From working behind the scenes as the founder of the popular Facebook community “Home Buddies,” Frances Cabatuando aka Mayora widens her reach in bringing lifestyle tips, relevant information, and inspiring stories by hosting PIE Channel’s morning show, PIEsilog.

But that doesn’t mean she’s bidding her online ‘baranggay’ goodbye. In fact, she invites everyone to continue sharing and meeting new ‘kapitbahays’ in Home Buddies.

Frances’ “Home Buddies” group started to grow during the pandemic when everyone was looking for home improvement ideas, having been stuck at home. She previously shared her ‘budol’ finds of house decors on Instagram. But when netizens started to ask for detailed information such as the links to online stores where the items can be bought, Frances thought of putting up an online community where home enthusiasts like her can share ideas and tips on decorating and buying home items.

Speaking of tips, the beloved Mayora shared some in this episode of Kapamilya Chat. Admittedly, Frances easily falls for ‘budol,’ meaning an impulse buy, especially one that is purchased online.

However, one of the biggest pitfalls of internet shopping is the “expectation versus reality” experience wherein the actual product does not meet the buyer’s expectations. To avoid such a disaster, Frances’ advice is to check the product’s reviews and ratings. Bonus point if it’s recommended by a trusted person.

“Pinaghirapan natin ‘yung pera, so dapat maingat tayo sa online shopping,” she said. If Frances realizes she doesn’t really need the products, she’d either sell or give them away, “Kaialangan mahanapan ko ng purpose ‘tong binili ko.”

She also advised to take advantage of discounts and promos. And for breadwinners who put the need of others ahead of their own, Frances’ advice is to also spend for themselves, “Isipin n’yo rin na pag lagi kayong naghihirap for other people, minsan deserve n’yo rin ‘yung budol for yourself. So, isipin n’yo rin kung ano ‘yung magpapa-happy sa inyo.”

There are negative connotations about online ‘budol.’ Others think of it as just mindless spending. But, for Frances, ‘budol’ can also be a form of investment (for example, buying long-lasting home appliances), as long as done responsibly.

PIE (Pinoy Interactive Entertainment) is first multiscreen, real-time interactive TV channel in the country where viewers can participate and win cash prizes every hour and every day. Find the PIE channel by scanning your digibox, watch via its website pie.com.ph, YouTube (http://youtube.com/iampieofficial) or via Sky Cable Channel 21. You can also watch PIE live on GLife of the GCash App. The PIE channel is a project of ABS-CBN, Kroma Entertainment, BEAM, and 917 Ventures. Follow PIE (@iamPIEofficial) on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok for updates.