Top Tips for Getting on the Property Ladder

 

Getting onto the property ladder is one of life’s big milestones, but with rising prices, higher deposits, and ever-changing market conditions, it can feel like a steep climb. Whether you’re just starting to think about buying your first home or are actively searching, there are ways to make the process smoother and more achievable. Here are some top tips to help you on that journey.

Tip 1: Understand the First Homes Scheme

One valuable opportunity for first-time buyers is the First Homes scheme, a government-supported initiative designed to make home ownership more attainable. Under this programme, selected new-build properties are offered at a substantial discount, typically at least 30% below equivalent market prices, meaning you pay only around 70% of what you otherwise would. 

These discounted homes are aimed at local first-time buyers and priority groups, such as key workers, and must be used as your main residence. The discount endures over time: if you sell in the future, the reduced price carries forward to the next eligible buyer. 

For example, developers like Chestnut Homes list the First Homes scheme properties for sale, giving first-time buyers a chance to secure a new-build home for a significantly lower cost than the wider market. 

Tip 2: Set Your Budget Realistically

You need to be honest about what you can afford. That means assessing your income, existing savings, monthly outgoings, and how much you can realistically put down as a deposit. In many parts of the UK, reaching a typical deposit target, often 10% of the property price, still requires significant planning and saving.

Keep in mind that higher deposits can improve mortgage terms, potentially lowering your monthly repayments over the life of the loan.

Tip 3: Boost Your Savings and Credit Profile

A solid savings strategy not only helps you build a larger deposit but also shows lenders that you are financially prepared. Consider regular savings plans or specialized accounts, and look at ways to reduce debt or improve your credit score.Even small improvements to your financial profile can make a big difference when mortgage lenders assess your application. The better your credit picture, the more likely you are to secure a competitive mortgage rate.

Tip 4: Get Professional Help Early

Buying a home usually isn’t a solo journey. Estate agents, mortgage brokers, and solicitors can guide you through different parts of the process, from viewing properties and comparing mortgage deals to navigating contracts and legal checks. A good mortgage broker can be especially valuable, helping you understand your borrowing capacity and presenting you with a range of deals you might not easily find on your own.

Tip 5: Be Ready to Act

Once you’ve set your budget, understand your borrowing power, and identified the type of property you want, the market often moves quickly. When you see the right home, be prepared to make an offer promptly and ensure your finances are lined up so you can move as efficiently as possible.

Tip 6: Stay Flexible and Think Long Term

For many first-time buyers, the first home isn’t the “forever home,” and that’s perfectly normal. Staying flexible about location, property size, or cosmetic condition can open up more affordable options and help you take that crucial first step onto the ladder sooner. A smaller property or one that needs light refurbishment can still be a smart investment, allowing you to build equity over time. Thinking long term, rather than aiming for perfection straight away, often makes the goal of home ownership more achievable and less overwhelming.

Climbing onto the property ladder can feel daunting, but with careful preparation, a realistic budget, and awareness of schemes that offer genuine financial advantages, you can increase your chances of success in today’s market.

Mang Inasal Extra Creamy Halo-Halo now made even creamier

 

Halo-HaLo lovers

Creaminess until the last drop – this is what customers can expect from the new and improved Mang Inasal Extra Creamy Halo-Halo which hits all Mang Inasal stores on March 1.

“We know how much our customers love our Halo-Halo because of its extra creamy recipe,” said Mang Inasal president Mike V. Castro. “So, as a special treat for them, we have further improved this Mang Inasal bestseller by adding all-new milk dusting so that consumers can enjoy longer lasting creaminess.”

Apart from the longer-lasting creaminess, the packaging of Mang Inasal Extra Creamy Halo-Halo has also undergone an exciting redesign that allows for more convenient consumption and a more vibrant, youthful vibe in the cup’s print design.

New Generation Superstar Fyang Smith lends her star power anew to this #MangInasalCREAMINESS Hanggang sa Huling Lasap campaign via a new video material that debuted also on March 1 on social media.

For those who prefer to enjoy the Mang Inasal Extra Creamy Halo-Halo in store, the 8-oz variant is now served in dining ware similar to the 12-oz and 16-oz servings. The Mang Inasal Extra Creamy Halo-Halo is best enjoyed as a fitting dessert to a satisfying Ihaw-Sarap meal.

Meanwhile, The Dessert Museum, Asia’s trendiest dessert wonderland, announced the extension of the Mang Inasal HALO-HALOverse until end May. This is to give more Filipino families and barkadas to enjoy the immersive exhibit that offers a playful, colorful, and interactive experience that celebrates the Mang Inasal Extra Creamy Halo-Halo.

The Dessert Museum

Want more Mang Inasal exclusives NOW? Visit www.manginasal.ph for the latest news, manginasaldelivery.com.ph for delivery deals, and follow Mang Inasal on social media for more Ihaw-Sarap and Unli-Saya updates!

