I’ve been there.

I know how back-to-school expenses, like any other major costs, can be stressful and daunting, especially if you have other financial responsibilities to manage—and even more so if you have more than one child.

Back-to-school season of my three boys in different levels: College, High School, and Grade School.

While budgeting is always helpful, there are times when unexpected expenses or emergencies arise, forcing you to prioritize those during the payment of tuition fees and other back-to-school needs. While there’s nothing wrong with asking for help from family or friends, I personally prefer to seek out financial companies, banking institutions, financial apps, or digital banks that offer loans for important expenses when I need them.

Maya Easy Credit, your dependable ally for all your school expense needs

Maya Easy Credit is a reliable ally when it comes to borrowing money to make back-to-school spending a breeze! Whether you need it for tuition fees, school supplies, gadgets, allowances, or any other expenses, you can count on Maya Easy Credit.

It’s easy—you read that right! You can borrow money as simply as 1-2-3 and without hassle! You can borrow up to ₱30,000 in seconds for your immediate needs and pay it back within 30 days. There’s no need for paperwork like proof of income, billing statements, or other documents to get the financial help you need. With Maya Easy Credit, you can use the funds for back-to-school expenses right after they’ve been transferred to your wallet. Once in your wallet, you can pay directly in-store or online when shopping for your child’s or children’s school needs. My back-to-school experience was a breeze, thanks to Maya Easy Credit.

However, as an advocate of living a debt-free life, it’s important to pay your Maya Easy Credit bill on time to avoid penalties. This also helps you build a good credit score, which is crucial when borrowing money.

Here’s how you could apply for Maya Easy Credit:

1. Go to the Credit dashboard in your Maya App and tap "Sign up for Maya Easy Credit."

2. If you're eligible for Maya Easy Credit, you will see an "Activate Now" button.

3. To become eligible for Maya Credit, complete your account and continue using Maya's other services actively.

To qualify for Maya Easy Credit, you must:

• Be at least 21 years of age and not over 65 years old.

• Have an upgraded account.

• Have been actively using your account.

• Have a good credit standing.

If you qualify for early access, you’ll be notified once you’re eligible to activate your Maya Easy Credit.

Maya Easy Credit saved me during my son’s college enrollment. While I had prepared for his tuition fees this semester, I completely forgot that I still had balances to pay from the previous semester. My back-to-school anxieties disappeared, thanks to Maya Easy Credit!

What made it even more attractive is their ongoing promo where you could win gadgets every week! Every ₱250 you spend using Maya earns you raffle entries for a chance to be one of the 20 weekly winners of ₱10,000 and Honor gadgets from July 1 to August 31, 2024. Pay for school supplies, shoes, backpacks, and more via QRPh at over 600,000 stores, check out online through Pay with Maya, or use the globally accepted Maya Card. Plus, stay connected with load and data from the app for all your homework and enrollment needs. Each transaction brings you closer to a win, making every purchase a step toward exciting rewards. The more you use Maya to spend, save, invest, and borrow, the higher your chances of winning!

In addition to all these fantastic features and promos, Maya is one of the digital banks that offers high interest rates when you open a savings account! With Maya Savings, you can grow your money while you spend it on school or other expenses. Boost your savings with up to 15% p.a. interest, credited daily whenever you use Maya for your transactions. Your savings grow faster, helping you handle school expenses more smoothly.

I can’t stress enough how much Maya and Maya Easy Credit have helped me manage my finances. My back-to-school worries turned into excitement in an instant. I know budgeting can sometimes be a challenge or even seem impossible at times, but with Maya, you can count on its perfect attendance!

Union Catholic High School (or Union Catholic, for short), a leading private school in New Jersey, U.S.A, is inviting Filipino families to explore the enriching academic and extracurricular programs offered at their institution. Through their recently held “Beyond Boundaries” roadshow in the Philippines, Union Catholic representatives were able to show glimpses of student life at their school to Filipino parents (and even non-parents!).  

Founded in 1962, Union Catholic is a well-established institution known for “its rigorous academic programs, faith-based values, and commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment.” This was emphasized further during the roadshow, which had two “legs”—the first was at U.P. Town Center in Quezon City on June 18, and the second was at The Mind Museum in Taguig City on June 19.

