Why I love BPI Credit Cards

I'm mired in debt. It's mostly credit-card related.

I've been paying over the minimum but it seems the balance just do not get smaller every month. Instead, it's really slooooooooooooooooowww in coming (for my outstanding balance to lessen that is).

But thank God for BPI Credit Card's balance transfer program. I was able to pay in full my two other credit cards and will just concentrate in paying my BPI credit card monthly.

It pays to have a BPI card. It gives you leeway to ease your financial burden on credit card.

Now that I was given the privilege, it's time for me to discipline myself again in handling my credit card payments.

I've been there, done that.

It's just that sometimes, when you become greedy, the credit card can easily take over.

Lesson learned.

And I'm grateful BPI paved the way to ease my financial burden.

Don't ask me how. Just call 89-100 for details. ;-)

Living to be 80

I'm in my mid-40s and I plan to live until 80.

This Bible verse stuck with me. It says:

The length of our days is seventy years - or eighty, if we have the strength;
yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. (Psalm 90:10)

So is this possible?

Who decides up to how long can a man live?

Is it up to God or do we control our destiny?

I believe that if we have a goal - we should work toward that goal. So how do I do it?

There are many ways to reach that goal but you have to be diligent about it.

First, I have to take care of my physical needs. By taking care of my physical needs, I have to balance my diet, maintain a regular exercise to keep myself fit and appropriate regular time for rest.

I am actually in tune with that. I also make it a point to go through a blood chemistry exam on a yearly basis - a preventive measure, just to make sure that my health is still within the normal limits and I won't be needing any medicaiton at all, as each year passes by.

Another area that I have to look at is the emotional aspect of my life. For sure, I need to have time for myself once in a while - it's literally to come apart, to go solo, to be on your own like gaining perspective. And to reinvigorate myself, I need to recreate. This can be done in the form of a hobby, sports or any other activity that takes you away from your routine. And maybe, once in a while, my body needs to cultivate a cheerful heart. I strongly believe that laughter is the best medicine. It's like all work, and no play. I need to humor myself or at least laugh with the people I meet.

Last but not the least (actually this could be the most important of all). I need to fine tune my spiritual life. I need to commune with God on a daily basis. And how do I do it? By starting the day with quiet time. A quiet time consists of reading the Scriptures, reflecting on the message God intended for you and praying to God. But no man is an island. I need to be a part of a small Group for a Christian without a small group is like a spiritual orphan. This way, it keeps you renewed whenever you meet up to fellowship with your small group members. Lest I might forget, I need to make this a weekly habit and that is, by attending Sunday worship - to meditate on God's message and to remind myself to set a time or day for God.

If I can commit to all these 3 habits, I believe that living to be 80 is attainable.

So I say, help me God but

Thy will be done.

My Spiritual Heroes

When I was a kid, these are my spiritual heroes who opened the doors for me and led me to Jesus, my Lord and Savior:

1. Dale Carnegie

2. Og Mandino

3. Norman Vincent Peale

4. John Maxwell

5. Billy Graham

6. Rick Warren


Dale Carnegie, Og Mandino and Norman Vincent Peale taught me to stop worrying and start living; to be a successful in sales; and to think positive in life.


Armed with a positve mindset, John Maxwell, Billy Graham and Rick Warren, instilled in me true leadership skills borne out of love which made me strive to love like Jesus.


Loving is not fun and never easy at all. Human love wears out. Forgiving is a tough act to do.


But all these can be done if we will let Jesus to live in us so that we can do what seems impossible to us.


For with God, nothing is impossible.

Keeping Score

How do you know if you win or lose in a game? By keeping score right?

The same way with Life.

Whether you like it or not, God keeps score.

You see, at the end of your life, God will judge you for how you lived your life.

I'm not even talking about salvation. Let's just confine ourselves with keeping score.

Even in dieting, you keep score. For example, I'm on a diet. But this week, I'm already 0-2 because for the past 2 days, I ate rice. Yup, my diet should be a no rice diet. And so by tomorrow, I will try again. And at the end of the month, I will keep score of my weight. I am already 213 lbs as of yesterday. The past couple of months, I was 220 lbs. So by keeping score, I have lost 7 lbs. Now I did not lose this game. To me, it was a won game. However, the game doesn't stop. Once you have reached your desired weight, you have to keep score to maintain it.

So, keeping score is important.

It determines your proximity to your failures or successes.

It also motivates you to reach for your goal or neglect it altogether.

So, what's your score lately?

Helpful Tips

A little help will go a long way. Spread the word!


Ants Problem: Ants hate cucumbers. Keep the skin of cucumbers near the place or ant hole.

