Declaration of Wealth

Only two days before 2012, I want to share with you an email from my my mentor Brother Bo Sanchez. This is a prayer for the coming year. Our declaration of wealth. Let us all say this by heart again and again throughout the year and experience God's ultimate blessings in our life.

Declaration Of Wealth

By Bo Sanchez 

I’m God’s beloved and it’s His great pleasure to bless me.

God’s river of blessings is flowing to me

at every single moment of my life.

Everything I need comes to me.

I’m a blessing magnet.

Money flows to me in great abundance.

I can earn any amount of money I choose.

I’m guided by God at every moment.

I’m a brilliant entrepreneur, creating wealth for God’s purposes.

I’m blessed with fantastic relationships.

I’m always meeting wonderful people

that bless me and make me grow.

I’m anointed by God to serve and bless the world.

I inspire the people around me.

I don’t own my wealth; Everything I have belongs to Him.

I merely manage it for the True Owner

and use it according to His will;

God is my real wealth;

And the people He gave me are my real treasures;

In Jesus name, Amen.

Pesos And Sense Explains...

Watch this short videos and learn the basics of saving, stock markets, and common issues on investing!

Pesos And Sense Explains: Variable Unit Links (VUL)

Pesos And Sense Explains: Compound Interest

Pesos And Sense Explains: Early Investing with BPI

Pesos And Sense Explains: How to Avoid Scams

Pesos And Sense Explains: How to Budget 

Pesos And Sense Explains: Minimizing Losses

Pesos And Sense Explains: Mutual Funds

Pesos And Sense Explains: Peso-Cost Averaging

Pesos And Sense Explains: Saving

Pesos And Sense Explains: Stock Market

Pesos And Sense Explains: Why You Should Invest Early

My most favorite among these videos is the explanation on Budgeting. 

Take your pick and start investing wisely. How and when will you start?

Save the Date by Sydalgae

I am just so proud of my soul sister's latest accomplishment and I think it would be unfair not sharing this to all of you. Enjoy watching as much as I have.

Subscribe to her page now!  http://www.youtube.com/user/mysydalgae

This is her first video editing project I guess but it's a thumbs up Glady! Keep it up!

Pesos And Sense (Season 1 Episode 3)

This episode of Pesos and Sense is all about insurance. Learn what is its importance and how to make this as another vehicle of investment.

People don't buy what you do, but why you do it!

Listen and be inspired to Simon Sinek talk about the "emotional why" and how this will lead to your success and greatness! Be driven by a purpose, by a cause, by a belief!

Pesos And Sense (Season 1 Episode 2)

Pesos and Sense Episode 2 talks about Mutual Funds. We haven't started investing in this module of investment but it won't hurt to learn and know the ropes and scopes of it.

Simply put, a mutual fund is an investment company that puts together the resources of individual and institutional investors to accumulate a substantial asset base and then invest it in a diversified portfolio of security investments such as stocks and bonds for maximum gain. The professional fund manager may also decide to invest in some short term money market investments, other securities or assets, or a combination of some or all of these to achieve its goals.

Watch the second episode of Pesos & Sense to learn more and see if this investment will work for you.

One good point from Aya Laraya is make sure that your investment will compensate the current inflation rate in the market to maintain the value of your money.

Pesos And Sense (Season 1 Episode 1)

Finally this is the Pilot Episode of Pesos and Sense last 03 September 2011.

Onwards to financial freedom!

Making Sense

Finally a weekly show that will bring the world of investments to the Filipinos. Pesos And Sense have aired its first episode last 03 September 2011 in GMA News TV. I wasn't able to catch it here abroad but I can't wait to watch their replays on the internet one of these days.

In this trying times, economic crisis is just lurking around to attack again, this kind of shows will help us assess and act on our future and our children's future!

Cheers to our way to financial freedom!

Be Responsible

Think Before You Click!

Signs - A Short Film

To all who are in love, feeling in love, and wants to be in love! Enjoy!

