The Truth about CANCER

Cancer is quite active on Abbey's family genes and aside getting hospitalisation and critical illness insurance, Abbey and I seek ways to avoid and prevent it. We liked a facebook page The Truth About Cancer and bit by bit we are learning. 

from The TRUTH about CANCER facebook page

Below are few things:

1. Cancer cells do not love oxygen. No wonder the stressed people are getting more likely to have a chance of getting a cancer. Why? When you are stressed, your body only gives you a short-breath! So inhale-exhale and kill those killer cells. Meditate! 

There are some oxygen therapy available that patients can consider other than chemo. 

2. Cancer cells are deeply inlove with sugar. Yeah this is not a new thing but more and more studies proves that sugar fuels cancer cells. So take away those high in glucose, specially the processed fruit juices. 

3. We need to heighten up our immune system. Take that vitamin C rich food! Drink a hot lemon juice, sprinkle some cayenne pepper and drop of honey. Lemon will give you a vitamin C plus it balances the pH level of our body. 

4. 80% of our immune system lies on our large intestine. If we love our immune system, we should worry if we feel bloated and we need to keep an eye on our bowels. Keep that good bacteria healthy living in our gut! 

5. Fast! Let your own body eat those bad cells to re-generate new one! It not only benefit you physically, mentally but also spiritually! Do you know that fasting have a religious affiliation too? Pray while you fast and ask what your heart desires. 

6. Move.. A Lot! I mean exercise! You perspire, it means toxins will be rushing out from your body. Not only that, when your heart starts pumping, it will increase your oxygen intake! Two birds in one stone! 

7. Sun! Get some sunlight! Do not prevent yourself from getting enough Vitamin D! 

8. Do not deprive yourself with sleep. Do not think that sleeping is a waste of time. It is the time when your body heals and brain take out toxins. 

9. Know your products. Do you know that lotions, hair coloring, facial masks and almost all of what we use are made of toxic products! Give yourself a break! Do not use it everyday! Talking about toxins! Do not smoke! 

10. Hydration. Water! 

11. Massages and reflexology will unclog the lymphatic system. 

Those are the few things we've learned and implementing on our daily lives! For better and healthier us. 

5 Signs You Should Quit Your Job

Yep! It is time to cut the misery off and quit your job! 

Now, on this day counts my 3rd month of sabbatical leave. 

Because I am free and open for communication right now, haha, people are sending me congratulatory messages that I have an opportunity to rest for a while. But others just ranted away! Of course, I listen to what they say. And now I am compiling it. This will help you to DECIDE why you should leave your job NOW! 

Below are some of the reasons you are burnt out or everyday you ask yourself why you are still staying on that company. 

1. You feel lightheaded every time you're on your way to office.

- You feel the stress welcoming you every time you punch-in. Your blood pressure strikes on top of your head. Aha! You are starting to be physically sick because of the anxiety inside the office. 

2. Your personality transforms automatically when you open the glass door! 

- From always smile to always grumpy! You become defensive and a lot of F*** word accommodating your brain and spilling it out from your mouth. Lunch break and 5PM bells, you will come back to your best and original you!

3. No growth. 

-Some people felt stuck because there is no development happening for their skills or knowledge. You should quit now if your department head wants you to sit there and do your job and no plans to have an improvement for you. 

4. Disrespect is all over the room. 

-Your boss disrespects you and you give a hell back to him. Your manager do not show empathy on you. Your supervisors always point finger. You do not feel secured and appreciated. Shouting is the "only" communication you know to be heard. 

5. Politics is in all time high! 

-Gossiping is your favorite dessert on your tea time and your boss plays favoritism. 

Please have respect and dignity to yourself.
Just quit! 

Well, that's it! Now it is time for you to think.

Hanggang Kelan Ako Magiging OFW?

Muntik ko na malimutan 5 years na pala akong ofw last Sunday, 1st November. I posted it on my facebook wall and I am shocked sa mga comments na natanggap ko. 

Our friend John says uwi na daw ako and even Sir Noli Alleje. To think about it di pa namin kayang umuwi mag-asawa. 

Bakit nga ba ako nangibang bayan? 
- Kasi gusto namin na magkasama kaming mag-asawa. Primary, hindi para sa trabaho, mahirap kasi ang magkahiwalay. 

Ikaw? Bakit ka nga po ba nagOFW? Ano ang primary mission mo? 

Ano ang pinakamahirap na naranasan ko dito bilang OFW? 
- Habang nanonood ako ng PinoyInvestor Episode 2, gusto ko maiyak. Di lang pala talaga ako ang nakaranas ng discrimination dito. Nung bago pa ako, syempre di ko pa sila gaanong naiintindihan kasi iba ang pronunciation and diction nila dito, may nagtanong sakin "Do you understand simple english or not?"  Nanliit ako nun. Gusto ko manakit ng tao. Haha. Meron pa, "I tripled your salary in here, so I want you to work three times too!". Gusto ko sunigaw nun at sabihin na "Ang monthly sahod ko LANG ang tinriple ninyo. Kaya kong kitain yang sahod na binibigay nyo sa pagpirma sa import entry sa customs!". 

Nakakapangliit diba? Kayo? Ano pinakamasakit na salita ang tinanggap ninyo? 

