You Miss Me? I Miss You More!

I definitely miss writing.

So, where have I been for the past month that this blog has become idle? I don’t know what had happened that I just “stopped”.  It was surely not writer’s block, because each day (or every other day), a new idea comes into my mind that would indulge me to type letters on my keyboard, but I did not continue writing. I guess, it was also due to winter season coming in during this month of November, and that sudden change to the dark cold weather also left me gloomy and empty.

Anyway, stop on my ranting for the reasons. =P

So, what is new with me for this month?

Amazing Grace!

We sang this song during our choir service for last Sunday's 6pm mass here. I feel like singing it again as I look back and reflect to how my little faith has continued to grow...fail...grow..stumbled..stand up...broken..bounced back...and grow again. It is such a continuous process of building a relationship with our God. I humbly write this blog entry to give the glory back to Him and thank Him for every blessing, even the smallest ones, that He showered upon my life everyday. As my prayer since then, I continue to pray that He may make me an instrument to show His love for each of us. Let the lyrics of this song speak of what I want to say unto You, Lord.  Love always. L. \(",)/

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now am found
Was blind but now I see

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come
'Tis grace that brought me safe thus far
And grace will lead me home

The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures

And when this flesh and heart shall fail
And mortal life shall cease
I shall possess within the veil
A life of joy and peace

When we've been there ten thousand years
Bright, shining as the sun
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we first begun

_(,"c",)/

Living My Life's Calling

We are all called with a purpose by our Divine Creator. Often, we are lost and wonder what really is this "will" for our lives.  If we have to look within and take a moment to reflect at and determine the things where we are good at, where we do our best, where we can impact lives and bless others, and make this a way to share His good news - then we are on that path to our "life's calling". :)

I remember Michael Jackson's Man in the Mirror as I write this blog entry. As human beings, we tend to look at others and follow their ways. Why not be the opposite? We live our lives to the best we can offer, and be the living example to influence and bless others by our way of living. Dbah? :)

Earlier today, we had another "Board Meeting"  (and watched Skyfall afterwards. It was a long queue!). Board meeting is what we call for our Friday dinner we had with group of working Filipinos here abroad. One of the topics was about investment (my favorite!). And only then I've realised that there are many fellow OFWs who want to invest in our own Philippine stock market, but don't know how. And since my Facebook wall has been a "mirror" of Philippine economy and investment growth (other than party photos. Haha), I have gotten at least another 7 (James Bond 007 lng) eager stock market "students" tonight. They want me to held another stock investing lesson. :D whooppiee! Way to go Pinas. I'll be an instrument to give you more Filipino investors!! :)

I will discuss the same topic I did last May during my first stock market investing discussion. Link to follow since I am only using my phone now. :D

I am imperfect and have shortcomings, too. But I strive to do better, and do my own share to fulfill what I have been called to do.

Keep learning and keep on moving forward!

Cheers,
Lyn-Lyn \(",)/

A Lesson from Using Off-Hours Sell Orders for CitisecOnline

The other day, I had the opportunity to use the off-hours sell orders for my online stock brokerage firm, the CitisecOnline (now known as COL Financial Group), for the FIRST TIME!! :-)  I normally do the buy/sell orders when the market is open. :)

Given my current time difference with Pinas, my current location here in the UK is 7 hours behind than the PHL time (this coming Sunday, it is the start wherein we will have an extra hour to give way for the daylight savings, aka winter season, so it's going to be an 8-hour difference by next week!).  This means that while I'm asleep at the other side of the world, the PSEi is already moving and dancing with yellow, red and green colors! Yay!

Psalm 63: A Longing for God

Dear God,

I am glad that today I was able to learn from David's words through Psalm 63. I am dropping you a message today to let You know I am here, I have not given up on You and I am on way to restore my relationship with You.

Please never give up on me.

Love always,
Lyn-Lyn _(",)/

How to Make More Money Before Quitting Your Job... Yet

Two of the great authors I looked up to in the world of personal finance and social entrepreneurship have teamed up to create a powerful book for every employee who got a burning desire to create more income outside his company cubicle.

Please click on the attached image to purchase the book.  It is selling at Php320, but is on a promotional price of Php160 until midnight of October 26.  Hurry and grab you copy!  I just got mine. :)

 

Keep learning and keep on moving forward!

Cheers,

Lyn-Lyn \(",)/

Using Financial Times for Stock Investing

Recently, I have discovered the user-friendly way (for me) on making data analysis and sound decisions with regard to stock investing in the Philippines using the Financial Times.

The FT.com (aka: Financial Times) is a leading finance newspaper website here in London.  The information on the website are free, though there are specific information/articles that can only be accessed if you annually subscribe to it.

Lessons Learned from Losing my Voice for Two Days

A week before my 27th birthday, I had some sore throats which led to dry cough, and eventually, I lost my voice for 2 working days! (Imagine my surprise that when I wake up, I could not utter a single word!) It was so hard especially that I got client deadline and sign-off during that time. Just imagine I had (sounds-like) a bedroom voice over the phone, struggling for words to come out my vocal chords (not to mention that I have to have some British accent so that the other line can understand my intonation), until I terribly gave up and told my clients that we will just communicate through e-mails.