Surrendering to God

"I thought that I had given up this very important part of my life - this having a baby - part of my life to Him. I thought I have given Him full control." - Sister Lalaine

I just want to share this video of Sister Lalaine's talk at The Feast last 26 June 2011. I was deeply totally touched that I have to stop watching the whole video for 5 times because I am always on the verge of crying every time I resume watching. I can feel her pain, frustration, and her unwavering faith to God.

A very inspiring talk that touched my very heart. It made me realized that I too have not fully surrendered my dream to God! 

"Only when I totally surrendered fully, from the deepest part of my heart, did the miracles come" - Sis. Laliane

Lord, touch my heart to surrender all my fear,  my frustrations, and all my disappointments to you. And I am letting you work in my life now. Heal me Lord and let me soar with You.

30 day challenge!

"Is there something you've always meant to do, wanted to do, but just ... haven't? Matt Cutts suggests: Try it for 30 days. This short, lighthearted talk offers a neat way to think about setting and achieving goals."

Here I am again committing to a 30-day challenge. Previously there was a same challenge posted by my mentor Jomar Hilario, but i failed big time. Not cool!

Then I chance upon this TED.com video of Matt Cutts and I find myself again challenging myself. Here is the list of the things that I want to do for the next 30 days:

ADD:

1. Post everyday to my blog(s) - my target is to have 150 posts before the year ends. And this will be the start.

2. Read atleast one chapter of a "mind changing" book from the list of my mentors.

3. Use stairs always - in our building flat, when using the metro (except when I am coming to the office because we are located in the 7th floor! I can impose exceptions, right? XD )

SUBTRACT:

1. Rice every dinner (this calls for a major discipline)

2. Soda intake.

3. Facebook-ing when at home.

In this 30 day challenge, I want to improve my health, my mindset in life, to have more time spent with my loving husband, and eventually start earning from my blog =)

-This is me keeping my fingers crossed again.-

30 Day Challenge

And as Matt Cutts said, this will make my everyday meaningful and not to let this month pass by again. We're halfway through the year and I want to accomplish something, big time!

So I challenge you also to make your next 30 days meaningful and worthwhile. What is the thing (or things) that you have been meaning to do, why not take this as a cue to achieve your goal. Starting from this simple step.

And make your influence positive!! Go!

Tesco Homeplus Subway Shopping

Image via Wikipedia

I want to share with you this video of Tesco in Korea. I once had a chance to shop at Tesco in Reading, UK when we visited my sisters 2 years ago.


 It's just like shopping in Carrefour here in Dubai. But I must say this is one amazing marketing strategy for Tesco (Homeplus) Korea. Watch the video below and be amazed on how technology is evolving and making our lives easier.

Watch and leave comments below.

But personally, I still want to do my shopping the conventional way and interact with people around me.

Filcom Safety Awareness Booklet - Part 4

To finish off with the last part of the Filcom Safety Awareness Booklet, here is a reminder on:

WORKING SAFELY IN THE HEAT

Important reminders for everyone working in the heat:

1. Be aware of the risks to your health and safety when working in the heat, especially in the summer.
2. Know the signs that indicate that your body may be overheating or low in fluid.
3. Know what to do if you or anyone working with you show signs of illness.
4. Drink more water in the hot weather, at least 2 liters every 2-3 hours.
5. Look after your health and know your limits.

Here are some helpful tips on how you can take care of yourself and other people during summer and when the temperature in Middle East is crazy:

1. Drink water before, during, and after work each day.
2. Drink at least 2 litres of water every 2-3 hours.
3. Check your urine color. It should be pale yellow.
4. Add a little extra salt to your meals.
5. Take regular breaks in hot weather.
6. Get plenty of sleep at night.
7. Eat fruits and vegetables.
8. When not feeling well, inform your supervisor and be excused from work.

Prevention is better than cure.