Saan napunta ang pera ko? -
Alam nyo ba na tinanong ako ng kapwa OFW ko nyan. Saan daw napunta ang pera nya? Di ko naman hawak pero ako ang tinanong nya. Hahaha! Kasi marami talaga sa atin na di talaga alam saan napunta ang pera nila.

Most of the OFWs talagang walang ipon. Bakit? Kasi marami silang napangako bago sila umalis. Magpatayo ng sariling bahay, mapag-aral ang mga kapatid, anak, pinsan, makabayad ng utang. Maraming dahilan bakit wala talagang ipon at minsan baon pa sa utang. Pero naisip ba ng OFW na tulad ko paano masusulusyunan yun? 

Magkaron ng check and balance. Bawat pinapadala dapat nakalista at alam mo na sa tamang pagpupuntahan ang mga ipapadala na funds. Kasi madaming kwento na naputulan sila ng ilaw/tubig dahil yung supposedly na pambayad eh pinambili ng bagong sapatos or pinang-inom. Hayy! Kay saklap! 

Isip-isip hanggat di pa huli ang lahat. 

May exit plan ba ako?
- Tanong yan ni Ms Salve Duplito ng ANC on the Money. Oo nga, ano ba ang exit plan naming mag-asawa lalo na at nagbabawas na ng empleyado ang mga company dito. Handa ba kami umuwi ng Pinas anytime? May ipon ba kami na maglalast ng 6-8 buwan kung sakaling mahirapan kami ng trabaho? 

Masasabi ko na we are on our halfway in building our exit plan. Malapit na. Sa awa't tulong ng nasa taas. 

Kayo? Hindi baka kayo hahagulgol pag biglang mare-trench kayo? 

Hanggang kelan ka magiging OFW?
- Ito ang gusto ko marinig na masagot. Hanggang kelan? Well, unless may balak ka na maging citizen ng bansa na kinabibilangan mo ngayon. Kasi madaming OFW iniwan ang anak after ng panganganak sa pinas para mamasukan  hanggang ngayon na may apo na sya hindi parin umuuwi kasi walang trabaho ang mga tao sa pinas. 

Ang ibang OFW eh tintapalan ng mga mamamahaling gamit ang pagkawala nila sa piling ng mga mahal sa buhay. Kaya imbes na turuan na magsikap ang nasa Pinas eh nagiging tamad at ayaw magsipagtrabaho. 

Kami hanggang kelan? Matapos lang nmin ang project namin sa Pinas at sana ay matapos na agad para makauwi na kami. Iba kasi na kasama mo ang mga mahal mo sa buhay diba? 

Yan po. Yaan ang mga tanong na gusto ko din sagutin ninyo. 

Limang taon na akong OFW at Anim na taon naman ang asawa ko at nagsisikap para mapagtagumpayan namin  ang pagbalik namin mag-asawa sa Pinas balang araw. 

Ang Anak ay Hindi Obligasyon ang Magulang

"Kayamanan ko ang mga anak ko.", madalas mo yan maririnig sa mga magulang. Sarap pakinggan diba? Eh ito?.."Pinag-aral ko kayo, ngayon na may mga trabaho na kayo magbayad na kayo sa amin ng nanay/tatay ninyo!"...Anong magiging reaction mo? 

Ang ibang magulang "utang" pala ang dating sa pagpapalaki ng anak. Kaya pala nag-anak ng madami para yung mga yun na ang bumuhay sa kanila at sitting-pretty na lang pag nagsipaglakihan na ang mga junakis nila. So paano naman ang kinabukasan ng anak? Wala na din? Lahat mapupunta sa magulang at pagpapalaki ng sarili nilang mga anak. They do not have capacity to plan and invest for their own retirement. At pag sila naman tumanda, it is either they will work on their entire life or aasa sa maliit na pension ng gobyerno o aasa sa mga anak. And the cycle goes on and on and on.

May naririnig pa nga ako, high-school palang sinasabi na sa anak na dalin sila sa ibang bansa, bilan sila ng sasakyan o ng bahay. Hindi naman masama mangarap ano po? Pero nagbibigay tayo ng maling isipin. Namumulat na ang mga bata na kayo bilang parents nila eh dedepende nyo ang mga naudlot nyong pangarap sa mga anak ninyo. Meron nga ako kaibigan, ang tagal bago nakapag-asawa dahil di pa daw tapos ang ang obligasyon nya sa pamilya nya. Lumagay kaya kayo sa ganong sitwasyon? Ang bigat ano po? Bigat na dalahin. Yung isa naman nag-abroad at nung gusto ng umuwi ng babae ang sabi sa kanya ng nanay nya "Anak, dyan ka na muna, di pa natin kaya na sama-sama tayo dito." Pasan mo ang daigdig lang ang tema pag ganyan ang maririnig mo. Nakakaiyak pero reality po yan. 

Naalala ko ang sabi ng tatay at nanay ko palagi "Obligasyon ng magulang ang mga anak. Pero ang anak eh hindi obligasyon ang magulang". Nakinkil sa mga isip nming magkakapatid yun. Sa ilang taon ko na nagtatrabaho kahit kelan di ako hiningan ng singko ng magulang ko. Hindi ako binigyan ng obligasyon o tinokahan sa bahay. Nagbibigay ako kung ano lang ang kaya ko. Pero nung nakapag-abroad ako, monthly may Php3,000 sila sa akin. Malaki o maliit? Yun ang di ko alam. Pero alam nyo tuwing nagigipit kaming mag-asawa nakakahiram kami sa knya ng daan-daang libo. At sinasabi ng tatay ko, "Yan ang pinapadala nyo, iniipon ko." 

