Phoemela Baranda’s top money lesson? Save as much as you can.
In an exclusive interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), she admitted that one of her financial regrets was overspending in the past.
But she considers those experiences part of the learning process. Now, at 45, she makes smarter choices and manages her money wisely.
“Well, I guess yun nga, yung too much spending on lavish things,” she told PEP at the Marcelo’s Microcreamery launch in Romulo Café, Makati, on March 18, 2026.
The model-turned-host explained, however, that the extra spending seemed necessary at the time.
“Kasi being on camera din that time, kailangang may ganito, may team, glamorous, ganyan…
"But, yeah, always talaga siguro sana nag-save ako ng mas malaki kaysa ginastos ko.
“Iba talaga yung nandiyan [ang pera]. Kasi pagka noon, nakikita mo yung pera mo, ano, parang gusto mong gastusin.”
In the 2000s, Phoemela was a familiar face on mainstream television.
She co-hosted GMA-7’s Extra Challenge with Paolo Bediones.
When she moved to ABS-CBN, she became the Star Patroller of TV Patrol and a segment host on the weekly entertainment program The Buzz.
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PHOEMELA BARANDA'S SPLURGES
It was during that time that Phoemela spent a lot not just for her work but also for her wants.
She admitted to splurging on designer items.
“So, ayun nga, sana save-save na lang. Kasi that time, parang bili lang ng bag, bili ng ganyan…
“Pero okay lang [in my] 20s naman, e.
“But now, I learned, ‘O, nagawa ko na iyan.’ So now I'm more on travel and savings.”
PHOEMELA BARANDA’S SAVING TIPS
These days, Phoemela’s hosting jobs are more manageable.
She regularly hosts Anong Ganap?, Viva’s online show.
She is also also a mom and a social-media influencer.
And her spending priorities have completely changed.
“Kasi yung mga bag, laging may bago. So, sa mga bata na lang yung ganun. And then more of investment din talaga.
“Actually, for a bag, mas bibilhin ko na lang, relo.
"And then sa bank, time deposit, talagang hindi mo magagalaw.”
She added that, with her partner’s experience in the stock market, she also invests under his guidance and support.
“Nagpapa-invest ako, pero hindi ako marunong.
“’Tapos, lagay mo lang talaga sa bank, time deposit… kasi, especially now with the war, mas okay, may cash [savings].”
For practical reasons, she also has health insurance.
“Yung pagka nagkasakit ka or something… Time insurance. Kakatapos ko lang din yata. Mayroon di nun.”
She suddenly remembered another tip for saving.
“Actually, may isa pa akong tip. Meron akong talagang bank na walang online.
“Hindi ko siya nakikita. It's just there. Parang time deposit din siya."
The only difference is that this savings deposit is done the traditional way.
“Kailangan meron kang isang bank na walang online. Mahirap talaga.
“Yung kung if you need to buy something na hindi naman talaga importante, pupunta ka pa ng bank.”
But she said this protects her from online banking scams and also prevents unnecessary withdrawals caused by impulse spending.
Many people find ATM, mobile, and online banking extremely convenient.
Phoemela thinks so, too, but since she intends to keep on saving diligently, “Lahat ng back-up gawin na, habang kaya.”