Investing in UITFs - from ANC On The Money

I have been an avid follower of ANC on the Money since the early week of September.  It launched around August 2012.  Please like them on Facebook! I found out about them through sis Krissy's blog (Thanks, sissy!).  The show talks about personal finance and kinds of investments that enhance the financial literacy of millions of Filipinos in Philippines and abroad.  I am one of them who is continually been inspired and pushed on to take charge of my finances. Thank you, ANC!

Discovering Eskapology.Com - The Quest to be an Entrepreneur

While doing blog-hopping, I arrived to the website of Sir Jon Orana, the Chief Escape Officer (CEO) and founder of Eskapology.com.  From the word itself, "eskapo": a Tagalog word for "escape", is a website that introduces the ways to be financially free from the 9am to 5pm employee job to the road towards business and entrepreneurship.

I Embrace Success This Winter Season

I am a summer person - I love sunshine. I am amazed by the sunset. I prefer a warm weather rather than the cold. I do lots more outdoor activities like surfing, kayaking and biking when it's summer time!

But now on the 3rd week of October, winter season finally takes place. As compared to summertime wherein it's already sunrise at 4:30am and sunset at 9:30pm, the winter season on the other hand provides a dark sky even if it's already 8am (w/c explains why I'm often 2 minutes late at work) and already dark & windy at 4:30pm. Winter is sad, gloomy and cold. It's my least favorite season - though it's also a good time to show-off our taste in fashion through wearing coats, gloves, scarfy feathers and boots! :D

I Learned How to Bake on My Birthday

It's my birthday today!! :)

The picture below is just a slice of a whole cake I (uhm 30%) helped to bake last night. It is a homemade strawberry and blueberry filled chocolate cake. I also bought a squirty cream for those who wants to add the white creamy style on their cakes! :)

Most of the Brits at the office loved the cake and even asked for the recipe!!!

My Ex-Boyfriend Gets Married Next Week

The blog title seems surprising, but it's a mixture of it and excitement!

The other day, my ex-bf's pre-nuptial photo with his fiancee appeared on my Facebook news feed (yes, we are FB friends) and I automatically heart-felt commented congratulations on the picture. 

For some who has undergone a "relationship-that-I-though-this-was-it-but-realized-it-was-never-meant-to-be", all ties with our previous partner are also cut once break-ups happen. . Sad, but this is usually happens for some relationships. It seems like both of the parties are total strangers or worst, others even had years of grudges and unsettled issues that they carry with them even if they have their own families later on.

Top 7 Mutual Fund Companies in the Philippines

I am glad that financial literacy has been widely provided to Filipinos nowadays - as compared decades ago, when financial information are only restricted to companies.

Today, let me talk about mutual funds (MF), which is another form of paper asset investing.  The most common MF products are the equity funds and balanced funds.

My Bucket List Page – Now Activated

I got inspired to do a bucket list after my friend and I talked about things we would do (I’m going to be back composing poems and hopefully, to songs!).  One even mentioned that bucket list is only done when you are old (like you’re in your 60s up..) But errr…. I decided to do this bucket list to see them online and really, DO SOMETHING to achieve them. =) It ranges from simple joys of life to extreme sports that I want to do! (haha)

I created another page for this, and I will update it as often as something pops in my beautiful mind. ^_^ Feel free to share yours. :)

 

Cheers,
Lyn-Lyn _(“,)/

I Fully Surrender.

To the past that I could no longer do something about but only carry the lessons learned,
To the present that I have to live, enjoy and do my share of being a blessing,
To the future full of uncertainty, plans and promises, I fully surrender them unto You.

For the hurts I have felt, for the words that were said and could no longer be taken back,
for the heartaches, the anger and frustrations, I provide forgiveness and seek for one.

Happy Birthday, Papa!

And here goes the birthday card, made by yours truly, at 7,000 miles away from home: 

Pic taken at Calereuga, Batangas. December 2011

Happy birthday sa Papa ko na gwapo!!! =)

 

Cheers,
Lyn-Lyn _(“,)/

It’s Officially Autumn

I walked downtown going to the office this morning, amidst the busy hours of the day (When I say busy, it is not as “busy” as Manila during the rush hours).  There was traffic, but no honking and car beeping nor irritated drivers.  I was glad that everything in this island paradise where I am now is just walking-distance, the drivers let you cross the street when they see you waiting at the pedestrian lane, and workers, though walk fast in order to catch the last minute before the clock strikes 9:00am, walk without bumping other “walkers”.  This is such a peaceful place, indeed.

Life at Mid-20’s, as We Call It

I have yet to make another mushy blogpost today. (He he) Taking some breather from all the financial technicalities of my blog, and letting out part of my human emotional side.

Last night, I re-visited my 12-year old online diary website (Yes, I kept it since I was in sophomore in high school) – only a few of my high school and college friends know about it – but I guess, their accounts on that website has already “extinguished” due to years of inactivity.  It’s a good thing mine is still working. (smiles)  It was quite an irony as I clicked each entry dated back 5 to 8 years ago and re-learn lessons from my younger self. 

On Retirement Pensions through Mutual Fund Investment

My colleagues and I, who are all Filipino auditors working here abroad, had discussion about social security contribution earlier during our lunch break.  We discussed how much should be contributed monthly to our social security in the Philippines, if we are really required to the contribution and about its frequency.

Personally, I paid my social security monthly premium during my first year of working abroad.  However, at the start of January 2012, I stopped paying for my SSS premium when I have read about news that some retirement pension plans are not being paid to the people, and that the monthly pensions received by “pensioners” (sorry for the redundancy) only ranges from Php1,200 to Php2,400 monthly.  Does anyone here know how much the monthly pensions received from SSS?