Hindi ko sinulat ito para inggitin kayo dahil ganito ang mga magulang ko. Sinulat ko to para magmulat sa atin na sana pag naging magulang na tayo, eh wag tayong maging pabigat sa mga anak natin kapag may kanya-kanya na din silang pamilya. Ngayon palang magplano ng maayos para sa anak at para sa sarili. Baguhin natin ang mga dating papananaw na ngayon eh nagdudulot ng mga malaking di pagkaka-unawaan. Minsan sa madalas eh nagiging away ng mag-asawa or ng magkakapatid kung sino at magkano ang magbibigay para sa monthly expenses ng magulang.

Sa mga anak naman, hindi ko to sinulat para maging balasubas. Magbigay ng naayon sa puso. Tandaan nyo ang unang utos na may pangako, "Mahalin ang mga magulang". Para sa mga nanay at tatay, huwag maging "magulang" o tuso, huwang maging tamad kundi maging maayos na ama't-ina sa mga supling. 

To Taylor, Love Jealous Wife

24^th of July my husband went berserk when he got to know that you will visit again Singapore and he was delighted more that the concert was dated days before his 32^nd birthday. My husband assumes and feels that you knew his birthday and this came in no coincidence... that you planned it.

How crazy my husband to your angelic face and your songs? Well, when he proposed to me he always sing your “Love Story” and until we got married it resonates in my head. He plays your album in iMac, watches your mtvs in your vevo, and every time he got to listen in a store that is playing your music, he will stop awhile and stays until your song finishes. 

Do you know Taylor that my 3 siblings will be going here in Singapore to visit me and we arranged to go to Kuala Lumpur on the exact date of your concert? But when my husband and my siblings got to know about your concert they scrapped the KL plan and chose to see you perform. Gosh! All the time I spent in studying our itinerary was wasted. I obliged as majority voted for you. 

We waited for the ticket came on sale last June 30, at 10AM, me and my officemate tried to access the site but all our efforts were futile. We tried and tried to the extent that another colleague joined and help me to go through the ticketing sytem. Until on the night, I gave up. My husband told me that he is also trying and the sadness settled in his face.

Do not get me wrong that I am happy that we never got your ticket. 

Actually I fell in love to your music when you launched your 1989 album. It made me swing my hips and sing your song. Maybe someday, my husband will see you. In HIS perfect and sweet time.

Bless you more girl. A lot of people looking up for you as an inspiration and you put a lot of smiles in many people's face including mine.

Love,

Jealous BUT Happy Wife

Fatal Red Flags In Your Relationship That You May Be Ignoring

Madaming nagtatanong sa akin kung paano ko nalaman na si Abbey na ang dapat kong pakasalan. Well, yan din ang tanong ko sa mga kapatid ko nuon nung bata pa ako. Paano nila nalaman na yun na ang dapat nilang pakasalan?
Kasi sabi nga nila ang pag-aasawa ay hindi parang kanin na kapag sinubo mo at nainitan ka eh pwede mong iluwa. Pag napasubo ka sa pag-aasawa eh kahit masunog pa ang buong bibig at lalamunan mo sa init eh hindi mo na pwedeng iluwa. Walang bawian. 

Imbes na isa-isahin ko ang good traits ni Abbey eh iisa-isahin ko ang "red flags" for you to check if it does exist in your relationship or sa mapapangasawa mo. In that you can check if you will really have a happy ever after or hell after the "I do".

1. Laging nag-aaway. Kung magbf/gf palang kayo eh para na kayong aso't-pusa eh paano pa kaya kung yung pagmumuka pa ng asawa mo ang una at huli mong makikita sa araw-araw? Sabi nga sa Bibliya "Lalong maigi ang tumahan sa ilang na lupain, kaysa makisama sa palatalo at magagaliting babae.". Anyway, sino ba ang gusto na may asawa na nagger at lalake na pasaway?

2. Show me yours and I will show you mine. Hmmm. Malaki-laking debate ito tungkol sa privacy or own space ng mag-asawa. 

Sa aking pananaw kung wala ka naman na lihim na alam mong ikagagalit ng bf/gf mo eh bakit mo kailangang magtago? Ngayong mga panahon na ito hindi na uso ang tignan mo ang tao sa mata para makita sila kung may tinatago sila sayo. Ang uso ngayon ay tignan mo ang messages sa cellphone at Facebook. Haha! 

Dapat ba alam ninyo ang password ng cellphone, email or social media sites ng isa't-isa? Sa aking pananaw oo. Wala nman mawawala sayo at magiging good shot ka pa sa partner mo dahil alam ninyo na wala kang tinatago. 

3. History "almost" always repeats itself. Kapag may history ng pagiging babaero/lalakero ang bf/gf mo eh malamang sa malamang eh magawa niya din yun sayo. 

4. Honesty is the best policy. Ang nagsasama ng tapat ay nagsasama ng maluwat. 

Kapag nagsabi sa'yo na wala siyang Friendster/Facebook tapos malaman mo na meron pala? Kapag malaman mo na 2 pala ang phone nya? Kapag nalaman mo na pag may lakad siya ang sabi niya barkada ang kasama niya yun pala lalake..isang lalake. Kapag nag-update siya na single/complicated relationship tapos kapag tinanong regarding dun ang sagot eh "wala lang" or "trip ko lang".

