Christmas continues

Children enjoy a ride at the Times Square Food park at the Araneta City, Cubao on Friday. Various food stalls and rides are set up at the park for visitors to enjoy this holiday season.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

How online shopping affected holiday sales in Metro Manila

Online shopping and changes in local government policies are affecting sales of small vendors across Metro Manila this holiday season. ANC, Business Nightly, December 23, 2019

source: news.abs-cbn.com

7 budget-friendly ways to usher in holiday cheer

MANILA - December is here and it's officially the start of endless rounds of parties and reunions. While it’s definitely a great time for bonding, the holiday season is also hard on the pocket.

 Here are seven budget friendly ideas for a December reunion with family and friends that are also meaningful and fun.
 
1. Have a merienda party.

Who says that parties always have to be held at dinner or lunch? Hold your get-together during merienda instead, and you’ll be spared from huge costs. Serve up a noodle dish to feed as many as possible, add some barbecue or spring rolls, then throw in a few sweets like the popular puto or rice cake, and you’re good. What’s more, logistics for merienda are much simpler. You can get by without having to get additional tables and chairs, since people can just walk around with the goodies in their plate. If you’re at the office, you can just find a space where you can have your Christmas spread, and enjoy the friendly banter with everyone.

2. Go potluck.

If you really want to have a traditional lunch or dinner, then go potluck this holiday season. There’s nothing embarrassing about asking people to bring their contributions to your yearly get together. It’s also a great way to get people to showcase their cooking, and lets them bring their own favorites to share with everybody else. If you’re the organizer, try to know what guests are bringing so that you won’t have duplications, and so that you can have a wide selection of goodies to share with everyone.

3. Hold a leftovers party.

Or instead of having your get-together before Christmas, have it after the holidays instead for less stress. Invite everyone to bring in their leftovers – the endless hams, salads and desserts that pile up in many people’s homes. Not only is this a great way to bring down costs, it also lets everyone empty their refrigerators of excess food that could spoil. It’s also one way to let everyone taste family favorites. At the rate that Pinoys stack up on food during the holidays, you can be sure you’ll have a great spread of Christmas goodies to share.

4. Go bowling.

Instead of focusing on food, get everyone involved in an activity like bowling. Major malls will let you play for an hour or two, and their rates include bowling shoes and in some cases, food. Everyone can enjoy the game and have a friendly competition, encouraging interaction while leaving enough time for bonding with friends and colleagues. Everyone can partake of the snacks for added fuel as well. Since bowling alleys are located in malls, you also offer guests the convenience of being able to do some Christmas shopping or to meet a few friends before or after your bowling party.

5. Go caroling.

Unleash your musical genius and organize your friends to go caroling--something that you can do just once a year. This is another fun activity that lets you bond with your fellow carolers, while being able to visit family and friends at the same time. What’s more, you don’t even have to spend on food, as most of the homes you’ll visit will prepare a spread for you to partake of. You can even collect funds from this endeavor, which you can donate to a good cause or give to a favorite charity, as agreed upon with your friends.

6. Have some karaoke fun.

If you and your loved ones love music, then you may also enjoy karaoke nights or afternoons this Christmas. Hold your singing spree after lunch or dinner. All you need is a karaoke, a place where everyone can get together, and some light snacks and drinks that won’t interfere with your singing. No need for an expansive food spread, for as long as you have a long list of songs that can get everyone to sing their favorites. Another short cut is to bring everyone to a karaoke bar, where for a few hours, you can enjoy non-stop singing while staying within budget for food and drinks.

7. Hold an outreach program.

Christmas is all about sharing, so why not do away with your traditional party and instead visit one of the many charitable institutions in the city. Instead of spending on your party food, organize a simple merienda for orphans, the sick, the disabled, or the elderly. You can even leave them with some goodies. There’s nothing more fulfilling than to be able to do something for the marginalized sectors of society, and being able to do this with your friends and loved ones will definitely be more meaningful for everyone.

---

Grow Your Money is an editorial partnership between news.abs-cbn.com and Citi Philippines to promote financial education and provide helpful information to Filipinos on how to better manage their personal finances.

