...Flavorsome...

Living at great depths -- it hit us!

2013-12-05T16:29:00.001+08:00

Psalm 91: 1-2

¹Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
²I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”

2013 is nearing to end. It's been two years of not writing down in this blog. And I've almost forgot the login huh! :)

Let me try to put into writing and share what happened this year. It's a different kind of a Blast!..somehow it's difficult to fathom..hard to dealt with..painful to account for..

A lot has been passed and endured. -- with never has expected disease to hit the family this year. Not once.. but twice..

In April 2013, Our dearest Tatay is diagnosed with colon cancer. A stage 2 cancer. Surgery was then performed immediately upon diagnosis. His large intestines has been removed. He has a colonoscopy bag as his temporary techy 'gut'.. --> it will be return by January or Febraury 2014.

... so much pain.. scared? You bet!. it was a mixed emotions.. roller coaster.. armageddon blast!

Fear .. Worry steps in.. if he can still endured with the fact that he is now 68 years old...Undergone six sessions chemo therapy treatment [from August to December] is of no joke. but he did! his last chemo session (Thru IV insession) was last week, November 28,2013. And He will have his last oral chemo tablet by one more week. Yes. he has a combination of oral chemo and thru IV chemo sessions. moving on.. still in continuing monitoring by his oncology doctor..

Side effects? Tatay doesn't have that much side effects of his chemo. Usually after 3-5 days of the chemo, he had an on & off fever and/or diarrhea aside from the fatigue he felt. He doesn't have much skin darkening [w/c is the side effect of xeloda chemo tablet]. Virgin Coconut Oil has helped him a lot -- he used it as his lotion oil in his body. Alternative and herbal meds have played an important role in his treatment.We combined Barley capsule (6 capsules a day), turmeric tea, green juice w/ apple a day, tanglad juice, guyabano leaves, malunggay, green tea, pure kalamansi juice (morning drink). brown rice. and a lot more.. as long as that herb or veggies are available. For our cook foods, we used already the Bragg brand of soy sauce, Apple cider vinegar and rock salt. Yes, no more ready-made 'seasoning' in the house.. We're very careful in his foods since he is also a diabetic person --> with daily insulin injection...

He too was hospitalized twice in the course of his treatment.

Kidding aside, the side effect that we also dealt with tremendously is 'Financial side effect'! it's the truth especially if we are living in a country with no government subsidy with regards to health/medical matters. How I wish that our Government will come to its senses that we (especially the tax payers - employees) need medical assistance and support.

Without God we are nothing. Without His divine province.. we cannot endure.. It is God's strength and guidance that's being our torch in this journey.

in the middle of Tatay treatment and recuperation..

The second blast came in October 2013.

Our dearest Ate [We call her our ' Mama Ming'] is diagnosed with Lung cancer.. Oh no! it's a double jeopardy.. the feelings i felt right now compared to the time when tatay diagnosed, is doubled? No it's ten times more..

Again, without God we are nothing. Faith moves.. Strength comes from God...

Everything happens for a reason. A purpose we still do not know now.. but in time..

We greatly appreciate and thank the Lord that He never leave us during this journey. God's mercy is profound and abundant grace has been felt all throughout. He gave us a perfect set of Doctors -- Surgeon, Pulmo, IM and Onco . Hospitals -- PGH and Our Lady of Pilar Imus.

We need more prayers.. supplications..

Thank you friends and relatives to include in your prayers these two beautiful persons -- Tatay and Ate!

--- More insights and Deep realizations to come ---

Salamat Ginoo!

Christmas won't be the same without YOU

2011-12-10T10:57:00.000+08:00

I wonder how I have cope up with this season without my Hubby. It has been 4 years, consecutively, that we are not spending this season together. I wonder how both of us deal with the separation anxiety..hmmmm

My heart beats fast and my mind has a lot of things to shared to every time I ponder on this area in our life together. The hole of being apart is not something to be proud of --> it is something to ponder and discern the life that we have. It brings tears knowing how we tried to fill in this 'hole' in us. I cannot fathom 'HOW'.. But I believe, it is by God's grace that we endure being apart.. It is by God's grace that the 'Hole' becomes 'Whole'.. It is by God's grace that love gives and receives all to endure.

