The 8 Absurd Ways Manileños Splurge

Surprise: It’s Not Just on Adobo!

In the heart of Metro Manila, where the buzz never dies down and the streets are as lively as ever, locals have their own unique ways of spending a little too much. Here’s a satirical take on the 8 spending habits that might have Manileños saying, “Ay, naku!” Let’s dive into these peculiar spending habits and explore some whimsical “solutions.”

Online Shopping: Manila’s Midnight Mall

The allure of online shopping grips Manileños tighter than their love for karaoke. Whether it’s Lazada or Shopee, the thrill of adding to cart is undeniable. But beware, the ‘Add to Cart’ button is more tempting than a Jollibee two-piece Chickenjoy meal. Pro tip: If you find yourself buying a banana slicer at 3 a.m., it might be time to reconsider your life choices.

As the digital age continues to redefine consumer habits worldwide, Manila has emerged as a hotspot for online shopping enthusiasts. In a city that never sleeps, where the hustle is as relentless as the monsoon rains, Manileños are increasingly turning to the internet for their shopping sprees.

Gone are the days of navigating through the city’s notorious traffic to reach crowded malls. Today, with just a few clicks, Manileños are indulging in a shopping experience that knows no bounds. From the latest fashion trends to cutting-edge electronics, everything is just a tap away.

The convenience of online shopping has not only transformed how Manileños purchase goods but also what they buy. There’s a growing trend of splurging on items that offer a slice of luxury or a dash of comfort in their fast-paced lives. Whether it’s high-end gadgets to stay connected or designer wear to make a statement at the next Zoom party, the digital cart is overflowing.

But it’s not just about the lavish spending. The online shopping boom in Manila also reflects a deeper shift in consumer values. Quality, convenience, and exclusivity are the new currency, as Manileños seek experiences that enhance their lifestyle while offering the comfort of home delivery.

As e-commerce sites and local businesses continue to cater to this burgeoning demand, Manila’s online shopping scene is set to evolve even further. With exclusive online deals, virtual try-on experiences, and the rise of social media shopping, the future of retail in Manila is as dynamic and vibrant as the city itself.

In this digital shopping revolution, Manileños are not just spending; they’re investing in experiences, convenience, and a bit of joy delivered right to their doorstep. The message is clear: In Manila, the future of shopping is not just online; it’s online and extraordinary.

Ad Blocker: The Unseen Savior

In a city where billboards dominate the skyline, online ads are just as pervasive. Not using an ad blocker in Manila is like driving without a horn: you can, but why would you? Shield yourself from the relentless barrage of “Buy This!” and “Sale Here!”—your sanity will thank you.

Auto Insurance: Manila’s Financial Quicksand

Manileños, known for their innovative ways to navigate through EDSA traffic, somehow still get stuck in the quicksand of overpriced auto insurance. The solution? Do what Manileños do best: haggle. If you can haggle for fish in the market, you can certainly haggle for better insurance rates.

Credit Card Debt: The Silent Budget Killer

Ah, credit cards—the magical plastic that grants your wishes now and sends you regret later. In Manila, where the temptation to splurge is on every corner, from upscale malls to street vendors, the key is to remember that ‘swipe now, stress later’ is not a lifestyle—it’s a warning.

Financial Advisors: The Unsung Heroes

While Manileños love a good chismis session, gossiping about financial planning isn’t quite as popular. Yet, having a financial advisor is like having a life coach, but for your wallet. They might not fix your love life, but they’ll certainly help your bank account look more attractive.

Home Repairs: The Unexpected Money Pit

In a city where your next-door neighbor’s karaoke session sounds like it’s in your living room, home repairs are inevitable. But fear not, a home warranty is like having a ninong or ninang for your house, ready to step in when things fall apart—literally.

Savings Accounts: The Underperforming Investment

Putting money in a savings account with low interest is like planting mango trees and getting kamias. Sure, it’s something, but it’s not quite what you hoped for. Look for better options, or better yet, invest in a sari-sari store. At least you get free snacks.

Password Protection: The Digital Gatekeeper

In a city where everyone knows everyone, keeping your passwords safe is crucial. It’s like ensuring your Tita Baby doesn’t find out about your secret Boracay trip. Use a password manager, or risk having your Facebook flooded with “Uy, pa-burger ka naman!”

Approximately 1.2 million Manileños are hacked each year (and over 600k Facebook accounts are hacked daily). Hackers (worldwide) have published a whopping 555 million stolen passwords on the dark web since 2017.

Odds are, you will have an account hacked at some point in the next few years.

You probably already know how to defend yourself: by using long, ultra-strong passwords, and using a different one for each website.

But the issue is that nobody can remember 10+ strong passwords (especially if they’re made up of random letters and numbers).

The fix: experts recommend using a password manager.

Think of it like a lockbox, but for your passwords. A password manager is a service that securely stores all of your logins in one app (so you don’t have to remember a gajillion different passwords). They’re ultra-secure, and also crazily helpful.

I typically recommend Total Password, but there are lots of other providers, too. Expect to pay $2-$4/month for a service like this, but it’s well worth it (the average identity theft will cost you $3,500+).

Here’s a link to Total Password.

Paid Surveys: The Side Hustle

In Manila, where hustle is the middle name, getting paid for your opinions seems like a sweet deal. It’s like getting a reward for all those times your Tita asked for your take on her new curtains.

As a general rule I would ignore any site that says they’ll pay you to fill out surveys, but there are a few that are legitimate (and pay pretty well).

I usually use Survey Junkie (link here). You basically just get paid to give your opinions on different products/services, etc. Perfect for when you’re watching TV.

Here’s the form I used to sign up – I think it took me maybe 1-2 minutes tops. They don’t accept everyone, but if you get in it’s a sweet gig.

Real Estate Investment: The Aspirational Dream

Investing in real estate in Manila is like waiting for the MRT during rush hour—a test of patience and endurance. But with new platforms allowing you to invest with less, it’s like getting a seat on the train; it’s rare but oh-so-satisfying.

So there you have it, folks. In a city as vibrant and dynamic as Manila, the opportunities to spend, save, and splurge are as diverse as its population. Just remember, the next time you’re about to make a questionable financial decision, think of this list and ask yourself, “Is this really worth my hard-earned pesos?”