"Pangarap Lang Kita" - Parokya ni Edgar

To all Parokya ni Edgar fans, this is a treat to all of you: presenting their latest song "Pangarap Lang Kita". This song is Parokya ni Edgar's second single off their album Middle-Aged Juvenile Novelty Pop Rockers. It is about a guy who can't express his true feelings to a girl, and about a girl who is conservative and won't express her love to the guy. Watch their videos also and you will fall in love with them all over again! They are definitely the coolest band ever!

Cover of Parokya ni Edgar

Video #1 is Parokya ni Edgar's song recording featuring Happee Sy. She is the Vice President of the PULP Live World Productions. Cool!

Video #2 is Parokya ni Edgar's narrative video featuring Jm De Guzman and Sab Anupol.

And get ready for this..
Video #3 is Parokya ni Edgar's version featuring Vincent Montaner!

Have a Good Laugh!

This is totally hilarious!!

Check out www.999reasonstolaugh.com for a big dose of mega laughter!

God's Miracle

I believe that every baby is a little miracle to celebrate, support, and protect!

Filcom Safety Awareness Booklet - Part 3

SAFETY ON THE ROAD

Safety Awareness - Safety on The Road

Driving in the UAE for new drivers from different parts of the world including the Philippines may find it different. One might find that drivers often drive at high speeds. Unsafe driving practices are common, especially on inter-city highways. Persons involved in an accident in which another party is injured automatically go to jail until the injured person is released from the hospital. Should a person die, the driver is liable for payment of compensation for the death usually the equivalent of Dhs 75,000.

For your safety on the road, please observe the following rules and measures:

+ Always fasten your seatbelt wherever you are seated in the car.

+ Always seat your children in the back seat with seat belts on or in a child safety seat. Never let your child seat in your lap.

THINGS TO BE AWARE OF:

+ Vehicles stopping in unexpected or no-stop points to pick up or drop off passengers.

+ Taxis, mini-buses and city buses changing lane unexpectedly.

+ Pedestrians crossing streets when the traffic lights are green or outside the zebra crossing.

+ Trucks and heavy vehicles parking at night on the highway-side rather than on the layout without putting on their alarming lights.

+ Broken-down vehicles parking without putting on their alarming lights.

+ Cars having no brake lights.

+ Slippery wet or spoiled roads.

+ Vehicles driving in reverse at road exits or on highways.

+ Loose animals on highways.

+ Drivers overtaking at dangerous and blind curves.

+ Drivers attempting to get ahead of you, while you are overtaking another vehicle.

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS

When involved in an unfortunate circumstance or need immediate assistance from Local Authorities and Philippine Authorities you may contact the following:

POLICE                              999
FIRE BRIGADE                  997
AMBULANCE                    998
TRAFFIC POLICE             344

PHILIPPINE EMBASSY   

+ 971 2 6390006

Email: auhpe@philembassy.ae

DUBAI CONSULATE

+ 971 4 2544331

Email: info@pcgdubai.net

Mobile: +971 50 6544047

POLO OWWA

Dubai: +971 4 2659974

Email: dubaipolo@ymail.com

FILCOM HOTLINE

+971 55 1915636

Let us all be safe and practice due diligence for our protection and for the protection of other people's lives.

Be Aware! Ba Safe!

Filcom Safety Awareness Booklet - Part 2

To continue with the Safety Awareness Booklet, here is the safety precautions and tips for your home. I hope you will find this informative as my previous post.

SAFETY AT HOME

Filcom Safety Awareness Booklet - Safety At Home

1. Before leaving your house, ensure that all appliances are unplugged. A laptop left running for a long time may overheat and can explode causing fire.

2. Do not leave a young child alone at home. Make sure that you get a trusted person to look after the child. And keep your contact numbers and all emergency numbers handy for that person so he/she may contact you easily whenever something comes up. Always look after the small children who are playing, looking at the window, using the bathtub, playing with toys, etc. They might not be aware of the danger of falling, choking, drowning, etc.

