The Inns Hotel, Bacolod

During our Bacolod stay, my sister chose to book The Inns Hotel which was 10-15 minutes away from the port and walking distance from city proper. It was really convenient actually since my sister and I managed to go out at night to buy mineral water and toiletries in a nearby mercury drug store. We used our walking time for chismisan.

photo grabbed from Agoda.com

Anyway, we booked through Agoda.com. I took the Standard room for only Php 800/night.

We arrived in the hotel around 10pm as we took the latest schedule trip of fastcat coming from Ilo-ilo. I noticed na walang parking lot? I wasn't 100% sure on that but as far as I can remember, nai park lang ang car sa tapat ng hotel.

The lobby looks nice! It's clean and spacious. Upon entrance, you'll see their restaurant on your left while the stairs and elevators are on the right side. We took the keys and went upstairs immediately so we can rest. We were so tired from Guimaras tour that same day.

Our room was located at 4th floor. The standard room is just like what they have advertised on Agoda.com. Although the room has no view, it was completely fine. It was what I expected it to be although I wasn't satisfied with the AC being noisy and the room seemed dark. I mean hindi maaliwalas yung main lights, parang madilim.The bathroom was big enough with hot and cold shower. A television with selected channel which Jami used to kill some time. We had a double sized bed which somehow fit Nanay, Jami and I. There was a big closet too for our things plus a table and chairs on the side.

photo grabbed from Agoda.com

Meanwhile, my sister booked their Superior deluxe. Their room has a city view and a bath tub. It can also has an adjoining room for big families.

Our stay includes a buffet breakfast too. Although it has a very limited selection, it wasn't bad after all. We had a constrained time in the hotel due to our hectic schedule so I actually missed the opportunity to even take photos. Lol! Nakakapagod kasi talaga yung DIY itinerary ni ate but I liked it that way.

As I search for the hotel, I found out that it is now named The Bell Hotel in Agoda.com. I am not sure if they re-named the hotel.

Over all, staying at The Inns Hotel/ The Bell Hotel was a nice option specially if your budget conscious without compromising quality.

The Bell Hotel
18 San Juan Street, Barangay 13, Bacolod, Philippines

Jami's First Piggy Bank

Was saving money an easy job for you? If not, then read on. =)

Last year was another milestone for Jami as he has finally learned the importance of piggy bank and saving money. Was it easy? No. I have to constantly remind him what the money is for and tell him he can't buy new toys until piggy bank is full.

The Struggle

When Jami was only 2 months old, he was given an aguinaldo which I decided to save and put it on a plastic coin bank. A day after, he was rushed to emergency room due to Pneumonia. Since then, I heard that saving coins on a piggy bank was a bad idea. Para daw may pinaghahandaan kang sickness or a tragedy or problem etc. I have to get the money and spend it. Four months after, I opened a BDO Junior savings account for him. This way, I could put all his money for safe keeping. Unfortunately, I have to close it out last year because I have decided to put this money on my small business and make it double in a short period of time. Yes it did but eventually have to spend it somewhere else. Note: hindi sa luho. 

In my growing up years, I have never realized the importance of saving. It wasn't instill to my bones so it didn't become a part of me at all. I had money? I'll spend it to something I really want. Para bang hindi ako nakakatulog when I know I have money and I have to spend it or else I won't be happy at all. It was such a sad reality that's why I am so glad that I had so many realization last year. I learned a lot and I knew kung saan ako nagkulang and how to fix it.  

The Concept of Saving

Fast forward to July 2017, I decided to start teaching Jami the concept of piggy bank.I tried a different approach. When Nanay saw that we were serious in saving, he bought Jami a red piggy bank. Hinahayaan ko syang mag hulog ng money so he will feel the responsibility and joy of saving. Below are the two things I thought of before we start.

1. Goal - It's very important you know what you are saving for. In his case, I asked him if he wants a bicycle. He said yes so I always tell him that his piggy bank, once full, could buy him a bike. With a goal in mind, we know what the money is for which kept both of us motivated to continue putting coins.
2. Delayed Gratification - This is to remind him that we don't have enough money to buy a bike so he has to wait until the bank is full. Although he feels sad when I he asks for something but piggy isns't full yet, I tried my best to encourage him that piggy is getting heavier and will be full in no time. Madali pa naman mauto so I didn't have any problem so far. Haha!

