As the Ber months approach, they also bring an opportunity for Filipinos to pause and reflect on whether they are building the lives they truly want. That reflection can extend to how they spend, save, and plan for the future.   But this is more than a seasonal behavior, as EastWest Ageas' newly launched PURPLE Report on Consumer Trade-Offs and Intentional Spending found that more Filipinos are now carefully weighing their financial decisions as they work toward their goals. This intentionality often starts with five simple questions:    1. Am I on Track?   It may be a simple question,...

Many are familiar with the concept of the “American dream,” but what does the Filipino dream look like today? According to the Boston Consulting Group, the Filipino dream is all about achieving financial security, even amid medical emergencies.   The reality of the Filipino dream    However, the reality of achieving the Filipino dream is quite sobering. The PURPLE Report, a study commissioned by EastWest Ageas and conducted by global consumer intelligence leader NielsenIQ, found that 8 out of 10 Filipinos are concerned about securing their financial future amid rising living costs. Inflation continues to stretch household budgets, often leaving...

Most Filipinos have only around ₱50,000 in emergency savings—an amount that can be quickly depleted by a single medical emergency. As inflation pushed the cost of goods up by 4.1% in March 2026, many are finding it increasingly difficult to keep up with daily expenses while setting aside funds for long-term financial security.   These insights come from the PURPLE Report, a recent study commissioned by EastWest Ageas in partnership with global consumer intelligence leader NielsenIQ. The study highlights how rising costs are steadily eroding Filipinos’ financial buffers, leaving many more exposed to unexpected expenses.   As more Filipinos grapple...

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the driving force of the Philippine economy, making up 63% of the country’s total employment and contributing 36% to its gross value added, according to the World Bank Group. As 2026 unfolds, SMEs must continue to adapt to shifting customer needs and evolving market demands. Here are five practical strategies local businesses can apply to sustain and scale their growth this year:   #1 Upskill to Unlock Growth   Business owners are often jacks-of-all-trades, wearing multiple hats in running their enterprises. To keep up, they must continue investing in upskilling to manage these roles...

What does chasing your dreams look like in 2025? For young Filipinos, it's not just about getting by—it’s about thriving, hustling, and owning your future.   Young Filipinos are big dreamers, but the path to success is far from easy. Fast-rising insurance company EastWest Ageas Insurance explores this with its new digital series “#FYP (For Your PURPLE).” This follows a group of friends chasing stability and success. With each bite-sized episode, viewers will see the grit it takes to achieve one’s goals and how dreams can come true one step at a time.   Meet the PURPLE Barkada Chasing Big...