JOURNEY TO FINANCIAL FREEDOM: Investing Wisdom

A year ago, I wrote an article sharing the good news that I was able to eliminate all the debts that we incurred when my father died. However, it is not enough to be debt free. But, it shows a good sign! A sign that we already took the first step to be financially free.

And in order for us to move forward, we need to do some follow up steps. Please take note that I am not a financial advisor nor financially free yet. I just want to share with you the next few steps that I took for me to reach that freedom. And the next one is by INVESTING WISDOM.

Investing Wisdom means studying, educating and learning. No more sugarcoat needed. You have to study what you are about to do. You have to educate yourself with all the terms and procedures of the investment instruments you are about to take. You have to learn also that your life is about to change.

From my experience, since I love reading books, I started to read simple and practical books (I mean easy to understand) which will help me remove my 'poor mindset'. This poor mindset is an attitude of mine thinking that I won't be rich nor I can't afford that, etc. And in order for me to grow and truly be rich, I need to change that thinking first!

Take a look of the (some) books I have read which helped me a lot:

1) My Maid Invests in the Stock Market - Bo Sanchez
"In this inspiring yet highly practical book, you’ll read the fascinating story of how he helped three of his house helpers invest in the stock market and build their retirement fund. He’ll tell you how he taught them the 5-envelope system. He’ll explain how he painted a clear vision of their future in their minds. In this book, you’ll learn his “4 Rules to Making Millions Thru the Stock Market”. - Goodreads

For free copy of this book (available as e-book) click here!

2) Rich Dad Poor Dad - Robert Kiyosaki
"Robert developed (and shared) his unique economic perspective from two very different influences - his two fathers. One father (Robert's real father) was a highly educated man but fiscally poor. The other father was the father of Robert's best friend - that Dad was an eighth-grade drop-out who became a self-made multi-millionaire. The lifelong monetary problems experienced by his poor dad pounded home the counterpoint communicated by his rich dad. Taking that message to heart, Kiyosaki was able to retire at 47." - Goodreads

3) 8 Secrets of the Truly Rich - Bo Sanchez
"The book is a manual on how to create material wealth and gain spiritual abundance at the same time. It hopes to raise a new breed of millionaires who are simple, loving and generous." - Goodreads

4) Ang Pera na Hindi Bitin - Eduardo O. Roberto Jr
"If you need a guide on how to best manage your money, get this easy-to-read and practical book for yourself and your family—even your friends who are struggling or always borrowing money!" - Goodreads

5) Stock Smarts: Stock Investing Made Easy - Marvin Germo
"The heart of Stock Smarts is to break it down to its simplest form and inspire employees, professionals and business people to participate and make money in the market.This book is to encourage every Filipino to profit from stocks and forge their way to financial freedom." - Goodreads

There are more books about wealth and financial literacy. But for most of you who doesn't like books that much, try with these simple books or try listening to podcasts/tutorial available in the Internet.

Do you have any other suggestions? Feel free to share it with me at the comment section! :)

HENERAL LUNA: THE HYPE AND THE SUCCESS

Historical film about the Philippine - American War? No one is interested about that! Surely, the director got some balls to risk it. But it's a bloody success! At least for me. And that's a break from all the typical love stories and films about mistresses (for goodness' sake - another post is coming up about this). So this is a change in our movie industry.

So what's the film?
Heneral Luna is an indie film from Jerrold Tarog which was released last September 9, 2015. It is a Filipino historic biopic film portraying Gen. Antonio Luna during the Philippine - American War.

I saw the trailer and it is interesting enough. But of course, I am slightly disappointed since it will not be released here in Dubai. Well, they showed it once. In the Philippine Consulate!!! Can you imagine that? So okay, the first thing that comes to my mind is to download it through torrent or to watch it online since there are no pirated DVD's here.

Yes, I admit I download movies from torrent. There are times that we want to watch a film but it is not showing in the cinema anymore but it doesn't mean I wasn't supporting the film. Right or right?

Then I saw this picture....

I got mixed opinion about it.