I also gave these instructions to Jami:

• He should put all 1 peso coin only. Whenever he sees one lying around the house or if someone gave him money, it should go straight to the coin bank. The only downside is, kapag nakakita nga sya ng coins, ilalagay nya regardless if sukli ko ba yun or coins ng daddy nya. There were times na when he see a wallet and found that it has coins inside, kukunin at ihuhulog sa piggy nya. Hahaha! It was cute but it was not right so I told him he has to ask permission to the owner of the coins if it's okay na ihulog yun sa piggy bank nya. Lol!

• DON'T ALLOW ANYONE TO OPEN HIS PIGGY BANK. Yan! I told him don't let daddy get money on his piggy hahaha! True enough, when he wants new toy tapos nagta tantrums kay Nanay, he will be told na he doesn't have money but he can get on his piggy bank. Then he will remember that he cannot open his piggy bank yet so shut up na sya after. =D

• His piggy bank, once full could buy him his own bike. Whenever he asks for a new toy or when he wants something, I always remind him that his piggy bank isn't full so he can't buy it yet. Except those times that he was doing a good job in school, pinagbibigyan namin to buy what he wants. Solely his piggy bank is dedicated to be opened in December. 

 The Opening Day

December 17, 2017 was when we decided to open his piggy bank kahit hindi pa puno. It was halfway full pa lang but I opted to count it to check his progress and to be able to buy him what he wants for the holiday.

In total, Jami saved a total of Php 2,260 including money gifts for his birthday. The same day, we went to Robinson's Las Pinas to exchange the coins and get rebates however, their budget of giving rebates were all used up the previous day so we had no choice but to exchange it without any rebates at all. We have no choice, ang bigat magdala ng madaming coins because we brought along my own 10 pesos challenge. Last minute, Jami decided he wants to buy a new toy. He has a thing with cars so when he saw one with tracks, he liked it and took it home. We spent Php1,000 so he was left with Php1,300. I am thinking of opening a new bank account for him where he could go to the bank and put his savings there by himself. 

Realization

You know I realize, hindi naman masama yung nag iipon ka ng coins at home. Sickness come regardless kung may ipon ka o wala. It's actually better if you have something saved at home for cases like that kesa naman you believed na masama and didn't save then you get sick diba? I want Jami to learn as early as now the importance of saving his money so he won't learn it the hard way like I did. I am just hoping that we will be consistent in doing it. I know I have to be the best person to set an example so help me God.

For this year, Nanay bought Jami another piggy bank which was a lot smaller compared to the previous one. Although I prefer the bigger one so it will take time to get full and will be very timely in December to open, I am thankful he gave Jami a new one. We are almost halfway and probably just buy a new one when we filled this out earlier than December. Our new goal was to really, really, really buy a bike na daw talaga. haha! Okay fine.

This year will be an #Amazing2018 for us. Let's see by the end of the year how our saving goals worked out. How about you guys? Share nyo naman saving strategy nyo for your kids! =)

Mutual Fund by Sun Life

One of the things that I am looking forward to experience is investing. I have been reading quite a few number of books and online articles/blogs related to money management and all of it says something about investing. However, before you step into investments, it requires knowledge and patience as it doesn't offer a huge profit for a short period of time unless you have studied stocks and trading in great heights.

Anyway, when I saw a promo posted on TipidMommy's facebook page regarding Sun Life's Mutual Fund, I have contacted her agent and inquired about it. I have then met Ms. Che Gernandizo who answered all my questions. Believe me, I had a LOT of questions and have been communicating with her almost everyday. Hahah! I am just so thankful that she's so patient with me until I am contented with all her answers and fully understood mutual fund.

Although I have some basic knowledge prior to this, I still would want to confirm everything that I know specially the ins and outs of the company where I will put my hard-earned money. Sun Life has a great track record and has been in business for a very long time so I didn't hesitate. Besides, having a dedicated financial advisor helped me trust the company more.

When I had finally set a goal as to why I am investing in Mutual Fund, fully decided, we set an appointment near our office so I could submit the forms she sent thru my email ahead of time. I filled it out, deposited the required minimum amount, signed the papers and submitted it to her personally. I just waited for roughly 2 weeks since the company received a lot of application and had backlogs due to their ongoing promo.

The offered promotion of Sun life was for money market fund which is an investment vehicle for conservative type of investors and has a track record of up to 2% per annum. Instead of Php5,000 initial amount required to invest, it was lowered to only Php500.

source

Since my goal is long term investment, I was hoping to transfer my fund to Equity or Index Fund which is for aggressive type of investor as soon as possible. I know that time is on my side so I have to maximize this investment. Remember, the higher the risk, the higher the returns.

