Christmas Decor Shopping at Dapitan Arcade

I've watched several episodes of Kris TV when they shop around some places in Manila and scout for pocket-friendly items and goodies. They have featured the Dapitan Arcade whose famous for affordable Christmas decors.

I usually buy decors from the malls and bookstores during Christmas seasons (you know! some last minute shopping...) so I know how pricey they are. When I learned about Dapitan Arcade, I'm really got curious and excited, I wanted to checkout the place and experience it myself.

  

Along with my hubby and sister (and her two kids), we went to Dapitan around the second week of  November. There are already quite a number of shoppers but you can still walk around the area. Most stores have a fixed price range and you won't be able to haggle for discounts. I'm not sure if the prices are much cheaper when you buy during off peak season. But I can say that it's much cheaper that time compared to buying the same item in malls.

Here are the items that I bought:

Belen. I really love to have a Belen to remind us the true spirit of Christmas. Christmas is Jesus' birthday anyway. This is compose of 9 figurines and the tallest is 6 inches. So you have baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, 3 kings, and 3 animals. This cost me only a thousand pesos.

Christmas Tree Skirt. So the gift are not scattered on the floor. It costs 400 pesos. 

Santa Candy Container. A 4-inch santa with a big gift sack for the candies.

Christmas Wreath. A plain wreath only costs 150 and a fully designed one costs around 500. I bought the plain one and will design it myself. 

Christmas Light. Different kind of lights cost only 200 and they all have ICC stickers so they are safe to use.

Christmas Tree Decors:

    Ponseitta Large. Costs 350 per dozen. Much cheaper than those in malls which cost around 40 each.

    Ponseitta Small. Costs 180 per dozen. 

    Snow Dangle. 20 each

    Doll Dangle. 3 for 100

    Pine Fruit. 10 each.

I also bought an 18-inch Christmas parol for only 1,200 which costs around 2,000 in malls.

There are lots of other items but I can't buy them all, although I am tempted. 

Maybe next year... after I replenish my budget. ^_^

My Journey to Financial Freedom

In 2007, I decided to be financially free!

We tried to live on our 70% and saved the 30%. I started to write down our budget plan to track where we spend most of our hard-earned money. Saving money was difficult since we have huge debts to pay. We want to be debt-free as soon as possible so I listed down all our credit card and loan balances, sorted them out, started paying off those with the smaller amount dues to free up some of the bank's interests. Those that are not zeroed out, we tried to pay higher than the minimum amount. I paid the bills on time so that we won't be charged of the late dues. As much as possible, we pay in cash instead of using our credit cards. We tried to live within our means. It was a long journey but we were able to get out of debt three years after.

Looking at the interest earned from our savings account minus the taxes, I realized that maybe I should try the time deposit which offers a much higher interest rate. So I put our savings in a time deposit for 3 months. But before the three-months-holding-period expires, we had an emergency. I have to pull my investment out and forced to pay for the penalty. Maybe it's not a good idea, anyway. So I sticked on putting our money to our savings account afterwards.

Around 2008, I have read the Cashflow Quadrant by Robert Kiyosaki and learnt that we can have a passive income and an active income. I have also learnt that there are four types of people, The Employee, The Self-Employed, The Businessman and the Investor. We can be two or three of these types. For me, I don't wanna give up my job so I'd still be "The Employee". I also wanna have a passive income but I cannot run a business so I'd like to be "The Investor".

Wow! I'm excited to be "The Investor" while being "The Employee".

I started researching about the whats and hows of investment. I've read about the treasury bonds, UITF, Mutual funds, stock market, and real estates. I am a conservative type of investor so only mutual funds fit into my current financial status. I've learned a lot from the pinoy money talk forums and blogs. I also have read Francisco Colayco's book Wealth within your Reach: Pera mo, Palaguin mo where he discussed how to grow your money in the Philippines. He talked about mutual funds. By the way, I have also read that you should only invest your "extra" money which you won't be needing to pull out for a long period of time.