The Importance of Good Financial Planning

I clicked the start button of Bridgette (my laptop), opened the MS office application for Excel, and drafted a spreadsheet of how I would allocate my funds to arrive at my net worth.  It was a short-term planning, approximately one year financial plan, incorporating all the external factors that would influence my budget and fund allocations in the coming months.  In going through the journey of personal finance, having a financial plan plays an important factor at the starting stage.

I clicked the start button of my work laptop, opened the MS office application for Excel, and drafted a spreadsheet of a financial budget that I would allocate to my team before we start on our fieldwork with our next job client.  As much as we ensure that quality is being undertaken in the job, at the endpoint, the efficiency performance of the budgeted versus the actual results of our fee recovery still has greater bearing, internally speaking.  Hence, financial planning of the job budget is an important factor to always consider at the planning stage.

How to Manage Our Asset Allocation

Personal finance books and websites discuss about risk appetites in engaging into investments suitable for our own personal short-term and long-term needs.  It has been a wonder to me what the “proper” asset allocation would be for all assets available in the market: equities, bonds, cash, and alternative assets (such as real estates, and businesses).  I believe that part of managing our personal finances is creating a system to where we would like to put our assets on that would give us passive and earned income in the coming years.

List of Philippines Holiday for Year 2013

I have known earlier that one of the local airlines in the Philippines has again offered a piso-fare for domestic and international flights on 2013.  So, for all the folks out there who is an avid traveler and jetsetter like me, we surely want to make the most out of it and plan things ahead of time! Aren't we? :)  

Lessons on Death

My beloved grandfather passed away last week.  It was shocking news for the whole family because it was a sudden death – on the same day my younger brother celebrated his 25th birthday. For my younger brother, his every birthday would always be a blessing and a remembrance of our once beloved Lolo Tasing.

Just this weekend, on the night before his funeral, I was informed that he had barely four years to live – and our family was grateful that he started spending those remaining 4 years with our family – where he felt that he is loved and taken cared of. (I’ve been watching his video taken when we got our first home, when he helped out painting even with his crane, where he winked and danced and smiled and laughed and joked around. He was sooo alive in that video!)

A Day to be Grateful For

Just got back from my almost 2 weeks of vacation leave and I miss updating my blog!! =D

Recently, I realized that life is a series of choices – and we can see a certain situation as something to either make or break us.

Today, I choose to be grateful.  There are those downfalls that’s happening in my life, and I acknowledge them and I am working my way to stand up again.

I make businesses. I am a miracle-worker.

“I am a business-creator.
I am a miracle-worker.
I am blessed to be a blessing to others.”

 

I went home today with a smile of gratitude and a peaceful feeling after making into reality the lifelong dream of a very cool and loving 61-year old Filipina nurse – (I just revealed her age, but don’t be deceived – she’s as strong, as talented, as active as a 45-year old woman) – and she looks more than a decade younger than her true age. As she always tells me, “Age is just a number.” =)

Always Have a Grateful Heart – Be Thankful _(“,)/

I miss writing – but I don’t know why I am recently out of words. All I wanted was to let pictures speak for themselves.

I took this photo last 23 June 2012, when I attended
the boys’ stag party outdoor adventure. =)

Over the last couple of weeks, I have so much to be thankful for our Lord. I always have been a person with a thankful & happy heart – I say thank you when I eat food.  =) I smile at the sight and touch of sunrise.  I would have a “joyful teardrop” with a hug from a friend.  I laugh hard at the simplest of thing that is “laughable”.  I giggle with joy to hear a touching and successful love story.  I would cry with gratefulness seeing people helping each other (like the Facebook group I am into who is helping out streetkids and making a boat for the kids in northern part of Negros so these kids can get to their school to study).  I am amazed and awed at the beauty of nature – especially with the changing colors of the horizon during sunset.  I would run to the seashore and let the waves come run after me. =D

Where to Start Writing?

I miss writing.

I miss saying my thoughts.

I was not really gone, I was just more active in uploading pictures in my Facebook account. (Hehe).

I got so much blessings to be thankful for – little and big ones. :-)

I wish to be back to writing again.

I wish to have those right words to typed and described every detail.

It seems that recently, I want pictures to speak more of itself than just plain words (chos). =P

I…

…will.

…surely…

…be writing again, soon! ;)

 

Cheers,
Lyn-Lyn _(“,)/

A Weekend to Splurge!

I was all set to plan my Saturday to “relax” – take some time just here in my room, maybe stay at the patio downstairs and enjoy the sunshine.  By Saturday night, I have a scheduled “Hen Do” (aka: soon-to-be-bride night) for our friend who will be married on 7th July.   And on Sunday, I will have a daytrip to France! =) We booked the tickets just Thursday morning, because we craved to have a taste of French crepe and viola! There’s a return ticket equivalent to just almost Php1650! Yeheee…!  So, France, see ya on Sunday! Bonjour! :-)

When God Ran

It’s been years since the last time I heard this song.

During our discussion on “Sin & Grace” of our Wednesday homegroup study last night, out of the blue, I suddenly thought of this song and asked the presider to have this as our closing song.  We discussed that sins are the reasons why we are separated from God, and it is through Jesus Christ that we are saved.