3. Ensure that you know how to use the fire extinguishers or fire blankets as the case may be. If not, read articles pertaining to the use of fire extinguishers or you can easily look over the internet and learn how to use them complete with videos and procedures.

Safety Awareness Booklet - Fire Blanket

Safety Awareness Booklet - Fire Extinguisher

Know where your exits in the building or at home are. When you have visitors it is always a good practice to advise them of the exits in case of fire or unforeseen events. Make sure that all passageways to exits, doors, windows are clear of obstruction. 

6. Properly store your things inside the house. Do not stack bags, boxes, and appliances on top of each other to avoid injuries when they fall.

WHAT TO DO IF FIRE ERUPTS AT HOME

1. Immediately evacuate residents from the house.

2. Close the door while leaving the room to prevent spreading of fire.

3. Attempt to use fire extinguisher to douse fire in its early stages without exposing yourself to risk.

4. Must contact the civil defense emergency number 997 or 999 to report the fire and provide location properly.

STRUCTURAL NATURE OF THE HOUSE

1. Kitchen, corridors, children rooms, sitting rooms and stores must be provided with smoke/heat detectors and voice alarm systems.

2. Villa/house shall be provided with more than one obstacle free emergency exits for easy escape.

3. Provision of external stairs for escaping from the upper stories.

4. No iron bars in the windows.

5. Kitchen shall be provided with minimum half hour fire resistant auto close doors.

6. Electrical wires and cables shall be periodically maintained, and shall not be exposed or installed under the carpets.

7. Minimum distance of one meter shall be kept between any source of fire or heat and flammable materials.

8. Stair case shall be provided with fender to lean against.

9. Bathrooms shall be provided with anti-slip tapes and handles to be used by elderly people.

Safety Awareness Booklet - Home Safety 

Who to call: phone number 050 7780284, or contact info@homesafety.ae

Be Aware! Ba Safe!

Source: Filcom Safety Awareness Booklet (Safety Manual for the Filipino Expats)

Filcom Safety Awareness Booklet - Part 1

The 113th Philippine Independence Day was celebrated here in Dubai last Friday, 10 June 2011 at the Al Shahab Sports Club in Deira, Dubai. It was organized by the Filcom Organizing Committee of Dubai & Northern Emirates. My husband and I attended the said event which was dubbed as "Filcom, Ang Pagsasanib Pwersa sa Pagtugon". This is the first event that we have attended in the three years that we have been here in Dubai. And I must say, we enjoyed it. Despite travelling for three hours under the Dubai summer heat of 40degrees, taking 1 cab, 3 bus rides and walking for 15 minutes! Well no one is complaining here. 

I will be sharing with you what transpired that day in my next post, this time I would like to share with all my kababayans this safety awareness booklet prepared for the Filipino Expats by the Filipino Community (Filcom) Organizing Committee. I will be taking excerpts from this very informative booklet. I know this will be very helpful to all expats especially to those who are new in this part of the Middle East. This will be a four-part topic divided into: 1) Know the rules in the UAE, its customs and traditions, 2) Safety at home, 3) Safety on the road, 4) and Working safely in the heat and Emergency contact numbers that everyone should know by heart. It pays to be safe than sorry!

Filcom Safety Awareness Booklet

Filcom Safety Awareness Booklet for Filipino Expats

On to the 1st part of this series: KNOW THE RULES IN THE UAE, ITS CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS

1. Alcohol or Liquor 

Non-Muslims are allowed to drink alcohol in Dubai if they are on licensed premises. Some restaurants and most hotels hold a license to serve your alcohol. Additionally, if you're a resident in the emirate you can apply for a license to buy alcohol and consume it in your own home. If you cannot present a liquor license, you will be fined. And if you're caught drunk on the street you could be arrested as well. So better secure a license and drink alcohol inside the safety of your homes and never go out drunk.

