Swabeng Thoughts: My own learning issues

After graduating college and passing the ECE Board Exam a decade and a half ago, it never crossed my mind to continue my education seriously. I thought that when I passed the board exam, I can have command of my career. When I was starting my career as an assistant instructor in a Computer College down south, I never paid attention in what are the other thing I need to learn. Instead, I just enjoyed material things that my salary has been providing me. 

I was wrong. 

A few years after that, I decided to take an IT course in the form of Cisco (CCNA) to further enhance my career. By the time I passed it seven years ago, I tried to pursue further my career in IT without considering that experience is also needed aside from certification. 

This is where I need to make an overhaul in my career. 

As of present, I'm still gainfully employed in my current company giving me more than enough to provide for my family and I was also able to save more than I could imagine. I got to invest also for the long run making sure that my family would be taken care off in the event that something happens. 

This is where another opportunity comes in. The opportunity to learn. This time, I need to learn a lot of things beyond my field of work (which is in the IT). 

Taken from Google

Since 2013, I started to do some self-study on Financial Education. This was in a sense that my money should go further beyond the banks and putting it to work the same as I do. I started buying some books one at a time and read them more than once just to make sure I get the hang of it. As of writing, I've bought more than 20 books on Personal Finance Management and Stock Trading not to mention a couple of Photography books that I've been collecting since I've started my career in IT in 2010. 

Bottomline is one should never end his quest to learn new things and be lustful to learn more things that are taught beyond the four corners of the classroom. 

Taken from Google

Till then. Never Stop Learning. 

Ciao!

2016 Resolutions: To Do and To Hold

Here we are again. The start of the year and the usual, we need to at least write down some resolutions that we should try to accomplish this year.

But for me, what I usually do is instead of writing down my resolutions for the year, I write down plans to accomplish and some steps on how to make sure to complete them by the year ends.


Here's mine.


1. Keep myself employed: I've been blessed that my 3rd year of my tour of duty in one of the offices here in Makati is just around the corner. Since February 2013, there is no turning back as I was able to save more than enough not just for my future but for my family's future as well. Though I wasn't able to keep up with my blogging, I hope this year, I can compose atleast 50 original entries from various topics (I've only made six measly entries last year) while keeping myself updated with the latest trends in technology.


2. Keep on reading and learning: Last year, I was able to bought close to twenty books on personal finance and the stock market. I was able to finish reading the books whose author is locally based here, leaving the international authors that have yet to be touched. I still have around 5-6 books by Robert Kiyosaki and one by Benjamin Graham. I wanted to finish reading those books before the end of the first half of the year. I must complete this for me to gain more financial knowledge while being invested.


3. Keep on Saving and Investing: Since I started working again in 2013, I was able to save and invest a lot of money that is probably more than what I've spent during my early days of my career. I even made my own Statement of Assets and Liabilities plus a few tables to track down how much I've saved and invested. While losing money through high-risk investments are a part of the learning cycle, what I should do now is to prevent my assets from losing further especially that the Bear Market is just a few points away.


4. Keep on improving physically: This has been my problem throughout the years. While I was able to give myself a headstart on losing weight, I only end up gaining it back and what's worse is adding a few extra pounds at the end of the year and every year after. Also I need to take good care of my eyesight as well as my dentures as they say Health is Wealth.


5. Keep on Shooting: Its been a long time since I've been taking photos actively using my almost 4-year old DSLR. While its still in working condition, I know I could possible break within the year without any possible replacement except for my iPhone. As I've been using my iPhone as my back-up lightweight shooting device, nothing still beats using a bigger sensor complete with some extra settings that you can actually change and manipulate. I may consider going mirrorless and pick a camera from either Canon or try Fujifilm this time.


6. Keep on Writing and Editing: Been writing online since 2009 and being active for a couple of years until such time I had almost lost the imagination, creativity and will power to continue. due to the workload I'm happily receiving in the office and a lot of daddy duties to Marien. As Marien started to go to school, this gives me enough time to possible write more here and edit some of the old sets that I have. I was able to edit close to 15 sets within a week (I was on Vacation Leave that time) and I'm thinking on how to maximize my vacation leaves.


Till 2017 Resolutions. 

Ciao!

Swabeng Thoughts: Emotional Attachments at Work

I've been working with various industries for the past few years. Name it, I've been there and done that. Now, its only natural to make friends at work where you sometime spend time talking about more work and a few times non-work related. It helps you ease-up and let loose even for a while on any busy day. 

In my past jobs, I've meet different people. Some were just officemates, but some were the ones I can call friends. Like after work, we hang-out for a few hours with a few bottles of beer while singing in the videoke. Those were the good times and unfortunately, all good things has come to an end. 

I kinda miss those moments. Even if you're way too stressed at work, just a few hours with them would make the pain all go away. There were times that I'm kinda attached to those moments that I know it will just be a part of a good past. 