I personally don't want to keep on asking all the 'Why's'.(makahilak lang ta!!). Because I will always keep on believing that somewhere, somehow we are going to live our life together without the 'Hole' of being apart.

This season, I believe, is a time to give gratitude and realize that God is always be the reason why we live,why we breath, why we endure, why we are love.

It does not matter anyhow if hubby is here or not. I will just have to look forward of HIM being with me spending quality moments together. --> Soon!

MERRY CHRISTMAS !

The Joy of PAM

2011-12-10T10:21:00.000+08:00

PAM is so adorable, giggling - charming, beautiful baby of her mom and dad.

Your laughter and presence brings so much JOY in us. Every time you smile, it reminded us how important it is to express the deepest joy and gratitude. You are truly the daughter of your Mom Amor.

We thank you for spending quality time with us. We will be looking forward to see you again --> maybe in your teen years. And we are very sure that you will be grown up to be a responsible, lovable and still adorable lady!

Continue to be the source of JOY to all especially to your Mom and Dad. See you again Baby!

God bless..

BIG HUG! -->From your ka-berks here in Imus.

LP: 2011 Outing - Christmas Party in one

2011-12-06T22:06:00.000+08:00

Just like any other company, we had our scheduled outing and Christmas party yearly. This year was the most unique one. If nescafe coffee has 3 in 1 coffee ~ we had outing christmas party in one! That is why it distinguish us from the rest..;) We had it last 18-19 Nov at Club Balai Isabel, Batangas --> perfectly soothing and 'twas really meant for us! We also enjoyed the all sweating - breath taking Taal adventure!

We showed a lot in 2011 - a lot of pressing, ups and downs..the laughters...the sweat...the tears..

At this time of the year, we usually are excited to celebrate Christmas in our most unique-special-budgeted way! ;) -- thanks much to the management for the support and the team as well for making this celebration a memorable one.

We celebrated the best year of 2011.. and hoping for a more fruitful year in 2012...

And most of all we thank God for the team that we have and the wisdom that God has bestowed in each one of us.

Inspiring Quotes: William Arthur Ward

2011-11-10T21:01:00.001+08:00

This is one of my favorite Inspirational author and writer Mr. William Arthur Ward. Be inspired with his words of wisdom.

"The experienced mountain climber is not intimidated by a mountain -- he is inspired by it. The persistent winner is not discouraged by a problem -- he is challenged by it. Mountains are created to be conquered; adversities are designed to be defeated; problems are sent to be solved. It is better to master one mountain than a thousand foothills."

"Four steps to achievement: Plan purposefully. Prepare prayerfully. Proceed positively. Pursue persistently."

"Faith is knowing there is an ocean because you have seen a brook."

Year End - 2011

2011-11-02T15:21:00.003+08:00

Year end has a lot of meaning for us.

We are now in the month of November.. Yah! Christmas is in the air.. Year end is fast approaching.. And another year will come.;)

For Finance people, this is the very hectic period of all times. Preparing for the year end reports.. and the much awaited - very challenging year end Audit! Being in the accounts group, preparation is always starts early in 3-4 months before the year end. Schedules and checklist is already prepared - this is in order for us to have a smooth sailing year end and Audit.

- in our day to day life, we need also to prepare for the ' year end '. Planning.. goal setting..are the ' should be' in the list.. and praying for it.. We might not have it all and cannot control a thing or two.. but God will always, as in always, will have Control in everything.

All of us are so excited for December! noche buena, parties, exchange gifts.. and a lot to look forward for this yuletide season... hmmmmm.

- Ooopps! but of course, spending should be within the limits.. we are not just preparing the 'Now' in life. .. we should also be preparing the 'Tomorrows' in life. Financial planning education/coaching and Bo's truly rich club has enhance my way of thinking financially.

- These might be of help to you..For more infos in financial coaching, check out these websites: trulyrichclub and RFP Phils.

A lot to thank for this year... and a lot to expect for next year... Happy goal setting and Planning everyone!