To get pure and clean ice: Boil water first before freezing.

To make the mirror shine: Clean with sprite.

To remove chewing gum from clothes: Keep the cloth in the freezer for an hour.

To whiten white clothes: Soak white clothes in hot water with a slice of lemon for 10 minutes.

To give a shine to hair: Add one teaspoon of vinegar to hair then wash hair. 

To get maximum juice out of lemons: Soak lemons in hot water for one hour and then juice them.


To avoid smell of cabbage while cooking: Keep a piece of bread on the cabbage in the vessel while cooking.
 
 To avoid tears while cutting onions: Chew gum.
 

To boil potatoes quickly: Skin one potato from one side only before boiling.


To remove ink from clothes: Put toothpaste on the ink spots generously and let it dry completely then wash.

To skin sweet potatoes quickly: Soak in cold water immediately after boiling.

To get rid of mice or rats: Sprinkle black pepper in places where you find mice or rats. They will run away.


Hope this helps. Cheers!

They're Back!

The Marcoses are back.

There's one in the Senate. One in Congress. One in Ilocos Norte as Governor.

And now the latest news, the majority of the congressmen have approved (?) of the Marcos petition that the body of the late Ferdinand E. Marcos, be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

For sure, this has sparked another outrage from the pro-Aquino camps.

What an irony indeed.

Last 1986, when the Filipinos introduced People Power when they ousted Marcos from the seat of government, it was like euphoria - a testament to the Filipinos' battlecry against dictatorship.

More than 20 years later, the Marcoses are back in power and are inching toward the burial of the late strongman in the Libingan ng Bayani or Heroes' Cemetery at the Fort.

Again, who's to blame?

Will our country look dumber and dumber by ousting a dictator only to bury him in a place reserved for heroes?

The former Senator Saguisag suggested that the place be renamed Libingan ng mga Bayani at mga Pangulo or Cemeteries for the Heroes and Presidents.

What will become of our country? Will we become a laughingstock for being such a paradox?

In the first place, does it really matter if the Marcoses are buried in the land reserved for heroes?

What's in a name anyway?

Am I one of the many who couldn't care less?

If Ninoy and Cory, both considered heroes, are not buried there but just in Manila Memorial Park, a privately owned heritage park, what's the difference if Marcos will be buried in the Heroes' Park?

Shouldn't the people focus on more important matters, more so, our politicians?

Sometimes, I'm sick and tired of these issues between the Aquinos and the Marcoses.

Do they own our country?

Can't we have other or better options to lead our country?

They've had their share and there's not much difference to date.

I wouldn't be surprised if one day, Bongbong Marcos will become president. He has the makings of a president, being a son of the former president, he has the money, the political connections, the bearing and everything that will hypnotize our masses.

And maybe Kris Aquino will be ready to prevent Bongbong from becoming president.

They have made the Philippines their virtual playground. tsk!

Who's to Blame?

Now critics, celebrities, Human Rights Groups and even the Catholic Church are ganging up on Willie Revillame.


But what was really the fault of Willie? That he made the poor kid dance or gyrate in front of the tv camera at his expense and let the boy continue while the boy is crying already (which made critics fume more against Willie). What exacerbated the issue was Willie's statement that the little boy will do anything for the money (which is only P10,000) to help his family. This really drew a slew of criticisms and violent reactions esp from anti-Willie fanatics.


In a sense, what Willie did was uncalled for and whether you like it or not, even if the boy's family is ok with it, what was committed went against Willie's claim that all he did was to make the people happy (yeah, at the expense of the poor kid). Talk about twisted logic. 


And here lies the bigger issue.


Was it really Willie Revillame's fault?


In the Inquirer's headline today, Monique Wilson, was telling it like it is to the TV networks: Do not dumb down on the people. In tagalog, wag niyo gawing tanga ang mga pinoy.


So, was it the TV networks fault? For coming up with shows like these that dumb down on people?


But this is what clicks with the masa or the Filipino masses. So naturally, any TV networks would come up with a sound business proposition that will deliver programs that entice the Filipino masses to tune in to their programs.


So, was it the advertisers or the sponsors' fault? 


No audience. No sponsors. No game shows like these. No hosts like Willie Revillame who certainly has a solid fan base among the Filipino masses.


Now, you connect the dots.


So, who's to blame? 


Will you blame the masa for continuing to flock and feed on game shows like these?


Can you really blame the masa? They're in it for the money and this is the easiest way to earn money... sometimes, even at their expense. Never mind that the game makes them dumber or makes them look dumb as long as they're given easy money so they can buy food to eat.


Is this cultural? economical? or political?


If you will dig deeper beneath the underlying issues...


Is this the government's fault?