I felt happy and proud. Filipinos never pay attention to history! One controversy from this film's hype is the reason why Apolinario Mabini was seated all throughout the movie. Some are asking and some are making fun of it that it was considered now as a controversy. It's not that teachers didn't mentioned about the case of Apolinario Mabini. It's not because all youth in the Philippines are just a bunch of shit. It's just that Filipinos aren't fond of HISTORY. Let alone the Philippine History! So hearing that the movie was a success and that the Filipinos are still booking their tickets to see the film, was an overwhelming news for me.

At the same time, I was disturbed of the picture itself. The picture says the whole expenses for this film is about Php70 Million. However, Wikipedia and the world wide web says it costs Php200 Million. I am sure that if I were to ask people to do something, I will get the facts straight first right? Because it is misleading. If I am not a fan of this hype, I can say that, if it's just Php70 Million then why are you still grumpy if your team already earned a lot from it? I can say that but I am not. We can't please everybody of what they say, but please, let's tell them the real figure.

And since I am guilty of using torrent, I am disturbed from the last line.

"For once, do this country a favor."

Yes, I can do a favor by not downloading it from torrent. I respect copyrights and all. And I think I understand the effort and expenses of an independent film.

But, I've got one question: What is the deepest why of this film? Is it to earn money alone? Or is it for us to see the message of the film?

I heard this one principle but I forgot who said it and whoever that person might be, I will quote:
"Don't let our goals be mixed up with money issues (lack thereof or targets) because if we do, the goal is not a goal anymore but a mere wishful margin of numbers." - Anonymous

EID AL ADHA

We are celebrating a national holiday today and that is EID AL ADHA. Government offices and some private sectors declared a non working day today. And too bad, we don't belong to those lucky people with holidays.

Some of my friends were out of Dubai and traveling, some are with their families and some are just plain at home taking good rest, while I am still at my small office, trying to create new accounts (because I think some accounts were stolen by other agents oops!).

I usually self loathe before whenever Dubai declares holidays because we are not part of it. They don't even pay us for that nor they don't change the time schedules.

However, today, I don't. Maybe I got used to it or I have other things in mind. Or I just feel grateful because I know that my contract will be finished soon. And that I am moving on to another company or country soon.

So, EID MUBARAK EVERYONE! Please include me in your DUAS. :)

¡FELIZ ANIVERSARIO!

Today marks the exact date of my first flight of my life. Since I've never flown out of Luzon, let alone a flight going out of the country, I can never forget the first flight of my life which is via Philippine Airlines, Flight PR 2658 bound to Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

As I look back, I cannot imagine how big the change was. I cannot fathom all the things happened in my life, may it be positive.. and negative. I am a total different stranger from the person I used to know, a year ago.

Let me share some of the highlights of my journey:

CAREER 

I am working in a small company with strict compliance of rules and policies (well every company does). But my friends are telling me that I am working with the Mafia (as to Dubai Standards'). I have one day off and that is Tuesdays alone for the whole year. No holidays. No sick leave. (Though they granted me an emergency leave last May).

Some of you may ask, did I regret working with them? Do I hate them? No. Because....

I did had an opportunity to work in that field. Working in a travel agency gave me an opportunity to see the world in a way that no flight was done, yet. I am grateful to gain an access in Amadeus (and learned it by heart, as well as be trained in their office), Galileo, and TACentre. I learned a lot about airline rules, ticket rules, visa restrictions, labor laws, destinations management/familiarity, and many more.

I can go on and count all the negative things about my company, but the list of  the positive things that I learned in this job is a treasure. No one can take away the values and work abilities that I learned. One example is working under high pressure while trying to reach sales quota...daily. Every day, it is back to zero.Another thing is maintaining my patience and being calm whenever a passenger is too stupid/boastful/rude/ungrateful of their requests, favors and question. 

SOCIAL LIFE
Social life. Hard. Especially when your day involves on waking up, taking a bath, going to office, go home and sleep. I find it difficult to make friends outside my 'work' life. So I made my way to get to know other people and to build friendship. Of course, not everyone is meant to stay in your life. And I am not perfect and I know that I screwed up a lot of times. To those whom I hurt (unintentionally or just out of stupidity), I am really sorry. To those who stayed and motivated me to become a better, wiser and stronger person, thank you so much! I love you to the bones!