“There are many reasons for you to want to come to Union Catholic,” says Dr. James Reagan, Assistant Principal of Union Catholic High School, who was part of the three-person delegation behind the roadshow.  “We have a wonderful community where all members of our community are respected. We have a diverse student body, dedicated faculty, and dynamic, first-rate facility, but the bottom line is here at Union Catholic, we love one another and want to see each member of our school community succeed.” 

Union Catholic offers a rigorous academic program that prepares students for top colleges and universities. Highly qualified and dedicated teachers create a stimulating learning environment that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. 

Staci Gialanella, the parent of students from the Class of 2020 and 2026, affirms the school’s strong academic program: “Union Catholic provides fertile ground to be able to achieve excellence.” 

Filipino families will especially appreciate the school's commitment to:

• A Strong Values-Based Foundation: Union Catholic integrates important values into its curriculum and daily life, fostering a sense of service, compassion, and respect for others

• Diverse Course Offerings: Beyond a core curriculum, Union Catholic offers a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, electives, and specialized programs in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM).

• Vibrant Extracurricular Activities: Students can explore their interests and develop leadership skills through a variety of clubs, organizations, and athletic teams.

• Supportive Community: Union Catholic fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment where students feel supported by their peers, teachers, and counselors.

Speaking of community, Sabrina Hackett, one of the students from Union Catholic’s Class of 2025, shares why she likes studying there: “The Union Catholic community is so wonderful and makes every student feel welcome. Even though everyone comes from different places, as we go through our high school experience, our class becomes our family.”

Jason Chen, a student from the Class of 2026, agrees with Sabrina. “The environment, the people, the classes; it just feels like home,” he says.

Union Catholic alumna Raymond Lestarchick, who graduated in 2019, has only fond memories of his years there, especially of the people. “The faculty care about their students and want to see them succeed,” he shares. “The students become so close together under that environment that some become friends for life.”

Exploring Union Catholic for Filipino Families

Union Catholic is committed to providing a seamless transition for Filipino students. The school offers resources such as:

• ESL Support: For students who are still developing their English language skills, Union Catholic offers English as a Second Language (ESL) support services.

• Cultural Clubs and Organizations: Filipino students can connect with their heritage and build friendships through cultural clubs and organizations. 

• Multilingual Staff: Union Catholic has staff members who are familiar with Filipino culture and can assist families with the admissions process.

During the “Beyond Boundaries” roadshow, Dr. Jennifer Dixon, Director of School Counseling, also shared about their “homestay” program for international students. Under the program, each student is “matched” with a host family. This helps ensure that they feel “at home” even if they are far from their loved ones. 

Elito Tanyag, a religion teacher at Union Catholic who was also at the roadshow, had actually hosted several international students. As a Filipino himself, he expressed his hope that he would one day host Filipino students under the school’s “homestay” program. 

He also assured the Filipino parents present at the roadshow that, as the school’s Filipino Club Moderator, he makes sure that the students are in touch with their culture but encouraged to be independent at the same time. “It’s like having a Filipino Tito at school,” he joked.

A World of Possibilities Awaits

It was evident at the roadshow that Union Catholic High School truly believes in nurturing the potential of every student, no matter where they come from. By choosing Union Catholic, Filipino families are opening a world of possibilities for their children. With a strong academic foundation, a supportive community, and a commitment to cultural diversity, Union Catholic is poised to help students achieve their dreams and truly go beyond boundaries.

Interested families are encouraged to visit their official website and check their page for International Admissions. Details about their short-term programs for international students can also be found on their website. They also have a page dedicated to Scholarship Opportunities.

About Union Catholic High School

Union Catholic High School is a co-educational college preparatory school located in New Jersey, USA. Rooted in strong values, the school provides a challenging academic program, a wide range of extracurricular activities, and a supportive community that prepares students for success in college and beyond.

For more information about Union Catholic High School, you may visit their official website. You may also follow them on Facebook @UnionCatholic and Instagram @unioncatholichighschool 

Mother's Day goes beyond showering our moms and the mother figures in our lives with gifts, it's about nurturing our connection with them and showing appreciation for the invaluable role they play in our lives. 

The most priceless gift we can give them is time -- time well spent with their loved ones, time to show our appreciation for everything they do for us, and time spent on themselves and their passions as they age gracefully.