What?! 

Bb. Pilipinas 2011

Congratulations to this year's winners of the Bb. Pilipinas Universe, International and Tourism. Hmmm, Tourism sounds like a new award to me? Is this the World title?

Anyway, as expected, No. 26 or Shamcey Supsup, to be a placer indeed because of her earlier awards. She's already a favorite by that virtue alone. But her beauty is not a Filipina beauty in the exotic sense. But I like her. She's not only beauty personified. She's got the brains too having graduated magna cum laude from UP with an Architectural degree at that! Wow!

I also like No. 33. Dianne Necio. She's tall and smart. I thought she'll bag the World title. Again, is that the Tourism plum?

Last but not the least, I never expected No. 25 to win (Isabelle Manjon). She's not even a favorite. But she possess the Filipina beauty the most among the three winners.

Anyway, congrats to all the winners and the contestants - just by being a part of it makes each one of you a winner already. I hope you will all bring a major, major honor to our country! Cheers!

At this time of the year

Sometimes, you just feel flat. No motivation at all. No energy. You just want to lie down and enjoy solitude.


That's what happens to me sometimes.


It is at this time of the year that you just want to detach yourself from your routine.


Some call this rest. Surely, this couldn't be rest. It's actually more than rest. Because rest should be routine or at least once a week. You take a day off. Even God rested after the Creation. You call this Sabbath.


But okay, for lack of a better term. This feeling is closer to rest.


Everybody needs a time off - a break from the usual. 


And the benefits are substantial. You get to refresh, recharge, renew.


Then you're off to another day.


Life goes on.

The dependable and affordable remedy for Gout

After taking my blood chemistry test, one significant result was my uric acid was way above normal.


I thought water is merely the cure for treating gout or lessening the uric acid in my system.


Good thing that my mother gave me a list of a guide to food selection in combating or at least preventing gout.


I will only focus on food that I should eat or at least allowed to eat thereby minimizing the risk. Here are the list of allowed foods that one can eat without increasing the risk of gout:


1. Beverages
2. Butter, margarine
3. Bread
4. Milk (low fat)
5. Gelatin (gulaman)
6. Tea and coffee
7. Fruits
8. Cheese
9. Eggs
10. Cereal or cereal products
11. Vegetables


Hope this will help those already with gouts or those who would want to live a healthier lifestyle.

My Top 10 for the FHM 100 sexiest women in the world

My top 10 sexiest, prettiest and hottest babe for 2011.

1. Maria Ozawa - who doesn't know this hot JAV star in the Pacific side of the planet?

2. Sam Pinto - what class!

3. Solenn Heussaff - hotness and class!

4. RR Enriquez - any male blood would shoot up seeing this hotness.

5. Anne Curtis - at her peak right now. a classy lady indeed.

6. Phoemela Baranda - sultry and seductive at its best.

7. Iwa Moto - naughty and grace personified.

8. Cristine Reyes - makes hot bloodied men crave for more!

9. Precious Lara Quigaman - grace and beauty!

10. Heart Evangelista - pretty and class!

Annual Routine

Ever since I left the corporate world, I took it upon myself to take a yearly physical check up for preventive measure and maintenance purposes.

As we grow older as each year passes by, we are left with no choice but to deal with the stark reality which is whether we like it or not, our body will succumb to sickness and inevitably to dust shall we return. Whew!

So far, so good. I got half of my blood chemistry results yesterday. Tomorrow, will be a day of reckoning as I will get my results that will determine if I'm already diabetic or not.

Diabetes unfortunately runs in the family. So like it or not, no matter how careful you are in taking care of your body and health, if diabetes hits your system, you just have to deal with it.

So I am not being totally complacent or passive about this whole thing. I am doing my share by being conscious of my health and I try to be aware of what I eat and I actually "force" myself to do some physical activity like cardio and weights, just to go through the motions.

Here's hoping that my efforts will spare me again for another year from the disease and hopefully for the rest of my life.

The Good News, The Bad News

I know someone who looks forward to the news everyday. Nothing wrong with that. Except that this person's mindset and outlook in life is always negative. Thanks to the media for feeding this person nothing but bad news everyday.


In psychology, when you hope for the best but expect the worst, the latter always prevail. Why is that, you may ask. I think on equal footing, the negative vibrations far outweigh the positive vibes. Maybe we, humans, are intrinsically negative persons. But that's just my opinion.


So instead of focusing on the bad news, I suggest that we practice our faith. 


But how do we practice our faith if lack faith in the first place?


Then my friend, start reading the Good News.


Do not only read but pray because if you are knowledgeable about God, there is really no difference between you and the devil for the devil also believes in God. But praying to God sets you apart from the evil one.


