The Figaro Foundation marked the second year of its annual Coffee Tree Planting: From Crop to Cup 2025 by donating and planting 1,000 coffee seedlings in Purok 6, Sitio Bagbag, Brgy. San Isidro, Lipa City, Batangas. The initiative, joined by over 200 dedicated volunteers, highlights the Foundation’s mission to preserve and revitalize Batangas’ long-standing coffee culture while empowering local farming communities.

As part of its long-term commitment, the Figaro Foundation has pledged to conduct biannual maintenance and cleaning of the planting sites for the next two years to ensure that the seedlings thrive and contribute to sustainable coffee production. This effort underscores the Foundation’s dedication to not only planting trees but also creating lasting impact on the environment and the local economy.

“This tree planting program is more than just a one-day initiative—it is about cultivating the roots of Batangas’ coffee heritage for generations to come,” said Mary Joy Herrera, Administrator of the Figaro Foundation. “By engaging our volunteers, partners, and communities, we are building towards a future where local coffee farming continues to flourish.”

The milestone event was strengthened by a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed by key partners: Mary Joy Herrera (Figaro Foundation Administrator), John Christopher Laderas (Figaro Coffee Group Brand Manager), Mr. Ric Pesa (lot owner), and Hon. Tasiano Mea (Barangay Captain). This agreement formalizes support and partnership in sustaining the initiative’s environmental and community-driven goals.

Through projects like this, Figaro Foundation continues to demonstrate its commitment to both environmental stewardship and socio-economic upliftment by supporting local coffee growers. The program ensures that Batangas, historically known as a cradle of Philippine coffee, retains and enhances its reputation as a center of coffee excellence.

Homecoming season is the time that every Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) looks forward to. It’s a chance to be with family and a time to celebrate all the hard work. However, the pressure to spend generously, especially with pasalubong and gifts, can quickly derail financial plans.

While the homecoming is a time of celebration, it’s also a moment to reassess financial priorities. The joy of reunions and festivities can easily lead to overspending or neglecting long-term goals. That’s why it’s essential for OFWs to come home not just with gifts, but with a clear financial strategy. Here are some money management tips to ensure your homecoming is memorable and financially secure.

1. Set a “Homecoming Budget”.

The biggest mistake is operating without a plan. Before you purchase your plane ticket to go home, set a realistic budget for your entire stay. A well-planned budget acts as a financial compass, as it allows you to enjoy the season without the stress of overspending or dipping into funds meant for future goals.

List down everything you will need to spend on, including pasalubong, reunions dinners, family trips, aguinaldo for nephews and nieces, and even unexpected requests. More importantly, it should not eat into your regular allocations for savings, investments, and emergency funds.

When thinking of your pasalubong for your loved ones, it is important to remember that the value of a gift lies in the thought behind it, not the price tag. OFWs often feel pressured to bring home luxury items or expensive gadgets, but practical and more affordable gifts such as useful household items can be just as appreciated.

• Manage expectations with love.

There is a common notion that OFWs have unlimited funds, and as such, relatives and friends tend to expect them to spend during gatherings or borrow from them for certain needs. This is why setting financial boundaries is important. It’s a delicate and sensitive conversation, but it’s also an act of responsible love. 

Begin this conversation by communicating your goals. Explain that work is being done towards an important long-term goal, such as starting a family or buying a home. This helps relatives and friends  understand that money is allocated for the family’s future, not just current wants.

It is also acceptable to politely decline loan requests, especially those that are not for critical emergencies. Should you opt to lend, anticipate the possibility that they may not pay you back and consider how it can affect your own expenses and future goals.  

• Have a family financial planning session.

Use your time at home to have a discussion with your family on financial goals. Whether you are saving for a house, a child’s education, retirement, or your plan to come home for good, open communication is key.

To make the session more productive, consider inviting a Sun Life financial advisor to guide the conversation. Advisors can help assess your current financial standing, clarify insurance needs, and recommend suitable investment options. Their expertise can also help family members understand the importance of financial planning.

To keep the session engaging, especially for the younger family members, your advisor can incorporate Sun Life’s original board game, Play for Life: A Game of Choices. There is a version developed specifically for OFWs and their families to have a fun and educational way to learn about financial literacy and spark meaningful conversations.