Trick or Treat 2011

2011-10-31T20:30:00.001+08:00

It is our 3rd yr that we experienced 'trick or treat' here in La Joya, Imus. for 2009-2010 I only prepared 50-60 packs of 4 different candies, and it was just enough for the children. Last Saturday, 29 October, I prepared 80 packs with again 4 different kinds of candies, but it was Not enough.. lol! I thought only 10%-15% rate of increase from last year. Just learned that 130-150 kids joined 'trick or treat' in our subdivision. Wow! a huge number huh?

Anyway, I enjoyed it very much.. watching kids with their costume..bringing the pumpkin basket with full of candies.. and running to ensure that they could get candies from every house.

I called nanay and tatay to distribute the candies since I could no longer handle when I saw from the distant that kids are running towards our house.waaaaaaa! wew! I got the camera and took some pic.. but sorry the pic was not that good..

Looking forward for 2012 trick or treat ..and perhaps to prepare more than what i prepared for this year! ;)

Online payments of SSS/HDMF/PHIC/BIR remittances Thru BPI Expresslink

2011-10-25T21:21:00.000+08:00

One of the highlights in the update of our Finance process is the adaptation and application of BPI expresslink. It is very convenience to us finance people. We will no longer worry of processing checks payment. It is also a cost and time saving device - thus, no more distress in lining up with the bank and in Government agencies for payment and diskette submission.

BPI expresslink has raised the convenience of corporate clients by allowing them to send their SSS/PHIC/HDMF collection files and remit their contributions online. The facility also include remittance of SSS/HMDF loan payments. On the part of Government agencies, posting and updating of employee records has become faster and more efficient.

BIR also has expanded their online facility, BIR tax payments can be done also in this state-of-the-art internet banking system.

This somehow helps Government agencies to augment their collections, provide better service to members and increase operational efficiency.

You may want to visit BPI Expresslink for more informations.

Breathing Space

2011-10-19T16:08:00.003+08:00

Can we just stop and pause for a while.

I really love this poem which we all learned from our elementary years.

I have read something about Breathing Space, wherein we can be in tune with nature and be thankful to God. God gave us everything for free. And this poem summarizes it all the gifts that God has bestowed in us.

We all have different favorite Breathing Space.

I can say blogging is one of my Breathing Space, I can express freely and share a thing or two to all. Hoping that somebody out there might be inspired and moved with the things that I shared. Another one is Exercising - jogging and brisk walking with my husband are also one of the best Breathing Space. It nurture our relationship and in here we talked and shared a lot of beautiful things together.

And the perfect Breathing Space that I believe we all agree, is the beautiful scenery of nature. We can breath and we can release all those negatives, stress and pressures in life. And at the same time be thankful for all the blessings we have received from up above.

How about you, have you found your Breathing Space?

" All things Bright and Beautiful. All creatures great and small. All things wise and wonderful. The Lord God made them all..."

Fitness and Health: Exercise! My Taebo moments

2011-10-17T22:01:00.001+08:00

Tae Bo is an aerobic exercise routine that became popular in the 1990s.

It was developed by taekwondo practitioner Billy Blanks and was one of the first"cardio-boxing" programs to enjoy commercial success. It is a combination of martial arts and boxing with some dance moves mixed in. And is one of the most popular exercise methods ever devised. The name Tae Bo is a portmanteau of tae kwon do and boxing.

For Almost six months my Saturday started early at 5:30AM and do the Taebo at 6Am in our place. It's a 1Hr & half cardio vascular exercise. It helps a lot to tone my muscles and to 'shakin' my nerves. I started joining this since last year (on and Off), when i diagnosed with some nerve pain. But it is only now that I am focus and determine to do it once a week - after nerve pain is already down my feet. I had my Theraphy thrice a week for 3mos., but since I max out already my health card (for Rehab Therapy), I opted to focus on my Reflex and Taebo. Of course, this is with the permission also from my Rehab Doctor and Ortho to continue my exercise personally - regularly.
I feel so much energize and fit now as compared to before. Hopefully, nerve pain will gone soon.

You may want to try Taebo, it will surely do good to your body!

Ooopss.. So glad that we girls in the office are now starting to have workout daily for 1HR - this is after office hours. ;)

Aside from exercise I have some changes also with my diet especially on the foods that I eat. I will share it in detail soon...