Visit www.citibank.com.ph for more information.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Online shopping expected to grow this holiday season

The logistics sector is also bullish on the country's accelerating growth as a bigger economy means more business for the industry. – ANC, Business Nightly, November 17, 2016

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Austria police step up security amid terror warning

VIENNA - Austrian police said Saturday they stepped up security in Vienna and other cities after receiving a warning of possible attacks during the holiday season.

"In the lead-up to Christmas, a friendly intelligence service sent a warning to numerous European capitals saying potential bomb or gun attacks could take place in areas with large crowds between Christmas and New Year," Vienna police said in a statement.

The warning included "several names of potential attackers" but investigations have so far yielded no concrete results, the statement said.

In response to the alert, police officials said they would increase security at public events and tighten controls on roads in Vienna and elsewhere in Austria.

The warning comes after jihadist gunmen and suicide bombers killed 130 people in a series of coordinated attacks in Paris on November 13.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Pinoys in Canada create new tradition to cope with holiday blues

VANCOUVER – For locals, the annual Candytown Festival in Vancouver marks the official start of holiday events across the city.

But while many are excited, some Filipinos are reminded of Christmas in the Philippines.

"It's different. We have a long Christmas back home. But over here is very short. So enjoy whatever they can give you," said Ina Celeste.

Shirley and Francisco Reynon are spending their first Christmas in Canada to spend time with their youngest grandson. They admit that aside from the cold weather, it's been quite an adjustment.

"Talagang bored na bored kami kasi syempre naalala namin yung naiwanan namin," said Shirley.

Francisco added, "Malungkot po dahil walang family dito, hindi kasama ang pamilya."

Old timers say the trick is to make the season as close to celebrations back home as possible. It could also be the perfect time to create new traditions with the family.

"We are looking forward to a Christmas in the Philippines. House to house mayroon tayong pinaghahandaang pagkain," said Linda Dizon.

Read more on Balitang America.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Christmas gift idea: Philip Stein's Legacy Petite watch

MANILA – This new watch collection is made available exclusively in the Philippines first, just in time for the holiday season.

Philip Stein’s Legacy Petite watches are as chic and elegant as its predecessors and come in two styles – the stainless steel oval case and the rose gold-plated version.

Each timepiece has Philip Stein’s signature dual time zone dial in white mother of pearl, fitted with mineral crystal, and comes with interchangeable silk calf straps available in black, white, pink and light blue.

It is also equipped with Philip Stein’s Natural Frequency Technology, a chip that acts like an antenna to help the wearer “tune in to the earth’s positive alpha waves.”

Broadway star and “The Voice of the Philippines” coach Lea Salonga, an endorser of Philip Stein, co-created the Legacy Petite collection.

Priced from P37,100 to P47,950 each, the Legacy Petite watches will be available in Philip Stein stores nationwide in late December.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

New York reassures tourists after terror threat

NEW YORK, United States - New York is reassuring tourists that America's biggest city is safe as it prepares to welcome more than five million visitors for the busy holiday season after the Paris attacks.

The winter tourism season officially kicked off with Thursday's Thanksgiving Parade, where hundreds of thousands of people lined the streets to watch the three-hour event amid tight security.

After the Paris attacks on November 13, an Islamic State group propaganda video broadcast images of New York from Times Square. US authorities hit back that there was no credible threat against the city or anywhere else in the United States.

"We had some hotel cancellations from small groups," said Chris Heywood, senior vice president of global communications at NYC and Company -- the city's official marketing and tourism organization.

Despite what he calls a "sprinkling of a few cancellations," he is still encouraging people to visit the metropolis for the "magical holiday season" that lasts through December until New Year.

"The city is open," he told AFP. "It is business as usual."

Eighty-nine people were killed at the Bataclan concert hall in the Paris attacks, but the Broadway League says there has been no drop in attendance since the carnage in France.

The US State Department has issued a worldwide travel alert, warning Americans of a heightened terrorist threat in "multiple regions," which has added to the worry among tourist industry professionals.

"We have seen a fall in reservations," said the CEO of Air France, Alexandre de Juniac, during a visit last week to New York, the prime target in the September 11, 2001 attacks on the US.

A US airline also said reservations from Europe were down, without wanting to give figures.

"I was in a plane 90 percent empty," Christine Priotto, mayor of Dieulefit, a town in southern France, told AFP after arriving this week in New York on a private visit.

"It was a little strange."

