tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52019444030004062172024-02-02T01:51:21.925-08:00crosswordbebopAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923646116641677036noreply@blogger.comBlogger388125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201944403000406217.post-52197779766624217752013-09-29T02:42:00.000-07:002013-09-29T13:09:57.323-07:00a brief trip to (smelly) Manila Zoo Manila Zoo. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmrjypPPOLLb4WxawcuhtXJRtOvkMQSlgGQyOB54MlZXZJ_E5ToWG3BWb7YIWLpSpFkGHPjyMf4lOPceDm05sl9TlVez2g3-6SdBQK0tlN-43AjIyj9HizeBYZdiTzy4xrid0cz4u9YD8/s1600/20130928_151300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmrjypPPOLLb4WxawcuhtXJRtOvkMQSlgGQyOB54MlZXZJ_E5ToWG3BWb7YIWLpSpFkGHPjyMf4lOPceDm05sl9TlVez2g3-6SdBQK0tlN-43AjIyj9HizeBYZdiTzy4xrid0cz4u9YD8/s400/20130928_151300.jpg" width="225" /></a>There was a time a long time ago when the mere mention of Manila Zoo made me feel giddy with excitement. I have committed to memory a childhood picture where I was happily posing in front of a peacock pheasant. Simple joy! <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I hail from the province and a trip to Manila used to be so special. What I didn't realize until I had children is that I was lucky to have grown up a <em>probinsyana</em> - to have the fields, vast expanse of free space and hills as my playground. To have flowers to pluck, leaves to gather, dragonflies to catch, trees to climb, free fresh fruits to eat. My kids aren't as lucky. That's why a trip close to nature is a treat for our children. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoebmFsHcrmk_rltREodKgKNaxWNM3cHkeca676s7sLuHEgUD3g4rVzMq2hjGQOaJjA5MJl_tJ0o3u92eACwTqJIlT_HJtAzaxXvK06Wc-nIHKl6bRSdCVjtz-YXItICNEfMkaszEw318/s1600/20130928_150940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoebmFsHcrmk_rltREodKgKNaxWNM3cHkeca676s7sLuHEgUD3g4rVzMq2hjGQOaJjA5MJl_tJ0o3u92eACwTqJIlT_HJtAzaxXvK06Wc-nIHKl6bRSdCVjtz-YXItICNEfMkaszEw318/s400/20130928_150940.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><br />We brought the kids to Manila Zoo yesterday, as reward to our pre-schooler for winning the Interbranch science quiz bee in school. He loves animals and was happy to see the elephant, the birds, the tigers and the crocodiles. He was indifferent to the smell and the dilapidated look of the zoo. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjinqGczpY_b5H3irm1x0nbWTequ0GxMWBSQLjaHzszc3zp2HvJ6UW7BiEmNtREncSk20TRe8KzoN7i8w-MttlIkfEPcF7Z_Ro2TdDTMN3Ea5OZaC_9UlRQkhXeGFPoeJ5D8BvzA-Fs0ik/s1600/2013-09-29+17.56.18.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjinqGczpY_b5H3irm1x0nbWTequ0GxMWBSQLjaHzszc3zp2HvJ6UW7BiEmNtREncSk20TRe8KzoN7i8w-MttlIkfEPcF7Z_Ro2TdDTMN3Ea5OZaC_9UlRQkhXeGFPoeJ5D8BvzA-Fs0ik/s400/2013-09-29+17.56.18.png" width="223" /></a></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVW6oAjskTXzOReqhK1VinYMvjSugMuED6qnOpiHs1VVUSdcIFK7EHbYVcgKMpls14hIjDdTlKgL8y4sQT-kRqnKx_YYnVfEDaUygz3tgVPYwHZn00rT1OjJQo4ekjVKXXRUZ5lI-bXOs/s1600/20130928_151331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVW6oAjskTXzOReqhK1VinYMvjSugMuED6qnOpiHs1VVUSdcIFK7EHbYVcgKMpls14hIjDdTlKgL8y4sQT-kRqnKx_YYnVfEDaUygz3tgVPYwHZn00rT1OjJQo4ekjVKXXRUZ5lI-bXOs/s320/20130928_151331.jpg" width="180" /></a>I don't know if Manila Zoo has been grossly neglected since I was a kid. But my memory of the place is that of something surreal and magical. Not smelly, dilapidated and poorly maintained. <em>Umarte lang ba ako nang tumanda?</em> <br /><br />The Philippine/ Manila government can do better. The zoo is supposed to be a piece of paradise in the urban jungle. I hope it will be better taken cared of. Good thing the kids only care about the animals and are not yet conscious of aesthetics and what-not. They enjoyed the brief visit nonetheless. <br /><br /><br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923646116641677036noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201944403000406217.post-40487818987307440842013-09-28T09:10:00.000-07:002013-09-29T13:09:57.309-07:00personal milestone: i got published! I was required to write an article for the Taxwise or Otherwise column in Business World and got published this week.<br /><br />Here's a link to my article entitled <a href="http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Economy&title=No-trespassing-please&id=77023" target="_blank"><b>No Trespassing Please</b></a> which tackles the Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) 65-2012 issued by the Bureau of Internal Revenue nearly a year ago, “Clarifying the Taxability of Association Dues, Membership Fees, and Other Assessments/Charges Collected by Condominium Corporations".<br /><br />Here are husband's posts which I would like to save here for posterity. :)<br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/28/914.jpg"><img border="0" height="371" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/28/s_914.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="400" /></a></center><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/28/915.jpg"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/28/s_915.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />Hopefully, by the time we move in to our condo, the VAT on association dues will already be lifted for good. ;)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPadAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923646116641677036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201944403000406217.post-74487128171646103602013-09-28T08:40:00.000-07:002013-09-29T13:09:57.346-07:00proud mom to our quiz bee champion! Loooong Saturday but I am not complaining. ;)<br /><br />I woke up from an evening nap and am now watching the Ms. World Pageant on TV. As a kid, I have fond memories of my family staying up to watch beauty contests. So somehow, this night gives me some feeling of excitement (we already know that Philippines won, of course). Although I'm alone and unless I give birth to a baby girl, the 'tradition' will mostly likely not live on with me. <br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/28/825.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/28/s_825.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo grabbed from Inquirer</td></tr></tbody></table><center></center><br /><br />Today, our pre-schooler won the Interbranch Science quiz bee in school! He bested 14 other contestants and I am so proud for his efforts. We were afraid he would throw tantrums and won't be able to join the contest. But our prayers and bribes paid off. <br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/28/826.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/28/s_826.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">results of the interbranch quiz bee competition</td></tr></tbody></table><center></center><br /><br />TL#1 has history of not wanting to join school presentations and contests. Although lately, he has also won Best in National Costume during Linggo ng Wika. Here's to hoping he gets over the phase totally. <br /><br />The day his teachers gave out his reviewers, he voraciously consumed them with no prompting from us at all. He loves learning and hopefully, he will continue to do so. Within a week, he memorized all the materials! <br /><br />The quiz bee was closed door so we were not able to watch but the teacher said his mistakes were in writing some words during the difficult mode. He is currently struggling to hold the pencil and we did not know the contest would require him to spell and write words like frog and pupa. <br /><br />Good thing, a few days before the quiz bee, the husband has been helping him to improve his writing skills. The husband downloaded Leap Frog's Learn to Write with Mr. Pencil app on the iPad. We bought the pencil from Toy Kingdom, although he ended up using my stylus because Mr. Pencil is a bit too chubby. The app is very helpful and effective. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/28/828.jpg"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/28/s_828.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="388" /></a></center><br /><br />After memorizing the quiz bee reviewers, TL#1 announced he does not want to join the quiz bee anymore! Just what we were fearing! We ended up bribing him that we'd buy him a dinosaur book. He's a BIG dinosaur fan. Good thing, the husband found National Geographic's Dinopedia in National Bookstore. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/National-Geographic-Kids-Ultimate-Dinopedia/dp/1426301642"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/28/s_829.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="400" /></a></center><br /><br />This morning, right after the quiz bee (parents were asked to wait outside the room), he went straight to me and asked to see his book. I was just glad he survived the quiz bee without making a fuss that I did not ask him about the results. Then his yaya said he won, it was an icing on top of the cake! <i>Sarap pala ng feeling. Haha!</i> <br /><br />I gave him a hug and told him I was proud of his efforts. He was a champion because he studied hard with his daddy. <i>Yey! Galing din ni husband! Genes lang contribution ko. Hahaha!</i><br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923646116641677036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201944403000406217.post-79920423207132074592013-09-23T05:45:00.000-07:002013-09-29T13:09:57.350-07:00bedtime goatime The kids are playing in the room before bedtime... <br /><br />Me: Look at Tobey's feet. It's so small.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/23/390.jpg"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/23/s_390.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center><br />TL#1: Why?<br /><br />Me: Because he is still a baby. <br /><br />TL#1: How about me? <br /><br />Me: Yours are bigger. <br /><br />TL#1: Why? <br /><br />Me: Because you're already a kid. <br /><br />TL#1: Huh? The young of a goat is a kid then you call me a kid. That must be silly! <br /><br />Me: Meee-meeee! <br /><br />He is currently reviewing for the upcoming science quiz bee in school and one of the topics is the young of animals. Smart kid! <br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/23/391.jpg"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/23/s_391.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="187" /></a></center><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhoneAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923646116641677036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201944403000406217.post-55996548849548341162013-09-22T04:49:00.000-07:002013-09-29T13:09:57.327-07:00bedtime joketime: we're going to London somedayTL#1 was playing with a London mini snowball.<br /><br />Me: Bring that down to daddy. You might break it. Who knows someday we will go to London together. <br /><br />TL#1: Someday? What kind of day is Someday? Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday???? <br /><br />Me: Huh? <br /><br />TL#1: What do you think? Mommy, what do you think? When is that someday? Is it on Monday? Tuesday? Wednesday? Thursday? Friday? <br /><br />Me: (speechless. LOL with matching whopping cough). <br /><br />Both kids are now nursing a fever. <i>Grabe, ang lala ng virus ko!</i> That's 4 down, out of 6 in our household. We'll be fine as long as our ever-reliable head of the family does not get down with the flu, too. <br /><br />The kids though does not seem to care much about their fever. They're playing hide and seek and won't go to sleep. I can't sing them a lullaby. Apart from the fact that I can't sing, I don't get to finish a word without coughing. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/22/606.jpg"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/22/s_606.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="400" /></a></center><br /><br /><br /><i>A-B-ubo-ubo-ubo-C-ubo-D-E-ubo-ubo-ubo-ubo-ubo-Y & Z. </i><br /><br />TL#2 does not like it at all. He keeps hiding under my rack of clothes. So much for a restful Sunday night. <br /><br /><i>Ubo-ubo-ubo-ubo!</i> Please go away. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPadAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923646116641677036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201944403000406217.post-20867961935008495892013-09-21T21:56:00.000-07:002013-09-29T13:09:57.294-07:00status update (and complaints) on our compliance with Kasambahay Law We have successfully registered as household employers in all government agencies - SSS, Philhealth and HDMF or Pag-ibig, our household helpers now have their SSS, Philhealth and HDMF numbers and we have paid our contributions for the months of July and August.<br /><br />We are just lucky that the husband had time to line up in SSS and Philhealth and I asked a favor from someone who was going to HDMF. The husband told me the queue in HDMF was the worst. Someone said it was because payment of contributions are also coursed through the HDMF office and not through banks or other payment centers.<br /><br />The government imposed an additional burden on us who employ household helpers. The least they can do is to make compliance less burdensome for us working class who don't have the luxury to take weekdays off. I think I have earned the right to complain. We hire helpers because we don't have the luxury of time. Every precious minute counts. It is the hard truth for parents like us whose days are filled to the brim with work to dos and family obligations. Not to mention that the very bad traffic we have to brave through every day eats a substantial amount of our time. The government does not have the right to enforce red tape on us on a monthly basis.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I haven't had the time and patience to call SSS to follow up on the status of the application for auto-debit arrangement I submitted to BPI last August 19. It has been a month since.<br /><br />One tip to save on time (although this could affect budget and cash flows) is to make quarterly advance payments. Someone said this is doable. I did this for our Pag-ibig contributions. I already paid for July to September.