Let's be fit ! Exercise!!! It's one way to show love to our body - a temple of God's abiding graces!
Have a fit-healthy body everyone!

Leader: What are you?---- Where are you?

2011-10-13T23:33:00.000+08:00

What is a leader? The perfect example of a leader is, of course, our Lord Jesus Christ. Thus, in a nutshell — you must be trustworthy and you have to be able to communicate a vision of where the organization needs to go..

What makes a person want to follow a leader? Accordingly, People want to be guided by those they respect and who have a clear sense of direction. To gain respect, they must be ethical. A sense of direction is achieved by conveying a strong vision of the future.

Now a days, only a handful of individuals possess the kind of leadership that an organization needs. So sad to know that there are leaders that cannot be trusted and in effect organization is divided and mis leaded.
I have been working on different organizations in the past. And I saw different styles of leadership. I still believe that the best attributes of a leader is can be trusted. And with this, it follows that those around him will grow to respect him.

I personally like the below Leadership Framework:

BE KNOW DO

BE a professional. Examples: Be loyal to the organization, perform selfless service, take personal responsibility.

BE a professional who possess good character traits. Examples: Honesty, competence, candor, commitment, integrity, courage, straightforwardness, imagination.

KNOW the four factors of leadership — follower, leader, communication, situation.

KNOW yourself. Examples: strengths and weakness of your character, knowledge, and skills.

KNOW human nature. Examples: Human needs, emotions, and how people respond to stress.

KNOW your job. Examples: be proficient and be able to train others in their tasks.

KNOW your organization. Examples: where to go for help, its climate and culture, who the unofficial leaders are.

DO provide direction. Examples: goal setting, problem solving, decision making, planning.

DO implement. Examples: communicating, coordinating, supervising, evaluating.

DO motivate. Examples: develop morale and esprit de corps in the organization, train, coach, counsel.

Leader: Where are you?---- What are you?

Not everyone is born to be a leader, but you can definitely try to be a better leader, by improving your standards and your ability to lead.

7yrs with you: My Home..My Forever!

2011-10-10T23:01:00.002+08:00

Another year of Joy and Love, and Gratitude to God above for having each other to Love. You are truly a God send and I am truly blessed.

The I Do's been 7 years ago, October 15, 2005 to be exact, but the promises and vows are still fresh and very visible in our life. It is a groovy-blissful-happy married life! The journey is somewhat an uphill and rocky sometimes - but we did overcome those 'tsunami' in life together. Thanks to our values being firmly rooted with our love. and Thanks above to God, for always there to us, for us.

7 years.. and still counting more years with you.. for life.. and looking forward to be with you every time.

Happy wedding anniversary Dad! - a toast to a real happiness!

For Everything there is a season..

2011-10-04T12:58:00.001+08:00

".There is an appointed time for everything And there is a time for every event under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1.

God appoints time and seasons for every person, every place, every circumstances. He has control in every events in our lives : the happy and the sad, the easy and the difficult, the sweet and the sour.

At some point in our lifetime it is difficult to fathom every events and situations. Because at one hand this can bring worry, and on the other hand, it gives us hope believing that God is always in control.

This is what I believe in, and I am holding on to this belief eversince.

Spending some time with My Friend: Matet!

2011-09-27T19:49:00.000+08:00

I got so excited when my friend informed me of her short visit in Manila. It was so short but it seems too long.. since we had lots of fun together.. we were friends since our college years in Xavier - Cagayan de Oro.. the last time we met was in 2004 (if i'm not mistaken!).. It's good to be reunited with some friends...it's a therapeutic and refreshing feeling all in one.

The day has come.. her plane arrived at 9:30 am.. I was a bit late since I need to commute from Cavite to NAIA3.. we had our brunch at the airport.. and proceeded right away to Imus, Cavite to settled down her things. At 1:30pm, we headed to Divisoria - known for tiangge stores, cheap wholesale items. It's been sometime that I had visited this place (the last was in July - with sis Ann). We did spend time praying inside Binondo Church - San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish. Took some pics, of course.;)

We wanted to shop at 168 Mall, but there was no electricity at that time... so dark inside that we are prompted to go to 999 Mall.. Shop.... Shop... ooops! Divisoria has new open malls - New Divi Mall, 999 Mall.... As usual, the streets were so crowded by shoppers - who are so eager to stroll around just to find much cheaper rates.