- 'People don't want to come' -

In Times Square, where police armed with heavy guns can be seen patrolling, bus ticket tout Farid Et Takaouy said he had never seen so little trade for the end of November.

"It's really dropped over the last two weeks," he said. "People take photos of the police and send them to their friends everywhere and so people don't want to come any more," he told AFP.

He says people who dress up as Mickey Mouse, Buzz Lightyear and as Statues of Liberty to pose with tourists in exchange for a few dollars have also seen their business fall.

Tourism is a hugely important industry in New York City: an influx of 5.3 million people was expected for the holiday season, which authorities say brings $3.7 billion to the local economy.

On Tuesday, the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree will be lit. The open-air skating rinks are open, the famous department stores have already got their Christmas windows decorated.

But some tourists are still thinking twice, particularly those from France.

Alexandra, a French woman from Aix-en-Provence, planned a trip to New York with her husband and their two teenagers long ago. But the Paris attacks and the IS group's propaganda video dampened their enthusiasm.

"In all the emotion, we questioned whether we should travel and at the moment our son doesn't want to go," she told AFP, not wanting to give her second name.

The family are thinking about it. Reassured by the stepped-up security, Alexandra thinks in the end they will still visit New York.

"We are more aware," said the mayor Priotto. But she says she has been more touched by the welcome from New Yorkers than the police patrols.

"When I went to the Statue of Liberty, one man, a ticket seller, took me into his arms," she said, still surprised. "And another said, 'Vive La France.'"

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Obama pardons turkeys on Thanksgiving Eve

The Western world is counting down to Thanksgiving Day, a tradition that officially kicks off the holiday season.

But no one could probably be more grateful than two 18-week-old, 40-pound turkeys, whom President Barack Obama pardoned at a ceremony in the Rose Garden on Wednesday, and spared from becoming a part of Thursday's Thanksgiving feast.

Obama formally pardoned Abe, whom he nicknamed "TOTUS," the turkey of the United States. If Abe is unable to fulfill his duties, the president said Honest would take his place. -- ANC Market Edge, November 26, 2015

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Retailers give shoppers new reasons to use mobile phones in stores

NEW YORK - At some Macy's outlets this holiday season, shoppers who download the retailer’s app will be able to use their smart phones to guide them through the store to products they’re seeking.

At JCPenney, customers will be able to take a snapshot of, for example, boots worn by a person passing by and quickly find out if the store has similar ones in stock. And Staples is testing an app that will allow sales clerks to let customers know how the store’s prices match up against Amazon and other rivals.

Hoping to claw back market share from online rivals - and tired of watching customers use their phones to find better deals than those offered in stores - brick and mortar retailers are trying to give shoppers different reasons to use their phones while doing holiday shopping.

The new apps will allow customers to easily order out-of-stock items for home delivery, to check store prices and even to summon a clerk.

But the retailers’ efforts will face two significant challenges in the looming holiday season: getting customers to embrace the new technology, which is still sometimes glitchy and dependent on in-store systems, and getting them to trust that stores can match the Web’s prices and convenience.

Retail purchases by mobile phone have increased by 34 percent in the last year, according to IBM, which estimates that more than 40 percent of the online traffic and about 20 percent of sales this Thanksgiving weekend will come from smart phones.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll of more than 3,000 respondents this month found that about half of those surveyed said they would use their mobile phones while shopping in stores this holiday season, for such things as making price comparisons, taking photos or researching products. Last year, only about 42% of respondents said they would use their phones while shopping.

Companies that don’t make mobile work are playing a "very dangerous" game, said Jay Henderson, head of IBM’s cloud-based marketing platform. "Retailers that can’t deliver a more personalized experience on mobile devices will start losing customers to businesses that can," he said.

In addition to its pilot program guiding customers to products within stores, and a photo program similar to JCPenney's, Macy's has taken inspiration from dating app Tinder, recommending products to customers online who swipe one way to like an item and the other to reject it.

JCPenney's app can be used to scan barcodes to pull up product information or order out of stock items, and it saves digital coupons - two increasingly common offerings in retailer apps.

“We look at using phones in stores as an enhancement to shopping,” said Kate Coultas, a representative with JCPenney which is heavily focused on mobile this year.

SERVICE WITH A TAP

Stores are trying to make customer service easier, too.

