Nicquee's Nook

These Wais Moms are now ready to put up their own business — here’s their journey to self-confidence and financial freedom

Wais Moms Ruby Pagobo and Bernadette Aguilar get a fresh start on dreams for their families.

Manila, Philippines – Continuing decades of support for millions of Filipino moms across the country, Surf Philippines, has launched the first ever online entrepreneurship program —

Wais University. The program has since gained more than 13,000 enrollees for the program and counting.

Surf envisions the program to be a catalyst for change that will help Wais moms all over the country to be successful in their entrepreneurship journey by promoting confidence to pursue their own business, help better understand the ins and outs of the trade, and give a better chance with any endeavor they want to launch.

Two recent Wais University alumni, Ruby Pagobo and Bernadette Aguilar, share their stories as to how joining Surf’s online business course has provided them enough knowledge and confidence to finally start their own businesses, enabling them to dream bigger for themselves and their families.

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Surviving the Pandemic with Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings

Two mothers speak on how micro savings has become their dependable ally during these trying times

The uncertainties that came with the global health pandemic led to financial stress that altered the lifestyle of many Filipinos. For close to two years since the global COVID-19 pandemic started, many lost their jobs and had to make do with what little savings they have stashed away.

A study titled, “State of Banking and Financial Wellness” commissioned by US-based research firm Forrester, indicated that more than half of Filipinos identified building their savings as one of their top concerns when it comes to personal finance.

The desire to have money safely stashed when rainy days come, is one that is shared by every Filipino—regardless of stature in life or the money they earn. When COVID-19 hit, majority of Filipinos were left without a stable means of livelihood as the strict lockdown badly affected the economy, leading to a significant number of business closures and an uncertain future for those engaged in the gig economy.

Stemming from its desire to push for financial inclusion for every Filipino, Cebuana Lhuillier Bank partnered with Cebuana Lhuillier, one of the country’s leading micro financial service providers, to introduce Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings in 2019. Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings provided Filipinos with an accessible and convenient means to save their hard-earned money by addressing the common barriers in saving, including lack of accessibility, the need for numerous documentary requirements, and the high cost of a starting and maintaining a balance.

“Our main priority is to be a one-stop shop for the micro financial needs of our kababayans. With our commitment of financial inclusion and mobility for everyone, Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings account is one of the great products we have created to empower many of our kababayans to save, regardless of their status in life,” Cebuana Lhuillier President and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier said. The promise of having money saved in times of need was what inspired Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings account holders Pillilia Pardo and Maria Luisa Luna to open a savings account and work hard to build a comfortable fund that they can rely on when needed.

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Smart Buyer’s Guide: 4 Tips for Picking the Right Membership Program

One of the most critical challenges for both big retailers and small neighborhood stores is to turn customers into returning customers. While there is no way of contractually forcing customers to keep coming back, membership programs are the next best thing. By selling customers membership cards, retailers can incentivise customers by offering them special deals and discount. It’s exactly what Amazon is doing with its Prime membership program. Apart from the big brands, small retail outlets are now investing in membership cards printing to retain their local customer base.

It really is a win-win scenario as customers get to avail great discounts and exclusive deals, while the stores issuing these cards get a promise of regular business. However, more often than not, customers get sweet-talked into buying a membership card that they just don’t need. Remember, it doesn’t really work if you are not a frequent buyer. As a smart consumer, you need to sidestep the marketing traps and decide if a membership program is worth the bucks. Here’re 4 tips to pick a membership program that’s right for you.
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