I noticed that we often make our human frailty as our excuse to make sin.  In Tagalog, we reason out na:“Tao lng ako, nagkakasala rin.”

My 100th Blog Entry

Yahoooooooooooooo!

Photo Credit

Cheers,
Lyn-Lyn _(",)/

Day 25: Write 5 messages to 5 different people without using names.

To the man who played the guitar called ‘Pinch’:

“I miss you.  I miss your hugs. I miss being wrapped in your warm embrace. I miss our laughters. I miss making you laugh and seeing those tears of joy. I miss the carefree person that I am when I am with you.  I miss your singing _out-of-tune. I miss our sharing of ideas. I miss your music and the song you composed for me. I miss your care. I miss the hand massage you provide to me.  I miss your simplistic and logical views on life. I look forward to waking up in the morning and seeing your face. I look forward walking down the aisle and seeing you waiting for me in front of the altar. I wish you will be here and we will explore the world together.  We will both make a difference in this world.  I love you. I care for you. I miss you.” #cheesy# =P

To the 86-year old guy who still believes he is 16 years old:

“I kneel in front of you and I listen to history.  With you, I understand more the past that creates my present reality.  I learn my roots – which make me understand of what I want for my future and who I want to become.  You relive history for me – I am still your one and only ‘Intsik’. Be healthy. Wait for me on December – we will celebrate your 87th birthday. Ooops, I mean still and forever your 16th birthday.” :-)

Happy Independence Day, Philippines!

Maligayang Kaarawan, Mahal kong Pilipinas! \(",)/

Photo Credit

Cheers,

Lyn-Lyn _(",)/

Waking Up from My Worst Nightmare

During the onset of my first winter season here abroad, my emotions and belief in myself were also challenged and tested. Aside from the cold weather I experienced every day, the warmth inside me are also turning cold - making me helpless, sickish, lonely and empty.

 

For some of you who had followed my previous blog (abundantpinoy.blogspot.com), you would notice the lag of time I wrote there during those winter months - it was for this reason that I was undergoing personal struggles - both in my relationship and career. It is that "quarter-life" crisis, as they say.  I never wrote them in detail, because I never want to take record of those ill feelings and situations.  But now, I write them down because slowly but surely, I am able to face it heads up and with the desired outcome. =)

The Happening of A Dream

My dreams are slowly unfolding in front of me – the dream of fulfilling a life by living the life He bestowed upon me.

Online Business and E-Commerce

Setting up websites, talking to suppliers, dealing with shipments and taxes (waah!), communicating with my partners (friend and family) - - these are all stuffs that I got “addicted” to during the past weeks. And it keeps my blood rushing and burning with so much enthusiasm! ^_^ I got loads of words that I want to write down – simple observations about the things and events that are happening around me – and I hope I would be able to find the right words and write them down soon. =)

 

For now: Aja! Aja! \(“,)/

 

Keep learning and keep on moving forward!

Cheers,
Lyn-Lyn \(“,)/

Day 24: Do you have saved text messages? If so, who are they from and why do you still have them?

Yes.

I never want to put names in this post - these text messages are mostly from boyfriend, my family and friends.  I have messages saved and dated more than 2 years ago. =)  I keep them because they are really "good" messages and I love re-reading them to remind me how wonderful life is and how blessed I am.

Keep that positive attitude coming!

Cheers,

Lyn-Lyn _(",)/

In Life, We Need Options and Choices

My hand was sweaty. My heart thumped hard and beat faster. My knees could barely support my body and about to collapse if someone would move me. 

In a few minutes, I would talk to the "Big Boss" and would lay down my card to request for a transfer from working in our headquarters in Makati City to our regional office, in my hometown, in Bacolod City.

Find a Community. Look for a Family.

I have learned that no matter where you are in the world, a network of real friends that will be beside you and serve as a family is one of the greatest sources of strength that one can have and be thankful for.  I have learned this ever since I started my review for my board exam and ventured on working to the corporate world - two stages of my life where I need to live and survive outside the comfort of my home.

I'm glad to have found friends and family here, despite of over a thousand miles away from home.

- - -

Just arrive to my flat today at almost 10:30pm after catching up with one of the Filipinas here who serve as my "mommy" and a family. =)

(more on this)

Cheers,

Nytz! >",<

LynLyn _(",)/

Day 23: Two months ago, where were you and what were you doing?

Two months ago, I was seconded to our branch office somewhere-out-there and travelled every Monday early morning (I have to wake up at 5am to catch my 7am flight) and flew back every Friday afternoon.  It was a hectic, stressful, sooo pressured more than 2-months (I was there since January) straight of working during this busy audit season.  But I survived! Yeheeey! _(",)/

A Lesson on Generosity & Being Blessed

On a Saturday morning, I had a wonderful 4-hour Skype date with my family in Bacolod. (Yeah, this is how I missed them and how we spend usual weekend mornings - just updating each other about anything and everything.) =)

Day 22: What’s an inside joke you have with someone?

Actually, it is a true story that my boyfriend and I took light-heartedly and joked about the famous line: "Wag mo ko iiwan, ha." (In English: Do not leave me, okay?)

Day 21: If you died tomorrow, what’s one thing you’d regret not doing?

Hmmm... This 21st day challenge is quite tricky.  But here’s my answer:

How to Protect Your Most Valuable Asset: Yourself.