Mutual Funds. This funds are managed by a professional fund manager who invests the money in stocks, bonds, money market instruments, and/or other securities.

Oh Ok. Since I don't know about stock market, which I thought was very complicated, and government bonds require big sum of money, I'll stick with mutual funds and have these fund managers manage my investments. Ok. Then I chose the balanced fund because I am a conservative type of investor. Fund managers will invest my money in bonds and stocks whichever have the most potential income.

For somebody, like me, who doesn't know how mutual funds really works, taking one step forward was really breathtaking. So I took a deep breath and opened my first mutual fund account with Sun Life Financial. As of the midst of 2008, Sun Life was one of the top performing mutual fund companies. The minimum initial subscription then was only 10,000 pesos. The NAVPS, Net Asset Value Per Share, was only 2.0230.

As per wikipedia, the worst financial crisis happened in 2008 also known as the Global Financial Crisis. It resulted in the threat of total collapse of large financial institutions, the bailout of banks by national governments, and downturns in stock markets around the world. In short, the financial market is down. As per many financial advisers, that's the best time to invest. The idea is to buy low and sell high. You invest when the market is low and and sell your investments when the market high. Good timing, right?

In early 2009, I opened another mutual fund account with ATR Kimeng's The Mutual Fund Company of the Philippines, Inc. The minimum initial subscription then was only 5,000 pesos (As of this writing, it is now 10,000 pesos). It is also one of the top performing mutual fund companies. I have also opened a balanced fund account with Optima fund because my Auntie is an agent and offered it to us. After those investments, I stopped putting in money and settled with their minimum subscriptions and watched how much our money can grow.

In 2011, I checked my accounts and I was surprised that the market value of my investments already doubled. I have increased my investment with ATR Kimeng as soon as I had an extra money.

In the second quarter of 2012, when we started attending The Feast in PICC being Bo Sanchez as the speaker and preacher, he shared how he grows his money so he'd be able to help the poor. He talked about how ordinary people can invest in the stock market. Wow! "Stock Market". Big word! He mentioned about his book My Maid Invests in the Stock Market... And Why You Should, Too! This book talks about how a small portion of your income can be invested in the stock market thru Citiseconline(COL).

Citiseconline(COL) have this Easy Investment Program (EIP) where in you can start with only 5,000 pesos. COL EIP gives investors a simple and more convenient way of investing in the stock market regardless of age, income, or experience.

As per this book, there are four rules to follow:
Rule #1: Invest small amounts
Rule #2: Invest even when there's a crisis
Rule #3: Invest only in giants
Rule #4: Invest in many giants

I opened an EIP account and regularly added an investment. At first, I strictly follow these rules. Through time, I've learn more about the technical terms and timing in the stock market with my husband, my sister and my friends who also got involved in the stock market because of me. At least I'm not alone on taking this path. As of this writing, I don't follow these rules anymore. I know the risks. I take responsibility of my actions. I tried to diversify my investments. I tried day trading. As of mid 2013, I have already realized my earnings when the market was high and started buying shares again when the market was low.

I'm still a work in progress. As I take this journey to financial freedom, I am learning new things along the way. Sometimes, it's worth taking some risk. If you stumble, then learn from the experience.

I hope to inspire you with my journey so that when I become rich someday, you'd also be rich too. Let us help the world prosper especially the Philippines, contribute in the world market, use our God-given talent and be a blessing to others.

Cheers!!!

Road to Financial Literacy

When I was a child, I always tell God that I don't want to be rich someday. I don't want a big house. I don't want to win a lottery even if my parents sometimes bet on a 6/49 draw hoping that we'd be a millionaire someday. Because when I was a kid I have this impression that when you have all these money and big houses there's always something at stake... maybe a broken family or one of my family's life. I love them so much that I'd rather be poor than lose one of them.