<br /><br />And still, there's no word on the Unified Registration System that was supposed to be rolled out two weeks from August 9.<br /><br />Forgive the rants, I am not feeling well. Next to worry about are the quarterly postings. Nonetheless, compliance is compliance. For the love of our household helpers!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggNtx-T363Mkpb1mHlz9D5f7ApDs61nth-I_FaO9ktpBYcCJIgOnRbx-o4kd54Syd3n18IIvglbb-SCbsNvddYJ_CgR38ND2gsg9-Mggj8iu1CVkOveDfiNkG3KnsPjOmP9a4mvHs8pr4/s1600/IMG_2578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggNtx-T363Mkpb1mHlz9D5f7ApDs61nth-I_FaO9ktpBYcCJIgOnRbx-o4kd54Syd3n18IIvglbb-SCbsNvddYJ_CgR38ND2gsg9-Mggj8iu1CVkOveDfiNkG3KnsPjOmP9a4mvHs8pr4/s320/IMG_2578.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TL#1 with his yaya</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.headoverheelsmom.blogspot.com/2013/08/understanding-kasambahay-law-part-1.html" style="color: #666666; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Understanding the Kasambahay Law Part 1</a> - Implementing Rules and Regulations and QA released by DOLE, NSO birth certificate</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.headoverheelsmom.blogspot.com/2013/08/understanding-kasambahay-law-part-2.html" target="_blank">Understanding the Kasambahay Law Part 2</a> - Guide to SSS Registration as a Household Employer and for the Household Helpers</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.headoverheelsmom.blogspot.com/2013/08/understanding-kasambahay-law-part-3.html" target="_blank">Understanding the Kasambahay Law Part 3</a> - SSS Payment of Contributions and Submission of Contributions Collection List</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.headoverheelsmom.blogspot.com/2013/09/understanding-kasambahay-law-part-4.html" target="_blank">Understanding the Kasambahay Law Part 4</a> - Philhealth or HDMF Registration as Employer</div><div><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923646116641677036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201944403000406217.post-58505411007533369532013-09-21T16:14:00.000-07:002013-09-29T13:09:57.331-07:00bout with flu not yet over I woke up today with a splitting headache, aching muscles and whopping cough. Definitely not better than yesterday. <br /><br />I'm envious of how our TL#1 bounced back to his usual active self after his bout with high fever last night. I wish I was still young. <br /><br />He keeps saying, <i>Mommy why are you not feeling better? Me, i'm okay now!</i> And he's off playing ball with his daddy. <br /><br />I kept having bad and weird dreams last night. I dreamt I was being wheeled into the operating room and I was protesting loudly because I just had surgery the past week and the week before that and the week before that. The doctor was arguing with me and I was pleading and crying with all my might. <br /><br />Today, my cough takes a turn for the worst. The rain won't stop pouring. But nothing worst comes after worst, right? :) <br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/21/1645.jpg"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/21/s_1645.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="277" /></a></center><br /><br />A blessed Sunday to everyone. Please pray for us sickly ones, including all my colleagues who were afflicted with the same virus. <i>Kailangan mahanap at masingil natin kung sino ang salarin. Charge natin ng hourly rates! </i><br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923646116641677036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201944403000406217.post-15678378299078973982013-09-21T07:13:00.000-07:002013-09-29T13:09:57.288-07:00am I weird or what? I cannot sleep. I have a very stuffy nose, I couldn't breathe properly. And each time I try to close my eyes, my brain keeps conjuring up different images. And since I'm still awake to think about them, the sissy in me tries to shake away the images lest they suddenly turn into scary things like ghosts or monsters. <br /><br />This is the reason why I shun away from horror movies. I think my subconscious has photographic memory. That or I have been born with a wild imagination. Or it may be because of the medications I have been on since Thursday. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/21/563.jpg"><img border="0" height="276" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/21/s_563.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center><br />I have not had proper sleep since I got sick. Thursday night was a torture. I kept waking up feeling physically sick and also mentally exhausted because I kept having the same dream of counting down until the pain is gone. <br /><br />Friday night was better. There was lesser pain. But I had a fitful sleep because of the comfort room breaks from the water therapy. <br /><br />Tonight, the clogged nose attacks even though the fever is gone. I hope to feel better tomorrow. My weekend is ruined because of this fever and flu. And now, TL#1 and TL#2's yaya are also sick. :(<br /><br />And I hope the time and effort I took to write this post have put the 'ghosts' in my mind to rest so that I can take a much-needed rest too. <br /><br /><br />WEIRDO. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPadAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923646116641677036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201944403000406217.post-23903745912751991212013-09-20T18:31:00.000-07:002013-09-29T13:09:57.295-07:00question: how to raise an emotionally intelligent kid?It's weird that after I was asked to write an article for work, I suddenly found myself unenthusiastic about writing. I probably did not like the pressure. I am still struggling to get back my writing momentum. Not to mention that I have been nursing fever and flu since Thursday. <br /><br />One night two weeks ago, I got home at around 9 in the evening, a bit earlier than the usual. TL#1 was so happy to see me and wanted to hoard my time. He wouldn't let me brush my teeth, wash my face and read the Revenue Memorandum Circulars and Court Decision for the article I was pressed to write. He wanted me to sit beside him and watch Bloopers on AXN. I'm not sure if he should even be watching the show. I made peace by dutifully sitting beside him, laughing when he prompts me to while trying hard to understand what i'm reading. <br /><br />Then I got an urgent call from upstairs. Apparently, TL#2 stirred from his sleep and was crying for mommy. TL#1 reluctantly let me go with this: "Don't take too long mommy." <br /><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />By the time I got back down, TL#1 was throwing a full-blown tantrum:<br /><br /><i>I TOLD YOU NOT TO GO UPSTAIRS! I wanted to watch Bloopers with you! Did I not tell you not to take too long? Why did you have to go to Tobey! </i><br /><br />The show ended and he was so upset that I was not able to watch the rest of the episode with him. He was crying so hard, he threw up. OA level. <br /><br />I wanted to dismiss his outburst as something petty. But he was too indignant I had to validate his feelings. I told him he must be upset because mommy took too long. He eventually calmed down. <br /><br />Today, I was supposed to meet TL#1's teachers and get his grades. But since I was still sick and the husband had a prior commitment, the yaya went to school instead. She reported that TL#1 ranked no. 2. The adviser said he could have easily ranked no. 1 if not for his <i>pagiging sumpungin</i> and being habitually late. <br /><br />The adviser is also hoping he won't have tantrums during the science quiz bee. He had already memorized everything in the reviewers. We just have to make sure he is in a good mood on the day of the contest. <br /><br /><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/20/1625.jpg"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/20/s_1625.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center><br />Which now brings me to researching on how to raise an emotionally intelligent kid.<br /><br />How about you, what are your secrets? Please do share. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPadAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923646116641677036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201944403000406217.post-68950165678255355972013-09-19T05:58:00.001-07:002013-09-19T05:58:31.667-07:00Test2test postAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923646116641677036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201944403000406217.post-49320625793769863302013-09-18T16:08:00.000-07:002013-09-29T13:09:57.317-07:00financial freedom: let's aim for the moon! <blockquote>"If you cannot control your emotions, you cannot control your money." - Warren Buffet</blockquote><br /><ins><b>The Problem</b><br /><b><br /></b></ins><br />I am dangerous when i'm stressed or having issues with my self-esteem. I swipe my card and I slash my savings.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3zJf7kFrrPmrwLQe1xLdcV_610ElWljECaZm1I4IJWGAv73O8oS3iKCpcY849isfZ6_x7ioYJF9Dbh5fYkszGSR6qOE3vPxmw8m85Vs8scT3V-yCB-pm3s0n0y9D9dCS7kvGK9C01pfU/s1600/IMG_1514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3zJf7kFrrPmrwLQe1xLdcV_610ElWljECaZm1I4IJWGAv73O8oS3iKCpcY849isfZ6_x7ioYJF9Dbh5fYkszGSR6qOE3vPxmw8m85Vs8scT3V-yCB-pm3s0n0y9D9dCS7kvGK9C01pfU/s200/IMG_1514.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Good things those moments come few and far between. <br /><br />But the main culprit that hinders me from attaining financial freedom is the 'upgrade' in lifestyle and that need (or more aptly - want) to 'reward' myself for a day's hard work in the form of food. <br /><br /><i>Kapag na-stress - kain tayo sa masarap! Kailangan masarap. Bawal magutom, marami pa akong gagawin. </i> <br /><br />I can't believe I have been spending more than 10% of my net pay on food! But my growing waistline is enough proof. <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWTppAvIoe9qTe-3Jchf2-jXAgVXyP_ypJ2WQEUEd03IjR2rcoMEcFgbCA-Spp2XOe9ZVrhNAB0CCoN_0qhXrdW-v4PDIS9wiu-teOMSjDo7rOJwqv0BjvBBp5hrYafNC1hy3uat7VADE/s1600/IMG_7103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWTppAvIoe9qTe-3Jchf2-jXAgVXyP_ypJ2WQEUEd03IjR2rcoMEcFgbCA-Spp2XOe9ZVrhNAB0CCoN_0qhXrdW-v4PDIS9wiu-teOMSjDo7rOJwqv0BjvBBp5hrYafNC1hy3uat7VADE/s200/IMG_7103.JPG" width="200" /></a>I feel the need to be up-to-date when it comes to gadgets which explains the recent impulsive purchase of Samsung Galaxy S4 even though I still have an iPhone 4s that works just fine. <i>Ewan ko ba. </i> Then the news of iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s came out. I wanted to trade-in my S4! And I still have hopeless moments pining over the macbook air. <i>Hay, hopeless.</i> <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbgBkyRE-4ke9m89FiKhQUOXzCu0pSDWcUebwoeR5z8hnods2A4pni9BLhk75-flUYPI39Y8yTlFsyBikCzfmQtpw7oa0O4UIdyRH6FqNlBfV9XbkJKr-aA_ttHQwm_ux1ccgAB4SSAJM/s1600/IMG_1365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbgBkyRE-4ke9m89FiKhQUOXzCu0pSDWcUebwoeR5z8hnods2A4pni9BLhk75-flUYPI39Y8yTlFsyBikCzfmQtpw7oa0O4UIdyRH6FqNlBfV9XbkJKr-aA_ttHQwm_ux1ccgAB4SSAJM/s200/IMG_1365.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br /><a name='more'></a>I also feel this constant need to buy myself a new bag, new pair of shoes, new set of clothes, etc.<br /><br />You get the picture. I am an impulsive buyer. I know that. I just don't know what to do about it.<br /><br />Is that even bad at all? Our previous conditioning (culture, upbringing) determine the way we look at spending and saving. We may admire a spend-thrifty person or look at her with pity for being a miser. We may be envious of people who flaunt their purchases or hate them for their extravagance. <br /><br /><br /><ins><b>The solution</b></ins><br /><br />They say, in our quest for financial freedom, it is very important to be able to differentiate a need from a want. <br /><br />To quote from Entrepreneur Philippines' <b>It's Your Money Spend It, Save It, Invest It and Lead a Debt-free Life</b>:<br /><br /><i>The key to distinguishing needs from wants is being honest with yourself, your aspirations and what you can afford.<br /><br />You must be fully aware of your:<br /><br />1. existing funds<br />2. capacity to generate new funds<br />3. time horizon<br />4. personal values <br /><br />before you can create life and financial goals that are attainable and can contribute to your well-being. </i><br /><br /><b>Take stock and track your expenses</b><br /><br />Because I wanted to be fully aware of my existing funds and understand my spending ways, I resumed using the Home Budget App on iPad/iPhone. It is not free but I bought it 3 years ago to jumpstart my supposed quest for financial freedom. It's not too late to resume it now. Yup, convincing myself. ;) <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz0fbJ4bpzIXQZ5KNty_pzoIkuAMzMeV_k1Q4RpjQpKuBbFcbbSY2E7VK2CYi5BDYVR40MvhNUiT8aiAks7FLUvqKEqhKsidX2jC0qInbJIWKuI0t9vtbj1ni96spWByqQaLQe0m9rDqo/s1600/home+budget.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz0fbJ4bpzIXQZ5KNty_pzoIkuAMzMeV_k1Q4RpjQpKuBbFcbbSY2E7VK2CYi5BDYVR40MvhNUiT8aiAks7FLUvqKEqhKsidX2jC0qInbJIWKuI0t9vtbj1ni96spWByqQaLQe0m9rDqo/s640/home+budget.