Taken from Google

Moving forward to the present. While I'm in good terms (kinda) with my colleagues here, its just its not there anymore. I mean, every time they would invite me to go out and have a few rounds, I'd make up excuses not to join them. Its weird for me to decline such invites to relax and hang-out with office mates. Eventually, they set-out their own plans (most of the time) and not include me anymore. I guess I'm kinda used to it that it works well on my part not to get too attached with my current colleagues at work. It also saves me from probably having the feeling of despair if (and only if) I'm not with the current company I'm working (only time will tell when). 

Though I've never burn any bridges with anyone, I guess they've already initiated that a long time ago. But anyway, life goes on and besides, I have more than enough friends to keep me sane (the same friends I've been with for more than a decade now). 

Oh well, its lonely working here all by myself, I wish I could go home after. XD

Swabeng Thoughts: A letter from my mid-life self to my quarter-life self.

Its kinda weird for me to write a letter to myself but after reading some blogs on why they wrote to their old self, it was like, okay. So here goes. 


Hey Quarter-Life Bro, 

Its been like a decade since the last time we've talked. How did it go from there? You know, there were things that I wanted to look back and think about what if you were able to do the things I do now. Kinda weird huh? Well...


I know you really enjoy life just I do now. But I wish that you were able to save a portion of your small earning when you used to teach at that school in Las Pinas. While you were earning just enough for you to spurge on food trips and gimmicks, you shouldn't ask for money from Mom and Dad since you're already earning on your own. I mean, you used to save when we were back in college but what happened after there? You see, I've been saving a few years ago which you should have done it sooner. You could have been a millionaire and be richer than me If only you have started investing in either the Stock Market or in Mutual Funds with as low as 1000/month. But anyway, I'd help you on this only once though I only have twenty five years to help you. Its up to you how you'll make it grow. Probably next time, teach Marien the concept of money (like when she's 8 or 10 y/o). I'll probably lend you some books I've purchased on personal finance. 

I know your Dad is really proud of you when you finished your course in only four and a half years and passed your board exams. You were really ecstatic that you forgot to continue learning some more tricks off your sleeve that you were totally dependent on your diploma and that PRC license of yours. While passing the Board Exam and getting Cisco Certified a few years back could give you a certain advantage, today's technology has a faster pace. So fast that you forgot to renew both of them and got mixed-up somewhere. I really liked working in an IT environment and I wished you have joined me sooner. We still have a few more certifications to take plus the ones that you need to renew. I'm sure you still want that CCIE title someday right? Or maybe you wanted more like taking the LPIC (Linux) that got me interested? Anyway bro, let's review together soon. 

We've been together through tough challenging times especially when dealing your dilemma with women. I know you've enjoyed their company when you were younger like I did, had a few heartbreaking moments that I know it took you a while before you recover. I was able to overcome that sadness when my wife (your future wife) came into my life. She had my heart beat faster and slower at the same time just like a quote from the movie "Hot Chicks" She may not have that Angelic Face and a Heavenly Body that I was dreaming when I was your age, she complemented me in almost all aspects and she can make me laugh the way I do to her. I'm sure you'll find yours in God's Time. But be sure she's the only one and no other else alright?

I've been hooked in photography for quite sometime now as well as blogging like you to basketball and playing video games. We can spend some time together like you teach me play arcade and I teach you to handle a DSLR camera. Then we can form a collaboration against the best in the country to show them how creative our minds are. Maybe when you get your own camera, we can take a photowalk within where I live now (its pretty more interesting there). Then I'll teach you to use Photoshop to enhance some of your shots 

But what we have something in common probably is that both of us need to lose weight. I mean seriously, both of us really weighed much that we should buddy-up in a gym or do some long 5K or 10K jogs like I did last year (but I wasn't able to sustain it). I know you were really a health buff a few years back unlike me which I need to face the reality that I'm getting older and older that I just hope my application for VUL gets approved despite my current physical condition unlike yours. Also both of us love to read. You with your mens magazines (FHM, UNO, Maxim, Rogue, Esquire, Playboy) while I'm more into books now. Just take care of my magazines back home for me and I'll send you some books on Photography and Personal Finance in a few weeks time. 


Anyway, I hope to see you soon somewhere, somehow, someday. And let's celebrate this over a bottle of Jack Daniel's and a case of San Mig Lights. XD 

Take Care, 
Your Mid-Life Bro

PS. Please take time to study on how to make our website earn more while I'm away at work ok. Buy a domain for us and I'll let you re-brand it as a gift to you. 

PPS. And please, make sure to start working on those backlogs as well so we don't get dumped with more. 