2. Bouncing a Cheque

Issuing a cheque to pay for your rent, car loan, items purchased and the likes is a big problem if you don't have enough money in your bank and thus will lead to over draft. In Dubai, it is a very serious criminal offense. When you issued a bounced cheque, you will be arrested, jailed and then forced to remain in Dubai to pay your debt before being deported. 

3. Dancing in Public

Dancing in public in Dubai is considered to be indecent - and it is also thought of as provocative, which can be very dangerous for women. This can attract some men to harass or be aggressive with the women and even men. You can dance in your own home behind your curtains, and you can dance at official clubs - anything else is not acceptable and dangerous.

4. Dress Code

Dress code is strictly implemented in malls and streets in the UAE. Locals dress conservatively and expect visitors and expatriates to also dress likewise in public. Make sure your clothes are of decent length, that you do not wear anything see-through, that you are not revealing too much flesh that could be considered indecent and that you also don't have anything offensive on your clothes. 

5. Drunk Driving

There is a zero tolerance policy when it comes to drunk driving and you will be imprisoned if you break this firm law.

6. Driving Offenses

Simply follow the driving rules in the UAE. It is illegal in Dubai to tailgate, break the speed limit, street race, lane hop, or using mobile phones while driving. If you break a road law, you can be fined, imprisoned, and your car impounded. It is very important to spot immediately the speed limit in every road. Plan your trip and know the speed limits.

7. Drugs

There is a zero tolerance issue and while you think that only extends to narcotics that are illegal in our own countries, it actually extends to some prescription and over-the-counter medicines too. So this is a very serious point to understand. 

Be aware! Be safe!

An Unusual Friendship Amidst Sufferings and Differences

"Our suffering is equal. Yet I am treated with sympathy; she's treated with hostility"
- Phyllis Rodriguez on Aicha el-Wafi

Below is another remarkable video from Ted.com about an amazing friendship of two mothers from different side of the world. One has suffered because her son was one of the World Trade Centre attack and one is the mother of the convicted terrorist who is serving a life sentence. Both found forgiveness and healing from each other.

"We have to know the other people, the OTHER. You must be generous, and your hearts must be generous. Your minds must be generous."

- Aicha el-Wafi

A Filipina Pride

I am not a fashionista by heart, soul, and even body (help me! hehe!) but I love http://themazuona.blogspot.com.

Last night, a friend and a former work colleague sent a message to all of us residing in Dubai to our facebook inbox telling us about her niece's first collection exhibit called STAND OUT and she also sent us the link to her blog.

Being a newbie in this world of blogging, I checked out her blog. And I instantly loved it! I read through the entries and checked her biography. Eura Yuste, the lady behind the blog, is a 19 year old Fashion Design Student based in Abu Dhabi, where she has been living with her family for more than two years now. Her blog was created because she was inspired by the stylish women of Abu Dhabi. Thus the name The Mazuona, which according to her, in Arabic is a word used to describe an elegant, stylish, and confident woman. Love the name! Love the concept! Please check her blog and be amazed how a young Filipina can conquer the world of fashion in United Arab Emirates.

The exhibit is a fashion designer's contest organized by SI Fashion Galerie. Out of the 15 finalists, Eura Yuste is one of the two featured Pinoy designers and the youngest among the contestants. That is one remarkable feat for her.

The exhibit will be held at Si Fashion Galerie located in 399B Jumeirah Beach Road on the 25th of May until 31st of July 2011. Exhibit will start from 5:00pm to 8:00pm daily.

If you have time to check out her collections, just drop by at Si Fashion Galerie and let us support our kababayan making her way in the Arab Fashion world. Hats off to Eura Yuste for being a Mazuona!

Flower Power - Lily

Early Sunday morning, one of my Indian officemates called me "Rose". I asked him why Rose? Then he said he's tired of calling me Lily, he will try to call me Rose for a while, then another name of the flower next week. Hehe. I think he's just bored this first day of the week. Then I thought of my name, I never realized that I was named after a flower. Doing a quick research on Lily, here is what I got:

THE MEANING AND SYMBOLISM OF LILY

Lily is the name of the flower and is ultimately derived from the Latin word lilium. They are often showy, with a noticeable scent and long stamens.

