The hidden cost of “hatid-sundo”: why mobility expenses matter this school season

 

As families gear up for a new school year, most budgeting conversations revolve around tuition fees, uniforms, books, and school supplies. Yet for many Filipino households, another expense quietly takes a significant share of the family budget: the daily cost of “hatid-sundo.”

For parents and guardians, "hatid-sundo" is more than just a routine. It means additional fuel consumption, toll fees, parking charges, and more frequent vehicle maintenance. With school activities, extracurricular programs, and after-school commitments returning in full swing, mobility expenses can quickly add up over the course of the academic year.

This is where Metrobank’s new Toyota Platinum Card comes in. Designed around everyday mobility and lifestyle spending, the card allows families to earn rewards from expenses they are already making while enjoying savings on common driving-related costs.

Back-to-school season impacts more than just education-related expenses. For many families, it also brings an increase in day-to-day transportation costs, from fuel and toll fees to vehicle maintenance. Financial tools that help offset these recurring mobility expenses can provide meaningful savings throughout the school year, allowing families to allocate more of their budget toward educational needs and other household priorities.

Cardholders can enjoy up to PHP 15,000 in rebates on fuel and toll transactions in the Philippines and abroad, savings that can be redirected toward school essentials such as baon, books, school projects, uniforms, and other educational expenses.

Beyond mobility-related savings, the Toyota Platinum Card also rewards everyday purchases. Whether grocery runs for packed lunches, online shopping for school supplies, or other household expenses, cardholders earn one rewards point for every PHP 20 spent, allowing families to make the most of their back-to-school spending.

Toyota vehicle owners can enjoy even more value through exclusive benefits, including a 10% discount on parts, accessories, and labor at authorized Toyota dealerships nationwide or the option to avail of 0% installment plans of up to six months for qualified service expenses. These benefits help families keep their vehicles in top condition throughout the school year without putting additional strain on their finances.

Cardholders can also earn double rewards points at participating Toyota dealers and enjoy discounts on Toyota mobility rentals, making every journey more rewarding.

Apply for Metrobank’s Toyota Platinum Card online here or visit your nearest Metrobank branch.

ABOUT METROBANK

Metrobank is the country's second largest private universal bank in terms of assets that empowers both retail and business clients with customized financial products and services fit to help reach their goals and full potential. To know more and get the latest on Metrobank, visit our website, https://www.metrobank.com.ph/home and follow our official social media pages on Facebook, X, Instagram, and Tiktok.

Why more Filipinos are rethinking where their mid-year bonus goes

With a wider range of investment options now easily accessible through various platforms, coupled with shifting financial priorities, more Filipinos are becoming more deliberate in how they allocate their mid-year bonuses. The decision is no longer simply about spending or saving, but increasingly about choosing where and how to grow their money in a way that aligns with one’s personal goals, risk appetite, and lifestyle priorities.

This reflects a growing awareness that financial security is achieved not just by earning more, but by making intentional decisions about where money goes. While mid-year bonuses were once commonly directed toward practical household needs or family-related expenses such as education support, many in today’s working population no longer carry the same obligations. As a result, more Filipinos are redirecting extra income toward self-investment such as travel, skill-building, or long-term financial growth, prompting a more conscious evaluation of available investment products in a growing digital financial landscape.

One option gaining attention among first-time investors is Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs), which offer a more accessible way to begin investing without requiring large capital or extensive market knowledge. UITFs are professionally managed and invested in various financial instruments that may offer higher potential returns depending on an investor’s goals and risk appetite.

The growing interest in beginner-friendly investment products signals a broader shift in mindset among Filipinos today, from simply saving money to actively growing it.

However, many Filipinos who aim to grow their money still assume that investing is complicated or requires a large amount to begin with. Products like the Metro Money Market Fund help address these barriers by allowing customers to begin with small but consistent investments gradually building both confidence and more intentional financial habits over time.

The Metro Money Market Fund is ideal for investors with a conservative risk profile, offering a practical starting point for beginners easing into investing. It provides liquidity, potential for higher return and has a 30-day time horizon, so it is best for short-term investment goals. From building an emergency fund, to preparing for future expenses, or simply maximizing a portion of a bonus, the fund allows investors to make their money work harder toward their financial goals.

What makes it especially appealing for beginners is its accessibility and affordability. Customers can start investing through their Metrobank Online account for as low as PHP1,000. The fund also has no minimum holding period or early redemption charges, making it suitable for those who still want flexibility while learning about investing.

Metrobank emphasizes that starting small is often what matters most. Consistently setting aside even a portion of extra income can help build financial discipline and strengthen long-term financial resilience. To help clients further build the habit of investing and growing their funds, they can visit their branch of account and enroll their UITF account under the Automatic Subscription Arrangement (ASA), an automated, scheduled investment feature that deducts a fixed amount from their settlement account to invest in selected Metrobank UITFs.

As more customers explore accessible investment options, Metrobank continues to offer solutions designed to make investing feel less intimidating and more achievable for everyday Filipinos.

Customers may invest in Metrobank UITFs through Metrobank Online or by visiting any Metrobank branch nationwide. More information on Metrobank UITFs is available through Metrobank UITFs.

About Metrobank

Metrobank is the country's second largest private universal bank in terms of assets that empowers both retail and business clients with customized financial products and services fit to help reach their goals and full potential. To know more and get the latest on Metrobank, visit our website, https://www.metrobank.com.ph/home and follow our official social media pages on Facebook, X, Instagram, and Tiktok.