Best Buy's app now lets shoppers call, text or email a representative while in stores.

Target Corp is testing an in-store "digital service ambassador" in 25 Los Angeles stores to help customers use Target apps.

Ulta Beauty is testing an app that will allow clerks to access customer information and point them to products they might like.

Faisal Masud, executive vice president of global e-commerce at Staples, said his company knows that it must satisfy the desires of its customers to find low prices. The company, like many others, will match online and in-store prices of competitors, including Amazon, Best Buy and Office Depot.

Customers “have a phone that is basically a super computer, and they will find it somewhere else” for less if they can, he said.

Companies offering web apps and in-store technologies will also have to grapple with keeping the new apps and systems working and up to date. That means ensuring that WiFi in stores works, and that terminals function.

Recent visits to a Staples store in New York City found that a kiosk set up to allow people to order online wasn’t functioning, and at a JCPenney store in the city, the Wifi didn’t work. Both companies said the problems encountered were unusual and that they have backup systems in place.

"Poorly executed plans can be worse than no mobile strategy at all," said Perry Kramer, vice president at Boston Retail Partners. "The dangers are losing those customers for the rest of the year or for a long time."

Read more at Reuters.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Former US President Bush hospitalized for shortness of breath

AUSTIN, Texas - Former US President George H.W. Bush, 90, was hospitalized in Houston, Texas, late on Tuesday after experiencing shortness of breath, a spokesman for the 41st commander-in-chief said in a statement.

Bush's latest health scare came two years after he was struck by illness during the 2012 holiday season and ended up spending seven weeks in a Houston hospital for bronchitis and related ailments, before his discharge in mid-January of 2013.

On Tuesday evening, the former president "was taken by ambulance to the Houston Methodist Hospital as a precaution after experiencing a shortness of breath," according to his spokesman, Jim McGrath.

Bush "will be held for observation, again as a precaution," McGrath said in a statement.

The former president grew so ill during his previous hospitalization that he was believed at one point to be near death, and members of his family gathered around him.

But he recovered and went on to mark his 90th birthday this year by taking a parachute jump in Kennebunkport, Maine. His eldest son, former President George W. Bush, just published a best-selling book about his dad, titled "41 - A Portrait of My Father."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

4 tips to make your Christmas more meaningful

This is the season not only to be jolly but a season to give back by sharing our blessings with other, especially with the kids – even if not our own.

While it’s given that we buy presents for our family and relatives, we should also lend a hand to the less fortunate and make it part of our family tradition.

In the latest issue of Working Mom, you will find a list of charitable activities that could serve as avenues to transform one’s Christmas celebration to a merry one.

1. Give out slippers. This is one of the easiest gift-giving projects you can do – all it takes is a quick trip to Divisoria to buy an affordable footwear, place them in colorful eco-bags, and voila! You can spread Christmas spirit to less privileged kids. If you have a bigger budget to spare or friends who can sponsor the cost, you can coordinate with an orphanage and buy shoes for the kids there.

2. Put up a feeding kiosk. Street kids will surely appreciate a warm bowl of chicken sopas or a fried chicken-and-spaghetti meal. Prepare a bag of goodies, have for some fun parlor games, and make it a truly memorable Christmas for them.

3. Adopt a family for Noche Buena. St. Joseph’s Parish Church, also known as the Bamboo Organ Church, has a yearly program where families are encouraged to share their Noche Buena feast with their less fortunate neighbors. They sign up with the parish if they want to “adopt” a family. Families anywhere can also do this program by bringing meals to their selected recipients.

4. Grant a wish. Last year, children from Tacloban wrote their wish lists on star-shaped papers during the Christmas party held in the area. Donors responded by sending their gifts. You can do a similar gift-giving project without having to go to Tablocan. Simply send the gifts to your recipient-families or course it through agencies like the DSWD or ABS-CBN Foundation. Make the project more meaningful by involving family members in buying and wrapping the gifts, and writing messages of hope.

Yuletide season is not everyday – but everyday can always be a season of sharing your blessings and being a blessing to others. Grab a copy of the latest issue of Working Mom and get other Christmas ideas to add more meaning to your Christmas celebration this year!

Like WorkingMom on Facebook.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

WATCH: Minions give Christmas greeting

It seems that the Minions from the "Despicable Me" franchise share the same love we have for Christmas.