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">home budget app from the app store</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><i>Am I worth anything? </i><br /><br />First step was to account for my existing accounts (assets) and bills (payables) so that i'd know where I stand financially. As soon as I did this, I felt the urge to pay my credit card bills in full. I wanted the satisfaction of having zero liabilities. <br /><br />Total Assets - Total Liabilities = Net Worth <br /><br /><br /><i>Am I living within my means? </i><br /><br />Second step was to set a budget for my monthly expenses and start tracking my every day spending. By the end of the month, I should be able to compare my expenses against budget and expenses against income. <br /><br />The trick here is to strictly account for each and every spending, no matter how small or trivial. This way, I can honestly determine how much I really spend and on what items. <br /><br />In case you want to track your own expenses, there are a lot of free money monitoring apps in the app store (for apple) and play store (for android). <br /><br />App Advice has a <a href="http://appadvice.com/appguides/show/budgeting-apps" target="_blank">list of budgeting apps</a> you can choose from. <br /><br />Lifehacker also has their own list <i><a href="http://lifehacker.com/5873012/the-best-budget+tracking-app-for-iphone" target="_blank">here</a></i>. <br /><br />If you're not tech-savvy, you can use basic excel or the tried and tested jotting down of notes on pen and paper. <br /><br />At the end of the month, if I determine that I am living beyond my means, then I will have to revisit my expenses and cut down on wants. <br /><br />Total Income - Total Expenses = Cash Flow<br /><br />The goal is to score a positive cash flow to have extra money for savings. <br /><br /><br /><b>Action Plan</b><br /><br />Create action plan on how to change money's role in your life so you can live happy and become content with what you have. <br />(Source: Entrepreneur Philippines' It's Your Money Spend It, Save It, Invest It and Lead a Debt-free Life)<br /><br /><b>Tips</b><br /><br />Paradigm Shift.<br /><br />Know yourself and what drives your spending. Then make a commitment to stick to the plan and have your eyes on the goal. <br /><br />Reality check: You spend to feel good after a bad day or a stressful week. How about a walk in the park? Sing a song? Dance like no one's watching? Run? Exercise? <br /><br /><br />Downgrade. Cut down on expenses.<br /><br />There are two ways to increase savings, increase income or decrease spending.<br /><br />If you want an upgrade in lifestyle, continue to hone your technical skills and competence, get promoted, get a higher paying job, win the lotto, work harder, work more, sleep less.<br /><br />Or you can cut down on unnecessary expenses. <br /><br />Hmmmm.... <br /><br />Reality check: You may want it but you don't need it. Maybe, you just like the idea of having it. Or maybe you are pressured by peers or by this irrational need to feel loved or appreciated by owning material things. <br /><br /><br />Start saving NOW. Immediately. Today. ASAP.<br /><br />Pay yourself first. Instead of saving what is left from your income after all of your expenses, do it the other way around.<br /><br />I am a member of the cooperative in our office and my 10% savings is automatically deducted from my net pay. I can not spend what I do not have so it's safe. <br /><br />If you start early, you can stick with 10% but as you grow older, try to save more Remember the time value of money? It is best to save early and consistently. <br /><br />Reality check: Is it even possible to attain financial freedom? Really successful people aimed for the stars. Let's aim for the moon. ;) <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><blockquote>Managing needs and wants, and striking a healthy balance between them, often spell a person's happiness and contentment.</blockquote><br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPadAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923646116641677036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201944403000406217.post-38571978984566015862013-09-17T14:28:00.000-07:002013-09-29T13:09:57.304-07:00When You Retire...<div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">When you retire, how much money do you need to have saved?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">If there is a million dollar question, or a $4 million, or $10 million, I guess this would be it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my personal finance class, a student asked how much money you will need to retire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We started going through the time value of money equations -present value and future values of lump sums and annuities to calculate how much one would need; which started me thinking long and hard about this questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told my students it was keeping me up at night and this is why it is such a hard question to answer:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">1. It depends on when you want to retire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked my class and it ranged from age 45 to never retiring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The person who retires at age 45 will need a lot more money saved in retirement than the person who never wants to quit working.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve always said, “If you can turn your passions into profit, you never have to work a day in your life.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also believe that meaningful work provides you with self worth and increased happiness. So if you love your job, maybe you won’t retire; you may just slow down a little.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">2. It depends on your lifestyle when you retire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Experts are saying that you will need 80%-100% of your current income in retirement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>BUT….do you want to cruise the seven seas and stay a five star resorts or do you want to work around the house and live off the land?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are a lot of retirement calculators on the Internet where you can find out how much money you will need to replace your current income or a percentage of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lately we have been trying to live off the land and it is amazing how much we have saved in groceries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even with a small garden and a few chickens, you can save big money, eat better and be closer to your food source.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">3. What will Social Security and health care cost be in the future?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know what government plans will be around when I retire, so I’m planning on being self-sufficient.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would rather have too much in retirement savings then not enough.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Just some figures so you can check to see where you stand with the average American.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>According to </span><a href="http://www.gallup.com/poll/162560/average-retirement-age.aspx"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="color: blue;">Gallup’s annual Economy and Personal Finance survey</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">, the average American expect to retire at age 61.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.gallup.com/poll/162560/average-retirement-age.aspx"></a><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">This is up from age 57 when the survey was conducted in 1991. However over fifty percent of the non-retirees age 58-64 expect to retire past the age of 65.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gallup also found that 61% of Americans are worried or very worried about having enough money for retirement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The highest percentage of Americans worried about retirement savings is ages 50-64.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">This delay in retirement could be due to a change in values, lack of financial resources, uncertainty about future expenses, or decreased mandatory retirement age.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope that you find your passions and can turn it into profit. </span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Let us know what you think.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">When do you plan on retiring and how do you envision your retirement lifestyle?</span> </div><h4 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj62maFIHvNBI-fYFSJ3GIcHq40cwGIdfKOgr_oeqsGfPMZREDDpBFja38DhxFGZLsVC5Nicy9lWgWJL5E15lIJGcgoMArfZdh0HZAKdNBfU0eVnP__BGmryNK1bNUZQw1rv6WK0B8tc5o/s640/ret+1.png" width="640" /></h4><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><em><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image Source: </span></em><a href="http://www.gallup.com/poll/148058/lack-retirement-funds-americans-biggest-financial-worry.aspx"><em><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.gallup.com/poll/148058/lack-retirement-funds-americans-biggest-financial-worry.aspx</span></em></a></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923646116641677036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201944403000406217.post-54716963108354023952013-09-15T21:14:00.000-07:002013-09-29T13:09:57.325-07:00Wonderful Life Presentations<br /><h3 style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: purple; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><em>Wonderful Life Presentations - Setting Personal and Financial Goals!</em></span></h3><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />If you and your students have been working on my "Wonderful Life" assignment right about now you are probably putting the finishing touches on the assignment. <br /><br />A few things I like to do before presentations include...<br /><br />I ask my students to edit and practice their presentations so they go smoothly.<br />I give them the option of self-editing or editing with a friend. <br />Right before presentations I talk about how hard it can be to get up in front of a class and present - just because we don't do it a lot.<br />I remind them to support each other, and we talk about how they can do that.<br /><br />I ask students to print 2 copies of presentation handouts - 4 slides on a page.<br />As each student goes before the class to present they give me a copy of their handouts and keep a copy for themselves.<br />I use my copy for grading purposes, and they use their handouts as they give their presentation.<br />I also mention how important it is to speak loudly and clearly so everyone can hear their presentation, and how eye contact helps to hold the audience's attention. <br />I ask a student from my class, usually the day before presentations, to run the computer that is hooked up to the presentation hardware and software. <br />I usually project the presentation on the wall behind the student that is presenting. They use their handout notes to set the pace, and the student running the presentation on the computer follows their lead.<br /><br />Presentations for a class of 32 usually take about three or four days. The first day is usually the slowest, and then the kids pick up speed.<br /><br />That's about it. Hope you have a great week!<br /><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgthvo3mbs3ogvw7aKM8kHLlLw2q3hsa0BIkViSZja4p7lhObNFF7xig33SsYQhN3wHC_gFI61J07d5BWTKlIGDdwzI5d2EbmwN4RZmTuUJdAV460H_tH26H-9S8iRL9V2T_UT_YPXj5so/s1600/Lessons+that+make+learning+personal+finance+fun.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="56" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgthvo3mbs3ogvw7aKM8kHLlLw2q3hsa0BIkViSZja4p7lhObNFF7xig33SsYQhN3wHC_gFI61J07d5BWTKlIGDdwzI5d2EbmwN4RZmTuUJdAV460H_tH26H-9S8iRL9V2T_UT_YPXj5so/s400/Lessons+that+make+learning+personal+finance+fun.JPG" width="400" /></a></div></span><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923646116641677036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201944403000406217.post-41289165628637636292013-09-15T06:59:00.000-07:002013-09-29T13:09:57.312-07:00personal finance: the state of my financial healthI am in a bad mood. I am sad, close to depressed. Drama queen is reporting for duty.<br /><div><br /></div><div><i>Eh kasi naman</i>, I accounted for my assets, liabilities, income and expenses last night to put all those <a href="http://headoverheelsmom.blogspot.com/2013/09/self-knowledge-first-step.html" target="_blank">preaching about personal finance</a> into action. And I was not happy with the result. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU4a98tE1Ubukq4m42lKoNdXF56EHOi8f8Xhpxvf_8Fq-a5zGG92DbxgfVCD8QAVdLG3t-M5BxpLXhh6TBxEsa2gvcEcCH6_e69m0zzQMtafztvzrBYD2w323PwM4k6Cv-xZanPvPBhBs/s1600/real+living+space.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU4a98tE1Ubukq4m42lKoNdXF56EHOi8f8Xhpxvf_8Fq-a5zGG92DbxgfVCD8QAVdLG3t-M5BxpLXhh6TBxEsa2gvcEcCH6_e69m0zzQMtafztvzrBYD2w323PwM4k6Cv-xZanPvPBhBs/s200/real+living+space.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">visit Real Living magazine <a href="http://www.realliving.com.ph/rlspace/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">website</a></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><div>It did not help that we went to the <a href="http://headoverheelsmom.blogspot.com/2013/09/anxiety-therapy-my-personal-to-do-list.html" target="_blank">RL Space exhibit</a> today and learned how much like this and like this and like this will <b>cost</b>. The pressure to cut down on expenses is on. </div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br />I need to be more prudent in my spending. I should avoid going to the mall (I almost bought a camera today despite of the current state of my financial health). </div><div><br /></div><div>I should also cut down on my food costs. <i>Kain kasi ng kain ng kain ng kain. Walang katapusan. :)</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNsDjdcGu9uPA59kC8_5oibyOiCpKGAeDlwSz5yet69zW73RMBa7Mm5FV-kGpaqHVXkBDFlwuiijYLU_8gp7u7DXDb8-ESGxNoCW2xLfDpZLwyf6MUelJgA1mdvYiS8Gq0tnPRNa-DjvA/s1600/buffet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNsDjdcGu9uPA59kC8_5oibyOiCpKGAeDlwSz5yet69zW73RMBa7Mm5FV-kGpaqHVXkBDFlwuiijYLU_8gp7u7DXDb8-ESGxNoCW2xLfDpZLwyf6MUelJgA1mdvYiS8Gq0tnPRNa-DjvA/s320/buffet.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i></i><br /><a name='more'></a><i><br /></i></div><div>I should continue to pray for good health for myself and my family. We have had financial setbacks from the previous years due to sickness in the family - from my<a href="http://headoverheelsmom.blogspot.com/2011/08/countdown-8-day-i-had-my-surgery.html" target="_blank"> laparascopic surgery</a> to TL#1's bout with the <a href="http://headoverheelsmom.blogspot.com/2012/03/no-excuses.html" target="_blank">kawasaki disease</a>. I also gave birth to two kids in a span of 4 years. Major expenses. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0MUqC4v5i1my2huOu8tqXty08o3UNAUYvBMMpjEYY4Q_S0AngcLt2qV_6kRX4WizS9tHJ-ryO9MnLCDyIoI36sbHADAX2tiVaymmTQiYuPnl62iO9l85J5zdUEMq5dD2wrsldR-U2LMM/s1600/singapore+zoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0MUqC4v5i1my2huOu8tqXty08o3UNAUYvBMMpjEYY4Q_S0AngcLt2qV_6kRX4WizS9tHJ-ryO9MnLCDyIoI36sbHADAX2tiVaymmTQiYuPnl62iO9l85J5zdUEMq5dD2wrsldR-U2LMM/s400/singapore+zoo.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TL#1's first visit to Singapore Zoo in 2011</td></tr></tbody></table><div>I used the dream calculator in the <a href="http://www.itstime.com.ph/brighterlife/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">brighter life website</a> to compute how much I should be saving in a month for a certain goal. For example, if I needed P100,000 for TL#1's Singapore Zoo (re)visit for his 5th birthday next year, I would have to save P8,244 per month in a savings account or P7,991 per month in a mutual fund account. That's on top of my required 10% savings of net pay per month. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm trying hard not to think of or rely too much on the windfalls (variable bonus) that I may receive next year. A good portion of this year's bonus is already set aside for our future home furniture and fixtures.<i> Kulang pa! </i>I will most certainly have to exhaust my emergency funds as well. </div><div><br /></div><div>I. AM. AIRING. MY. DIRTY. LINEN. IN. PUBLIC. Shamelessly so if this will help me put my finances in order. I need to think out loud to hear my rational self. </div><div><br /></div><div>I remember buying my iPad online three years ago and having it engraved <i>"this purchase marks the beginning of financial freedom".</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRx4iPfrrJxtTpo6ZliuUaZ7JDDAi7M2ijevJ93ySkMkgCvGmOjWbcWgzYR7PNCcVI3y9r-2Oaepqp5TAWpZUzA6SukcJlmjPXM4q5M1IrQjAkgxO4YWvZWJnvZkABoLdaKmu1SsQvhRA/s1600/the+good+life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRx4iPfrrJxtTpo6ZliuUaZ7JDDAi7M2ijevJ93ySkMkgCvGmOjWbcWgzYR7PNCcVI3y9r-2Oaepqp5TAWpZUzA6SukcJlmjPXM4q5M1IrQjAkgxO4YWvZWJnvZkABoLdaKmu1SsQvhRA/s400/the+good+life.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">living the good life</td></tr></tbody></table><div>I have also blogged about it <a href="http://headoverheelsmom.blogspot.com/2011/05/it-only-takes-spark.html" target="_blank">here</a> - my very first post in my previous blog. Until now, it is a work in progress but I am trying to take steps to reach it (with emphasis on the word TRYING). </div><div><br /></div><div>I don't think I will ever embrace fully the "rich" mindset. I am more of an emotional person than a practical one. But I value my time and I know that the only way I can own more flexibility in how I spend my every waking day is to gain some degree of financial freedom. I don't want to grow old fully dependent on my monthly salary as a hardworking backbreaking employee. </div><div><br /></div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-size: large;">No more excuses. </span></blockquote><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>P.S If you are interested in investing in the stock market, you may wish to visit the husband's website <b><a href="http://toncabiao.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">You Become What You Think About</a></b>. He's more nerdy and finance savvy than I am. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923646116641677036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201944403000406217.post-84132811087347205572013-09-14T07:03:00.000-07:002013-09-29T13:09:57.353-07:00vision board: off to Paris!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">This weekend, the husband was looking at his vision board and pointed to a picture of the Eiffel Tower. <br /><br />Husband (with much conviction): I am going here! <br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/02/1803.jpg"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/02/s_1803.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="191" /></a></center><br /><br />TL#1: Oh, you're going to Paris, France. <a href="http://headoverheelsmom.blogspot.com/2011/05/travel-adventure.html" target="_blank">Mommy has been there</a>. <br /><br />Husband: Yes, I am.<br /><br />Then the husband went downstairs. <br /><br />While in the room, TL#1 and I read a story about teamwork from the <a href="http://headoverheelsmom.blogspot.com/2013/08/kids-books-steal-from-national-book.html" target="_blank">7 Habits of Happy Kids</a> book. After we finished the story, we decided to go down...<br /><br /><br />TL#1 (very puzzled when he saw the husband): Daddy, you're here?!<br /><br />Husband (looking up nonchalantly from his iPad): Yes. <br /><br />TL#1: Huh, I thought you went to Paris. Why are you here?!?<br /><br />Harharhar! <br /><br /><br />Speaking of vision board, I would want to make my own, too. It has been a while since I set goals for myself. Through our example, we hope that our son will learn to practice the value of goal-setting at an early age. <br /><br />If you want to make your own vision board, Martha Beck has guidelines <a href="http://www.oprah.com/spirit/How-to-Make-a-Vision-Board-Find-Your-Life-Ambition-Martha-Beck/1" target="_blank">here</a>. <br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br /><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923646116641677036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201944403000406217.post-83552239083836572252013-09-14T04:59:00.000-07:002013-09-29T13:09:57.352-07:00self-knowledge: the first step<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><br />This week, I made another slightly major purchase of a 'want'. I feel giddy and guilty.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/14/528.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="269" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/14/s_528.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo grabbed from Egandeula's Sari Sari's Facebook Page</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />So I'm sitting here on top of my uncomfortable high chair, in front of a borrowed laptop (my husband's), willing myself to start on my financial plan.<br /><br />To be fair to myself, I am not starting with nothing. I have some savings. But to be realistic, I am an employee, part of the (hard) working middle class. I have two kids, one of school age (4 years old). The husband and I are bracing ourselves for a major borrowing commitment (his part of the commitment) and a major unavoidable expenditure (my commitment) in the next 3 to 4 months.<br /><br />Now if I could just win the lotto. Not that thought again. :)<br /><br />If you are like me, let's not despair. I have just read this article on www.brighterlife.com.ph on <b>How an Employee Can Prepare for Retirement</b>.<br /><br />Th<span style="font-family: inherit;">e article says if we, ordinary Juans (and Juanas), can save 20% of our net pay consistently from this day forward, there is hope that we </span>can have savings for emergencies and a comfortable retirement fund by the time we retire at age 65.<br /><br /><br /><header style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><blockquote class="tr_bq">Always practice the 3 important habits in financial planning:</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">1. Save as early as possible.</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">2. Save regularly.</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">3. Look for rates to compliment your need, both for short term (banks) and long term (insurance and investments)</blockquote></header><header style="background-color: white; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">- See more at <a href="http://brighterlife.com.ph/2013/08/22/how-an-employee-can-prepare-for-retirement/#sthash.eXaTvgPP.dpuf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.brighterlife.com.ph</a></span></blockquote><div style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="line-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">During the Personal Finance session that the husband and I attended last week (which I blogged about <a href="http://www.headoverheelsmom.blogspot.com/2013/09/personal-finance-planning-for-brighter.html" target="_blank">here</a>), Randell Tiongson enumerated the following top 5 reasons for financial planning success: </span></div><br /><div style="line-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. Honesty</span></div><div style="line-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Well-disciplined</span></div><div style="line-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3. Social skills </span></div><div style="line-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">4. Supportive spouse</span></div><div style="line-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">5. Hard work</span></div><br /><div style="line-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The list is for the self-employed but it is also applicable to employees, except maybe for item no. 3 on social skills and of course item no. 4 if you are not yet married. </span></div><br /><div style="line-height: 15px;">The issue on money is not simple because it stems from culture and upbringing. Many of us, especially the educated ones (<i>lalo na siguro mga CPAs</i>) know the time value of money and thus, the importance of saving up as early as possible. The problem with us Filipinos though is that our actual finances do not jive with our views on money.<i> Sabi lang natin pero sa totoo lang, hinde naman natin sinusunod. </i></div><br /><div style="line-height: 15px;">So the first step to successful financial planning is honesty. <i>Ano ba talaga ang tingin mo sa pera? </i>Don't rationalize. Don't justify. If you have an issue with money, lay it down now. Analyze it, understand it, make peace with it. Until then, any attempt to financial freedom is doomed. <i>Boom! Kinabog ako</i>. </div><br /><div style="line-height: 15px;">Know yourself and your reason for spending. </div><br /><div style="line-height: 15px;"><br /><b>It's Your Money Spend It, Save It, Invest It and Lead a Debt-Free Life by </b>Entrepreneur Philippines has this to say on the matter: </div><div style="line-height: 15px;"><br /></div><div style="line-height: 15px;"><br /><i>In order for you, and not your spending, to dictate how you feel about yourself financially, recognize how you feel when spending, which in turn determines the kind of spender that you are. </i><i>Once you do so, then you can adjust your financial habits toward financial well-being. Indeed, self-knowledge is self-control. </i></div><div style="line-height: 15px;"><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD88cN-TKlLMK6hwOZVQ7cKpIFluC0pjpCDWC45GSdn2F8seAz6HQxp364wXQ55fmQO4RRXaWdp6jSHwBbVLRrew6kiO0t1QOg5kjeA2t_F9w4IXEyFE9rceDxs3NiDFZ4FV0f6yUDYig/s1600/2013-09-14+20.08.57.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD88cN-TKlLMK6hwOZVQ7cKpIFluC0pjpCDWC45GSdn2F8seAz6HQxp364wXQ55fmQO4RRXaWdp6jSHwBbVLRrew6kiO0t1QOg5kjeA2t_F9w4IXEyFE9rceDxs3NiDFZ4FV0f6yUDYig/s400/2013-09-14+20.08.57.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Know yourself: What kind of spender are you?</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div style="line-height: 15px;">Save but do not be a miser to avoid misery. We should learn to strike a balance between the need to save and the want for possessions. Avoid extremes. </div><div style="line-height: 15px;"><br /></div><div style="line-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And for husbands out there, Randell Tiongson also shared this:</span></div><br /><div style="line-height: 15px;"><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The secret to happy life is a happy wife. A major need of a woman is the feeling of security. The answer to this is financial planning. </span></blockquote></div><br /><div style="line-height: 15px;"><br /></div><div style="line-height: 15px;">Now, if you would excuse me, I have some inventory taking to do. I need to account for my assets, liabilities, income and expenses and know where I am at currently. Self-knowledge is power. Let's all get a move on from point A to point B. </div><br /><div style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"><br /><br /></div></header></div><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923646116641677036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201944403000406217.post-74834410337894202632013-09-13T18:50:00.000-07:002013-09-29T13:09:57.347-07:00daily boost: what is it that you live for? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><img height="200" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/11/s_470.jpg" width="150" /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">This is the 2nd post in my daily boost series as inspired by the book <b>88 Super Practical Boosters To Get What You Want in Life</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><i><span style="font-size: large;">What is the thing that you live for, enabling you to endure all that happens in your life?</span></i></blockquote><br />It took me a while to answer this because I am not exactly Mrs. Endurance. <br /><br />I stuck it out for five years in my first job not necessarily because I was in love with it but because I did not know what I really wanted in my life and I was scared to get out of my comfort zone. Yes, I am a sissy but I am slowly finding my courage with age and experience. <br /><br />I am an impulsive person and I make decisions based on my emotions. I've been taking 'leaps of faith' but I took one too many that they didn't feel like a leap anymore, more of a skip and maybe an escape. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/13/1739.jpg"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/13/s_1739.