Everyday has been so exciting watching my first passive income. Although it was a very, very, very small gains, I feel happy because you cannot get Php5 pesos just parking your money on your wallets nor putting it on a savings account in a bank. I mean, you can get 5 pesos in a bank after 6 months probably depending on the amount of money kept. Every payouts, I did some top ups until I got a go signal to switch my portfolio to Index Fund which has a track record of up 21% per annum.

SWITCHING MY FUND

Since I am a very agitated and excited type of person, I downloaded the Sunlife App on my phone so I could watch it closely. Although it is recommended to let it do its magic for a long period of time, there's something about checking it everyday regardless if the NAVPS (net asset value per share) is up or down. It motivates and reminds me of my goals. 

When I reached Php5,000 on my money market portfolio, I transferred my fund to Index immediately. Why Index? Well, the amount per share is quite low at the time so I will be able to buy a lot of shares. How did I transferred my fund? I did all my transactions thru their app in a breeze. It was a user friendly app plus an attentive financial advisor made me so happy I made the right decision. 

HOW TO ADD FUNDS ON YOUR PORTFOLIO

What I initially did is to go to the nearest BPI and deposit the money on SLAMCI's account. Take picture of my deposit slip then fill out the order form thru the Sunlife App. After some time, I asked my advisor if I could skip going to the banks and just transfer the fund thru BPI mobile app. I am so glad it worked fine. All I have to do was to transfer the fund to SLAMCI's bank account just like a normal fund transfer, take a screenshot of the confirmation, fill out the form on Sunlife's app and wait for the confirmation of additional shares bought the next day. 

Here's a step by step guide on how you could submit an order ticket form thru SunLife App.

1.) Download the SunLife Portal on your phone. 

Sunlife Portal Landing Page

2.) Upon sign up, it will ask you to nominate your PIN for you additional security. 

3.) This page will show up after you key in your PIN. It contains your account number, number of shares you have, the NAVPS from the previous day and the total fund value. To submit an order ticket form, tap on the fund name to bring you to the next screen.

4.)To be able to submit an order form, tap on the + button which will offer you to either REDEEM FUND, SWITCH FUND or ADD FUND. Select Add fund to see the form. This is where I also switched my fund from Money Market to Index Fund.

5.) The form should look like below. Fill out the form according to which bank and how much top up you did. Upload the screen shot of the bank confirmation for transfer fund or take a photo of your deposit slip for over the counter payment.

 After submitting the form, an order ticket number will be given to you. You may take note of it if you wish. A separate email will be sent to you to confirm the transaction has been received and once processed (which could take 24hours), another email will be sent to confirm the total number of shares bought and the amount per share according to the NAVPS. They also send text messages and a letter to confirm subscription in the mail.

Should you wish, you can also arrange an auto debit from your payroll or savings account to automatically fund your portfolio. To do so, please contact your financial advisor. Cut off for top ups is at 12noon. Additional funds processed before cut off time will buy the closing NAVPS from previous day (5pm) while anything after cut off will buy today's closing NAVPS. For any questions, please contact your financial advisor.

MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE IN MUTUAL FUND

I have waited two years before I finally had the chance to try Mutual Fund. Reading a lot of blogs/books/articles and joining facebook groups about money management somehow prepared me to this date. There was a time when I switched to Index Fund where I had paper loss. As I check it everyday, all I could say was, "down pa rin ang market" then shake it off. I kept reminding myself of my long term goal and there's nothing to worry about. True enough, the market bounced back, returned my paper loss and even added more. Since I am on Index Fund, means it mirrors PSEi, I could check the market's performance and expect the same gain or loss on my portfolio. 

It's been a month since the last time I added fund to my account. This is because I could see that the market is on green and is consistently going up for the last couple of days. I intend to add funds when the market goes down. Besides, I have other goals that I have to prioritize at this time. This portfolio is intended for our Retirement fund and thinking about it gives me fuel to continue working hard everyday. 

All I can say is, before you get yourself into investing, make sure that you prepared yourself to any changes as NAVPU could go up and down everyday. Being emotional in investing is never a good thing along with trading as it can cost you a lot of money if you're not fully knowledgeable. It will be best to set your goal for long term (5years and up) to maximize your gains. You can also do PESO-COST AVERAGING meaning putting the same amount (or more) money consistently (every salary or monthly). There are days where market is up which could buy you lesser number of shares and vice versa and can buy you more when market is down. Read a lot or ask questions until you fully understand the risks.

