ABS-CBN Studio Tours

Want to take a peek inside ABS-CBN, see how TV shows are made and even watch a live program like ASAP or Showtime?

Call ABS-CBN Studio Tours at 4152272 local 3622

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The Importance of Giving Back

... remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth...
 Deuteronomy 8:18

Let us always remember, everything that we have is from God, the ONE who gives victory to kings.

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Back to Basics - Saving with a Piggy Bank

Were you able to watch this week's episode of Ako Ang Simula (October 17, 2012)?
The topic was about "How to Start Saving? Go Back to Basics -  Gumamit ng Alkansiya" .

According to a survey of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, only 2 out of 10 Filipinos save.

The idea presented was if you find it difficult to start saving,
start with the way we were taught to save when we were kids, gumamit ng Alkansiya! =)

The show featured a tricycle driver who shared how from being a garbage scavenger,
he was able  to send his children to school and also buy his own tricyle.

His secret, every day, naghuhulog siya sa alkansiya ng P10.
Whenever he had extra money, naghuhulog sya ng P15 or P20.
After a year or so, he was able to accumulate P20,000 in his piggy bank.

According to a resource person interviewed on the program, we have to change the way we do things.
Nakaugalian ksi natin na pagkakuha ng sweldo, we spend it first, and then ang matitira, iyun ang mapupunta sa savings.
But the more effective way is, pagkakuha ng sweldo, magtabi kaagad para sa savings. Ang matitira lamang ang puedeng gastusin.

A strategy was also shared by an NGO on how people can develop the habit of saving.
It works something like this.
You start by setting aside a fixed amount of money, let's say P35, everyday in your piggy bank / alkansiya.
Kung kaya mong higit pa sa P35 everyday, mas malaking halaga, mas maganda. Pero dapat ay amount na kaya mong i-commit na ihulog araw-araw, walang palya. Maghulog ka rin ng additional, kung may extra money ka.

Kapag umabot na ito ng minimum balance to open a bank account (around P500 to P3,000 depending on the chosen bank), puede ka nang mag-open ng bank account at i-deposit ang naipon para kumita ng konting interest (around 0.375% to 1% depending on the chosen bank).

Tuloy-tuloy lang ang paghulog sa alkansiya. Everytime umabot sa P500 ang laman ng piggy bank, i-deposit ito sa bank account.

When the fund in your bank account reaches P20,000, you can already open an investment account which can give you earnings of around 10% to 12%. Much higher than what you would earn if you leave your money in the bank. This is the reason Why Saving is No Longer Enough.

Remember, this fund that you are setting aside is for your emergency or future needs.
So hindi ka dapat nag-wi-withdraw dito para sa gastusin na pang-araw-araw.

Excited ka na ba to start saving today using this strategy? I will be more than glad to assist you. =)

Happy Saving and Investing!

Leave a comment or drop me a note at geecc[at]hotmail[dot].com

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SUNset Run with Papa Piolo and STAR Magic

The magic of Christmas shines brighter under the SUN and the STARS. 

On November 24, Sun Life Financial's 2nd SunPIOLOgy run kicks off at Sunset at the Venice Piazza on McKinley Hills. This is the 2nd year that Sun Life, in collaboration with its brand ambassador Piolo Pascual, will be holding a run for a cause with Hebreo Foundation as its beneficiary.

The event does not end at the finish line as a benefit show dubbed "Star Magic Gives Back" caps the night.

Everyone will be treated to a musical special featuring Pokwang, John “Sweet” Lapus, Sam Milby, Khalil Ramos, Daniel Padilla, Kathryn Bernardo, Enrique Gil, JM De Guzman, Alex Castro, Bryan Termulo, Myrtle Sarrosa, Robi Domingo, Sam Concepcion, Drei Felix, Megan Young, Jolo Estrada, Bangs Garcia, Empress, Paolo Avelino, Jason Abalos, Young JV, Rayver Cruz, Matteo Guidicelli, Bugoy Drilon, Liezel Garcia, Nyoy Volante, Jed Madela, Yeng Constantino, Angeline Quinto, Xian Lim, Enchong Dee, Maja Salvador and Piolo Pascual.