Last week, the adorable yellow critters came up with their own version of the classic "Jingle Bells" to spread some holiday cheer ahead of their spin-off film next year.

As of writing, the clip, which has been uploaded by several users on their respective channels on YouTube, has been viewed more than 3 million times. "Minion" is set to hit Philippine theaters in July 2015.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Review: Fun, exuberant 'Cinderella' ballet

We are all familiar with the story of Cinderella from the classic 1950 Disney full-length animated film. We know her Wicked Stepmother and stepsisters who maltreated her. We know her Fairy Godmother who magically helped her get to the Ball. We know about the Prince and his kingdom-wide search for the owner of glass slipper the mystery lady who ran off at midnight left behind.

We can see all this and more in the latest offering of Ballet Philippines this holiday season, "Cinderella," as choreographed by National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes.

Instead of the traditional Prokofiev score, Ms. Reyes used various pieces by Tchaikovsky to create the perfect musical score for the ballet she had in mind. She added various original elements, like the dance of animals in the garden and the two mischievous brothers of the prince, to lighten the mood for her target audience, the children.

This is already the fifth staging of this original Alice Reyes ballet since she premiered it first in 1981. The restagers this time around are BP Dance School director and ballet masters Victor Ursabia and Ramon Victoria.

The sets and costumes were originally designed by Salvador Bernal, himself a National Artist for Theater Design. The palace set was so opulent and grandiose with meticulous details, enhancing the elegance and vibrancy of the dances performed.

Cinderella was played by a young, upcoming soloist Denise Parungao. She has such a pretty smile and and kind face, perfect for her lead role. Her very slim and lithe physique gives her a very light feeling when she dances, even as she performs difficult moves. (Monica Amanda Gana alternates in this role.)

The most elegant dancer on that stage last night was the regal Rita Angela Winder, who portrayed Fairy Godmother, certainly younger and more beautiful than the one we know from the Disney cartoon. Her stage presence is riveting, always drawing audience attention to her dignified stance. (Katherine Trofeo alternates in this role.)

The male characters play second fiddle to their female counterparts in this program as they mainly play consorts and dance partners. Even the Prince had to dance in groups of multiple dancers during Act 1. Richardson Yadao is a principal dancer of BP but he seemed to lack the regal stature and presence to be the Prince. There were some male members of the company (was that JM Cordero?) looked more "princely" than him, sad to say. He did show why he earned his rank in the company when he danced his solo spots with excellent flourish in Act III. (Earl John Arisola alternates in this role.)

However, definitely the most memorable characters for the audience in this show are the Wicked Stepmother Brunhilda and the comic stepsisters Griselda and Prunella.

For the opening night last November 27, Brunhilda was played by Isabelle Garachon, the wife of the French ambassador, who was a professional dancer back when she was younger. Her face was made up to look scary and stern, but she had a natural sense of humor with her facial expressions. Her moves seemed more flamenco-inspired than ballet, very graceful. BP president Margie Moran-Floriendo will alternate in this role, I am very curious on how she would pull it off. There is a third alternate, Butch Esperanza, a guy -- now that might be fun!

The role of the two stepsisters are probably the most demanding of the whole cast. They had to do physical slapstick comedy in balletic style. That is as difficult as it sounds, but it had to look like they were having a lot of fun doing it. Dancing the clumsy and heavy-footed pair on opening night were Ma. Celina Dofitas (as Griselda) and BP Principal Dancer Katherine Trofeo (as Prunella). They were a riot with the kids and kids at heart in the audience. People were actually laughing out loud at their antics, as unseeming as it may be at a ballet. (Edana Mae Labitoria alternates as Griselda. Rita Angela Winder alternates as Prunella -- now that is something to watch out for!)

I am not really a ballet connoisseur by any measure, but judging this as a casual viewer, this is one full-length ballet my daughter and I truly enjoyed watching. The humorous elements Ms. Reyes added into her choreography really enhanced the enjoyment of the show. I would say that the degree of difficulty of the dancing was heightened because of the sense of comedy it had to project to the audience in the form of dance. This show proved that ballet can indeed be fun to watch!

"Cinderella" will be performed at the CCP Main Theater on December 5 (3 p.m. and 8 p.m.), December 6 (10 a.m. and 6 p.m.), and December 7 (2 p.m. and 6 p.m.).

