Smart Parenting Awards 2025: 6 Best Picks for Family and Finance

In a world that moves faster every day, one thing remains constant for most of us: family.

It is in the breakfast rush, the shared jokes during the drive home, the endless 'chika' about how everyone's day went, and the quiet moments after lights out. These small, everyday interactions are what hold us together. As parents, we do everything we can to protect, nurture, and create more of these moments.

Today’s families are navigating a new era. Digital parenting is no longer a future trend—it’s everyday life. Screens are now classrooms, playgrounds, and backseat peacekeepers. And while we teach our kids to stay grounded by managing their screen time, we also depend on digital tools to help manage the behind-the-scenes of family life.

These tools and solutions aren’t just nice to have—they’re essential to thrive.

That’s why this year’s Smart Parenting Awards Best for Family and Finance honors the innovations that help families thrive—at home, outside, and online. Because parenting today isn’t just about love and patience—it’s also about making smart, intentional choices. From food delivery services that buy us more time with loved ones to intuitive banking tools that secure our family’s future, these winners empower us to focus on what truly matters: connection, care, and ease.

Located at JY Campos Park, 3rd Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, The Mind Museum promotes science engagement to elevate “aspects of individual, community and national life to inspire solutions to real-world problems.” From its themed and interactive exhibits, galleries, and botanical garden, it's a destination the entire family will enjoy.

Step into a one-of-a-kind learning experience with this year’s pick for Best Educational Attraction!

With over 300 interactive exhibits, jaw-dropping theater and planetarium shows, hands-on fun experiment demos, and endless opportunities to explore, The Mind Museum is a world-class science playground where curiosity comes to life.

"Our family loves The Mind Museum. Every time we leave, my son asks when we can come back. Each visit feels different because of all the different exhibits. When our son was two and into dinosaurs, we spent a lot of time in the prehistoric area," says Charisse Llorin, a mom of one and research administrator.

"In our last visit for his ninth birthday, we spent most of our time in the space exhibit. We love how interactive the museum is and how inviting it is for kids of all ages to play and learn."

All-day passes cost P750, with discounted rates for three-hour visits, teachers, and students. Unlimited Science pass costs P3,000. Book your tickets here.

The Kia Carnival Turbo Hybrid is a roomy and family-friendly 7-seater that mixes power, comfort, and everyday convenience. It runs on a 1.6L turbo engine paired with an electric motor and a 6-speed automatic transmission, keeping your drives smooth and quiet. It’s also impressively efficient, reaching 24 km/L in the city and 15.9 km/L on the highway, which makes it great for both errands and long trips. Plus, you also get a modern, easy-to-use setup with dual 12.3-inch digital screens for gauges and infotainment. The inside is also built for comfort, with ergonomic seats, premium relaxation seats, and even a dual sunroof to open things up. Safety is covered, too, thanks to the Kia DriveWise suite and a handy head-up display so you can keep your eyes on the road.

"I consider it the ultimate mommy van. It's especially great for big families or if you often ride with your extended family, plus the hybrid engine makes it efficient for roadtrips and making memories with the family," says Editor-in-Chief and mom of three, Ronna Capili Bonifacio.

She adds, "The drive is smooth, and though it can carry a number of passengers (it features a 7, 8, or up to 11-seater configuration), it was light. The Smart Cruise Control is a great additional safety feature, especially when you're driving around a bunch of talkative kids like I do."

Find a dealer here.

Winning its first Best Family Banking Solution award this year, the BPI Fambank bundle allows an adult (parent, tita/tito, guardian, etc.) and child to open accounts together, encouraging early financial literacy and shared money habits.

With a child’s account that requires only a P100 initial deposit and no maintaining balance, plus free life insurance for the adult worth up to three times their average daily balance (capped at P2 million), it offers both savings and protection in one go.

The bundle also comes with added benefits, including 3,000 BPI Rewards points when linked to a VYBE account, plus hassle-free tracking through BPI’s digital tools. It’s a practical, value-filled solution that helps families save wisely, build good money habits, and stay financially protected.