Ang ibig sabihin nun makati pa sa dilang makati yang kapareha mo. Haha. 

5. Eh kung ang bukang bibig niya lagi eh pangalan ng iba't-ibang lalake/babae? Big RED FLAG! 

"Sapagka't sa kasaganaan ng puso ay nagsasalita ang kaniyang bibig."

Biro mo kayo ang magkasama pero ang araw-araw na topic niya eh si ka-officemate nya. Ano yun? 

6. "Kami lang naman ang magsasama. Ano ang pakialam ng mga kamag-anak niya?" Hindi totoo yun mga kaibigan. Narinig niyo na ba ang Mother-in-law from hell or pakialamerang mga hipag at bayaw? Think-think-think. 

Or kapag makita mo na yung kapatid ng kasintahan mo eh nag-aaway-away at nagsisiraan eh matakot ka na. Isipin mong mabuti kung yan ba ang gusto mong pamilya na sasalihan. Buy one take all ang pag-aasawa. Wala kang itatapon ni isa sa kanila. 

7. Kaibigan o ka-ibigan. Kapag madalas niyang pinipili to spend time with friends rather than to be with you is a big BYE! 

Ngayon pa lang  mas gusto niyang kasama ang ibang tao kesa sa'yo paano pa kaya kayo kapag you were pronounced as one? Dito mo masasabi talaga na walang forever. Haha!

8. Aba! Kung minamaliit ka ng bf/gf mo... Aba! Aba! Aba! Talaga! Hindi mo kailangan ng isang tao na manlalait sayo ng habambuhay. Ang pag-aasawa ay pagtutulungan sa ikaka-asenso ninyong dalawa. 

9. Blame means "be lame." Kung ang ikukuwento ng partner mo ngayon ay wala ng ginawang tama ang mga ex nila eh mangamba ka. Malamang sa malamang eh hindi yan tumatanggap ng pagkakamali at ang feeling niyan eh siya ang bida na laging inaapi at ang lahat eh kontrabida na. 

10. Self-centered. Puro na lang siya. Puro na lang ang gusto niya ang masusunod. Hindi marunong magbigay para naman sa kapakanan mo. Ang relasyon ay give and take. Kapag "take it, take it" ang drama, iwan mo na. Kalaunan niyan magsusumbatan pa kayo. 

11. Paano kung inggitero/inggitera? Ok lang mainggit kung gagawa ka ng paraan paano mo yun makuha. Eh kung ang partner mo ngayon pader ang niyayakap imbes ikaw eh magising-gising ka. Hindi masama mangarap pero kapag inutusan ka ngayon pa lang na mag-sanla or mangutang ng patubuan para lang sa "wants" niya eh kabahan ka na.

12. Mismong gf/bf mo ang nagkakalat ng tsismis mo at ng pamilya mo? Nuff said! 

13. Ahmm teka! Kilala ka ba talaga nya? I mean totoong ikaw ba ang pinapakita mo? Kapag ikaw mismo ang nagiging chameleon to please your partner eh dapat sa zoo ka na tumira.. Haha! 

Maraming points na dapat ilagay sa list na ito. May idadagdag pa kayo? Comment below :) 

A Man is NOT a FINANCIAL PLAN

At Manila South Port, Export Division.
Kuya: Balita ko may nanliligaw sayo.
Me: Dati kong boyfriend, Kuya.
Kuya: Anong trabaho?
Me: Engineer.
Kuya: Walang pera yun. Ang daming customs broker bakit hindi yun? Yung kasama ko dito sa opisina interesado sayo.
Me: Ayaw ko sa broker. Babaero! Haha!

Conversation with in-law:
Ate: Flavor of the month ka na naman dito. Ang talino mo daw kasi malaki sahod ng pinakasalan mo.
Me: Haha!

In two above conversation, alin ang tingin ninyo na totoo? Sasabihin ko sa inyo, both of those ay totoo.

Sabi nga nila isang buwang sahod ng engineer eh isang lodgement lang ng import declaration naming mga broker. Allowance ng engineer for his monthly expenses eh isang gabing pang-inom lang ng accredited licensed customs broker. At talagang naputanayan ko yun sa first date namin. Kung ang mga ibang suitors ko nuon eh sa mamahaling restaurant ako dinadala, aba first date nmin ni Abbey McDonalds Trinoma. Pero do not get me wrong, hindi ko siya minaliit nun, natuwa pa nga ako kasi walang pretentions. First date, one point agad. :)

After ng around 6 months na ligawan, naging kami.

So nung mag-on na kami. Meet-the-parents and the whole family na ang arte. And I am so shocked ng kausapin ako ng mama nya. Sinabi ng mama nya "Alam ko may kaya kayo, maganda stado mo sa buhay. Kami anak mahirap lang kami". And sinasabi nya yun while tears flowing. Kung di ko rin daw seseryosohin ang anak nya eh hiwalayan ko na agad. Gusto ko sana sumagot na "Tita, ako po ang babae. Tsaka di po ako namamanhikan." Haha. Nakakatuwa kasi they are so transparent. Meet-the-fambam.. 2 points.

