung Hae In in Something in the Rain (2018).

If your test drive does not live up to your expectations, don't be pressured into buying that particular car. Check out other brands or models that will still fit your budget rather than be stuck with a car that you're not satisfied with.

Financing Options

Now that you've decided as to which car you will buy, you now have two payment options - pay for it in full, or have it financed either by the bank or or the dealership itself. 

If you're taking out a loan to finance your car, you need to consider these things - the loan amount (the price of the car), the loan term (the period of time that you have to pay the loan amount), and the annual percentage rate (the interest rate of your loan). 

Photo credit: Erik McLean on Pexels.

To give you a clearer, more realistic picture of the amount that you'll be shelling out for your car, you can use the loan calculator at CarPaymentCalculator.net. With this calculator, you can get an accurate calculation of the loan amount, monthly payments, and interest rate. You can also compare multiple loan options to see which payment scheme fits your budget. 

Keep in mind that a higher down payment can decrease your monthly payments, and while longer payment terms mean lower monthly payments, you may end up paying much, much more in total because of the interest rates. 

Conclusion

Buying a car is no joke. It's a major purchase that requires careful planning, decision-making, and of course, a huge amount of money. Make sure you do your homework before you buy a car, and be ready for the responsibilities that come along with it.

These moms are showing an unfiltered look into motherhood.

Being a mom is the most fulfilling, yet most difficult job in the world. There are some who make it look like a breeze, and others who show the actual journey and reality that this full-time job entails. On top of the daily to-do list of work tasks, taking care of the kids, and having time for yourself, are the household chores such as actual laundry, dishes, and cooking that take hours and a significant amount of effort and physical labor.

As motherhood has endured the toughest struggle in the past two years, it’s not always as glamorous as social media makes it out to be. Recently, more and more moms have been revealing an unfiltered look into motherhood, as a way to help other moms find solutions to make life easier and better for them and their kids.

For mom Apple, motherhood may not be as manageable in terms of following a certain schedule but amidst all the chores, she has found a solution to cross off one big item from her checklist: “Managing the household is tough! The chores are never ending. Looking after my son during and after school is also a challenge. And of course, doing the laundry with tough stains means extra work for me. Thanks to Breeze Power Machine, laundry time is much easier now.”

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CeD3x5MB1l3/

Mommy and Doctor Crystal Roxas shares that she has found the ultimate secret of power moms by making sure she’s there for her son every time even while working hard “To be able to provide for my little Nate, I have to work extra hard while making sure that I’m by his side when he needs me most. ❤️ I always want to give him the best.” she says.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CeEGOYCpOR8/

Momshie Patricia Parian shares her secret to making laundry a breeze: “Bilang working mom, isa sa mga challenges ko ang paglalaba dahil kailangan dito ng matinding effort. Pero napadali na ito gamit ang #BreezePowerMachine. Tanggal agad ang dumi in one wash.”

https://www.tiktok.com/@momshiesdiary/video/7102380379893419290

Mommy Tine understands the demands of being a mom and has found one big solution to cross off her list: “Managing the household is a juggling act. Kaya naman I need to find ways to balance everything… kids, meals, cleaning, lalo na sa laundry. So I can spend more time with the kids. Buti na lang I found #BreezePowerMachine liquid detergent! Now I can spend less time on chores and more time with my kids.”

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CeEPnSdBmIA/

Mom Charlene Tolentino shares her advice on how she is able to take time for herself: “As a millenial stay at home mom, always busy with the chores and taking care of my kids. I hardly find time to do other stuff. So, I'm always on the lookout for products to make my life easier. The #BreezePowerMachine Liquid Detergent lets me power through laundry and gives me more quality time with my children and time for myself.”

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CeDsZ7SB2Fu/

Although motherhood may not be a walk in the park, there are communities and brands like Breeze that can offer you easy and powerful solutions to lighten your load, make your tasks less of a chore and more of a superpower.

Breeze Power Machine Liquid Detergent makes laundry so much easier as it penetrates fabrics and removes tough stains better than powder detergents. Thanks to its ultraclean concentrate and the Golden Trio of power washing - that is surfactants, dirt-lifters, and enzymes - you just need to dab-pour-wash and let your washing machine do the work. Now all hard-working moms can make the switch from powder to liquid detergent to turn laundry into a Breeze!

You are just in time for the Big Breeze Sale on Lazada this June 22-26 where you can get up to 30% OFF on Breeze products. More than that, you can also get a chance to win a washing machine with a minimum purchase of Php 599. Discounts and offers don’t end there! Throughout this five-day sale, you can also get up to 50% OFF on other Unilever Household Care products as well until stocks last.

Shop now on Lazada and catch the Big Breeze Sale: https://tinyurl.com/Big-Breeze-Sale.

