Much like many Filipinos today, The Master Cutter actress Max Collins admits she has had to make major adjustments in how she manages her finances—especially as prices rise, bills increase, and a fuel crisis continues to affect daily expenses.
In an interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) at the grand opening of Hiessence’s kiosk at SM Aura on Saturday, May 23, 2026, the actress shared how she has become more more mindful of her purchases.
"I buy where there's a sale. Kapag may sale, may discount, doon ako bumibili. And I only buy necessary things," she said.
For Max, shopping during sales is not something to be embarrassed about.
In fact, she finds it fulfilling to score items at discounted prices rather than paying full price.
“It's so practical to buy stuff on sale, and I feel like, ano yun, parang I'm proud of myself kapag nakakabili ako ng magandang finds on sale.
“I feel like they're more worth it than buying stuff at full price.”
She also revealed that she has learned to put her indulgences on hold, choosing instead to treat herself and her family only during special occasions.
This approach helps her avoid unnecessary spending.
“And then if I want to... indulge in something, it should only be a once-in-a-month treat or kapag parang, it should be a reward for something that I did.
“It shouldn't just be like, basta gusto kong bumili ng something mahal. No. Kailangan may special occasion talaga.”
MAX COLLINS' MOTHERS' DAY MOMENT WITH SKYE
Speaking of special occasions, Max recently celebrated Mother’s Day on May 10, 2026, and received a bouquet of flowers from her five-year-old son, Skye Anakin.
Her ex-husband Pancho Magno captured the entire surprise, including Max’s reaction, on Instagram Stories.
The clips were later reshared by netizens, many of whom praised the pair for maintaining a healthy relationship even after their split.
Recalling the gesture, Max expressed gratitude to both her son and her former partner.
Max said: "My son is so malambing, so sweet. So like, even if it's not Mother's Day, he always finds a way to surprise me.
"But that day in particular was sweet because Pancho gave him flowers to surprise me with. So cute. It was just like... it's nice to be acknowledged as a mom."
@viralshortsrecap Pancho Magno Video para sa Mother's Day, nag-viral online Pancho Magno went viral after sharing a video of himself commemorating Mother's Day For this year's special occasion for mommas, Pancho prepared a bunch of flower bouquets However, what piqued the interest of many was him featuring his ex-wife, Max Collins in the post Fans praised the actor for maintaining a respectful relationship with Max despite their split #PANCHO #PANCHOMAGNO #MAX #MAXCOLLINS
? original sound - SHOWBIZ GOSSIP
She also reflected on how quickly time has passed.
Now that Skye is already five years old, Max admitted that parenting—especially discipline—remains a work in progress.
"I still have a hard time disciplining him kasi he gets a little spoiled."
The actress shared that she leans toward a gentle parenting approach, focusing on communication and understanding to guide her son’s behavior.
“I think, when I explain things to him... he knows that it's coming from a place of love, then he understands more, mas nakikinig siya.
“Pero kapag tumataas yung boses ko, doon talaga siya nakikinig.
“But of course, like, now I'm into gentle parenting, so I try not to raise my voice as much, but at least, it gets the point across.”
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