At 5pm we walked on our way to PNR (Phil. Natl Railways!).. Yez!We did ride the train from Divisoria to Alabang.. wow! what a 45min trip..hehehhe.. at least we saw different views (i.e. home-along-da- riles!) aside from the so 'crowded' passengers inside. We had our dinner in Chowking, Starmall, Alabang.

From Alabang, we proceeded to Imus.. so exhausted but we were energize that we still manage to have 'videoK' - singing out loud!! - perhaps this was the reason why typhoon Pedring is here! hehehe.

Sunday morning, we had our breakfast - coffee, Gardenia wheat-raisin bread, scrambled egg..

Baclaran Church

~ Went to Urban Mala and Baclaran church to attend 930am mass.

~ lastly at Mall of Asia, bought some 'pasalubong' for family & friends back in Cagayan de Oro.

Thank you Tet for the short visit , 24-25 Sept.. and hopefully, to see all of you very soon in CDO! ;)

Sayonara! Hasta La Vista my friend!

Typhoon: Pedring!

2011-09-27T09:27:00.000+08:00

Typhoon Pedring intensifies today! And it hits and landfall in Aurora.

Here in cavite, storm signal is now in #2.. the wind blows so hard.it seems roaring!.. the house trembling.. the roofs are groaning... wew! so scary!.. electricity is on and off. The house construction at the back of our house is being damaged by the wind.. the wall has fell down..

Classess and work are now suspended here in Cavite, Metro Manila and nearby places. Flights are also cancelled.

According to PAGASA, the typhoon will disappear this afternoon. But we will continue to experience rain shower until Thursday. huh? and a new one is coming most probably by Friday. Lets be ready! And pray for everybody's safety.

This is just one of the typhoons that will hit our country.

Stay safe everyone! Keep in-tune to news for more infos and update.

Mr. Sun will arrive soon and will shower us again with his sunshine!

God bless. ;)

Engagement: long or short it does not matter!

2011-09-26T20:36:00.000+08:00

Why is it too soon? Why is it too long?

I agree, of course, long or short engagement does not matter as long as the relationship is bounded by Love. > A Firm-Godly Decision ! And it is taking responsibility to love the other!

If both are mature enough in their decision and has been discerning it for many years. I believe, it is God's divine providence that both of you are 'collided' in this universe. ;). You may not notice it! May be there are factors that has been blocking the 'should be-much awaited' union of two unique - beautiful persons. God is already visibly letting you see, in front of you this 'perfect person' - who is God's best gift for you.

Anyhow, below are some list of the pros and cons of long or short engagement. These will somehow may give you an idea!

Pros for Short Engagement

Less time to be stressed out about planning
Not spending a lot of time worrying about everything, so you get over with quickly
No time to regret decisions or think twice about style

Cons for a Short Engagement

You have to decide quickly
You get stressed about the quick planning
You lose your ability to get your first choice of things - it's ok! ;)

Pros for a Long Engagement

More time to plan the perfect wedding, and at prices you can afford
You can pick the date of your choice, venue of choice, get the band you want, and everything else
You can give guests ample time to prepare. - early notice is better so they can include in their budget - the gifts.;)

Cons for a Long Engagement

More time to stress about the details and feel pressure
More time for nerves to kick in
More time to think if the decision is alright??? (which might be under pros?)

You may have other list.. bottom line is.. no turning back.. It's for life! It's forever! ;)

P.S. My Husband and I are a product of short engagement.. ;)

Payroll Acct w/ BPI expresslink: You made our life easy!

2011-09-26T15:37:00.000+08:00

Internet and emerging of bank linking with system process makes Company accounts life so easy! it really helps us a lot!

I remember before, it was so troublesome to process payroll of staffs even with the payroll system. And our remittances contributions to Government agencies are still via check processing. Right now, we will just update the excel template and click to upload and approve. Alas! it will directly update the Government agencies database and crediting of payroll to staff accounts is just a click away.