Swabeng Thoughts: The 2014 that changed my perspective entirely

The year 2014 was very much fruitful and meaningful to me. For me, 2014 was just a continuation of 2013 where I received blessing after blessing despite challenges and obstacles came along the way. 

On family, it was a sight to behold to witness how my daughter grow so fast that only a few years back, she's only crawling and utter simple words. And now she can do things on her own like taking a bath, brushing her teeth and even helping out with some household chores at home. Also, she can now speak a few phrases in English whether we ask her a question or she wanted to say something (Thanks Peppa Pig!). She can now read and write a few letters though with her reading, she sometimes messes it up (on purpose). What I like about her improvement this year is that she can do the Sign of the Cross as well as recite the Lord's Prayer (Our Father) with the guidance of her mom. But we still need to improve her social skills as she is kinda shy when dealing with other kids (or other people) for the first time. Well next year would be her year as we'll be sending to school so she could interact with other kids. I know she'll outperform herself for the best.

With work, things got better and challenging at the same time. From logging-in to facebook everyday at work, now I don't log-in to facebook at work and instead, check my updates at home (or on the road) from my mobile. I seldom visit forums that is not related with work in my workstation. Instead, I check work-related websites as well as a few personal finance related websites (blogs) on how to improve your personal finance and check other websites that would help me grow as an individual. Well every now and then, I check other websites on food and photography but its on a limited time only (meaning if I am terribly bored). Probably, I'll add book reading as a list of things to do in the office when things get very very boring but its better than doing nothing right?

Health matters, it's like dead even. Why? At the start of the year, I was very active getting up a bit early and walk around to reduce weight and get in-shape. But time passed and I wasn't able to keep it up with my target, thus the weight I lost during the start of the year gained back again. Eating habits got a bit worse until the end of the year which I was able to curb and limit thanks to my Doctor's consistent reminder on weight management (from 3 maintenance medications, its now down to 2). I got to limit my vices to almost nil (except for special occasions) but I need to limit my recreational visits as well, to keep my wallet happier. I always fail on this part but I'll do my best to improve here. 

On Blogging and Photography, I was almost at a complete halt on this. I mean, from my usual weekly/monthy posts and photoshoots, it was almost down to nil as my priorities have shifted. Shifted in a way that my iPhone got me hooked on the internet whenever I had the opportunity at home. That leads to piling up on pending things to do on both Blogging and Photography that I need to do something here fast. While I can't promise to limit my internet connectivity via mobile, I'll try to inject some creativity in my head again for me to be able to revive my other passions in life. 

On money matters, I was able to hit my target on completing my emergency savings. I got to learn a lot of things as well like investing in Stocks, Mutual Funds, Unity Investment Trust Funds and Variable Universal Life Insurance. I was able to fortify my learnings by attending free and paid seminars during the second half of the year. By the end of this year, I already have an Online Account for Stocks, two Mutual Fund Accounts (with 1 pending), one VUL (pending approval) and a decent emergency fund (good for 6 months). I could have saved much more if it wasn't to some things that well...I guess I need to limit it one step at a time. 

At the end of this year, I look forward that 2015 would not just be another year for me but also a better year for me (and everyone else). 

Happy New Year! 

Swabeng Thoughts: The long and unexplained hiatus.

Its been months since the last time I wrote something here. I got too busy with work, raising a very playful and mischievous daughter and been busy with doing new things. While I can write here at work (during off-peak), I couldn't as my resources are scarce. 

It was like the first time again for me to put something that would make me remember the sole reason why I write online in the first place. It was those random thoughts that was the last time running through my head and make me think again why I had to be away. While there were times that I was suppose to put something in this space, a part of me wanted to be away for sometime and had me too pre-occupied.

Seven (or more) months not writing anything my mind expresses was like a year or more for my seasoned blogger friends who keeps me updated through their respective facebook page. If they experienced what I'm experiencing right now, they might have deserted their space and simply created a new one (I'm still planning to buy my own domain someday).

But I guess it's not yet time for me to leave this space and start anew. Probably, I'd try to pick-up the pieces and continue where I left off. The question when will I be active here again lies on my will power to continue amid all distractions that comes through my way. 

Until then, I hope I could find the inspiration and the drive to get back to the grove and share a lot of things Swabeh!

Hey! Merry Christmas by the way. 

Swabeng Random Thoughts Part 10

1. Its been so long since I've last made my entry here. More then two months since I've posted my last Swabeng Random Thoughts. 

2. My interest in Blogging and Photography is slowly dwindling for some un-explainable reason. I don't have a clue how it faded slowly. Work may not be the sole reason for the slowly demise of this hobby. Somehow, I must get it back before its too late. 

3. With #2 being said, I'm trying to read some blogs again particularly anything that has to do with Photography. I missed those times taking pictures and sharing them through here. So far, I'm reading two good blogs that may bring me back to the habit I do love (taking pictures and blogging about them). 

