Dun ka ba parati sa mura?
Camille Prats reminds everyone: "Hindi porke mura, makakatipid ka."
Rica Peralejo adds that being a practical mom is about making smart choices.
At the media event of Uratex Monoblock, which celebates its 30th anniversary and launches its Bawal Ang Marupok campaign, the celebrity moms reveal their considerations before making a purchase.
Tip #1: Check the product description/ details; check the specs.
Camille recounts buying an Ottoman stool because it looks "maganda sa picture."
But when it arrives, "ang liit."
Tip #2: READ THE REVIEWS.
Experience has taught the Kapuso host-actress that if the low price is too good to be true, she reads the product reviews of customers who bought the item and tried it.
"I look for those na talagang ginamit ng mga totoong tao, binili talaga nila at ginamit. Kaya ako rin, I write my own reviews kasi they help."
TIP #3: LOOK AT THE VALUE FOR MONEY.
Rica says, "There are items na kelangan talaga mag-invest ka, like, furniture. Beyond the aesthetic, it should serve its purpose to the family.
She cites the monoblock chairs that have been in their garden for decades.
And during the media event held at The Elements at Centris in Quezon Avenue, Quezon City, on January 14, Rica and Camille learn about the tests that each chair has to go through to ensure its durability.
Here it is in a nutshell:
@pepalerts Stressed out yarn? Try mo maging monoblock chair! #entertainmentnewsph #pepnews #newsph ? original sound - PEP.ph
Rica's considerations when making a purchase are "budget, look, durability, good quality," and, most especially, "is it worth it para sa pamilya ko?"
The former TV actress turned digital content creator and her husband Joseph Bonifacio have two sons—Philip Nathaniel and Manu.
TIP #4: Think about the resale value.
Rica explains, "The family evolves kasi. When you get married, it does start na kayong dalawa lang...then 'humayo at magparami ka,' you have kids.
"It begins with the need. What we need for the moment.
"How durable it is. Praktikal ako para pag na-outgrow na, mabebenta pa ulit. May resale value."
TIP #5: SAFETY IS PRIORITY.
Camille asks: "What are you willing to compromise for your family?"
Her reply to the question: Not the safety of the kids—Nathan, Nolan, Nala, and Ice.
She and her husband VJ Yambao let them roam freely in the house.
"Kahit anong gawin ng family okay lang ako. I let my kids do things at home. Safe dapat at home.
You'll know you made the right choice if "it shows the value of the item, yung experience ng bata, hindi nako-compromise."
TIP #6 TIPID DOES NOT ALWAYS MEAN MURA.
One time, Camille spotted a low-priced office chair on a shopping platform. Her thought balloon was: "There must be something wrong why it’s so cheap."
Experience has thought her that buying the cheapest item does not actually help you save.
"Pag pinagsama-sana ko na yung nabili mo dahil nasisira agad, hindi ko napakinabangan, mas marami kang ginastos."
And if it actually causes harm to the kids, "Hindi lang gastos pati stress, di ba."
Camille underlines, "Will invest on something na hindi naman ganun kamahal, pero tatagal. Ang laki ng natitipid mo sa money, time, sanity."
TIP #7 MAINTENANCE AND SUSTAINABILITY
Rica goes for "produktong pampadali ng buhay," so, if "hindi gaano kadalng linisin, hmmp, wag na."