So dun na ako nagtatanong about his career plan. He deliberately answered me back na ayaw niya ng promotions because ayaw niya ng responsibility and walang katapusan na meetings. On 2008  I am already a supervisor. So I know how it feels to be on a higher ground.

He went to Singapore, we got married and little by little I instilled to his mind how good it is to be promoted. What are the pros to be managements' apple of the eyes and leading the team to what is good for the company.

Yang paliit-liit na salita na yan minsan napupunta sa pang-iirap. And lucky some of the books he have read taught him and backed me up of the idea. Heaven conspires and the right time came to Abbey.. Taas rango-taas sweldo.

Yes, I am that wise to choose Abbey to be my partner. Because I see in him the potentials well-hidden in a box of insecurities. I see in him his value that he never knew. I see how knowledgeable he is in managing people when he was described by the men and women around him.

Yung taga-Customs na nagsabi na wag si Abbey ay ginawa naming ninong sa kasal and on some kamustahan...
Kuy Ninong: Bilib ako sayo tahimik lang pero may napupundar na kayong mag-asawa.
Me: Kailangan po eh.
Kuya Ninong: Power Couple kayo iha!

Be the King and Queen of each other and together build your empire. Happy 4th Year Wedding Anniversary Baby!

Dear Main Tenants... (Singapore HDB/Condos Room for Rent)

Dear Main Tenants...

Main Tenants po ang tawag sa mga tao na directly na nakikipagusap sa mga agents or landlords to rent their house. Sila ang nakapirma sa mga Tenancy Agreements. And on that they are the one responsible in any thing that may happen to that HDB/Condo property.

As Filipino Expat, we chose to rent only a room, not a full flat. Why? It will be a great saving for us. So kasama sa pag-upa ng room lang eh kailangan makisama sa iba pang nakatira sa bahay na iyon. And it is never been a problem sa amin. I chose to post this blog to let all the main tenants or may ari ng bahay na makisama din sana sila sa lahat na kasama nila sa loob ng bahay. Both ends should adjust and meet in the middle.

Main tenant ka ba? Basahin mo ito. Baka kaya walang tumatagal na mag-stay sa mga kwarto mo eh dahil ganito ka or mga ganito ang nangyayari sa loob ng bahay.

1. As your tenant, inuupahan namin ang kwarto and lahat ng tao sa bahay should respect its own privacy. Huwag kayong basta na lang papasok sa room at sana pagsabihan ninyo din ang anak ninyo. Baka feeling ng anak niyo extension yun ng kwarto ninyo. Haha! Knock-knock muna bago pumasok.

2. Main tenants huwag maging gahaman sa space ok? Sa common area like sala, kitchen and storage area dapat hati-hati. Huwag mong i-hug lahat. May mga gamit din ang tenants mo na hindi pwede sa loob ng kwarto like kawali, sapatos or maruming damit.

3. Alam mo naman siguro ate/kuya ang oras ng pasok ng mga nangungupahan sa mga kwarto ninyo. Baka naman pwede huwag kayong magpatutog ng malakas na radyo, mag-drums or mag-piano. Pwede naman yan kung lahat ay gising na. Or use headseats na lang for your own pleasure.

4. Do not tell us na wala dapat bayad ang bata sa utilities. Sa dinami-dami ng mga gadgets ng anak mo, maya't-maya ang ligo, palit diaper, pakulo ng tubig, sterilize ng dede at charge ng kotse nilang laruan eh mas malaki pa ang kinukunsumo nila sa mga tenants mong maghapong wala sa bahay.

5. BABALA: Huwag dayain ang resibo ng PUB. Madaming AXS Machine na nakakalat. All we have to do is scan the barcode. Baka sa ginagawa mong yan eh mahagupit ka pa ng yantok sa Changi Prison.

6. Kapag may rules ka like wag tulo-tulo ang sampay, buksan lagi ang exhaust fan pag magluluto, laging i-lock ang main door at kung anu-ano pa eh siguraduhin mong pati ikaw sumusunod. Huwag double-standard mga kapatid.

7. Andito kami para mag-ipon kaya lahat ng tipid ginagawa ng OFW. I-solve ang issue sa loob ng bahay like pagkawala ng bigas, cooking oil or sabon panlaba, gadgets, damit pati sandwich wrap. Or baka may iba kayong dahilan bakit hindi naso-solve ang "disappearing cases".

8. May gamit ka pero gagasgasin mo eh yung gamit ng iba. Kapag nasira na yung hiniram mo, at ikaw na ang hinihiraman eh nakasimangot ka. Anong klase namang ugali yan?

9. Kung makikigamit ka ng pass ng tenants ninyo siguraduhin ninyo na babayaran ang bills. Huwag hayaan na magkaron ng pangit na credit history ang ibang tao dahil lang sayo. Ay teka! Bakit ka nga ba nakikigamit ng ibang pangalan? Blacklisted na kayo malamang sa lahat ng networks dito sa Singapore dahil sa failure to make payments. Mga kababayan huwag basta-basta magpahiram ng credit card or IC. Ok?

10. Nagtataka ba kayo bakit yung iba ayaw magpa-upa sa couples with kids? Yun ay dahil sa ingay. Hindi porke ikaw ang main tenant eh okay lang minu-minuto nagbubulahaw sa iyak ang anak mo. Baby yan, natural yan. Kaya sana pag ngumangawa na eh ipasok mo na sa kwarto ninyo ng para makulong ang ingay. Hindi yung umiiyak sa loob ng kwarto eh papalabasin niyo pa kasi kayo mismo naiingayan.