I grew up as a happy child. My parents are hard working. My Papa was an OFW and a Seaman. My Mama was (and still) a businesswoman. We were one of the marginalized families who worked hard so that we can eat and go to school. Even when I already enter the workforce and have my own family, I still have that belief in life. I don't want to be rich and I don't want big houses and I don't want lots of cars. Because you can only serve one master and that is not money, but God.

A simple life is all I want.

As my life went through some challenges, my daughter had undergone series of operations, we were really financially down. We were forced to loan from different banks and establishments to pay for the hospital bills, medicines and credit cards and to cope with our everyday expenses. For 8 years of working hard, all we did was to pay for those debts. But I know God was always there to provide for us. He never went on vacation even for a single moment. He guided us how to get by.

At one point, I had this urge that I wanted to help my parents, financially. I have a good job and a good pay. They're getting old. So I wanted them to stop working, relax and enjoy life. I was saddened by the fact that I really can't do that because I have my own financial struggle. I have my kid who needed a medical maintenance. That's the time I realized that I needed to do something about it. But I don't know where to start.

God shed light on me one day and while searching the Internet on how to get out of debt, I stumbled upon a topic that I have to be financially literate so I can be financially free. I realized that I wanted a life free of debts. I wanted a good cash flow so I can help others, my parents, my siblings and other people who needed help, financially.

I came across this good book of Robert Kiyosaki, Rich Dad Poor Dad (2000). After reading the book, that's the time I realized that I don't want to get old being poor like his poor dad and that I can be financially free and wealthy like his rich dad.

I also came across this book of Bo Sanchez, 8 Secrets Of The Truly Rich: What the Rich Know That the Poor Don’t Know (2007), and realized that it is ok to be rich so that I can help others and that God wanted me to be wealthy so He can use me to help His church spread the Good News and be a blessing to others.

Wow! This changes my life and beliefs. Yeah, maybe I can be rich and still live a life according to God's will. From then on, I started reading about the things that teachers don't teach us in school, financial literacy. So I educated myself by reading forums, articles, blogs and books. There are lots of resources available, we just have to be aware of it.

Let us all be financially literate so we can be financially free. :)

Sleepwalker

I'm a sleepwalker when I was a kid but it never occurred again until February last year (2012).

Here's how it happened.

It was one weekend after a stressful weekdays at work. Our helper woke me up so I could join them at breakfast. She went inside our room and saw me got up and sat beside the bed. My eyes were open but I was just staring at her. She thought I was joking around or not in the mood to talk so she left. After, like, two minutes they heard a big blag sound in the room. Then they saw me about five steps from our bed and lying on the floor. They asked me of what happened and I was gaining a little consciousness at that time. I'm still clueless of what's happening but my head hurts. I was holding my head and they helped me get up then I checked my hand and I saw blood! Gosh! I hit my head on our computer table. Good thing there's no have sharp edges. So after breakfast, we decided to go to the hospital to have it checked. I had a 1cm cut and they just applied a skin glue. The doctors asked me to have a ct scan to check if there are blood clots but I refused to have one coz I feel fine. So they send me home with a signed waiver that I refused to do further check ups. I was under observation for weeks. They said that I have to go back to the hospital when I experienced symptoms like a sudden mood change, blurred eyesight, headaches and things like that.

It's been more than a year now and I still feel fine so I guess I'm okie eh? :-)

Going back when I was a kid, I remembered what my sisters said about my sleepwalking incidents. There are times that I was getting off our double-decker bed without using the ladder. There are also times that I was talking to them but they couldn't grasp what I'm saying. My husband also told me there are times when they tried to wake me up, I just open my eyes, looking blank, answer back and go back to sleep. I've read that there are lots of incidents related to sleepwalking. I don't wanna wake up in the middle of a highway driving. Scary, right?

Sleepwalking symptoms: having blank look on face, disoriented, sitting up and appearing awake, walking during sleep, talking nonsense. Read more about sleepwalking.