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="400" /></a></center><br /><br />I think there is wisdom in having a purpose, a why, a reason. It gives you an anchor and the strength to be resilient and enduring. <br /><br />I used to work abroad but I had no concrete goals for going there. Should I have had a very important purpose, like my friends did, I would not have gone home after barely a year. I have a friend who wanted to earn this much money for her dream home and she made it come true. No matter how unhappy she was, she had her eyes on the goal. Even though it was hard, she endured knowing that it was merely a stepping stone in getting what she wanted in life. <br /><br />That's one very valuable lesson learned for me. And maybe, I read Paolo Coelho's <b>The Alchemist</b> a little too late. It is a good read for people like me who are still trying to look for their true calling. <br /><br /><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/13/1740.jpg"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/13/s_1740.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="263" /></a></center><br /><blockquote>My heart is afraid that it will have to suffer," the boy told the alchemist one night as they looked up at the moonless sky." Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams.</blockquote><br /><br />If there's one thing I know for sure now, it is that there is no easy job. Each has its own quirks, difficulties and challenges. When you are hard up, you may find the instinct and need to escape. But running away is a quick fix. If the real issue or problem is with your attitude, no change in job can cure you. Look within and aim to change the one thing that is within your control - you!<br /><br />We all know of some people who endure the pains of running or going to the gym or going on a diet because they want to be fit and healthy and sexy. Now, that's a goal! I should aim for that, too. <br /><br />For parents like me, we endure almost anything for our kids. Once we have them, they become a big reason for our living. We want to earn more to ensure their future. We want to become better people so that we can be effective role models for them.<br /><br />Go ahead and write down the reasons why you do what you do. It might just help put your stress or your struggle in perspective.<br /><br /><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-size: large;">He who has a 'why' to live can bear almost any 'how'.</span><br />- Friedrich Nietzsche</blockquote><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.headoverheelsmom.blogspot.com/2013/09/why-drive-when-husband-can-drive-and.html" target="_blank">daily boost: get what you want in life</a><br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923646116641677036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201944403000406217.post-29814355259341729122013-09-11T05:58:00.000-07:002013-09-29T13:09:57.301-07:00daily boost: get what you want in life<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Why drive, when the husband can drive and you can blog? ;) <br /><br /><br /><br />Do you find it hard to get out of bed every working day? Are you stuck in a rut and couldn't seem to get out? Are you looking for a motivation? <br /><br />Well, I can not give you a solution. But I have this book <b>88 Super Practical Boosters To Get What You Want In Life</b> by Yonit Werber sitting neglected in my Kindle App. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/11/470.jpg"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/11/s_470.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="298" /></a></center><br /><br />It's supposed to be a daily motivation snack so why don't I share the boosters one day (or night) at a time and we give it a try? It might just work. <br /><br /><b>Get what you want in Life</b><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Remember: If you do not ask, you will not get it</span></i></blockquote><br />"What is it that you want for yourself today?"<br /><br />In your unbelievably hectic life, stop and take a moment to write what you want. They say there is power in writing down thoughts and goals. Own your goals. Believe that the powers of the universe will conspire to give you what you want. <br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/11/485.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/11/s_485.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">letting our goals soar with the flying lantern</td></tr></tbody></table><center></center><br />Do not edit your thoughts, be specific and write down all the things that seem to catch your fancy. Who knows how many you will able to cross out one day. :)<br /><br />You don't even have to tote around a pen and notebook (I do!). You can use your smartphone's notes to jot down your thoughts right away like when you are stuck in traffic or in a queue for lunch. The long commute to and from the office is a good time like any to reflect and listen to your inner voice. <br /><br /><br />When I was younger and had simpler, concrete and specific goals, I found that it was easier to make dreams come true. <br /><br />For example, I wanted to pass the board exams for Certified Public Accountants (CPA) so everyday, during review, I wake up and say this 15 times: I am going to be a CPA! I am going to be a CPA!<br /><br />Of course, I studied hard to make it come true and alas! I even placed 13th! My lucky number. <br /><br />Do not jot down whimsical things like <i>I want to be happy</i>. Find out what makes you happy and aim for it. <br /><br /><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/11/486.jpg"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/11/s_486.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="298" /></a></center><br /><br /><br />As we grow older, we get sidetracked and sometimes disillusioned by the difficulties and stress that we face on a daily basis, then we let go of our fancy dreams.<br /><br />Take heart. Bring back that bounce in your steps. Our dreams can still come true. Start with writing them down. :) <br /><br /><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/11/487.jpg"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/11/s_487.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="400" /></a></center><br /><br /><blockquote><span style="font-size: large;">If you do not ask, you do not get.</span><br />- Mahatma Gandhi</blockquote><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923646116641677036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201944403000406217.post-39413888444113775402013-09-10T08:31:00.000-07:002013-09-29T13:09:57.306-07:00ang traffic parang instant noodles, just add water! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><i>Ang traffic sa Pinas parang</i> instant noodles, just add water! <br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/10/813.jpg"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/10/s_813.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center><br /><br />I heard that joke some time ago from my husband and tonight (like any other rainy night), it proved to be true. When it rains, it pours and when it pours, brace yourself for traffic and long commute home. <br /><br />I am on Kuripot Mode and it was difficult to hail a taxicab so I walked from Paseo de Roxas to SM Makati in my heels. I covered approximately 2 kms. in about 15 minutes.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/10/815.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/10/s_815.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="187" /></a></div><center></center><br /><br />Good thing I was wearing my relatively new Naturalizer sandals from Egandeula's Sari-Sari. I got it for P2,500 only. Best buy! :) Check out the authentic imported merchandise on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EgandeulasSariSari" target="_blank">facebook</a> account.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/10/816.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/10/s_816.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center><br /><i>May patalastas pa </i>:)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Anyway, my walk tonight reminded me of the long cold walks I used to take 5 years ago in gloomy Dublin. (I lived in Dublin, Ireland as an auditor for less than a year). I used to cover around 3.5 kms. on most days going to and from the office. <br /><br /><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/10/817.jpg"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/10/s_817.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="187" /></a></center><br /><br />It was soooo expensive to ride a taxi so most people opt to walk. The Irish advocate walking as a very healthy alternative to riding the tram. They even discourage people to use the elevator and escalator. Wearing rubber shoes with your office suit was a fashion statement. <br /><br />And most of all, there was no traffic.<a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/10/818.jpg" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/10/s_818.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a><br /><br /><br />But to be honest, I used to hate the long walks. I would hug my layers of winter clothes close and mutter softly under my breath, "<i>Ano bang ginagawa ko dito</i>?" Like it was the most pitiful thing in the world. <br /><br />On hindsight, I now appreciate the value of walking. I must have been at my fittest when I lived in Dublin because of all the walking I had to do. <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/10/819.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/10/s_819.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="238" /></a></center><br /><br />Now, shall we start a walking revolution? With the onset of Christmas, the traffic is sure to get worst. Maybe, I should just bring my rubber shoes and walk home instead of going to the gym... Feasible? Hmmm... <br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923646116641677036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201944403000406217.post-70700320879114553452013-09-09T07:35:00.000-07:002013-09-29T13:09:57.340-07:00kuripot day Monday and BPI treat<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />Fresh from the<a href="http://headoverheelsmom.blogspot.com/2013/09/personal-finance-planning-for-brighter.html" target="_blank"> Personal Finance Session </a>we attended last weekend, I tried to be thrifty today by spending not more than P200 on meals. Believe me, that's an accomplishment if you work in the Makati Central Business District!<br /><br />With P168, I had a satisfying lunch at Wee Nam Kee. We used to avoid going inside the restaurant because it looked expensive. It turns out, they offer yummy dish at a reasonable price!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28K-5xq2HR6LURwXbx0JxOKQQE4eEX8gpfYP94Y00CjtHa5gu6z91Y_sBfV8-nhh2Pdfx_K8LpgF3tC1H1ZpB0vbr3-aXbaKY8lrZ5Pc_4oEFwF-toGFm_Bd4kMEUSJCHf0-o0RLB25Q/s1600/wee+nam+kee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28K-5xq2HR6LURwXbx0JxOKQQE4eEX8gpfYP94Y00CjtHa5gu6z91Y_sBfV8-nhh2Pdfx_K8LpgF3tC1H1ZpB0vbr3-aXbaKY8lrZ5Pc_4oEFwF-toGFm_Bd4kMEUSJCHf0-o0RLB25Q/s400/wee+nam+kee.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.zomato.com/manila/wee-nam-kee-ayala-paseo-makati-city/menu" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Zomato</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Check out their menu and prices <a href="http://www.zomato.com/manila/wee-nam-kee-ayala-paseo-makati-city/menu" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br />But the better part of the day is that our dinner of pizza, pasta and ice cream were free! Thanks to Bank of Philippine Islands' (BPI) <strong style="background-color: white; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: tahoma, verdana, arial, helvetica, 'sans-serif normal'; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><a href="https://www.mybpimag.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1090&Itemid=1254" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">SHOP ANYWHERE and get Pizza, Tacos and Ice Cream – FREE</a></strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: tahoma, verdana, arial, helvetica, 'sans-serif normal'; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"> ! Promo</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: tahoma, verdana, arial, helvetica, 'sans-serif normal'; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: tahoma, verdana, arial, helvetica, 'sans-serif normal'; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span><br /><div style="background-color: white; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: tahoma, verdana, arial, helvetica, 'sans-serif normal'; line-height: 14px;">Promo period is from May 15 to July 31, 2013.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: tahoma, verdana, arial, helvetica, 'sans-serif normal'; line-height: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: tahoma, verdana, arial, helvetica, 'sans-serif normal'; line-height: 14px;">Redemption is until September 29, 2013.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: tahoma, verdana, arial, helvetica, 'sans-serif normal'; line-height: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: tahoma, verdana, arial, helvetica, 'sans-serif normal'; line-height: 14px;">To qualify, cardholder should use his BPI Express Credit Classic or BPI Express Credit MasterCard within the promo period for a minimum single purchase transaction of P2,000, P6,000, or P12,000 at any merchant. (Transaction should be approved through a Point-of-Sale terminal.)