The newest and biggest FamilyMart in the country is truly one-of-a-kind in more ways than one. From the expansive food offerings, to the cozy dining and working spaces, this one redefines the ‘konbini.’

Productivity and convenience go hand-in-hand as this FamilMart offers a co-working space that’s conducive to studying, reading, and, basically, getting what needs to be accomplished on your computer done — all while enjoying any of the goodies in the store. For a minimum purchase of only P250, customers enjoy free WiFi and a cozy corner in the exclusive co-working area, which looks out to the zen garden.

That’s right, this FamilyMart has its very own zen garden! Thoughtfully located next to the co-working space, it provides busy bees a calming view for when taking a break from their screens. The landscape, reminiscent of scenes from a Japanese manga, is just what anyone needs for a breather.

Further setting itself apart from other FamilyMart stores, this one has two function rooms called Osaka and Tokyo, accommodating 8 and 12 persons, respectively. Each is equipped with audio-video facilities, making such spaces ideal for meetings and brainstorming sessions–best done, of course, over some of the store’s delectable food items and some caffeine boost courtesy of FamilyMart Coffee Creations.

This is not a drill. The iconic noodle dish is now available in a FamilyMart in Manila. This one has a dedicated ramen station where Tonkotsu, Tantanmen, and Miso varieties are served hot. For only P165, any fan of the beloved Japanese delicacy can enjoy a bowl, which even comes with a complementing drink.

Metrobank launches saving and investing learning initiatives

Finance boils down to decisions. From spending, to using credit cards, to investing, we’re always making decisions. Unfortunately, many Filipinos fall victim to investment scams, get caught in cycles of debt, and struggle to keep up with the rising costs of living.

The Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co. (Metrobank) wants to change that. The lender wants to equip people with the knowledge they need to make good financial decisions.

Metrobank Chief Marketing Officer Digs Dimagiba says the bank aims to help people learn. “Our customers are people, not accounts,” he says. “As such, we want to enable them to live life to the fullest. Through financial education, our customers can make decisions on how they can use their money in smart and meaningful ways.”

Metrobank has come up with two financial education initiatives: MoneyBasics, which gives out practical tips for saving, and Earnest, which is a collection of simple and creative tips for you to build up a habit of saving.

At the center of MoneyBasics is #The30DayMetrobankChallenge. The aim of the challenge is for you to build a foundation of financial stability by learning to manage debts, track expenses and build an emergency fund.

Globe myBusiness, the micro, small and medium enterprise arm of Globe Telecom, recently held a data privacy awareness workshop for SMEs in the finance sector, specifically cooperatives, to help them improve their data security.

The event was in partnership with the North East Luzon Credit Cooperative League (NELCCO) and the National Association of Data Protection Officers (NADPOP). Carlos “Titus” Manuel, Founding chairman of the NADPOP, facilitated the training for cooperative executives from Ilocos and Cagayan Valley regions where he talked about the Data Privacy Act of 2012 and helpful digital solutions such as data storage and cybersecurity.

The Data Privacy Act of 2012 institutionalized the guidelines for protecting sensitive customer information.

However, many financial SME remain ill-equipped to protect customer data due to continuous use of manual and paper-based documentation to manage forms and important documents. This practice increases the risk of mistakes and loss via theft, disasters and negligence.