This review was originally published in the author's blog, "Fred Said."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

10 questions to ask when buying holiday gifts

All the buzz of late, if I can believe my recent holiday experience, is focused on Christmas plans -- the presents, the restaurant reservations, the cash...

I was reminded of a cartoon some time ago wherein a shopper laments, "Oh dear, I was so busy shopping that I forgot to have fun."

Admittedly, my personal bias is to avoid the 'Seduction of Christmas as Consumerism' altogether. Nobody needs yet another rant on how the true spirit of Christmas gets lost at the shopping malls.

Instead, let me provide the following Holiday Gift Quiz as a means of personal reflection. It helps me focus my energy on the receiver of the gift and get my ego out of the way. Maybe it will help you:
1. Why am I giving this gift?

2. Is it sincere?

3. Am I giving without strings attached?

4. Does it reflect the receiver's taste - not mine?

5. Is it too extravagant?

6. Is it kind? (beware of gag gifts)

7. Is it appropriate? (e.g. no candy for a dieter)

8. Can I present it in person?

9. It is beautifully presented?

10. Do I feel good about giving it?

The first point really is the most important consideration. The very first question to ask is why we are giving the gift in the first place.

We give gifts for lots of reasons: to say thanks to a business associate for an introduction, to someone who entertained us in their home, to a person who provided information that helped us land some business, or to someone who treated us to a meal.

This just scratches the surface of the many reasons for gift giving. Let's not forget simply honoring someone who is always there for us, for advice, a cheer-up, or to talk us down from the ledge when we are having a meltdown.

I flunked arts and crafts in school, and I am no competition for Martha Stewart. Nevertheless, I believe that the value of any gift is enhanced by the fact that it arrives on time and is nicely wrapped.

Personally, I am big on re-purposing the Sunday newspaper comics and using colorful yarn instead of ribbon. It's less expensive and better for the environment, which is a gift in itself.

Handwritten notes embellish the gift. They set us apart because it's clear we spent our time and attention to let the receiver know why we are giving the gift. Especially in these tough economic times, the personal dedication goes a long way to overcome modest material resources.

Having attended to the points above, I come full circle to the final one: Do I feel good giving this present? Chances are that, when I really pay attention to the person who will receive my gift, my answer is a resounding yes.

(Mary M. Mitchell has written several books on the subject of etiquette, now in 11 languages, most recently "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Modern Manners Fast Track" and "Woofs to the Wise." She is the founder of executive training consultancy The Mitchell Organization (www.themitchellorganization.com). The opinions expressed are her own.)
 
source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Using your credit card this holiday season? Read this first

MANILA -- A representative from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) explained several things that a credit card holder should know before using it to shop this holiday season.

In an interview on radio DZMM, Atty. Prudence Angelita Kasala, deputy director of the Financial Consumer Protection Department of the BSP, explained that there is an existing "one price tag policy" for all merchants.

Under this policy, merchants should display a single price for items, regardless of the mode of payment the consumer will use.

This policy prevents merchants from discriminating consumers who use cash, and those who use their credit cards.

However, Kasala admitted that not all merchants follow this policy.

"Actually, bawal 'yan. Ang ginagawa kasi nila, kasi dapat pareho lang ang presyo, sasabihin nila kapag cash, discount 'yan. Dapat hindi pinapayagan 'yun eh, pero 'yung kliyente, siguro nga dahil may discount, hindi na sila umaalama," she added.

She also explained that merchants should not pass on the charges to the card holders.

According to Kasala, there are 8 million credit card accounts in the country for 2014. The number has increased from 7.4 million accounts last year.

When asked whether this is a good sign, Kasala explained that there are conflicting views when it comes to household credit.

"May iba't ibang pananaw diyan ano, kasi sinasabi nila na household credit as a percentage of the GDP is indicative also of economic growth," Kasala said, adding that compared to other Asian countries, the Philippines has the lowest percentage of consumer debt in its gross domestic product (GDP).

Kasala also explained that it is not bad to have debts, as long as one has the capability to pay, is aware of when to pay, and knows how much to pay.