</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: tahoma, verdana, arial, helvetica, 'sans-serif normal'; line-height: 14px;"><br /></div><table border="1" bordercolor="#000000" cellpadding="7" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: tahoma, verdana, arial, helvetica, 'sans-serif normal';"><tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#c00000" height="3" rowspan="2" width="87"><div align="center" style="line-height: 14px;"><strong>Min. Spend<br />Requirement</strong></div></td><td bgcolor="#c00000" colspan="3"><div align="center" style="line-height: 14px;"><strong>Choose from:</strong></div></td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="#c00000" width="114"><div align="center" style="line-height: 14px;"><strong>Pizza Hut</strong></div></td><td bgcolor="#c00000" width="119"><div align="center" style="line-height: 14px;"><strong>Dairy Queen</strong></div></td><td bgcolor="#c00000" width="135"><div align="center" style="line-height: 14px;"><strong>Taco Bell</strong></div></td></tr><tr><td height="137"><div align="center" style="line-height: 14px;">P2,000</div></td><td valign="top">• One (1) Personal Size Supreme Pan Pizza <strong><span style="color: #ba2434; text-decoration: underline;">OR</span></strong><br />• One (1) Single Spaghetti Bolognese (w/o Meatballs)</td><td valign="top">• Two (2) Dilly Bar <strong><span style="color: #ba2434; text-decoration: underline;">OR</span></strong><br />• Two (2) 5oz. Cones</td><td valign="top">• Two (2) Affordabells</td></tr><tr><td height="4"><div align="center" style="line-height: 14px;">P6,000</div></td><td valign="top">• One (1) Regular Size Supreme Line Pan Pizza<strong><span style="color: #ba2434; text-decoration: underline;">OR</span></strong><br />• One (1) Regular Size Supreme Line Thin ‘N Crispy Pizza <strong><span style="color: #ba2434; text-decoration: underline;">OR</span></strong><br />• Two (2) Single Spaghetti Carbonara</td><td valign="top">• Five (5) Dilly Bar <strong><span style="color: #ba2434; text-decoration: underline;">OR</span></strong><br />• Five (5) 5oz. Cones</td><td valign="top">• Five (5) Affordabells <strong><span style="color: #ba2434; text-decoration: underline;">OR</span></strong><br />• Three (3) Soft Taco (Beef/Chicken/Steak)</td></tr><tr><td height="6"><div align="center" style="line-height: 14px;">P12,000</div></td><td valign="top">• One (1) Family Size Supreme Line Pan Pizza<strong><span style="color: #ba2434; text-decoration: underline;">OR</span></strong><br />• One (1) Family Size Supreme Line Thin ‘N Crispy Pizza<strong><span style="color: #ba2434; text-decoration: underline;">OR</span></strong><br />• One (1) Family Size Spaghetti with Meatballs</td><td valign="top">• Five (5) 9oz. Blizzard<strong><span style="color: #ba2434; text-decoration: underline;">OR</span></strong> • Ten (10) Dilly Bar<strong><span style="color: #ba2434; text-decoration: underline;">OR</span></strong><br />• Ten (10) 5oz. Cones</td><td valign="top">• Three (3) Fiesta Platter (A, B, or C) <strong><span style="color: #ba2434; text-decoration: underline;">OR</span></strong><br />• Three (3) Grilled Stuft Burrito (Beef/Chicken/Steak)</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="background-color: white; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: tahoma, verdana, arial, helvetica, 'sans-serif normal'; line-height: 14px;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: tahoma, verdana, arial, helvetica, 'sans-serif normal'; line-height: 14px;"><strong>Pizza Hut</strong> Pan Pizza Supreme Line/Thin 'N Crispy Supreme Line includes: Supreme, Bacon Supreme, Hawaiian Supreme, Bacon Cheeseburger, Veggie Supreme. </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: tahoma, verdana, arial, helvetica, 'sans-serif normal'; line-height: 14px;"><br /><strong>Dairy Queen </strong>Blizzard includes: Oreo, Chocolate Chips, Strawberry Banana, Rocky Road</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: tahoma, verdana, arial, helvetica, 'sans-serif normal'; line-height: 14px;"><br /><strong>Taco Bell</strong> Affordabells includes: Pocket wrap, BBQ Potato Bites, Beef Taquito, ¼ lb Beef combo burrito, Pinacolada slush, Nachos, Fun size cheese quesadilla, Cheese roll up, Crispy potato soft taco</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: tahoma, verdana, arial, helvetica, 'sans-serif normal'; line-height: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: tahoma, verdana, arial, helvetica, 'sans-serif normal'; line-height: 14px;"><strong>So easy to redeem!</strong></div><ol style="background-color: white; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: tahoma, verdana, arial, helvetica, 'sans-serif normal';"><li><div style="line-height: 14px;">Visit any Pizza Hut Restaurant, Pizza Hut Bistro, Dairy Queen and Taco Bell branch</div></li><li><div style="line-height: 14px;">Present your BPI Express Credit card used for the transaction.</div></li><li><div style="line-height: 14px;">Surrender your original charge slip or cash advance slip (minimum single receipt purchase of P2,000 , P6,000 , or P12,000).</div></li></ol><br />I don't encourage the use of credit card but if you will settle the amount due right away, it is wise to use the card to avail of promos like this and some points, too. I had a number of receipts amounting to P12,000 so we were able to avail of 1 family size supreme line pan pizza and 1 family size spaghetti with meatballs.<br /><br />Husband had a number of P2,000 receipts so were able to get 4 free dilly bars from DQ. We were lucky they had dilly bars available tonight because in earlier redemptions we got sundae cones instead.<br /><br /><br />For August 1 receipts onwards...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghHp2VS1u2tMZXXivU3GDHdxpxVeSvlkD8l340xxcy2TjOR5tEOgaBsx-A6c_mBrAnq04l3rJ51cKNa9nm9wfUX9nx5LAIiu4kxlcynXxDDKIqH66vpIKTKcRwhpLkv_X1L5VJBOWloQM/s1600/thumb_chowking2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghHp2VS1u2tMZXXivU3GDHdxpxVeSvlkD8l340xxcy2TjOR5tEOgaBsx-A6c_mBrAnq04l3rJ51cKNa9nm9wfUX9nx5LAIiu4kxlcynXxDDKIqH66vpIKTKcRwhpLkv_X1L5VJBOWloQM/s320/thumb_chowking2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><strong style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: tahoma, verdana, arial, helvetica, 'sans-serif normal'; line-height: 14px;">Shop ANYWHERE and get Chowking Meals – FREE!</strong><br /><div style="background-color: white; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: tahoma, verdana, arial, helvetica, 'sans-serif normal'; line-height: 14px;">For minimum single receipt spend of P2,000, P6,000 and P12,000 from August 1 to October 24, 2013. </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: tahoma, verdana, arial, helvetica, 'sans-serif normal'; line-height: 14px;">Redemption period is from August 1 to December 23, 2013.</div><br /><div style="background-color: white; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: tahoma, verdana, arial, helvetica, 'sans-serif normal'; line-height: 14px; text-align: justify;">Simply use your BPI Express Credit Classic or BPI Express Credit MasterCard ANYWHERE for minimum single receipts of P2,000, P6,000 and P12,000.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: tahoma, verdana, arial, helvetica, 'sans-serif normal'; line-height: 14px; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table border="1" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: tahoma, verdana, arial, helvetica, 'sans-serif normal'; text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr style="color: white;"><td bgcolor="#990000" width="155"><div align="center" style="line-height: 14px;"><strong>Required Minimum Single Receipt Transaction</strong></div></td><td bgcolor="#990000" width="360"><div align="center" style="line-height: 14px;"><strong>FREE Food Items</strong></div></td></tr><tr><td width="155"><div align="center" style="line-height: 14px;"><strong>P2,000</strong></div></td><td width="360">• One (1) order of 1-pc Chinese Style Fried Chicken with rice <strong><u>OR</u></strong><br /><br />• One (1) order of Halo-Halo Regular</td></tr><tr><td width="155"><div align="center" style="line-height: 14px;"><strong>P6,000</strong></div></td><td width="360">• Two (2) orders of Fish & Tofu Bowl + Two (2) orders of 3-pc Beef Siomai <strong><u>OR</u></strong><br /><br />• Two (2) orders of Honey Garlic Chicken Bowl + Two (2) orders of 3-pc Beef Siomai</td></tr><tr><td width="155"><div align="center" style="line-height: 14px;"><strong>P12,000</strong></div></td><td width="360">• One (1) order of Family Sweet & Sour Pork + One (1) order of Family Chopsuey + Three (3) orders of Halo-Halo Fun Size w/o Ice Cream <strong><u>OR</u></strong><br /><br />• One (1) order of Family Braised Beef + One (1) order of Family Dimsum Platter + Three (3) orders of Halo-Halo Fun Size w/o Ice Cream <strong><u>OR</u></strong><br /><br />• One (1) order of Family 6-pc Chinese Style Fried Chicken + Three (3) orders of Halo-Halo Fun Size w/o Ice Cream</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="background-color: white; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: tahoma, verdana, arial, helvetica, 'sans-serif normal'; line-height: 14px; text-align: justify;"><em>*The Halo-Halo Fun Size w/o Ice Cream can be upgraded to Halo-Halo Fun Size w/ Ice Cream for an additional P10 per scoop to be shouldered by the Cardholder upon redemption.</em></div><br /><br />For a full list of the other promos, click <a href="https://www.mybpimag.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=483&Itemid=610" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br />Thanks again BPI for the free dinner this Kuripot Day Monday. :)<br /><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923646116641677036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201944403000406217.post-20228611168122432202013-09-08T05:59:00.000-07:002013-09-29T13:09:57.291-07:00anxiety therapy: my personal to do list for the week<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I am obsessing!<br /><br />It's already 8 in the evening! <i>Saan na napunta ang weekend ko? Ang dami ko pang kailangang gawin! </i><br /><br />And I find the need to write them down here before I go insane. <br /><br />Believe me I love my sons, but our eldest won't give me peace of mind. <i>Laging nakabuntot at laging gusto kasama ako sa lahat ng gagawin nya</i>. It is endearing and annoying at the same time! <br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/08/491.jpg"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/08/s_491.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center><br /><br /><i>Ewan ko ba, hinde ko rin alam bakit bigla na lang ang dami kong gustong gawin sa buhay ko. Tumatanda na kasi?!? </i> Thank God for our <i>kasambahays</i>! I am really grateful to have them at home. They take a big load off me. <br /><br />I know the next three hours (before I go to sleep won't be enough) for all the things that I want to accomplish today so I will just make a list as my guide for next weekend. I won't probably be able to do much other done concentrate on work these weekdays. I have to eat some serious frog* and I anticipate some stress coming in, realistically speaking. <br /><br />*eat a frog - accomplish a not-so-desirable task <br /><br />Anyway, on to my list...<br /><br />1 - take stock of my finances<br /><br />I have to apply what I learned this weekend in the Personal Finance session which I wrote about <a href="http://headoverheelsmom.blogspot.com/2013/09/personal-finance-planning-for-brighter.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://headoverheelsmom.blogspot.com/2013/09/it-time-for-brighter-life.html" target="_blank">here</a>. <br /><br /><i>Madali akong makalimot sa mga ganyan.</i> Especially if we're talking of purging old habits and making new and better ones. <br /><br />I have a lot of to do's with regards to my personal finance but for this week, I think I can manage to practice the <b>7-minute habit</b> of tracking my expenditures everyday. <br /><br /><ins>How can we develop a habit?</ins><br /><br />In order to get rid of bad habits, we just need to accustom our brains to new actions. Over time, these new actions will become new habits that will replace the old habits. <br /><br />Perform the 7-minute habit over a course of two to four weeks. <br /><br />Source: For Richer For Poorer by Chinkee Tan <br /><br />2 - attend the Real Living Space exhibit this weekend <br /><br />We're going to be homeowners hopefully soon so I am currently obsessed over interior design and worried about budget. <br /><br />I'm forcing the husband to come with me to the exhibit in Trion Towers Bonifacio Global City to look at the interior design showcase. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/08/500.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/08/s_500.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="296" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">print screen from my online subscription of Real Living Magazine September edition</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />If you're interested, you can find more details in <a href="http://www.realliving.com.ph/rlspace/" target="_blank">www.realliving.com.ph/rlspace</a><br /><br />Does anybody of you know a good but cheap interior designer and contractor? Please let me know. ;) <br /><br />In relation to this, I also need to start reading on loans. What a big word. <br /><br />3 - finish our registration with Pag-ibig and pay our contributions for August <br /><br />If you have been following my blog, you would know that I have been documenting our efforts to comply with the requirements of the Kasambahay Law. It has not been easy but it is well worth the efforts. <br /><br />I still have to blog about the Pag-ibig online registration that I did for our household helpers. Will do soon! ;)<br /><br />4 - blog about our Jurassic on ice experience in Star City and fix some blog glitch<br /><br />5 - start reading the (work)book Personal Development all-in-one for Dummies<br /><br />What can I say, I am obsessed! I bought the book at 50% off in National Book Store. It is still expensive though. The husband did not approve. The more that I bought it. Which brings me back to action item no. 1 on personal finance. Harhar! <br /><br />This book is big and really thick - 581 pages to be exact. I'm giving myself until my 33rd birthday to finish it. A year-long project to enhance my life, why not? :) <br /><br />6 - after checking budget, scout for schools for the kids <br /><br />7 - resume writing in my one-sentence journal for mothers<br /><br />How could I have forgotten about this? Tsk! Tsk! Ako na talaga si Mrs. Kalimot! <br /><br /><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/08/492.jpg"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/08/s_492.