Author Archives: Issa

Easter Egg Hunt

Brighter than the Darkest Night

Brighter than the Darkest Night

We could not wait for dawn to break through.

But as it is , the night was still blanketed with stars.  But we were excited and could not sleep because of the excitement.  We have just painted our Easter eggs, my brothers and I, just a few hours ago.  We had 2 eggs each.  One of mine had waves of red and blue, the other had a wash of light red, just hint of blush, and I thought it was beautiful.  My brothers were equally focused on the task at hand (but their eggs were not as pretty as mine).  I almost felt sad when we finished and handed it to our mother so she can paint, with her harsh black tipped pen, an amount on it.  She then sent us outside, to the “adults”, so we can hand to them our works of art so they can hide it at the empty lot beside our house.  I still remember scouring the wall, silently, with my brothers, tiptoeing so we can see where the eggs were being hidden.  But there was only darkness.

At last, the first ray of sunshine broke through and with it, we let out an outburst of delight.  We could not eat, or take a bath, or dress, fast enough.

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Letting God

In the Darkest Night

In Your Darkest Night

From time to time, you reach points in your life when you just feel… tired.

Tired of going through the daily grind, tired of being wrong, tired of being right.  Tired of arguing with people over the same things over and over again, tired of worrying, tired of planning for the future, tired of waiting.

Tired of smiling, tired of plodding on, tired of learning, tired of wanting to learn.

Tired of moving forward.

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Why Are You Investing?

Within Reach

Within Reach

Today I embarked on my journey towards becoming a Registered Financial Planner.

I figured – I might as well plunge head-on into the world of personal finance.  And what better way to continue my education than by formal training.

Good too that I got a semi-scholarship / discount through MoneyDoctors partner and friend, Salve Duplito, who is a finance guru herself. (thanks, Salve, and to Mr. Henry Ong, head of the RFP – Philippines program)

So my friends, in a few months, I hope to be a Registered Financial Planner.  I also want you with me on that journey so I am cooking up something that I hope will positively impact the financial future of one (or two, or three) of you. (hint, hint)

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The Launch: Eco Things – Creativity in Harmony with Nature

For a Greener World

From eco things.

Jump-start summer with a fun and unique event: eco things’ Make Your Own Notebook.

eco things specializes in eco-printed products, uses 100% recyclable materials, such as recycled paper, soy ink, and water-based glue, and strives to reduce its  carbon footprint in every stage of the production process.

Make Your Own Notebook, the eco things launch activity, will be on Saturday, April 16, 2011, at The Rockwell Club.  During the event, guests of all ages can create their very own eco-notebook from post-consumer recycled paper and recyclable materials.

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An Inspirational Speech to Graduating Students

 

Snapshots of the Future

My alma mater called and requested that I give an inspirational speech during the graduation rites of its Grade School Department.

Odd.

A week before, I made a self-assessment and determined I wanted more training / experience in public speaking.  Hmmm…  What can I say?  The universe will conspire to get you what you want, when you want it.  That is, immediately, or almost immediately.

Let me share with you the text of my speech.

Beloved director, principal and members of the faculty, proud parents, and above all, the graduates.  My congratulations.

I imagine that you are excited at graduating, a little scared of going to highschool, sad about saying goodbye to friends and teachers, and excited about the summer.  I also felt the same way when I was 12.

Looking at your faces, at this school, at the teachers, I realize that everything has changed.  And nothing has changed.

But let me tell you, tomorrow will be the beginning of one of the most wonderful, memorable, exciting part of your lives.

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More Becoming-a-Millionaire-Without-Going-Into-Business Tips

Money Can Grow On Trees

You can read the first part here.

Everyone wants millions and the dreams-come-true that go with it.  There are roads that are tried and tested – which, more often than not, involve business.  But here are some other ways to get to that golden brick road.

Real Estate

Contrary to what most think, huge capital and putting up a business entity are not really necessary to succeed in real estate.  The secret (that-is-not-really-a- secret) – foreclosed properties. The how – the property can be fixed up and rented out (buy and rent), or fixed up and sold (buy and sell). But research, due diligence, some handyman abilities, patience, a flair for marketing and a lot of guts are necessary. Yes, there’s the question of – how in heaven’s name am I going to pay for it???  Most banks require only a 10% downpayment, which you can borrow, and the rest of the payment – the 90% – you can also borrow, and the loan can be stretched to forever (think 30 years).  And this is what makes it beautiful – if you rent it out, the house will practically pay for itself, if you sell it, you get a tidy sum for a little bit of finding-house-fixing-house headache.  Kiyosaki and the local Kiyosakis swear by this system to gain untold riches. (untold!)

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How to Be A Millionaire Without Starting a Business (and a Mention at Cosmopolitan Magazine!)

Cosmopolitan March 2011

Page 158, Tips 3 and 4 are Mine 😀

When I got the email from Kristina Monica Guerra of Cosmopolitan Magazine requesting for an interview, I was more than thrilled – I was ecstatic.

She said she got to know of me from Anton Diaz’ list of upcoming Bloggers and wanted my two cents on how one can be a millionaire without starting a business.

The question stumped me.  I am a business advocate and champion of those who dare to change their lives through the wonderful, maddening, exciting world of business.

Being a millionaire without going into business – is it even possible?

The March 2011 issue of Cosmopolitan Magazine featured some of the answers I submitted to Monica.  I was quoted alongside Francisco Colayco, author of several books, speaker, entrepreneur and mentor – what an honor!  I could not believe my eyes when I saw my name and my blog mentioned (yey!).  Thanks again, Monica.

But back to the question: Can one get to millions without getting his feet wet in the grime and grunge of business?

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Benefits of Giving and Some Stories at Sun and Moon

Sun Moon

You can read the first part here.

A friend told me about Sun and Moon Home for Children.  This is its story:

After its successful opening in London, “Miss Saigon” went on to open in other major cities in the world.  Every year since then, Claude-Michel Schonberg became a familiar face in Manila, developing friendships and most specially developing a deep sympathy for the Filipino child.

It was on one of these many trips that he started visiting orphanages and hospices and thereupon developed a strong sense of mission for those abandoned.

Soon after, he gathered some of his closest Filipino friends and form Sun and Moon Foundation, Inc.

The foundation then established the Sun and Moon Home for Children to care for severely malnourished children, who have been orphaned, abandoned, neglected or surrendered.

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