Give the gift of healthy and delicious homemade meals this Father’s Day!

Father’s Day is just around the corner and one of the best ways to show your appreciation for your dad is by cooking a delicious and nutritious meal made with lots of love.

“Dads are known to be very hardworking and put their loved ones first before themselves. This is why we, at Ajinomoto, would like to help in putting their health and happiness first this Father’s Day by sharing healthy but delicious recipes that they will surely enjoy,” said Roann Co, Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) General Manager of Corporate Planning and Public Relations.

Below are special recipes made healthy and delicious through the use of AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning that helps in reducing sodium without compromising taste. These recipes are part of Ajinomoto’s BawAsin® or Bawasan ang Asin campaign, an effort that encourages consumers to reduce their sodium intake without sacrificing the deliciousness of their meals.

Ajinomoto has created a BawAsin® section in its official website. It provides information that reducing sodium in diet is not difficult or will result to bland food. The site features 100 less sodium creative recipes that help individuals enjoy meals that contain less sodium yet enjoying same deliciousness.

Elevated dining with Creamy Salmon Garlic

Even through home dining, sophistication is possible with this hearty plate of Creamy Salmon Garlic. Rich in protein, salmon helps in muscle building and repair perfect for dads who like to stay active and workout. Not only that, the dish is rich in vitamin D for maintaining good bone density. This recipe works with the elegance of salmon fillet, all-purpose cream, cooking wine, parmesan cheese, spinach, garlic, onions, and AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning. Check out full recipe here: Creamy Salmon Garlic

Comfort with a twist in Chicken in Herb and Mustard

On the other hand, if you want something familiarity with a little bit of a twist, Chicken in Herb and Mustard may just do the trick. It is rich in protein and high in zinc, which helps maintain the heart’s health and the body’s immune system. This dish can be made in as little as 15 minutes too, using ingredients such as chicken, mustard, lemon grass, thyme, and AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning. Full recipe here: Chicken in Herb and Mustard

Super Food for Super Dad with Sautéed Bok Choy and Mushrooms

Finally, if you’d like to prepare a meal as super as your dad then best to play around with a superfood like bok choy. Studies also show that people who eat more cruciferous vegetables like bok choy have a lower risk of developing lung, prostate, and colon cancer. This superfood is then paired with button mushrooms and sprinkled with sesame seeds. Learn the recipe here: Sauteed Bok Choy and Mushrooms

“We, at Ajinomoto, believe that cooking is an expression of love. We hope that these thoughtful recipes help sons, daughters, and even beloved grandchildren to express their admiration to the special men in their lives- their dads and grand dads,” said Co.

Providing special, delicious, healthy, and easy-to-follow recipes are just one of the many ways that Ajinomoto lives its “Eat Well, Live Well” commitment to help people live a fulfilled life with their family and loved ones through nutrition without compromise.

For more nutritious and delicious recipes, visit the Less Sodium Recipes section of Ajinomoto’s Cookmunity website at cookmunitybyajinomoto.com/tag/less-sodium-recipes.

UNIQLO Celebrates its 10th Anniversary in the Philippines.

Japanese global apparel retailer UNIQLO is thanking Filipinos for supporting LifeWear in time for its 10th anniversary in the Philippines. To celebrate this special occasion, UNIQLO is giving its loyal shoppers exciting launches and promotions throughout the month of June.

“We are very grateful to the Filipinos for welcoming us when we arrived here in 2012. We are very honored to be part of our customers’ everyday lives, providing them with our LifeWear clothing for their ever changing lifestyles and needs—essentially giving life to our LifeWear brand,” says Masato Kusumoto, UNIQLO Philippines Chief Operating Officer.

UT BRANDS PH

UNIQLO will also mark its first decade in the Philippines with a special collection with local brands that have brought joy and shaped Filipinos' lives and culture. Shoppers can look forward to The Brands UT Pilipinas, featuring a collaboration with San Miguel Pale Pilsen, Selecta, Jollibee, and National Book Store, launching on June 10, 2022.

UT

This season, UNIQLO also launches special collections featuring Final Fantasy, Gundam, Doraemon, Pokémon, LEGO DUPLO, and Mickey & Friends. UNIQLO also introduces special collaborations with the Museum of Modern Art, Magnum Photos, and automakers as part of its The Brands Cars collection. Lastly, winning designs from the UT Grand Prix (UTGP), a design competition that uses t-shirts as a creative medium, would also be made available. The theme of this year’s competition was Peanuts.

Throughout the month of June, customers will be treated to in-store displays that showcase UNIQLO’s extensive lineup of UT at select UNIQLO stores across the Philippines. Display collections include RPJ x Peanuts, Pixar, MFA x Harrington, Mickey & Friends, Spy x Family, and City Logo.