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="298" /></a></center><br /><br />8 - think! think! think! of what to do with my waistline (the hardest part of them all)<br /><br />I have to seriously consider going to the gym. <i>O sexy chef kaya? Gastos uli. Hahaha! </i><br /><br /><br />There. I got it all I think. My action items don't seem too overwhelming now. <i>Wag lang ako abutin ng forever bago matapos. Hehehe! </i><br /><br /><br /><br /><blockquote>To be what we are, and to become what we are capable of becoming, is the only end of life. - <i>Robert Louis Stevenson</i></blockquote><br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br /><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923646116641677036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201944403000406217.post-51339835176900734262013-09-07T23:03:00.000-07:002013-09-29T13:09:57.321-07:00it's time for a brighter life! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">The husband and I joined the <b>Brighter Life session on Personal Finance</b> last Saturday, September 7, at the <a href="http://www.coffeebean.com.ph/" target="_blank">Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf </a>(CBTL) at Net Lima in Bonifacio Global City.<br /><br />I blogged about my takeaways from the session <a href="http://headoverheelsmom.blogspot.com/2013/09/personal-finance-planning-for-brighter.html" target="_blank">here</a>. <br /><br />Since I found the session insightful, I am sharing with you the upcoming sessions in the Personal Financial Planning series being rolled out by Sun Life Financial Plan. <br /><br /><b>September 12 - Money & Career</b> <br />7 pm - 9 pm, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Burgos Circle <br /><br /><b>September 21 - Money Matter for Mommies</b><br />10 am - 12 nn, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Net Lima<br /><br /><b>September 28</b> - Marriage & Money <br />10 am - 12 nn, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Net Lima <br /><br />All sessions are held in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.<br /><br />You can register thru brighterlife.eventbrite.com. I think the registration opens on the week of the event. <br /><br />The session itself is free and you will also be treated to a light breakfast and free coffee (in my case, hot chocolate). <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/07/1954.jpg"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/07/s_1954.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="262" /></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/07/1956.jpg"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/07/s_1956.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="243" /></a></center><br /><br />Aside from the insights, we also took home a Sun Life Money Bank and CBTL gift certificate. <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/07/1957.jpg"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/07/s_1957.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="233" /></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/07/1958.jpg"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/07/s_1958.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="262" /></a></center><br /><br />If you're interested, you can stay after the session to consult with Registered Financial Planners of Sun Life. <br /><br /><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/07/1959.jpg"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/07/s_1959.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="266" /></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/07/1960.jpg"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/07/s_1960.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center><br /><br />What we also liked about the event is that the financial planners of Sun Life did not make us feel that it was obligatory to avail of their financial services. Guests were free to go after the session. <br /><br />You would have noticed the brighter life advertising series of Sun Life on TV which are meant to help educate the Filipinos to be financially literate. It's not a bad advocacy and we can all do our share by starting with ourselves.<br /><br />If you can't make it to the sessions, you may want to go to the website <a href="http://brighterlife.com.ph/" target="_blank">www.brighterlife.com.ph</a> which gives a wealth of references on how to achieve a brighter life.<br /><br />May we all attain financial freedom. It all begins with a single step. ;) <br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923646116641677036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201944403000406217.post-39437151856117128472013-09-07T08:10:00.000-07:002013-09-29T13:09:57.307-07:00personal finance: planning for a brighter lifeIt's a good thing the husband was able to buy us (free!) 'tickets' to the Brighter Life Session on Personal Finance by Sun Life Financial. The session was held this Saturday, September 7, from 10 in the morning to 12 noon at the spacious Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf Net Lima in Bonifacio Global City. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/07/1842.jpg"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/07/s_1842.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="300" /></a></center><br /><br />We live nearby so we got to the venue early and had the chance to meet and chat with some Sun Life Financial Planners. <br /><br />Randell Tiongson of <a href="http://www.randelltiongson.com/" target="_blank">www.randelltiongson.com</a> was the invited no nonsense resource speaker.<br /><br />It was a time well-spent and I came home with a number of takeaways.<br /><br /><ins>Financial Literacy</ins><br /><br />As an accountant by profession, I am financially literate in theory. I mean I understand cash flows, the concept of income and loss and the analysis of which scenario would bring in more profit or savings. <br /><br />The problem is I don't apply those skills to my personal finances. I should. We should. Which leads me to my second takeaway...<br /><br /><ins>Personal Finance</ins><br /><br />Personal Finance = 80% Behavior + 20% Skill <br /><br /><blockquote>Personal Finance refers to all financial decisions and activities that a person undertakes in order to manage money in the light of current needs and wants. </blockquote><br /><br />My problem must be behavior - my attitude towards money and the way I spend it. <br />I am an Ilokana but thriftiness is not in my bones. <i>May galit yata ako sa pera.</i> :)<br /><br />I am not alone. Majority of Filipino people are not savers and investors! That's why dependence on children by their parents when they go old are very rampant. But is it really fair for the children to be burdened financially by their parents in their supposed-to-be 'golden' years? <br /><br />Survey showed that for Filipinos, <br /><br />Only 1 out of 10 of plan to invest<br /><br />Only 2 out of 10 plan to get insured<br /><br />And 8 out of 10 opt to save in the bank<br /><br />The problem in our society is that we have been exposed to consumerism. We have the biggest malls in the world. We give too much value in material things. We view them as status symbol, a measure of how successful we have become.<br /><br />For parents like me, would we want to impose on our children when we grow old just because we have not prepared well for our retirement? Shall we be contented with the SSS pension? <br /><br />Pressure. <br /><br /><ins>Corporate slaves</ins><br /><br />As a full-time employee, I am indeed a corporate slave with most of my hours bound to the Company I work for. But the mindset that I can never attain financial freedom as an employee is not correct (<i>daw</i>). <br /><br />Being an entrepreneur does not guarantee financial freedom in as much as being an employee does not equate to a lifetime of slavery.<br /><br />We always have a choice. It's either we aim to earn more (i.e. aim for merit or promotional increase, find a higher-paying job) or save more (i.e live within our means, live a simpler life). <br /><br /><ins>Planning</ins><br /><br />Planning is very important in personal finance. We cannot jump to financial freedom without going through proper planning. <br /><br />We should start thinking foundational:<br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/07/1843.jpg"><img border="0" height="217" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/07/s_1843.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center><br /><br /><i><b>Step one</b> - improving cash flow</i><br /><br />Income should be greater than expenses to achieve positive cash flows. <br /><br />Note to myself: <br />Take stock of your current finances. Monitor your spending. Know where your hard-earned money is going. Make necessary adjustments.<br /><br /><i><b>Step two</b> - getting out of debt</i><br /><br /><i>Huwag kaskas ng kaskas! </i><br /><br />It's so easy to spend with a credit card. Just swipe. But before you know it, the purchases have accumulated and you're finding it hard to pay the balance so you settle the minimum and incur finance charges. Vicious cycle. <br /><br />I do pay the whole balance every cut-off but sometimes, in order to do that, I have to withdraw from my savings. I am also guilty of availing 0% installment plans. I should curb this desire to have the latest gadgets. <br /><br /><i><b>Step three</b> - setting up you emergency fund</i><br /><br />Experts say you should have an emergency fund set aside which should equal about 6 months of your monthly expenses. If that is the case, it seems my so-called savings is only an emergency fund. <i>Kulang pa nga yata</i>. <br /><br />The emergency fund is to ensure that you will not die of starvation when you suddenly find yourself out of job or indisposed. <br /><br /><i><b>Step four</b> - getting protected from life's risks</i><br /><br />We should get financial protection from sickness and fortuitous events such as accident and death. This is where Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO), Accident and Life Insurance come in. <br /><br />For these, I depend on the insurance provided by my Company but this is dependent on my tenure. My coverage ends when I resign or get separated. <br /><br />So experts encourage us to get our own insurance so that just in case something happens to us, our dependents can rely on some financial assistance.<br /><br /><i><b>Step five</b> - investing for your future</i><br /><br />Once we have covered all four steps, we can now focus on investing for the future. This is where money works for us or where 'passive income' comes in.<br /><br />We merely invest a portion of our income now and expect to earn income in the long run. <br /><br />It is best to start on this early so as to take advantage of the time value of money. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/07/1845.jpg"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/07/s_1845.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center><br /><br />"If you don't want to work, you have to work to earn enough money so that you won't have to work." <br />- Ogden Nash<br /><br />It is indeed wise to be thrifty but try to avoid extremities. Do not be too pre-occupied by thoughts of the future that you forget to live for and enjoy today. It is also wise to invest in memories from experiences and travels rather than from material things. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/07/1847.jpg"><img border="0" height="217" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/07/s_1847.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center><br /><br />The goal now is to transition from Spender to Saver to Investor. <br /><br />Debt-free should be the new status symbol. <br /><br />And to end this post, I would like to remind myself of this:<br /><br />"Do not turn your back on reality, on what's really going on with your finances. Do not rationalize it, do not fantasize about it. I want you to only spend money that you need to spend." - Suze Orman<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />References: <br /><br />Personal Finance for the Self-Employed session by Randell Tiongson <br /><br />It's Your Money Spend It, Save It, Invest It and Lead a Debt-Free Life by Entrepreneur Philippines<br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/07/1850.jpg"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/07/s_1850.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="400" /></a></center><br /><br />For Richer For Poorer by Chinkee Tan<br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923646116641677036noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201944403000406217.post-6744820371486165162013-09-07T07:42:00.000-07:002013-09-29T13:09:57.337-07:00there is more to life than meets the eye! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b>Keep trying</b><br />2 Corinthians 4:16-18<br /><br />The Bible says there is more than meets the eye! That means there is more to life than what we can see with our eyes. We need to remember this when things don't go well or we're having a difficult time. Believing that God is always at work for good, in ways we can't see with our eyes, helps us never give up or lose heart. <br /><br />- VeggieTales Bible<br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/07/664.jpg"><img border="0" height="187" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/07/s_664.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center><br /><br />Have you ever had moments when you suddenly realize how deeply flawed you are? When somehow that cloud of blissful ignorance is lifted and you are left bare and vulnerable? You want to change and start fixing things but you don't know where to start or you feel it's too late? <br /><br />Well, today, I was slapped hard on the face. It hit me that I am 32 and still struggling to find my true calling. I am a wife and mother who has yet to fully embrace her roles and responsibilities. And if I am going to be honest to myself, I am disappointed with my current financial standing. <br /><br />And then, of course, at the back of my mind is the anticipation of busier and more stressful days to come in the office. <br /><br />I couldn't drown those disturbing thoughts even with all the noise and chaos our two boys made during the day and night. It's now 10 in the evening, the household has finally found some silence and I am here writing my thoughts not truly knowing what I want to say or point out. Maybe I am scared? Maybe I am disturbed? But that's a good thing right? Because change only comes with awareness and a call for change almost always leads to a better me. <br /><br />I am proud of the slight progress I have made so far on being more matured in dealing with my issues and stressors. Of taking time to do the things I love and to keep this blog going. I just wish I had more time sometimes or maybe a lucky break. Nonetheless, I am thankful for the recent blessing that has poured in and may it serve as a seed to help me in my quest for financial freedom and true bliss. <br /><br />Cheers to us and to to our journey called life! <br /><br />Good night world :) <br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br /><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923646116641677036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201944403000406217.post-25010714517562255162013-09-06T16:39:00.000-07:002013-09-29T13:09:57.297-07:00Understanding the Kasambahay Law (Part 5): Pag-IBIG or HDMF Employer Registration <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">So we are already registered as household employers with SSS and Philhealth. We have also registered online for Pag-ibig but has yet to receive our Employer Number.