For example, you don't want to spend too much on party decorations only to find out you have no money left to buy food for the party. List down all the things you need for the event in order of importance. Then set aside the right amount of money for each from your overall budget. The better you plan your event, the more successful it will be!"

Guaranteed savings

Each issue of Private Iris comes with a Sparx code, worth P100. Sparx is a "smarter version of the piggy bank." A savings and insurance instrument from Pioneer Life, Sparx guarantees future savings for children and life insurance when and until they turn 14 years old.

Pioneer Life has been in the country for more than four decades. It is part of the Pioneer Group, led by Pioneer Insurance and Surety Corp., with assets close to P7 billion.

Classy and brainy, the series is proudly Philippine-made. Bautista, an Ateneo de Manila University communications cum laude graduate, has taught English literature and comics theory. The stories are brought to life by the wholesome drawings of artist Arnold Arre, a welcome respite from the bloody gruesomeness of much adult anime. Arre has received National Book Awards for his graphic novels. He designs for individual and corporate clients. To the Private Iris team, keep it up!

Private Iris is available in selected schools, bookstores, and newsstands. Call 7509999 or go towww.privateiris.com or www.bluecow.com.ph for details.