As part of Star Magic's 20th anniversary, the concert's proceeds will also be going to charity which includes ABS-CBN's Lingkod Kapamilya, Reception and Study Center for Children (RSSC), and the Sanctuary Centre.

Tickets go on sale on October 20 but pre-registrants at www.sunpiology.com get a limited edition sports flask.

Pascual, a Sun Life ambassador and a premiere artist of Star Magic, is the common denominator of these two anticipated fundraisers.

On its 4th year now, SunPIOLOgy raised nearly one million pesos last year with its first charity run back to back with a benefit exhibit.

Also celebrating a milestone is Star Magic, which marks 20 years of discovering and honing the country's best performers and entertainers.

"The benefit show, which we started last year, is a fitting culmination to our anniversary. By joining forces with Sun Life's SunPIOLOgy run, we hope to attract more people to also give back this holiday season," Pascual said during the launch presscon held at Komrad at IL Terrazo, Tomas Morato, QC.

For more information, visit
 http://www.sunpiology.com
 http://www.facebook.com/sunpiologyrun
 http://starmagic.abs-cbn.com

Source: One Galactic Event ushers Christmas from http://www.sunlife.com.ph

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Professional Tax Receipt Part 2

Finally got my PTR at the San Juan City Hall. Took me less than 5 minutes!

I'm surprised to see that our government buildings are not what I thought they would be - dilapidated and stuffy.

It was actually pleasant and cool inside the buildings.

Makes for a good stop for tourists.

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Professional Tax Reciept

Went to the Quezon City Hall to get my Professional Tax Reciept (PTR).
Upon entering the building, I asked the guard where I can get the PTR and he told me to go to the Miscellaneous office. The officer-in-charge at the PTR window was having lunch when I got there but she still entertained me.

Unfortunately, she said that the Quezon City Hall only issues PTRs for professions regulated by the PRC (Professional Regulatory Board).

So I have to go to other cities' city hall to get my PTR.

Anyone else encountered the same experience?

Which City Hall ba ang pinakamalapit sa Quezon City Hall?


--Update--
 Went to San Juan City Hall instead and got my PTR for P300 in less than 5 minutes!

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Myths in Personal Finance 1

Taken from "5 Myths in Personal Finance" by Efren Ll. Cruz, MoneySense Magazine

MYTH: To save, buy those items that come with free stuff 

If you could buy an item on a buy one take one promo, grab it; or should you? 

Only when you need to buy the item will these buy one, take one deals become a steal.    

As my wife and I were getting off an escalator in a mall, we nearly held up foot traffic when saw a foot stool that was being sold on a buy one, take one promo. But then we realized that we didn’t really have a use for even just one foot stool. 

In some situations, one piece of an alternative brand would still be cheaper even if you divided by two the price of the brand that is on a sale promotion.

Drop me a note if you would like to get more information on Financial Planning =)
geecc[at]hotmail[dot]com

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Simple ways to save for your child's education even with just P1,000 a month

Thinking about future expenses may seem daunting but you can start with these little steps.

Let's say you are 32 years old, Male, Non-smoker, with a 3 year old daughter.
Your daughter will enter college when she reaches 17 years old which is 14 years from now.

For P8,670 per year or P2,168 per quarter (roughly P723 per month, that's only P362 per payday!),
by the time your child is 17 yrs old, you would have a projected fund of P147K to P169K.

On top of that, you also have the following benefits
1. A safety net of P250K, that is, in case something happens to you, your child automatically gets P250K.
2. Total Disability Benefit. In case you become totally disabled, the plan will be considered Fully Paid and you don't have to pay for any premiums anymore.
3. Accidental Death Benefit. In case of death due to accident, your child will receive another Php250K on top of the insurance coverage in Item#1.

BUT if you can stretch your budget a little more, for an additional P359 pesos per month,
at P12,975 per year or P3,244 per quarter (roughly P1,082 per month, that's only P541 per payday!), your projected fund after 14 years becomes P205K to P236K.