"Convenient siya at meron kang parang interest free period, kasi kung binabayaran mo siya everytime na nag-due date siya nang buo, wala kang interes na babayaran. So kunyari, depende sa cycle, billing cycle mo, pwede kang makakuha ng as long as 51 days na interest free, so malaking tulong yan sa'yo sa pagmamanage ng finances," Kasala said.

The BSP has also prohibited banks from issuing pre-approved credit cards, adding that banks should first determine if an applicant is capable of paying debts before issuing a credit card.

"Bago ka mabigyan ng credit card, aalamin muna ng credit card issuer na meron kang kakayahan magbayad," Kasala said.

Kasala explained that there is no provision in the Constitution that can send debtors to jail.

"Hindi ka pwedeng ikulong kasi wala naman sa Constitution natin, walang pagkakulong dahil sa hindi pagbabayad ng utang."

However, someone who does not pay his or her credit card debts can still be sent to jail, if they are proven guilty of violating Republic Act 8484, or the Access Devices Act.

"Kapag hindi ka nagbabayad ng utang sa credit card, tapos nagpalit ka ng address, pwede kang makulong kasi may intention to defraud ka," Kasala added.

Once proven guilty, one will have to pay a fine of P10,000, and will be imprisoned for six to 12 years.

To avoid too much credit card debt, Kasala said one should not use the credit limit as basis of how much one should spend.

"Hindi mo dapat ginagamit na batayan 'yung credit limit sa ginagastos mo, kasi ang credit limit, di hamak na mas mataas sa kinikita mo," she added.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

How to find good bargains in bazaars

MANILA, Philippines - Whenever we want to shop for bargains, bazaars – better known as tiangges -- always come to mind.

Ubiquitous during the holiday season, bazaars are popular for offering a wide array of products, many of which are usually hard to find in malls and stores. Homemade goods, handicrafts, artisanal delights, farm goods and delicacies from distant provinces, as well as export overruns and cheap knock-offs are usually sold here.

Although there are tiangges in operation throughout the year, there are also a small number that sprout only during the holiday season to take advantage of the shopping rush. Usually, these are found in residential subdivisions.

More than the goods, what makes bazaars so attractive to many shoppers is that haggling can be done freely with the tiangge owners. That means you can get away with good deals — even as low as 50 percent off — if you know how to negotiate well.

Although bazaars are known to be a bargain hunter’s paradise, you can still blow your budget if you aren’t careful. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your bazaar shopping expedition:

Have a shopping list.

The easiest way to overspend is to shop without a plan. If you are buying gifts, make sure you have a ready list of recipients indicating a budget for each. This way, you can stay within your spending limit.

Check out mall and online prices beforehand.

Sometimes, what looks like a good bargain might turn out not to be so. This is why it’s good to have an idea of how much items sell in brick-and-mortar and online stores before you hit the bazaars. You’ll be surprised – some items being sold in bazaars may be on sale in regular stores, and at lower prices.

Compare prices from stall to stall.

Resist the urge to buy from the first stall you visit. Do a quick reconnaissance to find out the prices of similar items in different stalls. Prices can greatly vary among them so checking out the lay of the “shopping land” really helps you find best bargains.

Haggle, haggle, haggle.

Bazaars are a haggler’s haven. Do not hesitate to ask the seller for a discount, especially if you are buying items in bulk. Sellers are also happy to extend discounts to repeat customers. Don’t hesitate to ask for more--the merchant may just be too happy to oblige.

Examine items closely.

Unlike regular stores which have customer service departments, bazaars are temporary stores that you may not be able to locate after a certain period. This is why you should check the items thoroughly for any possible damages before making a purchase . Ask about their return policy, and ask for a receipt or a proof of purchase to facilitate a possible exchange.

Stick to small, inexpensive items.
Because they are not regulated, bazaars may not be the ideal place to purchase large-ticket items, especially those that offer a warranty. If you’re looking for gadgets or goods that require after-sales service, get these from the authorized dealers that can offer and honor the warranty and provide follow-through services.

Buyer beware.
Due to their unregulated nature, there is no guarantee that the merchandise in bazaars have gone through and passed requirements such as quality control. For example, Christmas lights and electrical items may not have gone through safety checks. Similarly, if you are looking for designer items, you may be better off going to department stores where the authorized dealers are located.

Check your money.