LIMITED OFFERS

Customers who shop at all UNIQLO stores nationwide from June 10 to 16, 2022 can enjoy these limited offers on their favorite everyday LifeWear pieces for men, women, kids, and babies.

For Men

Now available at Php 990.00 from Php 1,490.00

Men’s Ultra Stretch Active Jogger Pants

The incredible stretch and stay-fresh feel make this suitable for sports or casual wear. Dry-EX keeps the wearer comfortable even during high-impact exercises, while a zippered pocket keeps belongings secure when working out. 

Now available at Php 490.00 from Php 590.00

Men’s U Crew Neck Short Sleeve T-Shirt

This t-shirt is one of UNIQLO’s top-rated styles, season after season. The high quality is perfected by a dedicated and skilled team of international designers based at the UNIQLO Paris Research and Development Center, led by artistic director Christophe Lemaire. 

Now available at Php 790.00 from Php 990.00

Men’s DRY-EX Short Sleeve Polo Shirt

Featuring a DRY-EX technology that wicks away sweat and a Cool Touch yarn fabric for instant cooling, this shirt can keep you comfortable all day long especially during warmer days. It is also seamless at the sides for reduced skin contact. 

For Women

Now available at Php 790.00 from Php 990.00

Women's Ultra Stretch High Rise Cropped Leggings Pants

The pants have a sleek, cropped length and a high-rise design for a flattering effect. Dry-EX, an extremely fast-drying technology, makes this comfortable to wear, even on hot days. It can be styled either with a cropped or tucked-in top. 

Now available at Php 790.00 from Php 990.00

Women’s Mercerized Cotton Short Sleeve Mini Dress

The mercerized cotton has an elegant sheen that elevates the outfit. The A-line fit flutters elegantly as the wearer walks, while the mini length has a sleek look. 

For Kids

Now available at Php 390.00 from Php 590.00

Kids’ AIRism Cotton Easy Shorts

These versatile shorts are made with AIRism, a breathable and silky-smooth fabric for a light and fresh feel. The short length guarantees stay-fresh comfort. 

Now available at Php 790.00 from Php 990.00

Girls’ Flower Printed Short Sleeve Dress

The stylish dress has an elegant floral pattern created by advanced printing techniques. Its moderately-voluminous sleeves and tiers add to the design, while pockets on both sides offer convenience. 

NOVELTY PROMO

For every P3,500 worth of purchase from June 10 to 12 in all UNIQLO stores (including online), customers will get a free limited edition tote bag illustrated by Plus 63 Design Co. Additionally, if the purchase includes any item from the The Brands UT Pilipinas Shirt collection, customers can get 10% off promo code for Grab Selecta Store and 10% discount at National Book Store.

STORE EXPERIENCE

From June 6 to 30, the LifeWear sales floor at the UNIQLO Manila Global Flagship Store at Glorietta 5, Makati will have a special display of the top 10 favorite UNIQLO items of Filipino customers from the past decade. Customers are encouraged to write their review about the items at the display area for a chance to receive a gift from UNIQLO from June 10 to 12. Visit the display at the 2nd floor of the UNIQLO Manila Global Flagship Store to know more.

For a complete festive shopping experience, UNIQLO’s new “Salamat Pilipinas” jingle will be played in all stores nationwide starting June 10.

EVENTS

UNIQLO will hold its next Live Station on June 9, a styling livestream where viewers can shop in real-time on UNIQLO.com or the UNIQLO App. Viewers would be able to engage with guest personalities, and the UNIQLO team, as the session shows various ways to style the limited offers.

Customers can also visit the UNIQLO Manila Global Flagship Store on June 11-12 and get to see the t-shirt display exhibit featuring UTs from Filipino iconic brands - Selecta, National Book Store, San Miguel Pale Pilsen, Jollibee, well-loved Pixar and many more. UT is a celebration of individuality, encouraging customers to wear what they love based on their personality and who they are. The collection features designs from pop culture phenomena like art, music, film, and more.

UNIQLO MALL OF ASIA POP UP STORE

To complete the celebration and mission to improve the lives of their customers through LifeWear clothing, a UNIQLO pop up store at the SM Mall of Asia will be opened for a limited time starting June 10 at the Level 3, South Main Mall. Stay tuned for updates on the official opening of the new and refreshed UNIQLO MOA store.

For more updates, please visit www.uniqlo.com/ph/en/spl/ut-collection and UNIQLO Philippines’ website at uniqlo.com/ph and download the UNIQLO APP via Google Play Store or Apple Store.

Follow UNIQLO Philippines’ social media accounts, Facebook (facebook.com/uniqlo.ph), Twitter (twitter.com/uniqloph), and Instagram (instagram.com/uniqlophofficial).