On top of that,
1. Your safety net increases to 500K, that is, in case something happens to you, your child automatically gets P500K.
2. Total Disability Benefit. In case you become totally disabled, the plan will be considered Fully Paid and you don't have to pay for any premiums anymore.
3. Your Accidental Death Benefit also increases to P500K. That is, in case of death due to accident, your child will receive another Php500K on top of the insurance coverage in Item#1.


Saving and investing can be simple and easy.
All it takes is a little at a time, every time.

It's payday once again, take that baby step to saving and investing today.

I will be more than glad to explain this further if you have questions or clarifications.

Grace Cunanan
Sun Life Advisor
grace.c.cunanan[at]sunlife[dot]com[dot]ph

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No worries for the future

  
"When I grow old, I don't want to be a burden to anyone." - Bam Aquino


Sun FlexiLink is a peso-denominated variable life insurance plan that provides financial protection PLUS the flexibility to choose where your premium payments will be invested. Top-notch investment professionals will carefully invest a portion of the premiums you pay – so you get the best out of your hard-earned peso.

You deserve a good future
Unfortunately, out of 100 Filipinos who retire, 45 still depend on their relatives, 30 count on charity,  while 22 can't stop working in order to support themselves.

You want the best for your family
Sadly, 90% of Filipinos have little or no savings at all to leave their families when they pass on.
Let Sun FlexiLink take care of your biggest concerns - your future and the future of your family.

Protection for your family
Protect your loved ones
In the event of death, the amount that your family or beneficiary can receive may increase depending on the value of your investment.

Customize your plan
Additional benefits such as accidental death benefit, waiver of payment upon disability, hospital income benefit and critical illness benefit may be added to your plan to cover unforeseen contingencies such as accidents and illnesses.

Investment for your future
Grow your retirement fund now
Your funds are invested in a diverse range of securities managed by professional fund managers. Hence, they offer higher earning potential than traditional bank deposit accounts.

Exercise your freedom of choice
Choose from 9 different investment funds that suit your financial objectives. Plus, enjoy the freedom to switch funds depending on your changing needs and objectives.

Enjoy flexibility of payment
Payments can be made in excess of the regular premium to boost the earning potential of your investment fund. You can also decrease or stop paying temporarily, provided the fund value can cover monthly charges.

Best for you and your family
Professionals, entrepreneurs, corporate employees, breadwinners, goal-oriented individuals
Moderate investment risk tolerance

Insurance and investment for a brighter future only from Sun Life Financial.

No worries for the future with Sun FlexiLink!

     
Age  Quarterly Minimum Deposit
20           P1,877
30           P1,937
40           P1,950
50           P3,079
60           P3,188
70           P8,172


I'm interested, how do I start?
Email your
    Full Name
    Age
   Contact Number
    Location
    Target Monthly Investment Budget
to grace.c.cunanan[at]sunlife[dot]com[dot]ph
or you can also leave a comment below.

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Start investing for your child today

Start investing for your child today with Sun Life Financial.

Sample plan for a 1-year old child.
Plan: Sun Flexilink

For yearly premiums/deposits of P12,270 (just 34 pesos a day!)
or P184,050 for 15 years, by the time your child is 21 years old,
you would have saved P309,055 as a gift for his/her college graduation.

If your child doesn’t withdraw the money and leave it until he/she retires at 65 years old, he/she would have saved for a retirement fund of P8,624,853.

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What If?

Have you ever thought of the 2 "WHAT IFs" sa ating buhay?

Ang unang what-if ay "what if I die too early"?
Tulad ni Francis M who died at age 44 leaving behind his wife and 8 kids.

Huwag naman sana, pero "what if"?
Paano na ang aking mga anak at asawa?
Sino ang magbabayad ng pang-araw araw nilang gastusin?
Ng upa, kuryente at tubig?
Paano na ang tuition fees ng aking mga anak?

Ang ikalawang what-if naman ay "What if I live too long"?
What if I live upto 83 katulad ni Tito Dolphy?
When I'm in my 70s, most probably wala na akong monthly salary because I will be too old to work.
And most probably by that time, may mga sakit na rin ako na common sa mga may edad.