Do not let these injuries ruin your reign on the tennis court

 

Being highly physical with repetitive motions, sudden starts and stops, tennis can plague one with injuries

Alex Eala, the Filipina ace has been unstoppable, climbing up the world rankings and defeating top-ranked WTA players Jasmine Paolini, Madison Keys, and even former women’s number one Iga Świątek along the way. The tennis star has also recently collected gold and bronze medals for Team Philippines in the women's singles and women's doubles and mixed doubles categories of the 2025 Southeast Asian Games.

With her powerful ground strokes and pretty, put-together look on court, Eala is an inspiration to girls dreaming of taking their love for tennis from watching from the stands to playing on center court.

She certainly makes it look easy—at least from what we see on our TV screens. In truth, “tennis is one of the most difficult games to master,” says Carlo Angelo V. Borbon, MD, Sports Medicine Specialist and Orthopedic Surgeon of top hospital in the Philippines, Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed). “It is a highly physical, full-body sport that demands not only speed but agility to run forward, backward, laterally, and diagonally for hours on end. Hand-eye coordination to hit a moving ball with a racquet is a must, as well as the strength to receive the impact of a ball hurtling towards you at an estimated 70-90 mph.”

Whether you choose to play competitively or on a recreational level, you’ll reap the rewards of the sport. Tennis is good for your cardiovascular health; it lowers blood pressure and keeps the heart strong. It makes you lean and fit while toning muscles in your arms, back, shoulders, core, and legs. It fortifies bone density and improves your self-esteem.

But its repetitive motions and sudden starts and stops can also plague you with these common injuries that have sidelined even the world’s best players.

Tennis elbow is chronic pain (either an ache or burning sensation) and weakness on the outer side of the elbow due to overuse of the muscles and tendon in the forearm. Dr. Borbon advises resting the arm for a few weeks. “Once you feel better, ask a physical therapist or sports doctor to recommend exercises that will strengthen your arm, so you avoid re-injury.”

Wrist Injury has forced Rafael Nadal, Kei Nishikori, Nick Kyrios, and other top seeds to skip major tournaments. The injuries range from microscopic tears in the wrist tendon to a sprained wrist and a pinched nerve—all of which result in soreness, swelling, and weakness of the hand. Overuse again is the culprit, but this injury can also happen when you play with a new racquet and change your grip. Dr. Borbon notes, “Wearing a wrist brace for support may help with the pain.” Investing in a more suitable racquet and modifying your grip can lessen the chance of recurrence.

Knee injuries range from wearing down or spraining the meniscus or cartilage on your knee, to the tearing of the anterior cruciate ligament, and the inflammation of the patellar tendon, the tendon that connects your kneecap to your shin. “Tennis involves a lot of sprints, pivots, jumps, and sudden starts and stops,” explains Dr. Borbon. “Our knees bear the brunt of these high-impact moves. I would suggest wearing shoes designed specifically for tennis because they are built with adequate cushioning and foot support. You can also consider playing in shell or clay courts, which are more forgiving on the hips, knees, and feet than hard courts.”

For tennis elbow and wrist and knee injuries, icing the sore spot, taking pain relievers, and dialing back on your playing can help with the recovery. But if the pain persists, it is best to consult a doctor before hitting the court again.

Rotator cuff injury is what you get after executing endless forehands, backhands, and serves. “These repetitive motions stretch and tear muscles and tendons in the shoulder. causing pain and weakness,” Dr. Borbon points out. Apply the same treatment and preventive measures to strengthen your shoulder and keep it injury-free.

Back injuries, particularly in the lower back, stem from the sport’s serve: the hyperextended back during the ball toss followed by the twist of the torso and forward bend as you smash the ball with your racquet to your opponent’s side. According to Dr. Borbon, “Over time, this could lead to chronic back pain and even stress fractures that take months to heal. A tennis coach can polish your serve style to ease pressure off your back.”

While injury is inevitable in any sport, the trick is to avoid it for as long as you can. “When it comes to tennis, do not do too much too soon. Warm up before you start playing and cool down when the game is over. Invest in a good pair of tennis shoes and racquet. Alternate tennis with strength-training to develop your shoulder, arm, core, and leg muscles. And get adequate rest,” Dr. Borbon recommends.

Surgery can address injuries that no longer respond to conservative treatment—but why go there? “Not only are they expensive but recovery takes time,” says Dr. Borbon. “In the first sign of injury, scale back and treat immediately. That way you’ll enjoy many years in the sport.”

For more information, please contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and Twitter.

Craving for BuSolb Ihaw-Sarap group meal? Go for Mang Inasal Family Fiesta!