Except for car insurance (which is mandatory), it was never taught to me how important an insurance is in our life. (I think in most Filipino household, getting an insurance is not really a favourite topic). 

Personally speaking, getting an insurance is just an additional expense.  I feel that we can only benefit from it upon the happening of any "uncertain" events, which we do not know when it will be.

I Realised: I Am Not a Saver

Last night, I was looking at Rich Dad Poor Dad cashflow quadrant and I wonder where I am at this current stage in my life (char!).  I think I am all over the quadrants (hahaha!), except for the S quadrant (I've never been self-employed), with the chunk of my cashflow coming from being in the E quadrant.

You Never Know What You Got, Until It's Gone

This saying has been an old adage, but I was reminded about it just recently when the administrator account of my personal laptop, Bridgette, was LOCKED! 

I was scheduled to make presentation on the stock investing in Philippines last Saturday, and I thought of "cleaning my desktop", changing my desktop backgrounds and then, thought of also putting on a password to my administrator account.  After putting in my well-memorised password and testing it, my laptop suddenly just do not recognize my password and it keeps on telling me that my username and password were incorrect. *waaah!*  It was just a good thing that before this "I cannot-unlock-my-admin-account" mess had happened, I forwarded an email of my stock investing presentation to my brothers, which I just retrieve from my sent items when it was time to make the presentation. (Thank heavens for emails!)

Job well done and another blessing.

It’s the slack season for audit now (whoooopie!!!).  Honestly, I’m not really doing anything at the office, except for doing virtual trainings and updating myself with standards (and doing sideline reading on my favorite business and investing websites. hehehe…) =)

Anyway, a week ago, I forwarded one of my reports to our director for his review, which he was able to finish just after lunch this day.  He went to my desk, with my reports, and told me: “Ros, job well done! I only had few review points which are only on formatting, but the overall content is great.” Whooooaw!!!! :))  And when I checked on our electronic files to check on his virtual review points, there are indeed only a few, like I can just count them using my fingers! (Normally, review points from executive directors ran over all your fingers and toes, and more..haha!)

Stock Investing for Newbies 101 - Updated Entry

Entry updated on 16 May 2012 6:52am
- - - -
In my previous entry, Filipinos Do Yearn to Invest,  I mentioned about my homegroup mates wanting to learn about stock market investing in the Philippines.  I never thought they were that serious until one of them has asked again when we will have the "tea session" to discuss such topic.  They wanted to discuss it on Monday (May 7), but since I was away for a holiday vacation, we decided to move it on a Saturday (May 12).


At first, I was hesitant to give this discussion, because honestly, I don't know how to start letting them know about it.  Should I make a presentation? How would I begin the discussion? What topic should I focus on?  I was also *quite* inferior because I am the youngest in the group (who would believe me that I am already engaged in this stuff?).  And my fellows (they are soo great, by the way), are ALL engaged in a financial industry (ie: fund accountants and financial manager), and I keep on thinking: what do they don't know that I know? Professional and theoretically speaking, they are more exposed in financial languages as compared to mine.

Filipinos Do Yearn to Invest.

I just arrived at my flat after our usual Wednesday homegroup (ie: Bible study, praise and worship, catch-up, caring group updates, etc.)  And this Wednesday was one of those that we call “socials”, wherein we update each other about the latest events in our lives, and prayers we want to uplift by the group.  It was heartwarming, especially that I have been away for a month and 2 weeks due to my outside fieldwork from our place.  It’s nice to finally be back, receive and give support from/to my caring group friends. :)

Day 20: What are the 10 most significant events in your life?

Browsing over the remainder of my 30-day blog challenge, I realized just how long has been my “entry backlogs”, and today, I’m making a pact to be more determined to complete it. ^_^ [haha!]

Anyway, here is my list for this 20th day challenge:

• 15th of October – my birthday! \(“,)/
• At age 10, it was my first time to be in Manila to compete for the NAMCYA and play at the Cultural Centre of the Philippines (CCP).
• During high school days when we practice for the track and field competition in Manila during summer months (March or April).  Being part of this sports in my early years has developed my inter-personal skills, self-discipline and confidence.

We Should Be Grateful of Our Pains

As I looked back at the Bounce series of PICC Feast, I am amazed that it was this series title because the words “bounce back” have been one of my fave’s since then.  As I reflect on this talk, I always recall the most, major tragic storm that made way to test my character, to strengthen my family’s bond and to deepen our faith to the Great Guy above.  Just want to share this blog post that I wrote almost two years ago: _(“,)/

---

Finally, Home Sweet Home =)
written on: October 8, 2010

One thousand eight hundred two days ago…whoooaw! That long?  It seems just yesterday, but just add-on another 24 days and it will mark the fifth year since we lost the house that I called home for the first 20 years of my life.

On Getting Personal and Social Networking Sites

Just this afternoon, our company had the 2nd quarter update of what has been and what we will be looking ahead for the next 6 to 12 months.  Aside from the usual operational and internal mandatory to-do lists, one of the key points discussed was on the branding and marketing advocacy of our company in terms of using the social networking sites to promote company branding.  It was encouraged for all of us to join in LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, to name a few.  Reasons? We are the “company”.  Social networking was able to link different people (including *the* “big people”) and expand networking – thus, can provide indirect social marketing through us for the company.

Day 19: What is your goal in life?

*embarassed*

It’s more than two months since I started this 30-day blog challenge, and I’m still not finished. (Weeeh!)