Expresslink has this facility of linking HDMF, SSS, Philhealht, BIR and Payroll/Cash Advance/Reimbursement/Claims crediting.

You may want to join us on the flexibility & comfort of processing on line. Try to ask BPI branch in your area and I'm sure they will give you information that will be of help to your accounts/payroll.

Thanks to this innovative!

Palawan: Where all for one is one for All!

2011-09-22T23:01:00.000+08:00

It is believed that the name of Palawan came from a Chinese word that means a safe beautiful harbor. Another theory is that the Spanish named the place after the shape of the main island that resembles a closed umbrella.
Palawan is the country's biggest province and is composed of 1,768 islands and islets surrounded by a coral shelf with an exceptionally rich marine life. Its steeply sloped mountains are canopied by broad virgin forests.

The place is one of Philippines' pride. Nature is so demanding that we cannot resist the invitation to swim though it was raining.

We celebrated our Corporate Christmas Party 2010 in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. It was unique, full of fun but most of all it was then that we became ONE. I missed the group's camaraderie.. missed our unity.. will this be happen again? hmmmm.. hopefully, it will...The Oneness and determination! We may be shaken by the reality of being in a corporate world. But the values that has been shaped up in the office are more than enough to topple down the unnecessary..;)

Nighty-party was held in Legend Hotel. We stayed 2nights-3days in De Loro Inn.

There are a lot of things that can be done in Palawan: island hopping, swimming, diving, snorkelling and many more.

Foods are so yummy!!!

Visit Palawan website to search more gallery and informations! You will be amazed too!
This is our unique experience in Palawan! ;)

Corregidor Island : The Rock!

2011-09-20T15:24:00.000+08:00

Corregidor comes from the Spanish word “corregir,” meaning to correct. One story states that due to the Spanish system wherein all ships entering Manila Bay were required to stop and have their documents checked and corrected, the island was called "Isla del Corregidor" (Island of the Correction). Another version claims that the island was used a penitentiary or correctional institution by the Spanish and came to be called "El Corregidor."

It is a small rocky island in the Philippines about 48 kilometers west of Manila which is stragetically located at the entrance of Manila Bay. This island fortress stands as a memorial for the courage, valor, and heroism of its Filipino and American defenders who bravely held their ground against the overwhelming number of invading Japanese forces during World War II.

We have one day to explore Corregidor Island with my Husband and friends: Loren, Osang, Lheng. We felt our pride as we experienced the history during World War II. We took the tour c/o Sun Cruises Philippines. (visit this website for further details in the island tour and how to get there; and other infos on activities included). Our tour guide is so equipped with the historical side of the island (Japanese-American-Filipino personas) and he's so jolly that we enjoyed it very much! as if we were on students' educational field trip. ;)

It was a trembling-horrific-full of pride experienced as we took the 'walking Malinta Tunnel tour' .(Night Lateral Tunnel Visit). You can felt that 'The others' were also there, accompanying each one of us. So scary yet so amazing! it was full of pride when we started to hear our national anthem. and to learn the heroism of our Filipino brethren!

Don't forget to include Corregidor Island Tour in your gateaway list!

We salute all those who fought for the freedom we deserved!

Caramoan, Camsur - Bicol : A secret Paradise!

2011-09-20T14:06:00.000+08:00

Caramoan is a group of scattered islands ~ Isolated from the rest of Camarines Sur. It is no surprise why Philippine's Secret Paradise remains unexploited from commercial tourism. Caramoan gives 'island hopping' a new meaning. Enjoy its beauty in many ways. Great ocean adventures for kayakers, snorkle and scuba dive to experience the diverse marine life, trek and search for the enigmatic lagoon, rock climb the limestone cliffs, explore the caves or just star gaze at night.

My husband and I together with our friends, loren, Jan & Ken, were able to explore Caramoan island sometime in August 2010.( late blog, huh?!). and Ola! the beach,place, foods, people are so Marvelous! you will be in-tune and refresh!

A perfect gate away indeed from the fast pacing-stressful life of the city. So captivating! and an awe in all the natural beauty of Caramoan!

We stayed at Breeze & Waves Resort (front Beach location!) for 3days.