Revamping My Journal

Wew! It's been a while since the last time I posted on my Journal. I've been quite busy with other area's of my life. I missed blogging. I missed writing about my life's journal. I missed writing about how blessed I am. There have been more ups and downs for the past year but I'll try to make it up and share those that most impacted my life. ^_^

Spine Surgery for Andrea

After having a sensible conversation with an orthopedic doctor yesterday, we realized that Andrea really needs a spine surgery the soonest possible time. This is to keep her lungs and heart from being compromised and to prevent further complications as she grows. However, the doctor explained to us that this is a very high risk procedure and anything can happen. We need to be ready physically, financially, emotionally and spiritually. Andrea needs to be assessed if she can endure the whole procedure. For us, we need raise more than half a million for the operation and be strong for her. I know God loves us so much. Everything is according to His plan. I know He will provide. We need all the support we can get from our family and friends. Please please please … Prayers are still the best. Please pray for us.

Mama Mary, Please continue to embrace us with your love and graces.

Lord God, Papa Jesus, Holy Spirit, Let Your will be done. 

Being Happy Beyond Imperfections

"Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect. It means that you've decided to look beyond the imperfections." 

I sometimes consider my life as being perfect especially when I'm happy. But in reality, everything stays the same. For me, a perfect world is just a state of mind. It is just how you see things and how you deal with them. It is a life decision. Being happy is believing that God is always in control and that everything is well planned and everything have its special purpose.

Stay happy everyone! :)

A Heartbreaking Truth

When we thought life is too perfect for us, something will occur. Then we will realize that nothing's perfect, that life is full of tribulations. And we start asking questions like why? Sometimes, we know the answer but we just can't accept the fact that it is really happening. Yeah, reality bites. And it can break you into pieces. But God is always there to help us pick up those pieces.

One mistake doesn't make everything wrong, right? Forgiveness can heal an anguished heart though it would take some time.

I pray to God that He mend those broken hearts and ask for His guidance. May He embrace us with unconditional love.

Coron, Palawan - Day Three

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Itinerary
A. Lusong WWII shipwreck
B. Coral Garden
C. Pass Island

My Experience.

After breakfast, we were off to see the corals in WWII Shipwreck. One hour daw na byahe sabi ng tour guide namin. It was raining, makulimlim ang buong paligid. Akala nga namin malamig ang tubig, pero di naman pala. This time, confident na ako bumaba sa tubig, pero syempre meron pa din hawak na life bout can. pero atleast kampante na ako makalayo ng bangka. It was all worth it! kiber kung umuulan... okei naman yung tubig ndi malamig... sakto lang. Nakakatuwa. Ang ganda ng mga isda at mga corals! antagal ko nga underwater lang, nakamasid, kasi aliw na aliw talaga ko pagmasdan sila lahat. Ang saya ng feeling na nahahawakan mo yung mga isda, ndi lang sa TV or sa picture. Iba't ibang kulay, hugis at laki sila. Ang ganda talaga ng Mother nature!

Next destination, Coral Garden. medyo malayo din. One hour travel. First time ko nakakita ng real Corals... kasi nga ndi ako lumulusong sa malalim. Ngayon, sobrang tuwa ko sa moment na to kasi ang ganda ganda pala nila pag masdan. Pero nanghihinayang din ako at the same time kasi wala ako underwater cam. I wanted to capture the moment. Buti na lang may cam yung friend ko. kaya na kuhanan pa din namin. Alam mo yung batang namamasyal sa isang magandang lugar na panay turo sa lahat ng nakikita nyang maganda. ganon kami nun. Kung malakas ang loob mo at keri mag papicture sa ilalim pede ka mag pahila sa tour guide at sya na din ang mag pipicture sayo sa may corals. Well syempre ako ndi pa. pero malay mo balang araw! hahaha! Super enjoy talaga! Medyo malakas yung current kasi maulan pero keri lang. Hinila naman kami pabalik sa bangka kasi kahit anong padyak namin ndi kami gumagalaw eh. hehehe.