Going forward, this is my Day 19. ^_^

My Everyday Prayer

LORD,

’Cause me to do GREAT things as if they are little,
…because I do it in Your POWER.

And ‘cause me to do LITTLE things as if they are great,
      …because I do it in Your NAME.

Amen.

My original post here.

 

Keep learning and keep on moving forward!

Cheers,
Lyn-Lyn _(“,)/

Investing is a Plan

“Begin with an end in mind.”
This is what I learned from our Business Management professor during my university days, and as taken from the book of Stephen Covey’s Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.  I am a huge fan of personal finance, budgeting and investing – and this has grown even more as I started to be among the overseas Filipino workers (OFW) here abroad.  I thought that investing is merely just putting your money in investment vehicles, such as stock market, mutual funds, businesses, or real estates; and that’s it, it means that you’re already investing.
But nah…. Investing is way more than that. 

“Investing is a “PLAN”, not a procedure or a product. – from Robert Kiyosaki”

A few days ago, I travelled to Paris and oh boy..! The outcome of all the wonderful pictures were not possible if it had not been for the planning we made by my travelling buddies.  From booking our tickets, getting the approval of our managers to approve our vacation leaves, applying for visa, checking for hotels, itineraries and places to see, etc… It involves proper and appropriate planning to get us from Point A to Point B. 

Think about it.
Why do you invest?  Where do you want your investments to take you to years from now?  What is your purpose for investing?  What are your investing plans?  Have you considered all possible investment options and opportunities offered to you – risks, returns, payback period?  Begin answering these questions first, and when you have all the crystal-clear answers, then start putting those eggs in your chosen investment baskets. *winks*

Keep learning and keep moving forward!
Cheers,
Lyn-Lyn _(“,)/

Dear Paris, I’m Ready!

Paris, France – My first European country to travel. :))

a Passport and Europe visa
a Tickets and hotel bookings
a Paris map
a Camera (Sonia) and memory cards
a Dresses and scarfs
a Make up, etc.
a Travelling buddies – all set and excited!
a Getting my accent ready for French words

I practiced a few French the other day. ^_^
        “Cambia” – How much?
         “Merci vuku” – Thank you very much
         “Pali vu ongle?” – Do you speak English?
         “Bonjour and Au revoir” – Greetings and goodbye
          “Maos-cha va?” – How are you?
          (I like this word coz it just sounds like musta ka? Haha!) :P

 

God’s Red Letter Day

Today is God's Valentines Day for each of us written in His own blood.
He says, "You are worth dying for, worth giving my last breath for." :))

- from Didache 06 April 2012

I Kissed Credit Cards Goodbye!

Back over two years ago, I attended a seminar provided by a speaker who is a managing director of one of the leading banks in the Philippines.  I could no longer vividly remember what his topic was all about, but I do remember that he mentioned about the next “booming” industry for Philippine banks:  which is consumer loans.  House amortization and car mortgages would go less as compared to previous years, BUT there will be an increasing demand for customer loans.  How?  Through the issuance of credit cards!

The Dream Job

I randomly spotted this picture and it gave me a good laugh. ^_^ 

Keep learning and keep on moving forward!

Cheers,
Lyn-Lyn _(“,)/

Filipina Trader Encourages Women to Invest in Stocks

My brother shared to me the website of Ms. Charmel when his comment was expounded by her in her website: check her blog entry.


I, then followed all the links in her website and was encourage all the more to invest in our stock market. :))

Keep learning and keep on moving forward!

Cheers,
Lyn-Lyn _(“,)/

Day 18: Whom do you admire the most?

Aside from being a Papa’s girl, I am also my Manong’s forever girlfriend.
(“Manong” is an Ilonggo’s term for elder brother.)  ^_^

Why do I admire him the most? 

It’s because he is the epitome of an eldest child who would be selfless in order to be the “leader” for his younger siblings.

He is the son whom every parent would be proud of, and every kid would wish to be a brother whom they can grow up with. (I’m lucky I have him!)

Why do I look up to him so much?  Because aside from being a brother who would discipline me during those times my devilish ‘crown’ was growing (hehe), he also became my beast friend whom I share secrets with, who can tell me straight to my face the words that other people just try to sugar-coat to me.  He is my punching bag when I need to release my anger (haha) and the shoulder I lean on when I just want to be comforted. 

If God made you…

 

 

Keep learning and keep moving forward!

Cheers,
Lyn-Lyn _(“,)/

Hey Pilipinas, mag-invest ka!

With the stock market reaching the 5,000 level, this is just an indicator that the Philippine economy is booming!

My message is for those who wants to get into “investing” but don’t know why.

If you doubt your technical knowledge about stock market and like to take caution, but still want to put your hard-earned money/savings into stock market, try to invest in mutual funds.  Your money will be handled by fund managers, so the only thing you got to do is deposit your money there.

Make plans. Know where you want to go.

One of my first panning shots using Sonia.    

 

Keep learning and keep moving forward!

Cheers,
Lyn-Lyn \(“,)/

The Other Side of Me…

Nobody has asked me, yet, why I am “hiding” behind my nickname, Lyn-Lyn.  How come I don’t tag my real name on every blog entry I wrote? How come I don’t even put on my Facebook page on this website for everyone to like and automatically be my FB friend (this would encourage advertising my blog and get lots of readers)?  No one has asked, so… I won’t even explain why.