Since most bazaars do not use cash registers, you are often left at the mercy of vendors who may make mistakes in computing your bill. Do a parallel computation and check your items before leaving to ensure that no mistakes are made. A wise alternative is to use your credit card where plastic is accepted to lessen the use of cash.

Timing counts.

The time of purchase often determines the size of the discount. If you’re buying gift items in the run-up to Christmas, expect prices to be high. If you shop on the last day or last few hours of a bazaar, though, many merchants may be happy to hold a clearance sale. Similarly, you can probably get big discounts if you do your shopping after the holiday season.

Happy bargain hunting!

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

How Kathryn, Daniel are spending holiday break

MANILA -- On-screen partners and rumored sweethearts Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla are set to welcome 2014 with their respective families.

Bernardo has been enjoying her time at home, with the actress posting a photo of herself walking around their subdivision with her niece, Lhexine, and her pet dog.

Padilla, meanwhile, has been spending time with his family and friends in Hong Kong.

Dubbed as the Teen King and Queen of Entertainment, respectively, Bernardo and Padilla took a break after the debut of their horror film "Pagpag," which is one of the official entries to this year's 2013 Metro Manila Film Festival.

The two are lead stars of ABS-CBN's hit series "Got To Believe," which airs weeknights after "Honesto."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

How to make cake pops at home

MANILA - Delicious and easy to make, cake pops are a great gift idea not only for Christmas but for any occasion.

Chef Jackie Laudico said cake pops can serve as last-minute gifts for the holiday season and is a good way to repurpose leftover cake from noche buena.

The process of making cake pops is simple: break the cake into crumbles, mold them into balls, put them in sticks, and dip them in melted chocolate and sprinkles.

"'Di ba meron tayo 'yung mga sobrang cake? You can make it into cake pops," Laudico said on Friday's episode of "Kris TV."

The chef then demonstrated how she makes cake pops. Using leftover butterscotch cupcakes, Laudico crumbles them into fine crumbs and forms them into small balls.

Before attaching the lollipop sticks, she first dips them in chocolate to make sure that the cake pops would stick.

"What I've learned is para hindi siya agad natatanggal [sa stick], you dip it in chocolate para mas nakakapit," she said.

After this, dip the cake pops in frosting, in pure melted chocolate or in ganache, which includes cream and chocolate.

The trick, said Laudico, is to "make the chocolate pull itself" by moving the stick up and down for a nice, thin chocolate coating.

Then, add sprinkles to add color to the cake pops. Place them in the chiller to set.

Laudico said a cake pop can be made for as low as P10.

"Nagmamahal lang siya 'pag 'yung mga imported na chocolate 'yung gamitin mo," she said.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Hollywood sends holiday greetings to Pinoys

HOLLYWOOD -- Every year, the largest Christmas celebration in America happens in Hollywood through its Christmas parade featuring movie and TV stars who took the time to greet their Filipino fans.

Among the celebrities present is the holiday season's biggest star and he has a special message for children back in the Philippines.

"For all of the children there, Santa's watching. I'm gonna try to take care of everybody who's looking for something," said Santa Claus.

The head of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, which distributes toys to less fortunate children, said they have plans to go to the Philippines.

"At some point in the future, once we're able to take care of the most important needs, and that's to make sure that they get the food, the water, the medical supplies they need, hopefully, we'll be able to have something like a little Christmas after Christmas that'll help give some joy to these youngsters as well," said Lt. Gen. Pete Osman, president of the foundation.

"American Idol" power couple Ace Young and Diana DeGarmo also took the opportunity to greet their Filipino fans, especially those that were affected by typhoon Yolanda.

"That's a place we like to go. I have a lot of friends that have family in the Philippines that are here doing entertainment. When all that stuff hit, it's a shock that it can actually hit home, and that's definitely home," said Young.

"Hello, how are you? People in America are thinking of you. We are sending what we can both physically and emotionally," said DeGarmo.

Johnny Rzeznik of the Goo-Goo Dolls shared his favorite Christmas tradition and also sent a message to fans in the Philippines.

"You know, I get to see my family. I get to set up my train under the tree. It's just time to reflect on what's going on," he said.

"We're wishing you the best and everybody over here is just trying to help as much as we can," he added.

The Christmas Parade is a Hollywood tradition for 82 years now and its two-hour special is broadcast several times on the Hallmark Channel and the CW Network during the holiday season.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com