SOS Children's Village Philippines accords Herbalife Nutrition Foundation with the Champion for Childcare award.

Herbalife Nutrition Foundation (HNF), a global nonprofit dedicated to improving lives of children and communities around the world, has been recently awarded the Champion for Childcare Award by SOS Children’s Village Philippines for sustaining the quality care of SOS children through food subsidy and nutrition education. Held in a ceremony in the SOS Village of the Philippines in Alabang, the award was accepted by Allan Domingo, General Manager of Herbalife Philippines. During the ceremony, SOS village highlighted HNF’s significant contribution and efforts that changed the lives of the children that the organization supports.

SOS Children’s Village Philippines, a private, non-political, non-government organization that provides a normal family environment to children who have lost or are at risk of losing parental care, relies on the support and contributions of its partners to sustain the programs for the children under their care. Champions for Childcare or Child Care Champ Awardees are leading long-term partners who continue to add value to the organization. These are benefactors, advocates, and ambassadors that uphold the rights and best interests of each and every child that SOS supports.

Herbalife Nutrition Philippines accepts the
Champion for Childcare Award at SOS Philippines.
(L-R Edsel Sobreviñas, Preferred Customer Program Manager,
Marie Segismundo, Marketing Manager,
Arlene Balangue, Leader of Herbalife Nutrition Members, and
Allan Domingo, General Manager of Herbalife Nutrition Philippines)

For 12 years running, HNF has been supporting the children of SOS through their food, Health, and Nutrition Education programs, making them the longest-running partner that the non-government organization has had since its founding in the Philippines.

Throughout the years, the company has introduced different programs to SOS such as the STAR program – a campaign that aims to encourage children to consume food that will provide them with the proper nutrition that they need, helping nearly 9,000 children.

“We at Herbalife think that our children are a big part of our future. What we’re doing here with SOS is embedded in our corporate structure, we wanted to work with an organization that truly embodies our values and that is to help communities by providing nutritional value to our children and change the world, one child at a time,” Allan Domingo, General Manager of Herbalife Nutrition Philippines

Nutritional care has always been Herbalife’s top priority since its founding in 1980. Partnered with non-government organizations and supported by the company’s critical resources, Herbalife Nutrition, through its initiatives over the years, has been the global leader in fighting malnutrition and hunger in the Philippines and across the world.

“We, at SOS Children’s Village Philippines, are eternally grateful for the support, and partnership we have from Herbalife, and its Herbalife Foundation. Upholding our advocacy to better the lives of the children have not been an easy feat, but has been more than possible with Herbalife Foundation’s constant presence that have helped us through,” said Ramil Rayos Del Sol Deputy National Director and OIC of SOS Village Philippines

Make food your love language this Father's Day.

The roles of fathers have gone beyond being the sole provider for the family. They are equally important in nurturing the family’s wellbeing by building strong relationships and being actively involved in child care interests and responsibilities. Our fathers literally become our rock, protecting us as much as they can. Some fathers, however, may not be huggers or emotionally attuned to us, but you know they truly care deep down through their unique love language.

We are truly blessed to have fathers and father figures in our lives, who helped mold us to into what we are today. We thus salute the men in our lives on their special day. Of course, nothing beats whipping up something sweet from the heart. Make food your love language with this utterly #Madalicious treat - Cerveza Negra Chocolate Balls, made with Magnolia Devil’s Food Cake Mix combined with Cerveza Negra. It will pleasantly surprise your taste buds too!

Cerveza Negra Chocolate Balls

Ingredients:

1 (550 g) pack MAGNOLIA DEVIL’S FOOD CAKE MIX

3 (50 g each) pc MAGNOLIA BROWN EGGS

1 (330 mL) bottle CERVEZA NEGRA

1 (120 mL) cup coconut oil 

COATING & DÉCOR 

1/2 kg dark chocolate, chopped

100 grams pistachio nuts, chopped

1 (120 g) cup cocoa powder

1 (80 g) cup desiccated coconut

100 grams white chocolate, melted (optional)

Procedure: 

1. Preheat oven to 176.7°C (350 F). Meanwhile, line and grease one (1) 12x16 inch square pan with baking/wax paper. Set aside.

2. In a bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, cerveza negra and oil. Mix until smooth in consistency. Pour into prepared pan.

3. Bake for 25 minutes. Let cool and then crumble cake and form into 1-inch balls.

4. Prepare dark chocolate by melting it for 10-15 seconds in a microwave oven over a high setting.

5. Dip each ball in melted dark chocolate and then roll each ball in pistachio nuts, cocoa powder or desiccated coconut. Drizzle with some melted white chocolate placed in a piping bag, if desired.

Makes 40 pieces. (Yield: 40 pc (30 grams per ball) /4 pc per serving )