Popular tourist destinations:

> Caramoan National Park, the Centro, and Gota Beach (Where the popular Survivor is shot) .

Popular activities :

> includes diving, swimming, snorkeling and spelunking. Birdwatching and Firefly watching is also gaining popularity.

Top ten Caramoan destinations: you need to be there 3 days the least so you can do your island hopping!

Lahuy Island
Lahus Island
Cotivas Island
Sabitang Laya Island
Gota beach (mainland)
Hunognan Cove (mainland)
Matukad Island
Minalahos Island
Pitogo Island
Tinago Island

How to go there?

Options are: 1. Bus/Van/POV to Naga, 8 hrs from Manila, another 2-3hrs from naga to caramoan; and 2. Fly Manila-Naga/Pili (Cebu Pacific, PAL & Zest Air)

Better to find/book in a resort (i recommend of course, Breeze & Waves because of it's perfect location - near the beach!). Or you may try online search.

You may want to consider this in your future gate away trips here in Philippines!.

Be sure to drop by the CWC - Camsur Watersports Complex is a unique watersports park. CWC

And don't forget also to visit Mt. Mayon, Tabaco, Albay. ~ 2-3hrs from Naga. to see the perfect cone valcano!

Navigating IFRS: So Complex!

2011-09-16T21:40:00.000+08:00

Attended seminar on IFRS today at Dusit Thani Hotel, Makati.~ conducted by Punongbayan & Araullo

Woke up early at 5am and headed towards Makati via Alabang at 615AM. Excited as it seems!. not merely because of the seminar ;)..but because i'm going to visit Makati City - The Philippines' Financial Capital! ..1-2hrs away from our place (of course due to traffic!). Sales are everywhere, landmark, SM Makati, Glorietta, Greenbelt..Tempting? you bet!. so then, after the seminar,i went straight back home - so scary i might ended up buying impulsively!hmmm..

Here's my tidbits of informations regarding the seminar!

Arrived at the seminar venue 3seconds before the invocation started, 810am. Glad it started with a prayer because i needed it badly to keep me awake and alive.;) and it followed by the singing of our national anthem.indeed, it guided us through on this 8hr seminar,listening to boring-yawning triggering topics --International Financial Reporting Standards! kidding but it's true!... nevertheless, 'twas a productive learning experience ..;)

Most countries including US are now gearing towards IFRS. to converge GAAP to IFRS. why is that so? accordingly, it is because of the 2008 financial crisis globally experienced. that's trigger it all,huh! Financial reporting has been amended. and it is not just one standard, 5 or more and still counting. wow! with just one standard, my head is already wanting to explode. Accounting standard really is an ever changing-evolving process!

For many years, countries developed their own accounting standards. They were rules-based, principle-based, business-oriented, tax-oriented … in one word, they were all different. With globalization, the need to harmonize these standards was not only obvious but necessary.

GAAP is different with IFRS, one is rule-based and the other a principle based approach. [ can't express my thoughts on this! so complicated! just visit the website of IFRS pls!]

Just to highlight some amendments: read it on below!

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments Updates - this replaced the IAS39.this has now two main categories of Financial Assets, Amortized cost and Fair Value through PL. (unlike IAS39, it has 4 categories!).
Amendment to IAS 19, Employee Benefits - this has a significant impact to retirement benefit. But then again, there are amendments to its components and disclosure requirements (IFRS12). > you might want to consult your Actuary on this.
IFRS 7 - Amendment disclosures on Transfer of Financial Assets
IFRS 10 - Consolidated Financial Statements

for further informations, visit IASB.org. Hoping that Accounting for Leases amendments will not be implemented soon! [project stage is already on Exposure Draft sets out for a new IFRS] - read the exposure draft on Leases and this will give you a reason to shift to other career! hehehhe!

The process to implement IFRS is so complex and expect the unexpected finance people! Company should be ready in this change..transition has a broad impact (hmm still it depends on the nature of the company i guess!)..Plan, plan and plan ahead to prepare not only finance people for this. Most amendments are effective on 2013.> 1 yr more to go!

Since there are pronouncement that early adoption are permitted - company may leverage on the convergence process by implementing amendments immediately.

Good luck to all of us Accounts!. Year end is just around the corner.