Enough kaya ang savings ko for my daily needs?
Who will pay for my maintenance medicines? Pang-hypertension, pang-diabetes..
What if i get hospitalized?
If kunin na ako ni Lord, paano ang aking pamburol at panglibing?
Ayokong maging pabigat sa aking pamilya dahil sa mga financial needs ko.

Medyo morbid kung iisipin but these are life's CERTAINTIES.
Siguradong isang araw ay haharapin natin ito.

Either WE DIE TOO EARLY or WE LIVE TOO LONG.

And these 2 what-ifs can be answered by getting yourself or your family an insurance or an investment.

Kapamilya, insured ka na ba?

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Get a chance to fly to the US

or win a Rudy Project watch or bag daily.

Watch the short film "1945" by Direk Jun Reyes (director of "The Last Journey of Ninoy" and "Crying Ladies").
Starring Angel Aquino and Richard Quan.
Like it and leave a comment for a chance to win a trip to the US.

 Film Synopsis

 Amidst the darkness of war, a father shelters his family from harm. But long after peace settles in the land, can his love shine through the pain and horror of loss and devastation?

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Globe UnliText to ALL Networks - SUPERALL TXT 20

Can't get enough of texting? Then, text everyone-and we mean EVERYONE-with the new Globe SUPERALL TXT 20!

If you're a Globe Prepaid subscriber, you can easily avail of the Globe SUPERALL TXT 20 just by texting ATXT20 to 8888 to register. All you need you is a minimum of Php20 load and you get to send 250 local texts to ALL networks (Globe, Smart, Sun, Red, TNT) for a day. Just make sure to maintain a Php1 balance to fully enjoy this promo.

Unleash your texting power. Make use of the Globe SUPERALL TXT 20 now!



Confirmation message that will be sent to you regarding activation:

Your Globe SUPERALL TXT 20 is now active! You may now enjoy 250 texts to ALL NETWORKS for 1 day! Please maintain P1 balance to enjoy the service. To check balance, text ATXT BAL to 8888 free. To end subscription, text ATXT STOP to 8888 free.

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Sun FlexiLink - No worries for the future

  

"When I grow old, I don't want to be a burden to anyone." - Bam Aquino


Sun FlexiLink is a peso-denominated variable life insurance plan that provides financial protection PLUS the flexibility to choose where your premium payments will be invested. Top-notch investment professionals will carefully invest a portion of the premiums you pay – so you get the best out of your hard-earned peso.

You deserve a good future
Unfortunately, out of 100 Filipinos who retire, 45 still depend on their relatives, 30 count on charity,  while 22 can't stop working in order to support themselves.

You want the best for your family
Sadly, 90% of Filipinos have little or no savings at all to leave their families when they pass on.
Let Sun FlexiLink take care of your biggest concerns - your future and the future of your family.

Protection for your family
Protect your loved ones
In the event of death, the amount that your family or beneficiary can receive may increase depending on the value of your investment.

Customize your plan
Additional benefits such as accidental death benefit, waiver of payment upon disability, hospital income benefit and critical illness benefit may be added to your plan to cover unforeseen contingencies such as accidents and illnesses.

Investment for your future
Grow your retirement fund now
Your funds are invested in a diverse range of securities managed by professional fund managers. Hence, they offer higher earning potential than traditional bank deposit accounts.

Exercise your freedom of choice
Choose from 9 different investment funds that suit your financial objectives. Plus, enjoy the freedom to switch funds depending on your changing needs and objectives.

Enjoy flexibility of payment
Payments can be made in excess of the regular premium to boost the earning potential of your investment fund. You can also decrease or stop paying temporarily, provided the fund value can cover monthly charges.

Best for you and your family
Professionals, entrepreneurs, corporate employees, breadwinners, goal-oriented individuals
Moderate investment risk tolerance

Insurance and investment for a brighter future only from Sun Life Financial.

No worries for the future with Sun FlexiLink!

     
Age  Quarterly Minimum Deposit
20           P1,877
30           P1,937
40           P1,950
50           P3,079
60           P3,188
70           P8,172


I'm interested, how do I start?
Email your
    Full Name
    Age
   Contact Number
    Location
    Target Monthly Investment Budget
to grace.c.cunanan[at]sunlife[dot]com[dot]ph
or you can also leave a comment below.