.

.

.

Ha ha ha ha! =P

Approved Europe Visa, Plus Two French Words

After just 4 days of processing for our Schengen visa (this is what the visa for Europe is called), my passport arrived at my flat with another sticker (I mean, visa) attached to it! Yipeeee…!

No Boundaries by Adam Lambert

I’m randomly listening to my playlist when the song, “No Boundaries” was played.  I think I already heard it somewhere, but it was only at this time when I *really* listened to the lyrics of the song.  And it was really wonderful. It’s so moving and inspiring. :) Check it yourself! \(“,)/

Seconds, hours, so many days
You know what you want but how long can you wait?
Every moment lasts forever
When you feel you lost your way

And what if my chances were already gone?
Started believing that I could be wrong
But you give me one good reason
To fight and never walk away

So here I am, still holding on.

The LIVE Online PICC Feast

I am so blessed by God and always notice that He wakes me up at 3am (my time) Sunday morning, which is approximately 11am Philippine time.  I watched the PICC online feast, with Bo Sanchez as the preacher and the rest of the Light of Jesus community, together with all of the Feast attendees. :)

I feel soooooo ubeeer blessed this morning after “attending” it, and rejoicing dancing and singing with the songs. ^_^  If you are a fellow OFW or someone who is not able to attend the Feast, the link is here.  You can always refer to this link every Sunday. PICC Feast starts every Sunday at 8am and 10:30am Philippine time. (PS: A replay is available if you’re not able to watch it on the scheduled time.) 

The Two Skills I Need to Develop

I just need to burst this out before I doze off to sleep.

At work, we are already near the end of the 1st quarter of the year, and it means “interim evaluation” of individual’s performance.  To be honest, I love and hate this stage of the year at the same time.  I love it because you will be constructively evaluated based on your performance – and having the feedbacks of your colleagues will help you develop your work ethics/technical expertise and learn more about how you will be able to provide efficient and effective work output.  At the same time, you will be graded based on this evaluation. 

On the other hand, I hate it because it really requires lots of deeeeep reflection and s-p-e-c-i-f-i-c evaluation of a person and of yourself.  (w/c means English, English and English!) waaaah! [now that’s the immature side of me who’s talking. hehe!]

Here are the two skills that I need to develop:

• Managing people
• Effective business language communication

My performance manager wants me to add “technical skills/expertise” – but I guess it’s not really something to dwell too much on.  Technical skills can just be easily learned by spending hours and hours reading books and cases.  Though having the ready answer in a few seconds is quite impressive to the executive directors and other client’s officers, I do not have a goal to be a “walking Accounting Standards dictionary”. [hehe!] 

A Letter to My 16 Year Old Self [Day 17]

Dearest Lyn-Lyn,

Greetings of Peace and Prosperity!

This letter comes at your doorsteps from a future time when you will be a decade from now.  Are you excited? I do hope that you will be able to read this before you go march onstage to receive your high school diploma.  I know that at this time, you are in the midst of mixed feelings, altogether.  Sadness that your daily routine will no longer involve the friends and classmates you’ve grown up with since you were 7 years old;  Excitement for the college years of meeting new people from all other places and from different schools; and  Curiosity for a life that will just be few steps away from being a teenager and a few steps closer to being a matured woman.

Day 16: What do people notice about you?

It’s always my….

…..

…

..

.

 

Be Inspired

“Inspiration does not come from the HOW;
…it comes from the WHY.”

- Bo Sanchez, the PICC Feast Overhaul Series (January 2012) -

 

Day 15: What do you dislike most about yourself?

I’m back!  And I need to really really catch up with my 30-day blog entries.

I dislike my hasta mañana habit. :’(  I have tendencies to put some stuffs to “tomorrow”, when I know I can also do them today.  Example, just this afternoon, I could have finished one report, but laziness struck me and I told myself that I will just do it tomorrow. *twoinks* 

A Few Glimpse of London

Just a few glimpse of London...can't post it yet in Facebook. (hehe!)

Why?

Hmmm...chismax huh! hehe... :P

Because I miss him…

So, I looked and listened to our first anniversary video collage:

1st Anniversary Tribute_10 August 2010

 Result?

I end up missing him more…

Catching Up on My Blog Entries – PLUS Pictures!

I just noticed on the date today, it’s already the 27th! And I looked on the day I started with my 30-day blog challenge, which was on the 5th.  So, shouldn’t it be that I’m already on the Day 22 of my 30-day blog challenge???

Naah…

hehe… I have totally forgotten about the day – wherein I am being occupied by work and other related topics that I free flowingly write on.  One of the things that I recently spend time on is photography.  Just this Saturday, I got a chance to have my first photography class – to know more about my camera features (apperture, shutter speed, lighting, the likes). 

Some of my shots are:

Day 14: What do you like most about yourself?

Aherm.

• I love my positive outlooks in life, which I also owe to the values that my parents instill in me since I was a child.
• I like my being bubbly persona [which sometimes, I wonder if I’m already overflowing with it.]
• I live by this simple principle: Live. Love. Laugh.

 Keep learning and keep moving forward!

Cheers,
Lyn-Lyn _(“,)/

Dieting with My Fitness Pal

Alright..fine. I’m taking my diet seriously NOW.  If then, I really don’t care am not conscious about this whole dieting that my friends keep on talking about even way back college days, now I am taking action to get my slim body back! (And it’s really serious.)  [ows?]