As we celebrate Mother’s Day, here are four heartfelt ways to give Mom the gift of time and honor her love, strength, and unwavering dedication.

1. Time to Say “Thank You”

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's easy to overlook the countless sacrifices and selfless acts of love that our mothers make for us each day. This Mother's Day, let's take the time to express our heartfelt appreciation to them. Whether it's through a heartfelt card, a handwritten letter, or simply sending a text with a few words of gratitude and taking the time to acknowledge everything she has done and continues to do will mean the world to her.

2. Time to Treat Mom

As moms, they juggle a lot of responsibilities and obligations – keeping up with work, her family, her friends, and maintaining a household, just to name a few. There’s a tendency for mothers to neglect their own needs and well-being. On this special day, let's encourage Mom to carve out some much-deserved time to unwind. Whether it's booking her a spa appointment, indulging in her favorite hobby, or simply taking her to a nice cafe, giving Mom the gift of time to relax and decompress can work wonders for her overall well-being.

3. Time to Embrace Wellness Together

For mothers, who often prioritize the needs of their families above their own, their personal needs and even their health take a backseat. LAC (Leader in Antioxidative Control™), the leading health and wellness supplement retailer in the Philippines, believes we can also give our moms more time by supporting and encouraging them to maintain good health. So to celebrate Mother's Day a little differently this year, LAC encourages families to engage in activities that promote holistic wellness together, from going for a swim, to practicing yoga, or simply going on a nature walk. By doing an activity, you’re reminding moms to prioritize their health and how much you value their overall well-being.

4. Time to Revitalize Her Youth

In today's fast-paced world, mothers encounter challenges that may cause stress, accelerating the aging process. Aging impacts every aspect of well-being, from appearance to function. LAC believes incorporating high-quality supplements can support holistic well-being and slow down the aging process. 

LAC StemC® is the perfect choice for mothers seeking rejuvenation. Derived from premium thoroughbred horse placenta and synergistic ingredients, it offers cellular regeneration and improves physiological health to support recovery from the demands of motherhood. Its potent blend developed in Japan promotes skin elasticity, elevating vitality and restoring strength, ensuring that mothers feel their best inside and out.

Additionally, incorporating supplements like LAC FullCal® which contains a Calcium Magnesium ratio 2:1 for optimum absorption with co-nutrients such as Vitamin D3 and more. This convenient on the go melt-in-the-mouth powder for strong bones and teeth helps ensure optimal nourishment, supports healthy muscle function, and aids muscle contraction and relaxation, making the journey smoother for experienced moms. LAC Joint Protec™ Glucosamine Chondroitin + Collagen, on the other hand, can provide daily relief with Glucosamine and Chondroitin, essential for managing the physical demands of daily motherhood activities and boosting mobility and flexibility crucial for active and agile mothers caring for their families. Its jelly form makes joint health support easy and enjoyable for busy mothers, offering a convenient alternative to caplets. 

Our goal is for moms to feel their best every day, so what better gift to give them this Mother's Day than the gift of vitality?

This Mother's Day, let's celebrate the extraordinary women who have shaped our lives by offering more than just greetings or material gifts.  Let's take the time to remind them and show them how much we genuinely appreciate their strength and timeless love.

Remember those epic snack adventures you had as a kid? Whether it was running off to the playground with a snack during recess or packing all of your favorite treats for a picnic at the park with the family, snacktime back then had a certain kind of magic. 

Now, snacktime can be more fun and exciting—both for the young and the young at heart—with Jack ‘n Jill Pretzels Stick Snacks’ new, oh-so-savory flavors: BBQ (barbeque) and Cheddar & Sour Cream.

Here are three reasons why the new Jack ‘n Jill Pretzels Stick Snacks is a must-try:

1. It comes in two bold and exciting flavors that might just rock your taste buds

Jack ‘n Jill is offering pretzel lovers more delightful flavor options with the release of the first ever savory flavors of its Pretzels Stick Snacks. First is its BBQ flavor, which offers that burst of spice and smoky flavor. Think of it like a backyard barbecue adventure in snack form.

If you’re a fan of cheese and sour cream-flavored snacks, there’s the Cheddar & Sour Cream variant to satisfy your cheesy cravings. These pretzel sticks are all about that cheesy goodness with a sour cream twist that will have you and your kids hankering for more.