Dating as far back as 1580 BC when images of lilies were discovered in a villa in Crete, these majestic flowers have long held a role in ancient mythology. Another derivation of the name is this, it has been said that it was derived from Greek word "lerion". The lily was so revered by the Greeks, that they believed it sprouted from the milk of Hera, the queen of the Gods. Lilies are known to be the May birth flower (ironically, I was born in June!), and the 30th wedding anniversary flower.

Pink Stargazer Lily that represents wealth and properity.

Image by Wikipedia

White lilies - symbolizes chastity and virtue.

Peruvian lilies - represents friendship and devotion.

Stargazer lilies - expresses sympathy.

Pink stargazer lilies - represents wealth and prosperity.

Lilies of the valley - symbolizing humility and devotion. And the 2nd wedding anniversary flower.

Tiger Lily - wealth and pride.

Day Lily - Coquetry Chines emblem for mother.

Eucharist Lily - Maiden charms.

Calla Lily - represents beauty.

In symbolic dreams, lily meaning deals with the sanctity of the heart, elegance and a need for clarity or cleansing. If the dreamer is looking at a lily it is a message of encouragement and chance of success in an endeavor looks very good. Dreaming of lilies could mean the time is right to act upon a long-though plan. It is also a sign that we are seeking rest, peace, and tranquility.

Naturally, I don't want to be called by any other flower names aside from Lily. I am proud to be a Lily. 

A Prayer for Drivers

My husband has been driving for more than a month now but I always remind him to say a prayer every time he go behind the wheels. I found this wonderful prayer at http://www.maxmerrittauto.com/driving-prayer.htm that I would like to share to everyone who is on the road almost everyday of their lives. This prayer was written by Sherborne Prescott, one of the organizers of the Religious Safety Crusade.

A Driver's Prayer

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, we humbly beseech Thee to look down upon us and guide us safely on the highways today.  Instill in us Thy spirit of love and consideration for our fellow men, so that our actions may follow Thy light and with Thy help we may lessen the loss of life by accident.  We seek Thy infinite understanding and mercy. Amen.

May everyone be safe and may God be at your side. May He keep you under His mantle of protection. Always. 

No Rush

Image via Wikipedia

Inspired by one of Brother Bo Sanchez's talk about living in the "now", I would like to share this No Rush list to you and to everybody who is tired of the "Marathon of Life".

Every waking morning, everybody would rush to go to work. I take the feeder bus that will bring me to Ibn Batuta metro station. I will see people running towards the bus and make themselves fit in. The bus driver even have the difficulty of closing the bus doors because people are blocking the doorway. Then people will run up inside the metro station to catch the next train. They sprint up the escalators or even the stairs. This scene always makes me wonder "why are we always in a hurry?". We sometimes let time pass us by easily. How can we enjoy the ride if we are all moving in the fastest pace always? Below is a list suggested by Bo Sanchez on how we can live in the "now" and not hurrying:

1. Deliberately drive in the slowest lane in the express way... And bless each car that pass you or cut in your way...

2. Deliberately park at the farthest spot in the parking lot...and enjoy the long walk to the door..

3. Deliberately choose the longest line in the grocery...and pray for all the people infront of you...

4. Deliberately chew your food slowly...enjoy and savor the taste and thank God for your food...

5. Deliberately put people before things always...and build lasting relationships...

6. Deliberately take time to enjoy God's presence alone...and not worry about anything...

7. Deliberately stop watching TV...but rather read a good book, talk to people, pray to God...

8. Deliberately take a lot of vacations...and enjoy people...

My own #9. Deliberately go to work in a relax mode, why not leave home early so you reach work early. Eliminating your need to run and perform the marathon every morning. 

We only have one life to live, so savor every moment of it!