 

Go for Mang Inasal Fiesta

Whether for potluck at a family reunion, instant picnic in the park with your classmates, or bonding with your officemates after a particularly tiring day, the Mang Inasal Family Fiesta is your go-to delivery bundle.

Since its launch in 2022, the Mang Inasal  Family Fiesta has been offering a satisfying box of either all-Chicken Inasal (paa or pecho), all pork (BBQ and Liempo), or a combo of both – served on a bed of java rice. Each Family Fiesta can feed up to six people.

“This bilao of Ihaw-Sarap faves has continued to drive Mang Inasal’s off-premise business, which has been growing steadily since more intentional efforts went to the takeout, delivery, and drive-thru customer access points,” said Mang Inasal President Mike V. Castro. “Customers appreciate how the Family Fiesta brings the gratifying Mang Inasal eating experience – commonly associated with dine-in – to anywhere they prefer to enjoy it.”

Family Fiesta

Order the Mang Inasal Family Fiesta for dine-in, or better yet, for take-out, drive-thru, and delivery for that Kumpletong Ihaw-Sarap at Busog Kahit Saan.  

Want more Mang Inasal exclusives NOW? Visit www.manginasal.ph for the latest news, manginasaldelivery.com.ph for delivery deals, and follow Mang Inasal on social media for more Ihaw-Sarap and Unli-Saya updates!

Get a handle on your love handles

 

Age, genetics, body composition, and hormonal changes can all contribute to having love handles.

What’s there to love about love handles? Nothing, say those cursed with excess fat spilling out from their waistband. Not only do they look absolutely unflattering in a crop top, two-piece swimsuit, or form-fitting dress, but having your Significant Other playfully pinch at your sagging sides during a sweet moment is downright embarrassing.

Why does fat settle there in the first place? Juancho Alfredo D. Las, MD from top hospital in the Philippines, Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed) attributes love handles (aka “muffin top” and “spare tire”) to a number of factors.

“Fat develops when you accumulate more calories than you burn or use as energy,” explains Dr. Las. “The more fat cells you have, the more visible they are on your body. Age, genetics, body composition, and hormonal changes determine where fat settles, but the most common areas are the upper back, arms, stomach, buttocks, thighs, and abdomen.”

While excess fat is considered unhealthy, belly fat is particularly concerning because of its implications to your health. 

“When we talk about abdominal fat, there’s subcutaneous fat, or the fat directly under the skin that you can pinch, then there’s visceral fat, or fat that surrounds the heart, liver, and kidneys,” says Dr. Las. “A certain amount of visceral fat is normal, but too much increases your risk for developing heart disease, stroke, type II diabetes, hypertension, and certain cancers.” 

Before you get into plank position or start doing crunches, here’s what fitness experts have to say about it: Spot-exercising doesn’t work. In reality, the body burns fat evenly all over, not just in specific areas. 

Instead, adopt these time-tested, doctor-approved recommendations that not only reduce love handles, but prove beneficial to your overall health and wellbeing. 

Favor whole foods. If you live off a diet of ultra-processed foods, you’re not just setting yourself up for that dreaded spare tire on your waist; you’ll likely develop high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol from food that’s notoriously loaded with sodium, fat, and empty calories. Dr. Las recommends sticking to natural, minimally processed foods like protein-rich chicken and fish; high-fiber leafy green veggies, fruits, oatmeal, and beans; and avocado and nuts for their good fats. For whole grains, pick red or brown rice, but if you prefer white, skip that extra serving! Wash them all down with water, still the healthiest beverage there is.

Move more. Even if you sit before a computer all day, you can still squeeze in ways to be active. “Use the stairs instead of an elevator or escalator. Walk short distances instead of commute. Take walking breaks after sitting for 30-60 minutes at your desk. Enlist the company of a colleague to walk, run, play a sport, or sign up at the gym with you after work so you can motivate each other to stay the course,” suggests Dr. Las. Yes, cardio workouts burn fat, but don’t discount strength-training too. Exercising with weights or resistance bands has been known to burn calories long after your workout is over. 

Tweak your lifestyle. Managing stress reduces the body’s production of cortisol, the hormone that stores fat in the tummy and triggers cravings for sweet and salty food. Sleeping for the recommended 7-8 hours a night also controls cortisol’s release and doesn’t disrupt the appetite hormones leptin (which makes you feel full) and ghrelin (aka the hungry hormone). Nicotine likewise messes with these hormones, so quit smoking immediately.  

“Alcohol—especially if you consume a lot in one sitting—contains a lot of calories,” says Dr. Las. “When you take in a lot of alcohol, your liver prioritizes processing it instead of burning fat and carbohydrates. This leads to fat settling in the midsection.” 

Quips Dr. Las, “Now you know why it’s called beer belly.” 

For more information, please contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph.  Follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and Twitter.