Couchsurfing. I used this site two years ago but I didn't took it seriously. This year, I tried it with all my heart and I tried to be active as much as possible. I gained friends that I cannot imagine I will gain in a short period of time. I am so happy to meet the members I surfed with, the travelers who visited Dubai, to those who hosted me (in different ways) and to my new set of friends. 

Iftar, Ramadan 2015 

Thursday Night in Barasti

First friend in CS, Wonsik from South Korea 

Rupok from BG, Sam from AU, Me, Vianca and Fredo from PH

With Yani from PH and Felix from DE

With Yuta from JP, Jeff from PH and Angel from ES

Love life. Well, this is not my priority in life. I am pretty happy being single. I can't handle myself properly, let alone taking another human being as my responsibility. Unfortunately, for the past 12 months, I met two guys whom I liked, cool and funny to be with, independent, etc. But sad to say, they just broke my heart in some ways. Take note, they weren't my boyfriend. I REPEAT: THEY WEREN'T MY BOYFRIEND. THEY AREN'T MINE. Okay? Clear? Si?

Bottom line: Thanks for the experience. You were such a good person in your own ways. I've known myself better through you, I've learned something, and I grow. But I think I am better without you. See you around. :')

P.S. I am satisfied with my current crush (okay teenager feels!) *winks winks*. 

FAMILY
A year ago, I left our small humble home full of dreams and hopes for my mom and dad. Growing up in a not so blessed (in terms of finance, but I am so grateful that I was able to finish my college degree) family motivates me to pursue my dreams and my dreams for them. But it seems to me that life is really pushing me to my limit. I can say that life is pretty unfair. Just after 8 months since I left, my dad passed away. He left. He left me. He's gone.....

I would like to say that everything is okay. That I can still go on like what am I before. But I would be lying when I say that. A part of me has died. A part of me was gone.

When I am at work, I was like in an ON mode.. Back in the normal days and doing my best in work.
But when I'm not, I turn into my OFF mode. Nursing myself with sadness or eating or crying. There are people who's very good at coping with loss, and I can say that I am. Daddy's girl eh, you know?

~

It's been a rough and a bumpy ride for me. 

I grew and learned a lot that I will treasure forever.

My faith was stronger. God revealed Himself to me once more that His love and kindness reigns over my failures, mistakes, and sins.  

And I become wiser and bolder. Let's talk about the version 2.0.

The world is ahead of me... and I am taking the challenge. Bring it on for Round 2!

Where do broken hearts go?

Someone asked me, "Do you have any idea of how much is the G-Shock (watch) there in Dubai? Can you buy me one and I will just pay you back when you get back?" 

I answered, "Well, I haven't had much of an idea because I wasn't able to check it in malls."  

Her reply was, "What? Your time spending there in abroad is just a waste of time. You should go out and travel."

I want to slap her. In the face. With a chair. 

You probably heard a lot of stories that the life of an OFW isn't that easy. We are not working in a foreign land to travel everyday or to have our asses be spoiled. A lot of people are waking up from that lie nowadays. Though there are still a lot more to tell. 

And I am not an exception..... 

  

For all of you who thinks that I am having my breakthrough (here in Dubai, just sitting while earning money) then you have to slap your face too. I knew since then that it is indeed a (suicide) mission. 

They send me to a place far away from home. To keep me safe. Did I get any safer? 

The more they wanted me to stay from home, the more my home gets broken. And I am afraid that I don't have any home left in the Philippines when I get back (whatever the Lord wills) ...  

My mind was full of whats ifs since I left. 

What if I didn't leave? Will they be staying together?

And what if they are? Will my dad just stay at home and not go to prison?

And what if my dad is not in prison? My mom will be always there to take care of him. 

But the reality is that, what ifs are the most painful thing to accept for us to move on. 

Regrets makes our heart cringes. And my heart was shattered ... into million pieces. And I lost the pieces while trying to put it back. What if there's no more pieces left to put back? . 

So where do broken hearts go? You can find one sitting in an office, working very well, living her life independently, and trying to live the best she can. 

She cannot trust someone anymore, she's too tired of trusting others to take care of her heart. 

She cannot receive love anymore, because the tank was not there to receive it. 

She cannot give love anymore, because even her doesn't have any love left. 

The heart was shattered into million pieces in every possible way that the world can hurt her, and that no one can put it back the same way again. Except from my savior, my truth and my life, my GOD.