Practice having faith in God my friend.


And you can start by immersing yourself with the Good News.


So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ. - Romans 10:17 (NLT)

Complicated Relationships

When I was a kid, I used to read the Bible with illustrations. I love reading it as a child.


Once, I was looking at the 10 commandments and had the courage to tell myself back then which of the commandments that I'm sure I wouldn't commit in my entire life.


One of them was this commandment - "Do not commit adultery."


Fast forward 20 years later, and I found myself in my very first serious relationship, loving a married woman. She's not even separated then at that time. Although her marriage was on the rocks, I would consider, my entry literally broke her marriage into pieces. 


It was pure heaven at the start. I never knew what love was until I met that girl. She taught me what it is to love, how it is to love, and more importantly, it felt good to be loved and cared for by someone you love.


I was living in fantasy. I was hoping it would never end but alas, some good things never last.


As time goes by, complications started seeping in. Her husband though they were physically separated that time, was still wooing her and bent on breaking us apart.


We tried to stay strong together despite the challenges that faced us but in the end, circumstances intervened or should I say, God, and the rest is history.


She was my soulmate. I thought we'd meet again and we'd be together again but as the years went on, the love that we once had slowly drifted apart and on my part, was replaced by another complicated relationship.


Yup, I got into another adulterous relationship. Same situation but this time, the girl has a daughter. And it was made more complicated because the woman I fell in love with was too hard up that I had to dole her as the need arise. 


Soon, I find myself drowning in credit card trap because I had to help out. On my part, it was done out of love. But good heavens, I started noticing this is not the kind of relationship that I've been dreaming of.


Though I like the girl and I love her, my only aspiration in life is simple - to have my own family, to love someone and be loved in return. Unfortunately, we differ in many ways and simple goals like these are anathema to her.  


So much for getting involved in complicated relationships. In the end, I may have matured out of this experience but my emotions were scarred, finances were ripped off that I find myself back to square one.


Now that I'm alone again, I'll see to it that I won't fall into the same situation again.


So much from learning from history. It had to happen to me twice and reap the consequences, before realizing that it does not pay to be in hell.

What did Jesus look like?

Sometimes I wonder with all the images of Jesus cropping up, what was really the basis?


And to think that when the Shroud of Turin was found, the image resemble the face of Jesus that we know.


So again, I ask, what was the basis for Jesus' face?


Nobody knows.


But for convenience, the so-called "faithful" need to see an image to put their attention to.


Thus, whether proven or not, the Shroud of Turin, I believe was the model of Jesus' face.

Entrepreneurship and Cross-Selling

It's been a little over 10 years since I left the corporate world. And I must say that I have no regrets.


This is not to say that the path to entrepreneurship is smooth sailing. Far from it and definitely, far from over. And yet, the one good thing I relish in this self-employment status is you own your time. And if you value family time, then I highly recommend that you traverse this path of self-employment.


The thing is, it all begins with a paradigm shift. 


From all the things that you have become accustomed to, you just have to let go gradually all the things that were routine to you.


First, you've got to change your lifestyle. Yup, you have to be conscious of your expenses this time. Whereas, before you are lax since you look forward to your paycheck on a regular basis. 


Now, you have to do your numbers.


Second, it's all about doing what you're comfortable at. It helps if you already have a sense of familiarity with it and have to an extent some expertise with what you will do. 


Third, you must have build your network by this time. Through the years of corporate employment, you should have accummulated a good number of contacts. You'll never know when you're going to need them. That's one of the key realizations I had when I left the corporate world.


Nope. I did not establish my own business. But maybe, I'm getting there given a few more years.


But I'm thriving ever since. Because I chose the path of cross-selling.


Some say you need to have focus in order to be successful.


Maybe. But from experience, it can be done. Yeah, to each his own. What works for others may not necessarily for you. 


Bottomline, you need to find your comfort zone.


I first become a real estate broker. Then a life insurance agent (which I later dropped after determining my comfort zone). Followed by being a non-life insurance agent. Later, I expanded and became a mutual fund agent. And last but not the least, I am now a healthcare agent.


Now, imagine if all businesses are clicking on a regular basis. Take note. The keyword is on a regular basis. 


So what I'm saying is that some of these are seasonal, others more regular. And oh before I forget, I also dabbled in a reselling food. Wouldn't hurt when you earn a few hundred bucks just by retailing.


But again, I give credit where credit is due.


This is not about me.


This is God blessing me.


And this is my formula: S.T.D. which means S for "sipag" (industrious), T for "tiyaga" (perserverance) and D for "dasal" (prayer).


Combine all three into your work ethic and God will help you succeed in your endeavor.