While every Mom's wish was to give out the best to our kids, we also have to make sure that all our hard work are not put to waste. Make your money work for you, not the other way around. We will not be young or strong forever, so while you can spare some amount for your future self, please do it now.

source

If you are born poor, it's not your mistake, but if you die poor, it's your mistake. - Bill Gates

A Look back at 2017

This 2018 felt good! It is said to be a year of the Earth Dog based on Chinese Calendar. There's something in this year that I felt I should be looking forward to.

I know this will be another year to continue reaching for our goals. I have written some on my old planner just so I could polish them before writing it down to my new planner. I was kind of unsure at this point since we have a lot of things planned for the year. I have to consistently communicate with Daryl to make sure that we are both in line with our mission this year.

I have decided to write this year down as #Amazing2018. I can't wait to become close to those goals and it's very exciting to actually think about achieving them. I will blog about our goals as soon as I am satisfied with it. It wasn't just a simple dreams that I write about. I want to have a game plan and a strategy on how we could achieve them. Hindi na kasi pwede yung SANA SANA lang or the dreaming stage lang and wait until we achieve them without a concrete plan of the HOW diba?

Anyway, I want to look back on our 2017. Not just what happened to the goals but also the good and the bad that happened last year.

JANUARY

• I had trials at work specially that I felt a superior doesn't like me. What made me happy was I finally got hold of my dream phone! Lol! Pero hindi brand new although in good condition naman. What's important is I got it fully paid in time. =) 

FEBRUARY

• We had our annual physical exam in the office which made me realize that I am gaining weight from the previous APE. This was the same month when I decided to push myself to the limit and go on a strict diet. I blogged about it here. 

 

 MARCH

• I was meant to be promoted at work. I had an existing memo until mid-March. A day after the memo was lifted, I applied for a position and yes, I was hired by the end of the month! :D
• I joined the new team's outing in Calaguas Island. It was free for us while I paid extra for Daryl. I tagged along Jami and Daryl since they allowed family members to join us on this trip! :) 

APRIL

• Daryl's birthday month. We celebrated at home since we just came from Calaguas the day before. 
• Weight loss became noticeable by 2-3 people. 
• I was able to secure my SSS loan by applying in their amnesty or SSS Reconstructing Program which I blogged about here.

MAY 

• We had a quick getaway at Stilts Calatagan for Mother's Day with Daryl's side of the family.
• I stopped going on a diet at 57kgs. My initial target was 60kgs but people missed me in my chubby self hahah! Anyway, I was happy with 57kgs although it's 2kgs more than my average weight for my height.

JUNE

• My birth month. We had a short celebration, just the three of us in Shakey's Mall of Asia. We were looking to claim gift sana for birthday celebrant kaso you have to have a membership card which will cost Php400. Okay sana however, the freebie also cost the same amount. I thought about it for a while and decided not to get the card because we won't use it often. 
• Jami started going to school. He was enrolled in a small school around the area and so far, I am glad with how he's performing. 
• Daryl started his new career. I was so glad for him he gets to work in the airport which somehow co-related to his college degree. He was also happy and contented with work which was a lot important. 
• We struggled financially this month since Daryl and Jami were both starting. We don't have fund to support the additional expenses which ended up taking loans left and right. 
• Gigantes Island - Guimaras - Bacolod trip with Jami. 

JULY

• I started accepting baking orders again to help us cope up with finances.

 

AUGUST

•  I manage to get a new business partner and very active re-seller of my baked goods. 
• Finally had the chance to experience Dreamplay for my nephews 7th birthday. 

 

SEPTEMBER

• I started my Mutual Fund with Sunlife Asset Management (SLAMCI). I saw an online promo from Tipid Mommy's facebook page where you could start investing for only Php500 rather than Php5,000. I met a financial advisor na sobrang maasikaso and very helpful. Should you need one in the future, please let me know. =) 

 

OCTOBER

• I finally had the feeling of having passive income! hahaha! Although super duper small, it felt good thinking that it will grow big in the long run. 
• Jami's birthday celebration in school. 
• Took a life insurance from Pru Life UK which I will blog about separately. 

 

NOVEMBER

• Approval of my Life insurance application.
• Started building our Emergency Fund. 
• Renewed my passport.