Never too late: Be Prosperous!

2011-09-12T22:23:00.000+08:00

While having plenty of money helps, by itself it cannot define true prosperity. True prosperity is having wholeness and abundance in every area of your life, including your health, your relationships, and your finances.

Here's to share on the aspect of prosperity in finances.

Financial Planning generally will aid and assist one to achieve financial goals and objectives through proper management of financial resources. In doing so, financial planner will assess one’s present position, identify goals/objectives and then define the best way to achieve them. However, the decision will still be on client’s prerogative.

My client is one of the few who wanted to make a paradigm shift in their finances and most of all, to be financially free. Why not!! ~ It is never too late to be at peace financially!

In this uncertainty of time, it is most important, therefore, that a regular annual review of plan should be carried out to ensure that we will remain on course. And so that corrective measures can be taken if circumstances may change.

As a synopsis, following are steps in financial planning:

Identify your Goals and Objectives
Gather related/required data
Analyze the financial standing
Develop a plan
Implement the Plan
Monitor and reassess the plan

Even God wants us to prosper and to have abundance in life:

Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

God bless us in all our endeavor!

Home by Daughtry: LSS (Last Song Syndrome) of DAD

2011-09-11T20:15:00.000+08:00

'..I'm staring out into the night, trying to hide the pain..'

This has been the feeling of you Dad during the last days before your trip to Japan - to join with the rest of the crews of Iwatesan. especially for the last few minutes at the airport. 'twas full of mixed-indescribable- emotions! I can felt your pain too. But this is our life for now. and im sure, the goal to have each other.. together for the rest of our lifetime will always be in the #1 list...in time dad..;)

i'm looking forward for you to sing to me again the following lyrics:

'..i'm going HOME, back to the place where i belong..and where your LOVE has always been enough for me.'

See you soon Dad.

Take care and be safe always... God Bless..:)

Growing financially & Spiritually: Keep on Learning!

2011-09-09T21:11:00.000+08:00

Joining RFP ( Registered Financial Planner Phils. ) Program (i'm in Batch22) is of big help.
~ it's an additional insight and realization: in our life; in our household financial; personal financial planning; and life 's goals determination...

It changed and helped me a lot on the way i handled our finances and the way we set our financial goals. Further, it gave me confirmation on what matters most when one is gearing towards financial freedom. And wanting to prepare to Retire young [ at Heart! ;)] and retire comfortably rich. hmmm! why not!? (let this be one of our goals my dear friends!) Yes we can retire comfortably! it's just a matter of planning and be financially literate. (Thanks dad for your undying support in my endeavor!)

It is of deep pride that we can share the knowledge and wisdom we earned from RFP. I am thankful also that we have a great batch22 group eager to explore and to share the learnings. ;)

It is by God's grace we can do all these things in life and all for His greater Glory! let's keep on learning! and never stop gaining more wisdom!;)

Reposting: An Everyday Survival Kit ( from: Foodforthought)

2011-09-07T10:31:00.000+08:00

AN EVERYDAY SURVIVAL KIT:
Toothpick
Rubber band
Band aid
Pencil
Eraser
Chewing gum
Mint
Candy Kiss
Tea Bag

Here's why:

Toothpick - to remind you to pick out the good qualities in others...Matt 7:1

Rubber band - to remind you to be flexible, things might not always go the way you want, but it will work out...Romans 8:28

Band Aid - to remind you to heal hurt feelings, yours or someone else's...Col. 3:12-14

Pencil - To remind you to list your blessings everyday...Eph1:3

Eraser - to remind you that everyone makes mistakes, and it's okay...Gen. 50:15-21

Chewing gum - to remind you to stick with it and you can accomplish anything ...Phil 4:13

Mint - to remind you that you are worth a mint to your heavenly father...John 3:16-17

Candy Kiss - to remind you that everyone needs a kiss or a hug everyday...1 John 4:7

Tea Bag - to remind you to relax daily and go over that list of God's blessings...1 Thess 5:18

This is my gift to you. May God richly bless you.

To the world, you may just be somebody...but to somebody, you may be the world.

Let's fill the world with Love. Hug someone today and let them know that they are loved. ;)