Most of us rely on our apps to connect, work, and move. Switching between apps, doing work, messaging people — everything can be done in a single tap. I’d be lying if I said apps didn’t help improve my life. It offered me convenience, and as a young 20-something in the midst of his blossoming career, apps made me more efficient and productive.

When I attended Social Media Week in Manila, I was reminded of how my life depended on my apps. The event tackled how apps are changing our lifestyle, behavior, and culture — it might even be bringing the worst in us.

As a young adult filled with hope, I believe apps bring the best in us — not the worst. The only time apps will make a negative impact in our lives is when you abuse it. Always, always use it sparingly. Believing that apps aren’t inherently bad, here are apps that definitely make any young adult’s life easier.

Grab

After Uber left my country, Grab took over. While I hate monopoly, Grab made itself indispensable, hosting a full suite of services that everyone would badly need in the worsening living condition in the metro. From taxis, private cars, to express shipping, and even food deliveries — Grab ingrained itself in our lives, it’s going to make you wonder: “What was life before Grab?”

Zomato

As an urban dwelling young adult, Zomato has been essential for my date nights. It suggests restaurants and cafes which would make my life easier when deciding for a place to eat with my beau. Hangouts and catch up with friends are also easier, with their 1+1 or 2+2 promo, allowing us to eat at our heart’s content without spending too much.

Google

If there’s one thing that you should have on your smartphone, it’s Google’s mobile apps. It has everything you need — Chrome, Search, GMail, Maps, Drive, Calendar, Contacts, you name it! Work and life would be a lot easier if you have these. Trust me.

Klook

Traveling has been one of every young adult’s goals they hope to achieve before turning 30. In case you didn’t know, travel is eighty percent planning. As a frequent traveler, Klook made my trips easier, allowing me to buy mobile sim cards, book a tour, and get discounts even before I arrive at my destination. Klook, in a sense, can save you time, money, and headaches so you can focus on the adventure waiting for you.

YouTube

There’s more to YouTube than vlogs and music videos. If you use YouTube right, you can get tips on how to achieve your fitness dreams, some DIY crafts to keep you occupied, styling tips, gadget reviews, and more. By now, you already know that learning doesn’t stop at school. If you want to commit to self-development, YouTube can be your university — hosting courses that appeal to your interests.

Instagram/TikTok

Just like YouTube, Instagram is more than just aesthetically-pleasing photos and TikTok is more than just a collection of wacky, senseless short videos. Both apps are changing the way we consume content, with young adults using Instagram and its Stories feature more to connect and update with friends and the people they admire. Tiktok, on the other hand, is becoming a platform for the younger generation. Nonetheless, both Instagram and TikTok can provide inspiration and laughter — if you scour and follow the right accounts.

GCash/PayMaya

Banks might be leaning towards apps for accessibility and convenience, but GCash and PayMaya revolutionize the way we handle our finances. Through these apps, we can transfer charge-free between banks albeit it’s a tedious process. On the other hand, you can use both GCash and PayMaya to pay your bills, load your prepaid cards, and send money — while getting rebates for using their services.

Bonus: Angkas

I can’t recall how many times Angkas saved my life. When I woke up late for a meeting and I braved the horrible traffic jams to make it, Angkas was always there. The future of motorcycle taxi in the Philippines is still blurry, but every young professional must have this app to get through the metro. Don’t worry about the cost, though. You can always make money, but you can’t get back the time wasted stuck in traffic. Make the most of your youth!