Then Pass Island. Solo namin yung isla. Dito na kami nag lunch. Alimango pa lang, solve na kami. Buti umaraw. Ang bait ni Lord talaga! Inikot namin yung island habang nag pho-photoshoot. Syempre ndi mawawala ang jump shot. Ang ganda ng view eh... parang wallpaper! Ang sarap sana dito na mag stay pa ng matagal pero kelangan daw namin bumalik sa port before 4pm. kasi nag lolow tide daw mahihirapan daw yung bangka makabalik. Well, yun ang pagkakaalam ko. ehehe.

At 5pm balik na kami sa town proper. Dito na kami bumili ng mga isda at pusit, dalahin namin sa Manila. Mura lang pero presyong torista na daw yun. Yung tourist guide na din namin ang magpapack para bukas deretso na kami sa airport.

Back in reality na!

Coron, Palawan - Day Two

Monday, July 4, 2011

Itinerary
Coron Island Loop Tour
A. Siete Pecados
B. Cayangan Lake
C. Twin Lagoons
D. Atwayan Beach

My Experience.

On time kami for breakfast syempre. Sabi nila 7:30am eh. We had beef tapa, egg and fried fish. After ng change costume, we're off to Coron Island tour. Una naming pinuntahan ang Siete Pecados. It literally means "seven sins". According to google, seven sisters were punished after swimming against their parent's will. They were drowned and become seven island. Hmmmnn.

This is my first try to go down from the boat and see the corals below the sea. Well, scared ako sa umpisa pero after ibigay ni kuya ang life bouy can eh nakalayo na din ako ng boat. Kelangan daw namin mag praktis ngayon palang kasi bukas puro under water kami.

Then we went to Kayangan Lake. Pahirapan din pumunta. sabi pa nung guy na nakasalubong namin, eto yung tour na binayaran mo na pahihirapan ka pa. Oh well, 200 steps lang naman yung kelangan akyatin at babain para makapunta sa lake. Per ang ganda ng view sa taas. Half way, bago bumaba, makikita mo na ang magandang view ng lake. Ang sarap sa mata... napakarefreshing ng feeling. Picture taking muna habang nag papahinga... pababa naman ngayon papunta mismo sa lake. Then dun mo makikita yung magagandang rock formation. mapapa "wow" katalaga at maaamazed sa nature.

Lunch namin sa Atwayan beach. maganda yung sand dito... pino. Although maliit lang yung beach, relaxing pa din ng feeling. napakain din kami ng madami sa sarap food na dala ng aming tour guide. Inihaw na pork, pancit and seaweeds (lato ata tawag). Konting swimming at picture taking. maaraw naman. dito din cguro ako nag ka sunburn.

Last destination namin ang Twin Lagoons. Medyo effort din para makarating ka sa kabilang ibayo. Either sa ilalim ka dadaan... under water for 5 seconds or aakyatin mo yung rock na may more or less 15 steps at makipot na daan. Syempre naman matapang kami. inakyat namin! hahaha! Medyo nagkaroon ng konting tensyon kasi nahirapan si Mannix umakyat sa hagdan. Ang taas eh. Actually din saka si Christian nahirapan. Effort kung effort talaga. So sumampa nalang si mannix sa balsa bago umakyat dun sa ramp. Pag dating sa kabila, inantay na lang namin mag low tide. para dun na kami dadaan sa ilalim. kala ko nga matatagalan. pero mga 30 mins lang ata bumaba na yung tubig. kaya kampante na kami dumaan sa ilalin nug rock. wew!

Then balik na ulit kami sa lodge. At dahil maaga pa eh bumili na din kami ng mga souvenir sa shop. Tanong pa ako kung may Card sila baka kasi ma zero balance ako eh ehehe wala pala cash basis lang. sorry naman. :D After dinner, Photo ops ng Bea at John Lloyd scene sa room. Then bawian ng mga natalo sa tongits. ehehe

 Bukas ulit! :)