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PRIMER DAMAR BODEGA SALE upto 80% OFF

PRIMER Group of Companies presents the DAMAR BODEGA SALE
Basketball Court, Damar Loop,
Brgy. Damar, Sgt. Rivera, Quezon City
March 12 & 13, 2011
11:00AM to 7:00PM

Up to 80% OFF on selected items.

P50.00 Entrance fee

Brands include:
Ace
Tretorn
Tough Jeansmith
Salomon
Kickers
Victorinox
Hedgren
Kangol
DC
World Traveller
Gravis
Jansport
Eagle Creek
The North Face
Sea to Summit
Columbia
Eastpak
Sledgers
Sanok
Delsey

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18th TravelTour Expo 2011

Go around the world in 3 days!
With over 240 participating exhibitors!
Special rates for airline tickets and travel packages available only during the event.

February 18 to 20, 2011
Halls 1 to 4, SMX Convention Center, Seashell Drive,
Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City

February 18-19 (Fri-Sat) Open 10AM - 9PM
February 20 (Sun) Open 10AM - 7PM

Regular Entrance Fee: P50
Senior Citizen Entrance Fee: P20

For more information: http://www.ptaatraveltourexpo.com.ph/

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Planet Infinity Group Exercise Schedule

Planet Infinity Group Exercise schedule as of January 2011.

Note that classes and instructors are subject to LAST MINUTE CHANGES.
It is best to call the gym first before going to confirm.

Location: 4th Floor Crossroad 77 Mother Ignacia Ave.
corner Scout Reyes, Quezon City, Philippines
Phone: 376-4512

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Serenitea - Not Your Ordinary Cup of Tea

ordered my first-ever milk tea from Serenitea. got the Wintermelon Milk Tea.


hope it's good.


one of the things i miss the most from Taiwan is the Wintermelon Tea with Grass Jelly that i always ordered at Mirabella, a bubble tea shop across Taipei Main Station.


oh, too late. i finally found a menu of Serenitea online and found out that they have grass jelly but i've already placed my order with my office mate who's ordering for us.


i don't understand why milk tea shops in the Philippines are being marketed as "Japanese". as far as i know, it's a Taiwanese thing.

there are probably a hundred different brand of milk / bubble tea shops in Taiwan as my 6 months of stay there has shown me, but i don't remember seeing even one milk tea store in the different prefectures i've trodden in Japan.


so going back to my question, why the "Japanese" brand proposition? care to share your thoughts on this?


P.S. my milk tea just arrived from the Banawe branch with this label

WINTERMELON MT MED 50% PEARL 95.00

For Delivery: 5599881


it tastes good alright but still no match for Mirabella =)

sweetness level is okay at 50% sugar. would try it at 25% next time.

and whoever said that milk tea is healthy must be joking. i can feel the calories as i swish the milk tea and pearls in my mouth. but what the hey. i want to try the Pepper Potato and Pepper Tofu next.

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ABS-CBN Loop Goes Green - Styrofoam Free Starting October 18

Great news for the environment! The Loop at ABS-CBN goes styrofoam-free!

Furthermore, to reduce accumulation of disposed plastic bags,
PLASTIC BAGS will be issued upon request only


Kapamilya, what can we do today?
4 simple steps:
1. bring your own reusable containers (tupperware, lock and lock, biokips, etc...)
2. bring your own utensils / spoon and fork
3. bring your own bag OR carry bought packed food by hand
4. bring your own beverage container / baso (water bottle, tumbler, etc...)

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Planet Infinity 24 Hour Gym in Quezon City Promo - P1,700 Monthly Membership Only!

Sign-up for membership with a friend and pay only P1,700 monthly membership at Planet Infinity
You and your friend even get free use of the pool which is normally charged at P200 per use.

For details, call 376-4512 or give the gym a visit at
4th Floor Crossroad 77 Mother Ignacia Ave. corner Scout Reyes, Quezon City, Philippines

Directions on how to get to Planet Infinity

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