All that juice.

Finally, after being idle for a long bout, I've finally put our juicer back into juicing works. I regret that I let it sit for long. Anyway, the inspiration is from friends, Kaye and Sheng. They've been juicing in preparation for the annual physical examination (which, by the way, we can earn a bonus should we pass it!) They let me have a share of the green juice - a combination of sayote and cucumber. It looks so odd and smell a little stench-y, or should I say not your usual heavenly tasting juice. Ha-ha But I took a sip. Surprisingly, it tasted incredibly good - in a cucumber-ish way! So, i tried it at home and have my parents try the juice also.

The only downside of juicing is the clean-up part, cleaning really sucks. Ha-ha Nevertheless, for prevention of diseases and maintaining health, it's worth the pain in the neck! Happy juicing!

blessed to serve (and other things to be grateful for)

In the string of tragic events that struck the Philippines, especially in the recent storm Yolanda, I thank God for...

1.) The overwhelming love the world has shown the Philippines
The world aid - in the form of cash donation, relief kits, heavy equipment, C130s to transport volunteers and the victims, their human resources - has immensely helped alleviate the torrential devastation brought by Yolanda. Moreover, it is also noteworthy to thank Philippine companies for sending in their products, their people and cash donations.

2.) Dole Phils, Inc with the help of Mahintana Foundation for the generosity and the initiative to do the "Dolefil Caravan of Hope". Through this initiative, the employees are able to extend a support to the victims. I honor our company for matching the cash donation provided by the employees. Kudos also to our Managing Director for his big heart and for "cancelling" company-sponsored Christmas Party to extend more help to the caravan. I also honor the volunteers for taking part in the relief operations - the repacking of the goodies, hakot here and there.

I spent only few hours in the relief operation but I thank God for the opportunity to help in my own little way. I am blessed to be able to serve. I pray that the Lord will continue to give our kababayans the grace and the strength as they rebuild their lives. In this very inopportune phase, God will always see us through.  From Max Lucado's In the Eye of the Storm," When God's high hope kisses your earthly hurt, that moment is holy".

sneak-peek-slash-house-raid

It felt like we've sneaked into a celebrity's turf. Or any home featured in those home magazines. We barged in JP's (our officemate) house which was completed only this year. We compelled him to let us in. Talk about peer pressure! Ha-ha

The design / structure of his house was personally designed by himself, taking inspiration from various magazines. This is his dream house made into reality by a stern discipline of saving that started when he was in grade school (from what I heard).

The thrilled girls (and boys) excitedly scoured each corner and taking mementos at each floor. By the way, the rooftop is way too amazing - perfect for barbeque (or ihaw-ihaw parties). I don't have the photo at the rooftop - overlooking the vast greens and mountains.

Here are sneak peeks of the grandiose house (and the fun while we're house raiding!):

Like kids who'd try everything they see.

Like kids who'd sit where they can sit.



The lovely interior, black and white theme.



I can feel the enormous sense of pride of JP while showing us his house. And he reminded all of us to get a good grip of our dreams - especially a dream house for ourselves. AMDG!

That little disagreement

I've ingested the idea of investing wholeheartedly. I even persuaded my parents to invest. My friends and I started this investing thing 2 years ago. Though I haven't reaped the rewards yet of investing, but it's great to have moved a step towards financial independence.

This blog isn't about investing and its whereabouts. Rather, it's the little discourse that got a little persuasive and strong afterwards  - during one afternoon at our coffee break. It started with our FlexBen Enrolment and somebody spoke about his variable insurance. And "they" (the once young officemates) all know we also have the same type of investment. Like wildfire, they attacked "the idea" of having to put your money to financial companies. I know where her fear is coming from. I knew you were a victim of those pre-need education plans. My parents are victims, too. From CAP, Pacific Plan and EduPlan, they all failed. But I am glad my parents are open-minded to venture again in investing - in its real sense.

So, to you who discouraged us, I would like to answer your attacks:
1.) We read and researched about investing before putting off the money. (Robert Kiyosaki's The Rich Dad, Poor Dad; Bo Sanchez' My Main Invests in Stock Market; Investing for Dummies; and other online journals)
2.) We understand the risks of investing, so we only set aside the money we can afford to lose. And you can't simply gain without risking. DUH.
3.) You're investing with our Provident Fund, and they're the same thing. DUH. Again.
4.)We still enjoy our pay but we observe prioritizing...spending only what is needed, shed those unnecessary wants and ditch the impulsive buying. I don't have the high-end gadgets or travel as often as I used to (naks!), I just live modestly. But again, it doesn't mean I'm (we are)  not enjoying.

Hope this will knock some sense to you...

"Filipinos are not much of an investor, which is why our investment market, although performing extremely well, is not as big as it should be. The rate of Filipinos with insurance is likewise low at less than 20 percent of the household heads.
Here’s another disturbing statistic, it is believed that only about 10 percent of Filipinos actually prepare for retirement. Because of all these, a big majority of the population ends up financially dependent on their children during their old age. An SSS (Social Security System) study said that over 70 percent of Filipinos during retirement are living with and are being supported by their children." (Brighterlife.com)

There, I said my piece. I'm claiming a brighter life. There's not a need to heed your warning. I'm never giving up my gargantuan dream!

Caravan of Hope

This is a repost from Dolefil's facebook page. 

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Together, let us give them hope...

URGENT HELP NEEDED: A call for support to Dolefil Caravan of Hope for the victims of super typhoon Yolanda.

Employees, dependents, business partners and other individuals & institutions alike are invited to take part in the relief operations. Cash and non-cash donations are welcome.

For questions, please comment on this photo or send us a private message. Thank you!

#dolefil #yolandaPH #CaravanofHope #MahintanaFoundation Dolefil CSR

 PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD. Daghang salamat!

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