2. It’s snackable fun for adults and kids

The new Jack ‘n Jill Pretzels Stick Snacks is a yummy snack option to share and enjoy with your kids. It’s light, bite-sized and crunchy—great for anyone who’s craving a quick snack. This munchable pretzel snack can be enjoyed by the whole family be it as snack companion for when you’re at home watching a movie, as a recess treat for the kids during school days, or even as yummy baon for weekend road trips.

3. It’s amazingly pocket-friendly

The new Jack ‘n Jill Pretzels Stick Snacks won't break the bank. You can get a 28g pack for only P8.50 (SRP), making it a delicious and budget-friendly choice for families.

Are you and your kids up for a new, fun-filled flavor adventure? Check out the new Jack 'n Jill Pretzels Stick Snacks in BBQ and Cheddar & Sour Cream today.

Head to your nearest grocery store and grab a pack of Jack 'n Jill Pretzels Stick Snacks in BBQ and Cheddar & Sour Cream, or shop online. For more snacking ideas, fun activities, and exciting surprises, follow Jack ‘n Jill on Facebook.

The ‘ber months are in full swing and Filipinos are already feeling the Christmas breeze. ‘Tis the season when families plan for the most anticipated holiday in the Philippines. But as with any event, timing is everything in making Christmas the most magical celebration of the year!

As the trusted partner of Filipinos in the kitchen, MAGGI understands that food – and sharing it with the family – is the heart of the holiday season. “Christmas is a time when homecooks bring out the most special recipes – those that they love to cook and that their families enjoy sharing together, especially during Noche Buena. MAGGI is here to help empower Filipino homecooks na gawing mas magical ang Pasko as they prepare, cook and transform their dishes into the most delicious Noche Buena spread,” said Ms. Raine Calma, Food & Dairy Culinary Recipe Marketing & Digital Lead.

From choosing recipes and buying ingredients to cooking and welcoming guests on Christmas eve, MAGGI shares 7 secrets to enjoying a stress-free holiday season!

1. Explore menu-making hacks – Homecooks need a game plan and MAGGI (https://www.maggi.ph/magicalpasko) is here to serve some menu inspiration. Noche Buena cooking is made easier with access to over 100 recipes that make holiday meals extra special. It's best to lock in your headcount so that you can modify the recipe based on the number of servings you need. 

2.   Make a list and check it twice – With a menu in place, it’s time to check the pantry and do an inventory of ingredients. List down the quantities of items needed before heading to the supermarket. A quick check in the grocery's online shelves can help ensure stocks and availability. Holiday traffic is real and so grocery runs should be planned in advance.

3.  Do a test run if cooking a recipe for the first time – Trying out a new dish can be overwhelming. With enough lead time, homecooks can do a trial and have loved ones give comments to improve on the dish. By using only the best seasonings like MAGGI Magic Sarap and its variety of Savor and cube products, they can transform any dish from pwede na to sarap-sustansya and magical levels. 

4.  Make ahead whenever possible – Cooking everything all in one day can be tiring. Homecooks can start pre-cooking certain components of the dish to help lessen their kitchen load on celebration day. Meat stews, marinades, embutido, pasta sauces and cookie batter can be prepared a few days ahead. This means planning for fridge space will be crucial to ensure dishes keep well until it's time to serve them.

5.  Save the fresh for last – Fruits and vegetables can be purchased in the morning to retain its freshness. Adding fresh pineapple to an all-time favorite fruit salad will elevate the dish. 

6.  A little help goes a long way – This is the perfect bonding time for the family, when homecooks pass on their cooking techniques and share their passion for food with their children. The joy in cooking will translate in your dish, too!

7.   Give your Noche Buena table setting an added flair – Adorn the dining table with bits and pieces of Christmas to make the Noche Buena gathering even more memorable. It can be as simple as a red ceramic platter for your chosen entrée, scattering a few Christmas balls or adding candles with gold ribbons for an added touch of magic.  

According to Calma, these simple tips from MAGGI are aimed at helping homecooks manage their time, resources and energy. “The holiday rush can get the best of us because we only want the best for the people we love. Proper planning can make all the difference and allow the whole family to spend more time together, celebrating and enjoying their most magical Noche Buena yet.”