Smart Parenting Village member Erica Juan trusts BPI, saying, “BPI, so far, is the most secure bank I have. Their security is so good, and they also have good mobile banking.”

Learn how to open a Fambank bundle here!

Remember when paying bills meant waiting in long, sweaty lines? Same.

“I don’t have to wait in long lines at the bank or bill-payment counters to handle my adulting and momager duties,” says Em Cruz, mother of two and Assistant Managing Editor. “I just open my GCash app and tap what I need. I love that it lets me easily send money to family and friends, and even handle online purchases—whether on Lazada, Shopee, or Instagram stores. Plus, I can pay at any store using GCash or QRPH with no extra fees. Hindi na kailangan mag-withdraw or carry cash.”

After winning Best Digital Bank last year, GCash remains a solid go-to for smart money management. 

GCash is available on their website, Apple Store, and Google Play.

You can open an account hassle-free—no stress, no intimidating paperwork—and the fact that there’s no minimum balance is such a huge relief. And here’s what sold me: you can get a physical debit card right away, in minutes, and if that’s not reason enough to make this winner a super exciting find, I don’t know what is!

GoTyme is this year’s Best Online Bank winner for a reason. Its GoSave feature helps families budget with intention—whether it's for bills, school fees, emergencies, or savings goals. Plus, you earn Go Rewards when shopping at GoTyme partners like Robinsons Supermarket.

It’s a practical, no-nonsense way to keep the family budget in check and the perks rolling in.

For Smart Parenting Village Village member Zayla Malimban, GoTyme is the sure winner. “It’s always a smart, seamless, and cool way of banking, she says. “GoTyme Bank is also consistently acknowledging feedback from users and takes it to improve their services further.”

"GoTyme is a must for travelling, too," says Ronna. "The exchange rate is great, and I don't have to worry about having enough of the local currency if I have a layover or when I'm on a quick work trip abroad."

Find a kiosk here and download the GoTyme app through App Store and Google Play.

With Grab Food, you’re just one tap away from booking a hot meal minutes before you arrive home. That means you still get to sit down, relax, and bond with the family over dinner.

Late hours at work, traffic, frozen meat we forgot to thaw, and no energy left to cook—sound familiar?

Back from last year’s win, Grab Food remains a household favorite. With its wide selection of restaurants, cafes, and food stalls to satisfy your food cravings—even late-night ones, it’s no surprise this service continues to top the list.

“What I love most about GrabFood is how fast they act when there’s a complaint,” says Honey Grace Rodriguez-Ang. “Whether the order is wrong or missing, they handle it immediately and refund fast if needed. It’s my go-to when I’m swamped with work and have no time to cook for the family.”

Grab Food is available on their website, Apple Store, and Google Play.

“Naka-Aqua Flask na ba lahat?”

Yes, and for good reason! Back again after last year’s win, AquaFlask remains a favorite tumbler among school kids and parents alike.

Aqua Flask is a double-wall insulated water bottle that keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot beverages warm for up to 12 hours. It’s made from high-quality stainless steel and BPA- and lead-free materials, with bright, trendy, and festive colors. Their bottle designs are also durable and ergonomic, making them safe for kids and easy for any family member to use.

“Water bottles are a must-have for everyone in our family—and honestly, each of us has our own AquaFlask,” says Em Cruz. “Our kids use theirs at school, and my husband and I use ours when we go to work or on school pickup days. It’s a great way to stay hydrated throughout the day and reduce our carbon footprint. We even use them at home to bring drinking water to our rooms.”

Raising a family can be exhausting, and it’s easy to feel like you’re running on empty. But when we make smart choices—using the tools and services that support our daily lives—we can spend less time stressing and more time on what matters most: our families.

Produced by the Smart Parenting Team

Editor-in-Chief: Ronna Capili Bonifacio

Asst. Managing Editor/Co-Producer: Em Cruz

Videographer and video editor: Rolando Pingco Jr.

Art Director: Mariella Lao

Associate Publisher: Bettina Santos

Photographs by Ronan Capili
Models: Dani, Brennan and Ben Lim

Shot on location at The Brewman Cafe, Cubao Expo 3, Quezon City