 

DECEMBER

• Successfully saved coins from July to mid-December. Jami was able to save around 2,000+ including monetary gifts while I had less than Php3,000 of 10s and 5s coins. =) I intended to use the money for our New Year's eve budget while Jami bought a new toy and saved 50%. 
• For the first time, I celebrated my NYE away from home. =)

You know somehow I felt that we had a good 2017. I mean it was surely a roller coaster ride but nevertheless, it gave us a lot of things to learn and that we were able to start on something new. My personal goal was to become a wiser version of myself and I felt I was able to pull it off. Anyway, I believe naman that the most important thing is that you learn and ready to start again. New year never fails to replenish my hopes that I am one step closer to my goals. I somehow felt na nag mature ako. Ganito pala ang feeling, Lol! #Adulting101. Hahahah! Tita na talaga.

It's day 10 of 2018. I hope you all have a wonderful year ahead.

#GreenTeam for #Amazing2018

Re-visiting Goals 2017 Part 2

So it's 2018! Just like that!

Grabe sobrang bilis ano?! I didn't even realize that December is about to end.

Hay nakooo!

Anyway, I had a wonderful 2017 and I always wanted to look back by writing them. Good thing I discovered the use of a planner because reading everything that I have written down in the last 12 months give me so much satisfaction with the year that passed. I have realized sooo many things and even remembered some at that instant which I completely forgot happening. Weird feeling actually. Hehe.

Well, I said I had a satisfactory feeling after 2017 being able to accomplish so many things. I had a go-go energy as per my Chinese calendar prediction and I guess that was true. I did a lot of new things, gained new friends, acquired new skills and learned new stuff. It was a roller coaster ride but I really feel contented. I even reviewed my goals in August to check if I am in line with my goals. Part of it was great and some were not. I intentionally not complete all of them based on my priorities.

Should you wish to look back, click here for my 2017 goals and an update here in August 2017.

I was able to still complete some before the year ends and that made my goals for last year at 70% done. I'll write down those that I wasn't able to complete na lang to make it short. The rest that aren't on the list are completed.

Personal Goals

• Attend Workshops - No, I didn't attend a workshop still. Although this could enhance my baking skills which I use for earning extra money, I wasn't ready financially since my extra income helped us get back on our feet when things got rough in mid-2017. I am looking to at least do this in 2018 and save money for it. 
• Vaccine - No vaccine for us in the entire year. Good thing we only caught colds twice a year and no health issues far more than that. Thank you Lord!
• Loose Weight - I was able to maintain it until last month where I gained 2kg. I let it be since it's the holidays where there were food left and right. Sweets are my weakness! I don't crave rice, bread etc. But sweets?? Please! Let there be peace on Earth. Hahaha! Nag uubos na lang talaga ako ng food from New Year's Eve tapos I'll go back on dieting.

Family Goals

• Staycation & Photoshoot - are the very least in our priority this year so I intentionally didn't put an effort to it. Maybe in the coming years na lang.

Relationship Goals

• Eat Out/Date Night/Movie together/Spa Together - Yes we had some eat outs with just the two of us and we used it to talk about some things and you know, just reminisce the old time. Hehe! Hope we could have one at least once every month or every 2 weeks. I am looking for a movie or spa together which weren't completed.

Financial Goals

• Beef up Emergency Fund - Hay nako etong Emergency Fund na ito, taon-taon na lang. hahaha! But hey, we had some improvement before the year ended. I was able to save some although really small lang compare sa aming goal but at least, we had something saved. It's a big leap of adjustment but we were there. Tuloy-tuloy na ito! Wala na ng SANA, para magkatotoo naman. Hahahah!
• School Fund -  No school fund yet but this is included on our 2018 goal.
• Travel Fund - No travel fund yet since we had other much more important goal to achieve like the first two above.
• More Sideline/Additional Income - compared to last year, the holidays of 2017 gave me lesser orders but I am not complaining. The money helped us cope up faster than expected so it was a really big help. Besides, I didn't do a lot of marketing this year since I felt I need a lot of sleep at times. 

So there you have it guys! I didn't write down those that I was able to complete just so I could completely tick them off. Although I had some that are not completed, I felt happy with 2017 for being a #WiserMe version. I can't wait to start my #Amazing2018 and to see what's in store for me and my Family.

Thank you for your continued support guys! We may have a prosperous 2018! =)