Lagi mong isipin ate/kuya paano kung sa inyo gawin ang mga gnagawa ninyo? Huwag laging pakamig. Kasi ang mga nagpaparaya eh nagsasawa din. Baka kamukat-mukat ninyo nakakalat na mga mukha ninyo sa social media bewaring mga tao na umupa sa inyo. Sige ka!

Sa mga katulad kong nangungupahan kung di nyo na talaga kaya ang rules sa loob ng bahay eh umalis na lang kayo. Ang daming bahay/room for rent nowadays. Ngayon ay panahon ay buyers' market pwede ka na mag-haggle ng upa. Sa amin ngang lilipatan ang rate ay $3700 for the whole flat natawaran ng $3000.

Magmuni-muni guys for harmonious relationship sa loob ng bahay. :) 

Financially-Happily Ever After

Madaming tao nagtatanong sa akin ano ang tingin ko sa kanilang mga problema sa puso. Hindi as sakit ha kundi relasyon sa knilang mga boyfriend/girlfriend o mga asawa. Nuon ganun lang. Ngayon dahil malamang lahat ng kakilala ko ay may mga asawa na, hindi maiiwasan na tanungin din nila ako ng mga usapin tungkol sa budgeting nmin mag-asawa. 

Nung nag-share ako ng pasasalamat sa Financial Group 2nd Anniversary year-end party, yung iba nagulat nung sinabi ko na kanya-kanya kaming hawak ng pera ni Abbey. Hindi na yun bago sa mga talagang malalapit sa amin. Pero syempre yung mga kakakilala pa lang eh bukod sa gulat eh madami din tanong. Tulad ng... 
1. Paano mo malalaman kung sobra na ang pinapadala ng asawa mo sa pamilya nya
2. Paano mo malalaman kung anu-ano pinagkakagastusan ni mister. 
3. Baka mamaya may kalaguyo na yan. Ikaw din. 
4. Sino ang nagiipon para sa future ninyo? 
At kung anu-ano pa. 

But for me financially-happily ever after evolves in different values of human. Basahin mo ung mga susunod at magkaron ka ng check-list. 

TRUST
I trust Abbey's decisions how to spend his hard earned money. My father even told me way back before "Ang asawa mo nagiisip bago gumastos."  He even have an app to monitor his monthly expenses. 

"Nakapagpadala na tayo para kila papa.", monthly yan na maririnig ko sa asawa ko. Pag hindi nya nabanggit for 1st week ako na magtatanong kung naitransfer na nya na ba ung para sa kanila.Sa side ko? He knew it all. We only have one account in remittance center and it was named after him. So, every month when I am giving money for my dad and mom's monthly allowance he is always asking "Hindi mo dadagdagan?". 

Diba? Sarap ng mga ganyan klaseng tanungan? Kaysa sa "Nagbigay ka na naman sa pamilya mong batugan!". Haha! 

HONESTY
Maging tapat sa isa't-isa kung magkano ang pumapasok at magkano ang lumalabas. In that way, you and your spouse can both adjust. Baka kasi yung partner mo buong katawan at utak ay pagod na pagod na kakatrabaho para kumita ng pera, ikaw naman bili dun at kain dito ang inaatupag para lang may ma-ipost sa facebook. 

Alam ni Abbey ang sahod ko at ganun din ako sa sahod nya. Pero we do not get the habit na i-check ng i-check ang mga bank accounts ng isa't-isa. We know each other's passwords pero dahil nga walang dahilan para magsinungaling eh it is only a waste of time to see if the amount debited and payslip is totally the same. 

Na-save na ang oras ninyo wala ka pang sakit sa damdamin kakahinala. 

COMMUNICATION
Usap-usap din pag may time. Mali! Dapat laging magusap. 

Baka naman kaya hindi maaayos-ayos ang buhay ninyo kasi ayaw nyo upuan. Baka naman bubuka pa lang ang bibig ni mister para pagusapan ang gastusin eh nakasinghal ka na kaagad. 

Naalala ko ung housemate ng kaibigan ko dito sa Singapore nung tinanong niya ako about sa telenovela kung ano na ang nangyari. Sabi ko pasensya na di ako nanood ng mga drama. Ang point ko lang, imbes na ubusin niyo ang oras niyo pakikipagtitigan sa tv eh bakit hindi kayo mag-usap mag-asawa? At sana kapag mag-usap kayo eh magpakumbaba kung may mali man kayo at yung may tama naman ay wag maninigaw. 

Gawin nating lahat ng may pagmamahal. Alalahanin ninyo asawa ninyo ang kausap nyo hindi ninyo treasurer or sekretarya. 

HIYA
Mukha akong magastos pero kung kilala nyo ako eh sasabihin ninyo na "tsani" ako. Tulad ni Abbey bago ako bumili eh nagiisip ako ng madaming beses kung kailangan ko ba ang bagay na yun. Kung matipid ka hindi lang sa salita kundi sa gawa eh mahihiya ang partner mo na gumastos sa walang katuturan. 