<br /><br />This is now Part 5 of our quest to understand and comply with the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Batas Kasambahay. Please click on the links to visit my previous posts. <br /><br /><a href="http://headoverheelsmom.blogspot.com/2013/08/understanding-kasambahay-law-part-1.html" target="_blank">Understanding the Kasambahay Law (Part 1):</a> Implementing Rules and Regulations and QA released by DOLE, NSO birth certificate<br /><br /><a href="http://headoverheelsmom.blogspot.com/2013/08/understanding-kasambahay-law-part-2.html" target="_blank">Understanding the Kasambahay Law (Part 2):</a> Guide to SSS Registration as a Household Employer and for the Household Employees <br /><br /><a href="http://headoverheelsmom.blogspot.com/2013/08/understanding-kasambahay-law-part-3.html" target="_blank">Understanding the Kasambahay Law (Part 3):</a> SSS Payment of Contributions and Submission of Contributions Collection List <br /><br /><a href="http://headoverheelsmom.blogspot.com/2013/09/understanding-kasambahay-law-part-4.html" target="_blank">Understanding the Kasambahay Law (Part 4):</a> Philhealth Registration <br /><br /><br /><strong><u>Employer Registration</u></strong><br /><br />Pag-ibig or HDMF registration can be done online via <a href="http://www.pagibigfund.gov.ph/">www.pagibigfund.gov.ph</a> and click on e-services. <br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoR8-QyaqRTiMbTza3-DLzdjO0HezfuR3SWtM3RrRkF4f33u01jjEYsS2P9HCZ6Ydo7Z_AzzFx8KGtCah3xS4rPXzIp07UNnWNPGZNvrOxkwi9EdCVmnjRPzHjU9gj4_U0owIZdp69_Z4/s1600/pagibig+website+screenshot.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoR8-QyaqRTiMbTza3-DLzdjO0HezfuR3SWtM3RrRkF4f33u01jjEYsS2P9HCZ6Ydo7Z_AzzFx8KGtCah3xS4rPXzIp07UNnWNPGZNvrOxkwi9EdCVmnjRPzHjU9gj4_U0owIZdp69_Z4/s400/pagibig+website+screenshot.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click on E-SERVICES</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><strong>Step 1</strong> - Select employer registration to register as household employer. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfr-QHYZ_1AF6X5XQxjlhMTsPyqeK8ZOw9_xipywrSkQN6blDfW8WEiPDin1lN7Xrdoqs_88TkZ4UvPLa_aQvIxSjlvKyR0ZTE5NNIUJ2bh5ir8KFRBI2jqM4DZWCsixzGMsOURt5oUL4/s1600/employer+registration.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfr-QHYZ_1AF6X5XQxjlhMTsPyqeK8ZOw9_xipywrSkQN6blDfW8WEiPDin1lN7Xrdoqs_88TkZ4UvPLa_aQvIxSjlvKyR0ZTE5NNIUJ2bh5ir8KFRBI2jqM4DZWCsixzGMsOURt5oUL4/s400/employer+registration.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click on Employer Registration</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><strong>Step 2</strong> - Fill up the employer's registration form <br /><br />Here's the instructional page for employer's online registration system:<br /><br /><table style="border: thin solid rgb(128, 128, 128); font-family: Calibri; width: 700px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1. The REGISTER EMPLOYER Data Entry Page (Head Office/Branch Office) shall facilitate the data entry and capture of the Employer’s information.</span></td></tr><tr><td align="left"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> 2. Listed below are the required information that must be provided:</span></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><table style="width: 500px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> A. Business Name (Per DTI/SEC Registration) -<span style="background-color: white; color: blue;"> Type here your name as Household Employer</span><br /> B. Branch Name (if applicable) -<span style="color: blue;"> ignore</span><br /> C. Business Address <br /> D. Business E-mail Address <br /> E. Employer Classification - <span style="color: blue;">choose Activities of Private Households as Employers </span><br /> F. Start Date of Business Operation - <span style="color: blue;">the hiring date of your first household helper</span><br /> G. Nature of Business <br /> H. At least one (1) Contact Information <br /> I. At least one(1) Authorized Signatory with designation</span></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td align="left"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> 3. The additional information that may be captured by the system are as follows: </span></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><table style="width: 500px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> A. Retirement Plan <br /> B. Philippine Business Registry Number <br /> C. DTI/SEC Registration Certification Number <br /> D. Tax Identification Number (TIN) <br /> E. Employer’s SSS ID No. <br /> F. Agency/Branch/Division Code <br /> G. Previous Business Name/s</span></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table style="border: thin solid rgb(128, 128, 128); font-family: Calibri; width: 700px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left"><span style="font-size: x-small;">4. Below listed fields accept the characters dash (-) and apostrophe (‘) </span></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><table style="width: 500px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A. Business Name B. Branch Name C. Previous Business Name</span></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td align="left"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> 5. The following fields do not accept special characters (i.e. - , / , . , “ , ’ , etc.): </span></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><table style="width: 500px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> A. Business Address B. Contact Numbers C. TIN D. SSS Number E. Philippine Business Registry Number F. DTI/SEC Registration Certificate Number</span></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td align="left"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> 6. Only Numeric values are acceptable in the following fields: </span></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><table style="width: 500px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> A. TIN (should contain 12 digits) B. SSS (should contain 10 digits) C. Philippine Business Registry Number (should contain 15 digits) D. Contact Numbers</span></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td align="left"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> 7. Email address should contain the “@” sign to be considered complete. </span></td></tr><tr><td align="left"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> 8. Please take note of the recommended (acceptable) abbreviations for addresses </span></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-style: solid; border-width: thin; width: 600px;"><tbody><tr><td><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Field</span></td><td colspan="2"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Correct Format</span></td></tr><tr><td align="left"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Unit/Room</span></td><td align="left"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> UNIT</span></td><td align="left"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> ROOM</span></td></tr><tr><td align="left" valign="top"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Floor</span></td><td align="left"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> 6F(6th Floor)<br /> GF(Ground Floor)<br /> LGF (Lower Ground Floor)<br /> UL (Upper Level)</span></td><td align="left"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> 6L(6th Level)<br /> UGF (Upper Ground Floor)<br />Mezz (Mezzanine)<br /> LL (Lower Level)</span></td></tr><tr><td align="left" valign="top"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Building</span></td><td align="left"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> BLDG<br /> TOWER</span></td><td align="left" valign="top"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> COND</span></td></tr><tr><td align="left"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Block (Alphanumeric)</span></td><td align="left"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> 20</span></td><td align="left"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> 20A</span></td></tr><tr><td align="left"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Lot</span></td><td align="left"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> 27</span></td><td align="left"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> 27B</span></td></tr><tr><td align="left"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Phase</span></td><td align="left"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> 1</span></td><td align="left"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> 1A</span></td></tr><tr><td align="left" valign="top"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Street No. and Name</span></td><td align="left"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> 25 K2ND<br /> LUZURIAGA</span></td><td align="left" valign="top"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> 6750 AYALA</span></td></tr><tr><td align="left" rowspan="2" valign="top"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Subdivision</span></td><td align="left"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> SUBD</span></td><td align="left"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> VILL (Village)</span></td></tr><tr><td align="left"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> VILLA (Villa)</span></td><td align="left"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> VILLE (Ville)</span></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td align="left"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> 9. Please make sure to key-in the captcha or the image shown below and click the “Submit” button to execute the registration process. By clicking the Submit button, the information and all the statements provided in this registration system are being certified as true and correct.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-small;">10. The system adopts a session time-out of 15 minutes to prevent misuse. If you encounter this, simply log-in again and start over with filling up information. </span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><span class="labels" id="Label51" style="color: #3366ff; font-weight: bold;">The Successful Registration page shall indicate that the registration process was completed.</span> <br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><strong>Step 3</strong> - Print the Employer's Data Form (EDF) and submit to the Pag-ibig Office (so that you will be issued your Pag-ibig Number) together with the following documents and the initial payment of contribution: <br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></span><br /><div align="LEFT"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1. <a href="http://www.pagibigfund.gov.ph/DLForms/provident/PFF003_SpecimenSignatureForm_V03.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Specimen Signature Form (SSF [HQP-PFF-003])</a></span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">2. Proof of registration with the SSS (duly stamped received R-1 and R-1A) </span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">3. Accomplished Member's Data Form (MDF) for your household helper/s</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">4. <a href="http://www.pagibigfund.gov.ph/DLForms/provident/PFF053_MembersContributionRemittanceForm_V02.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Members Contribution Remittance Form</a> (MCRF) </span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></span>Alternatively, you can fill up the <a href="http://www.pagibigfund.gov.ph/DLForms/provident/03122012/PFF002_Employer'sData_V02.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">manual Employer's Data Form</a> and submit the same to a Pag-ibig Office. <br /><br />You may also refer to the registration process <a href="http://www.pagibigfund.gov.ph/benpro/Membership/FC_%20Proc_mem.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">flowchart</a> in the pag-ibig website. <br /><br /><br /><strong><u>How much is the contribution?</u></strong> <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgil_hsaH6hnPTMkNwN2edGBBQHK7YHnpgNwIWZTtTmTs6CUND5Pip3-5ewXByex-b05XUNRYyIFeMaz6zMb_dvuc8blj9WVM_5Es_HeHDctwBNItyosbScR35xj7MDO44HecnBZHz1A8o/s1600/pagibig+rate+of+membership+contributions.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgil_hsaH6hnPTMkNwN2edGBBQHK7YHnpgNwIWZTtTmTs6CUND5Pip3-5ewXByex-b05XUNRYyIFeMaz6zMb_dvuc8blj9WVM_5Es_HeHDctwBNItyosbScR35xj7MDO44HecnBZHz1A8o/s400/pagibig+rate+of+membership+contributions.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />The Kasambahay law requires the employer to shoulder the whole contribution if the salary of the helper is less than P5,000. For example, if your helper receives P3,000 salary, the contribution the employer has to shell out is P120 per month or 4% of P3,000. That's P20 more than our own employers contribute for us! <br /><br />I'll make a separate post on the household helper online registration with Pag-ibig. <br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923646116641677036noreply@blogger.com0