As you enjoy your homecoming, don’t forget to mind your well-being too. Being an OFW, protecting all your hard work also means securing your health because this is directly tied to your and your family’s financial security. This is why Sun Life Philippines created Sun Life OFW Health Protect, the first insurance solution made of Overseas Filipinos, which offers comprehensive life and health protection tailored to your evolving needs. This solution provides coverage up to age 100, access to 24/7 teleconsultations with Filipino doctors, and flexible payment terms depending on the contract duration. 

While you’re in the Philippines, this may be a good time to talk to a Sun Life advisor to ask about Sun Life OFW Health Protect, so you can give yourself the ultimate pasalubong: the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your future is protected against unexpected health crises.

Homecoming season is a beautiful time in every OFW’s journey. It is a time to celebrate, reconnect, and reflect. By budgeting wisely and planning with your family, you can turn your homecoming into a powerful step forward, not just for yourself but for the people you love. Your hard work deserves nothing less than a brighter, healthier future.

To know more about how Sun Life helps overseas Filipino workers come home for good, visit www.sunlife.co/HomeForGood.

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Bringing People Closer, One Skewer at a Time

There’s a new aroma wafting through the streets of Ortigas—bold, smoky, and irresistibly spiced. It’s the unmistakable scent of ShaoKao BBQ, the rising star of Chinese-style street grilling that has captured the Filipino palate since its debut in 2024. And now, with the grand opening of its newest branch at City Golf Plaza, Doña Julia Vargas Avenue, Pasig City, ShaoKao BBQ is ready to take food lovers on another flavorful adventure.

A Taste of China, Perfected for the Filipino Palate

At ShaoKao BBQ, every skewer tells a story—of Chinese night markets alive with sizzling sounds and vibrant spices, now reimagined for the warmth of Filipino gatherings. The restaurant’s name comes from the Chinese word for “barbecue,” a fitting homage to its roots in authentic, street-side grilling.

From tender beef and juicy chicken to smoky lamb, seafood, and their signature bola-bola, ShaoKao BBQ turns simple ingredients into comforting, flavor-packed bites. Each skewer is brushed with special house-made sauces, then grilled to perfection over open flames—creating that perfect balance of spice, aroma, and texture that keeps diners coming back for more.

New Menu, New Memories

With its Ortigas opening, ShaoKao BBQ is also unveiling exciting new menu items that add a comforting twist to their signature offerings. Guests can now savor Satay Noodles and Mala Tang, two hearty bowls that perfectly complement their barbecued skewers. Seafood lovers will enjoy freshly grilled mussels and scallops, while meat enthusiasts can explore a wider selection of cuts—each one designed to delight and surprise the palate.

“Our goal has always been to bring people closer through food,” shares the ShaoKao BBQ team. “Every skewer we serve is an invitation—to share stories, laughter, and moments that turn into memories.”

From One Store to a Growing Family

What started as a humble spot on Banawe Street, Quezon City in June 2024, has now become a beloved go-to for authentic Chinese street-style barbecue. The new Ortigas branch, which opened on September 22, 2025, marks a significant milestone for the brand—its second branch, and a symbol of its growing community of fans.

To ensure consistent quality, ShaoKao BBQ recently established its own commissary, allowing the team to craft their sauces, marinades, and skewers in-house. This commitment to excellence ensures that every bite—whether enjoyed in Quezon City or Ortigas—delivers the same unforgettable ShaoKao flavor.

The Spirit of Togetherness

Beyond great food, ShaoKao BBQ has built its reputation on one powerful idea: bringing people together. The casual yet vibrant ambiance of its Ortigas branch—with red chairs, wooden tables, and the comforting aroma of grilled skewers—sets the stage for gatherings that feel like home. Whether it’s a casual night out with friends or a family dinner that stretches into midnight, ShaoKao BBQ promises warmth in every bite and laughter in every corner.

As ShaoKao BBQ continues to grow, one thing remains constant—their passion for creating meals that do more than satisfy hunger. They bring comfort, connection, and the timeless joy of sharing good food with good company.

Visit ShaoKao BBQ in Ortigas

• City Golf Plaza, Doña Julia Vargas Avenue, Pasig City
• Open Monday to Sunday, 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM
• malasipcipeh@gmail.com
• 09088168169 / 09456474288
• Follow @shaokaobbqph on IG / Facebook / TikTok