Walanghiya din ako alam nyo ba yun? Si Abbey bago nagkaroon ng iPad/iMac madami akong tanong kung bakit nya kailangan. Makalipas ang 3 buwan pumayag ako at maraming kundisyon. Kailangan nya ma-100% ang exam nya at kailangan ay sa IT show namin bilhin para kung hindi man discounted eh madaming makuha na freebies. 

COMPATIBILITY
I am so blessed to have a husband which complements my goals in life. I am so blessed that I have my own cheerleader. Every time I lay a plan, he never tells a "no". He always tell na "I think this would be better."  

We both believe in investing and aiming for an early retirement. We are in the same page when it comes helping people in need and we learned to harden our heart when lazy people are asking for funds. Ayaw namin sana maging dahilan ng pag-aawayan ay pera. 

Dati tuwing magkukuwento ako gaano ako kaswerte sa asawa ko kasi mag-apat na taon na kami kasal eh wala pa talagang away na nagaganap sa amin; ngayon na-realize ko na may away na pala. Tinawagan ko siya sa trabaho nun at nanggigigil ko syang tinanong, "Nag-withdraw ako kanina, lumaki yung balance ng account ko. Dinagdagan mo na naman pera ko 'no?". 

Ang asawa ko nasa kabilang linya. Tumatawa. Ang cute-cute ko daw. Haha! 

We are both thankful to our parents who set good financial values in us. Kung nagkulang ang nanay at tatay mo sa pangangaral sayo about sa money management eh di pa huli ang lahat para matuto. 

Mas maigi ang magtanong kesa magmarunong. Kaya sana bago magpakasal eh mapag-usapan ninyo ang mga bagay na pinansyal. Makikita mo dun kung magiging asset ba ang magiging asawa mo or liability, magiging cheerleader mo ba sya o greatest critic, magiging masaya ka ba pagtapos ng kasal o kinabukasan pagtapos ninyong mag-"I DO" ay baon ka na sa utang. 

Isip-isip...

Tandaan, ang isa sa kadalasang dahilan ng paghihiwalay ng mga mag-aasawa eh pera. 

2014: On HIS Grace

Me: Why is your face like that?
Colleague: Because I am sad.
Me: Why are you sad?
Colleague: You know, sometimes you will wake up and feel unhappy.
Me: Why?
Colleague: Don't tell me it didn't happened to you before.
Me: It happens to me. But not a lot. And whenever it occurs, I asked my husband to sing. Oh! I'll call my husband, I will ask him to sing for you.

Then she smiled. And every time I see her she always tells me that she's happy and no need to call my hubby. Haha.

*******

This 2014 many hurdles were set on our way. We were tested financially, emotionally and our trust to ALMIGHTY.

Some were the events that can break me and my husband but we chose to cling more to each other and jumped together these hurdles.

--> This year my mother-in-law won her battle with cancer. No more pain, she's in the hands of the LORD.

You can see how wrecked he is inside. He still hopes for her to heal but all the medical facts shows the opposite. "Do you have any regrets that's why you can't let her go", I asked Abbey. He replied back "No". Then after that he woke up from reality that we need to accept the fact about Mama's case. Abbey flew back and forth to Manila to spend more time with Mama. We Skype-d, call and sms Mama everyday. We want her to feel how much we love her. We always asked her "Mama love mo kami? Hanggang saan? Proud ka ba sa amin?" She will answer back with a snobbish tone. Malamanng nakukulitan na yun sa amin. Haha! 

My mother-in-law proved how easy to deal with this infamous disease if you all give all your worries to HIM.

--> My father hit by a mild stroke and this made our family bond stronger. Every family member had done their part. My sister and Kuya Laleng gave their time to be with father while he is on ICU and Kuya Ric took care of the medical bill through the help of Philhealth. Me? I flew back home to clean my dad's 4-storey house. Haha! Mission accomplished.

--> ALMIGHTY's grace shone on us again when the lymphoma of my sister-in-law was detected in an early stage. HE again proved that HE owns the richness in this world. From first session up to the eighth, Ate Rizbeth's chemotherapy was finished. THE ALMIGHTY provided it with no hesitation.

Blessings poured to Ate Riz. From siblings, relatives, churchmates, friends, government organizations and even private companies helped financially. "Kahit kailan ang DIOS ko ay hindi nagkulang". 

Despite of her condition, Abbey and I got a good chance to spend with Ate Rizbeth and her family here in Singapore not only once but twice!!! :)

--> My grandmother passed away. I am happy. All sufferings were done and she left wonderful memories for me to reminisce.

The day that I went to visit her and she asked if she can have my earrings. When I handed the pair of gold to her she eyed for my ring. I refused to give it to her. Why? "Lola, wedding ring po namin ito ni Abbey." She looked to my husband and gave a hilarious laugh. Haha! Everytime I phoned Lola, she always say a simple "Salamat sa lahat. Buti ka pa di mo ako nalilimutan". (Shocks I wanna cry).

I do not regret anything as I know I have done and gave the best I could as her granddaughter. And I know she is proud of me and my husband.

Happiness is a choice as also your sadness. You can't totally avoid problems to come your way but you can choose the problem to be a blessing rather an obstacle.

Everything happens for a reason and I hope this post help you to see more light than darkness in every challenge we encountered.

Choose to be happy. 

Have You Asked Your Parents If They Are Proud Of You?

I'm always longing for a conversation with my mom. She can talk all day and night about her past. The past that holds her darkest time, my mom and dad's struggles, and how they mapped it to success.

