Filipinos spend more on themselves to promote well-being amid pandemic blues–report

Over the last two years, how many times have we told ourselves, “deserve ko ’to!” every time we splurge and shop online?

Some think it’s instant gratification. Others think it’s a coping mechanism. But it is clear that COVID-19 triggered an increasing number of Filipinos to spend more on themselves, promoting happiness amid the pandemic blues.

In line with this, global trend forecasting company WGSN said the Philippines’ internet economy was the fastest-growing market in the Asia Pacific in 2022. Citing its latest Asia: Markets to Watch report, WGSN said big e-commerce platforms as well as food delivery apps were the biggest contributors.

Because the country is still living under one of the longest lockdowns in the world, the company also reported more Filipinos had become “joy seekers” or consumers who turned to products and experiences that offered a sense of reassurance.

“Filipinos have been showing more interest to spend on products and experiences that bring them happiness and comfort,” said WGSN senior strategist in Asia-Pacific Athena Chen.

“As they continue to feel the impact of COVID-19 on their mental health, these online purchases naturally become a form of self-care, which promotes a better well-being.”

For Ron Magno, a banker by profession and foodie by passion, his food consumption habits changed during the pandemic. Before, he enjoyed going out to restaurants with family and friends. But because of the situation, Ron developed the habit of buying food from Instagram shops.

Inspired by small online food businesses, Ron also tried to learn baking to combat boredom during the lockdowns.

“Cabin fever hit me hard. I ended up buying equipment and tools online to get me started on baking. I’d say it brought me short-term satisfaction until I realized that baking wasn’t for me. With eased up restrictions, I now find myself dining out again, although ordering food online has also become a norm for me,” he said.

For market analyst and art enthusiast Mary Joyce Fernandez, it was painting indoors that helped her manage the pandemic stress.

“When I had challenges in adopting the work-from-home setup, I knew I had to start painting at home. I immediately purchased paint kits, started scratch painting, and even tried building miniature houses. Rewarding myself with these activities after a long day keeps me more optimistic these days,” she said.

With the continued easing of restrictions this year, WGSN said Filipinos would continue to seek happiness through online shopping, whether to fulfill a recreational need at home or satisfy a missed sense of excitement outdoors.

Now that live concerts are allowed again, Filipinos are already starting to feel the good energy that a crowd brings.

“Despite the possibility of the concert being canceled due to the rising number of positive cases, I still ended up buying the tickets because I wanted to feel the happiness of attending concerts again after being cooped up at home for so long,” said Maria Patricia Sacay, a designer and concertgoer. – Nika Roque/RC, GMA News