Yeah, I have to… being that this is also one of the plans I look forward to accomplish for the next 365 days (I wrote it here.)  Just tonight, I downloaded from Android market My Fitness Pal, it is a free application to keep track our calorie intake and provide us a diary diet to check if we are on track with our desired weight.

Source: myfitnesspal.com

 

The application is very easy to use.  Before the final stage of signing up an account with them, it will ask you questions such as your desired goal weight, your height, age, PLUS it has gazillions of food that you can research on, which can easily provide you with the corresponding calories. 

Weighing the Opportunity Cost

Debt management or getting out of debt is one of the firsts to do’s in making one’s personal finance better.  For the last couple of months, I have heard of friends who are down with debt and are troubled on how they can make both ends meet.  As they say, never pay a debt with another debt, otherwise you will just end up yourself circling around in just the same roller-coaster ride.

Increase your cash flows
Increasing our cash flows is a first step to pay off debts.  How? There are a number of simple ways, like getting into sideline business (ie: prepaid e-load cards), part-time jobs, the likes.

Your additional cash flows can be used either to:

1. Put money in your savings account or emergency fund;
2. Put into long-term savings, equity investments, mutual funds or retirement fund;
3. Put up business or real estate investments;
4. Pay-off debts

Building trust by paying your debts
Let me focus on the bullet #4, which is to pay-off debts.  Most of the time, people tend to “forget” the debts that they owe to other person when they have enough cash on hand –which will really create a bad impression because this means that you are not trustworthy enough to give the money back to the one who lends you during those time you need it most.

Trust, in every relationship, (yes even in debtor-lender relationship) plays an important role.  You may have money now, but there comes a point that when you’re in the brink of needing extra cash again, nobody will lend you because you were not faithful enough to pay it then.  Do you think you will be able to borrow money again? I doubt it.

London by Next Week

Excited to be in London next week! ^_^

I pray:

• for a clear blue sky for travel [it was foggy last night and most of the flights were cancelled]
• an approved Schngen visa for the Europe travel this coming Easter. And I wish it’s going to be a year worth of Visa. ^_^ [Ang chismis kasi ng mga peeps eh one year na ang longest na binibigay ng French embassy. E-wish natin na bigyan ng mas matagal, pra mka-bongga ng travel. Haha!]
• approval from my manager that I will not be working on Friday next week to go to mainland London. :) *super wisha-wish pray for this* [otherwise, mapapalo ako sa pwet dahil busy season eh gumagala ako]

By the way, here are a few bits of my London escapade taken over 9 months ago, a day before the Royal Wedding last April 2011:

 

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

More pics coming up! \(“,)/

 

Cheers,
Lyn-Lyn

 

Home + Hope

Source: catjuan

 

+

Source: happythings

 

…just letting the pictures say what my words cannot. :)

Day 13 : Have you ever had your heart broken? Have you ever broken a heart?

Yes.

..and Yes. 

- - - - -

I never want to elaborate further because they are part of my past now.
Just learn from them.

 

 

Day 12: If you could wish for anything that would come true, what would you wish for?

Answer: World Peace.

..and it’s not just a Miss Universe answer. It really is what I am wishing for. ^_^

I am pro-peace – because it is priceless. 
No sleeping pills can tantamount to having a peaceful mind at night.
It calms the heart of people living in war zones – no bullets to fear of, that will strike their homes at night.
No cries at night. No fear for the future.  No families that will be deprived of a loved one.

Source: mosaicstlouis.com

With peace, there will be more laughters. More fun. More joys. More hope.

Day 11: Who can’t you live without?

It’s pretty obvious.  I can’t live without…who?!?! :p

It sums up with relationships, really.

• Relationship with family – my parents, brothers, and extended families
• Relationship with my friends (bf, barkadas, gurlfriends)
• Relationship with my church mates
• Relationship with my work colleagues (though I can live without it, hahaha!)
• Relationship with my community

Top 10 Tips to Successful Investing!

Here’s 10 quick tips to get you started on investing and creating your winning porfolio!

1. Start Early

The only way you can make the most out of the limited time you have is to start early. The sooner you invest, the more time your money will have for growth. If you delay, you will almost certainly have to invest much more to achieve a similar result. Let the power of compounding work for you.

2. Keep Some Cash Aside

It is always a good idea to have some money set aside in case of emergencies. Maintaining six to nine months worth of living expenses will insulate you from a sure fire formula for investment loss – distress selling.

3. Know Your Risk Profile

What is the point of investing in the stock market if you are going to lose sleep, or a heart attack (whichever comes first) every time prices go through a rough patch. You need to be realistic about your risk appetite. An investment advisor can help you determine your tolerance for risk.

4. Never Forget About Inflation

Don’t fall into the false sense of security that very conservative investments might give you. The returns may look respectable at the start but not after you deduct the effects of inflation. Keep in mind that risk is not just about losing money. It is also about not having enough in the end.

5. Think Carefully About How Long You Can Stay Invested

If you plan to stay invested for a long period of time, say five years or more, then it is okay to get into the stock market and let your money work harder for you. But if you will need your funds very soon, you are going to be better off with low risk investments.

The Basic Rules of Investing by Robert Kiyosaki

For a month now, I am browsing through each chapter, reading and re-reading and getting the best thoughts and great words I am learning from one of my first financial mentors: Robert Kiyosaki.