My mom never got a chance to be in college. She really wants to finish studies and be an employee but she needs to assist my grandmother in everything they are in to. She told me that she even walked a mile selling fish to their neighbourhood. 

She went on to many hardships. She and her friends sold cooked food at employees in Philippines' Central Business District. She envied the staffs at first, the uniforms and well-groomed hair, high heels and the scents of their perfumes but when she befriend them and know how much they earn, a spark of hope lighted on her head. She earns more than the employees and inculcated in her mind that business will get you successful, financially, and not being an employee. 

Business after business until she settled for a second-hand lumber firm. When I was born all was okay. Mom and dad have spare money for all our the needs and wants. Mom provided insurances with mutual fund to dad and my two brothers. I had educational plan. When Ate reached her 18th birthday, a 4-storey building was built to be our new home. She bought parcels of land in different places for us to build our future houses when we got married. Would you imagine she even got a land for our final resting place or if we want to be cremated she got also lockers for our urns?

My mom have an Alzheimer and that disease is faster than it seems. Every time I call home, I always ask her, if she still knows me, if she still knew her past, if she knew what's happening around, if she knew my pains and my husband's success. And before hanging up the phone, I never forget to ask her if she is proud of me and my siblings. She always answers me back "Oo naman!" and one by one she will enumerate the reasons why.

After reciting her reasons she will next remind me of her golden rule. "Di baleng ikaw ang masaktan kesa ikaw ang makapanakit, di baleng ikaw ang niloko kesa ikaw manloko, di baleng ikaw ang nakawan wag lng ikaw ang magnakaw." When I was a child I always answered back "oo na, paulit-ulit naman" but now I really appreciate her rule. That made me and my siblings better persons.

That's how our talk goes every time I call. I love how satisfied she is when she remembers all her experiences and saw the fruit of her labour. 

Thanks Nanay for all the sacrifices, we are reaping the benefits today.

To Shift or Not "Two" Shifts? That is the Question.

Just recently, we faced a battle and we succumbed by the fact that Abbey can't sustain the 1week rotating schedule. Officially announced this month the 2-week shifting for my husband. After almost 5 years staying in his company, the change came. I was shocked and the gloomy cloud of reality get in to my bubble of comfort. As always, I need to check the brighter side of this event. 

Good points I pondered:
1. As I hate my husband having a 10-day night shift, it is an extra money for us.. Hello to night differential. Kaching-kaching!

2. I called it dreaded EMEA shift. Why? I will go to office while Abbey is sleeping and he will be coming home too late and all he can see is me.. In my deep slumber. Brighter side? I can do a "me time".  Clean the room, kitchen, cabinets, etc. Oh, hello to Saturday dates.

3. For APAC, we will be going to office together and dinner date at nights. :) 

4. "I miss you" sms flooding both of our inboxes. 

If you will delve in all negative thoughts that succumbing life gives us there will be no good outcome we can treasure. Accept the facts, always look at the brighter side and focus more on the things you can control. You'll see life is more easier and more fun to handle with.

Money Can't Buy

Yes money can buy happiness. Now money can buy almost everything. Oh, even falling in love can be influenced by money.

But after my insanely awesome mother-in-law died, I just realized that time is one of the things money can't buy.

Do you know the feeling that your back is against the wall. No space to move, no other options to take but to wait and pray? In Mama Vangie's last minute I am just wishing that I bought a ticket back to Philippines a day earlier. In that my husband can hug and kiss her until her last breath. That we have more time to spend with her.

I know she understands us why we work here in Singapore but our heart is still longing for her, that we wish we can spend more minutes with her.

And on that event, we decided to work hard and invest harder. We want to go back in Philippines earlier than our targeted year of retirement. We want to see all our loved ones, we want to maximize all the seconds with them. We are hoping this plan will prosper... In His time.

Gift of Death

Once I was astounded when the most sensible preacher I known told us while he is on the pulpit that death is a gift. All I know from my childhood it's a curse due to non-compliance of Adam and Eve. But Bro. Eli explains that its a gift from above, for the Almighty cut the suffering of the imperfect flesh. Flesh once perfect to be in Paradise forever.

Mama Sweet was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer last 2007 and doctor told them that maybe she can only live for a couple of years. Hey, she was given more time to spend with her family!

Last May 2013 the cancer attacked with a greater force. She was in California that time and received all the possible treatment she can get. After all the radiation and intravenous meds, again the doctor pronounced that maybe she can't make it going back to Bulacan.

She was picked up by an ambulance at Mommy's home. Thanks to PAL for accommodating out the request for my mom-in-law to travel on stretcher. Plane arrived at NAIA 2 and ambulance was there to transport her to Meycauayan.

Mama Sweet is back with glow of hope in her eyes. We spend days and nights looking after her. Taking care of her needs. We know its not that far, we must stretch all our time to be with her.

Feb 7, after 3 months of battle against the pain, she bid goodbye.

When Ate Rizbeth broke the news all I can do is sob. Even though I know it will come.. but there's still a pain that struck me. I pat my tears dry and Abbey hold my hand for a prayer.

As I told my husband, we need to let go of her. This is just the beginning of forever for her. There is no pain, no suffering, no cancer in the hands of Almighty.

Til we meet again, to the sweetest mama in law in the whole wide world.