4. While I was able to lose a few pounds through exercise (walking) and lessen my food intake. Keeping it away (for a long long time) may take a lot of determination than I expected. As long as I lose a few more pounds before the year ends, I'm good with that. 

5. I'm already reaching 81.25% of my total emergency savings (that will last for a year). Only a few more months to go and I'm on target. Next would be saving up for investing. Hopefully I could start investing by the 4th quarter of the year. 

6. Since I've participated in the 52-week money challenge, I have an Idea how much I've already saved. To be honest, its not easy to do this on a 50 pesos per week increment (trust me) but hopefully, I could hit the target by the end of the year. With that amount, I could probably last for a few more months or use it to earn more. 

7. I also need to learn to tinker with my iPhone instead of using it just for browsing. Since I had that phone with me, I'm almost hooked into it whenever I have it with me. Thank God I don't bring it yet to work for safety reasons. 

8. Since they have forbidden Facebook in all workstations here, I was able to adapt somehow but I wasn't able to keep up with my games and let it go idle for a while. Now I'm trying to play them again even if its only once in a day. 

I hope I could get back really soon. Only time knows when...

Swabeng Random Thoughts Part 9

1. Its been more than 6 months since I posted my last Swabeng Random Thoughts. A lot of things have come and go through last year that I wasn't able to do some updates.

2. Last month was pretty much busy for me that I wasn't able to do any updates in this blog for the month of February. I mean, no posts and not even drafts were made last month.Well its my fault that I didn't allot even an hour a day for this. My bad. Hopefully, I could get go on this and finish my zero backlog. 

3. This year, I started browsing through several financial blogs that has something to do with investing and mutual funds. I realized that I myself wanted to be financially independent not just for my future but for Marien's future as well.

4. Also this year, I decided to hit the road and do some morning walks (jogging). Though it's still a long way for me, I know I'd be able to lose some weight and be able to hopefully join a 3K, 5K, 10K or even a 21K run in the future. 

5. I'm still trying to adjust my eating habits as I'm so far good at limiting my rice intake for the day. I just need to fine tune some fat intake and limit cola to almost nil. 

6. However, my biggest obstacle so far is forum hopping that keeps me from being productive. I must resist temptation but how? XD

7. I'm looking forward to this year as a challenge and face it head-on


And now this concludes my first post for the month. XD

Swabeng Thoughts: A decade after quarterlife

I just celebrated my birthday a few days back and I felt it was just like yesterday when I celebrated my 25th. Today, its been a decade since I celebrated my quarter life and I haven't looked back since. Indeed, God gave me a lot of reasons to live my life to the fullest after a lot of setbacks I got especially ten years ago.

Back in 2004, I just quit a teaching job not knowing how would that year end up. Got a bit too lazy to move forward that I wasted an entire year doing almost nothing but going online surfing about useless stuff.

While I try to look for a decent job back then, I didn't seem to care to get serious about it and just let it go with the flow. It didn't seem to matter to me whether or not I get hired or not but its about living it one day at a time. 

That was also the year I met a girl that I thought I would spend the rest of my life with. Like summer romance, it all ends on a sad note that I felt so depressed I had thoughts of ending my life then and there. I got to meet another girl during that year but It didn't erase the thoughts of the one that got away (not until I met my last girlfriend who happens to be my wife now). 

Anyway, the Decade's past has already been part of history which where I am right now, may not be possible if it wasn't for the mistakes I made back then. 

Now its time to embrace the good life and all the good choices it has to offer. Speaking of which, I'm halfway though my target in my daughter's account. 

Swabeng Thoughts: Adding Financial IQ to my arsenal

Since early last year, I got interested with anything that has to do with savings, investment and anything that has to do with money. This was due to the fact that where I work right now gave me more than enough to save first for my daughter's expenses for the next 2-5 years.

Then it dawned on me? Why I did take this seriously only now? Why not ten years ago or 15 years ago or even earlier when I was still single. Even my dad taught me on how to save money in a bank even before highschool, yet I was on and off with having a savings account in banks.

The only reason I could possibly think of is because the amount of money I earn way back was not enough (in my standards) for me to allocate some savings. Also, I was in a stage where I wanted to enjoy more and make sure I have done that before settling down.

Although I was able to save several times, I have only end up to spend it until the last centavo. I did this so many times that I thought I won't be able to recover financially. Good thing I did recover and I was able to start saving up (seriously) last year. 

When I got married to a Manilena (with an Ilocano Heritage), I had to make some little adjustments on saving as she kept reminding me to be thrifty and save. Although we had a joint account that we opened even before we got married, it was my wife who kept us afloat even there was a time that I didn't have a job and a daughter to raise for a few months. 

Well, I'm not yet a Financial Genius nor an Expert but I'm starting to learn the ropes and hopefully, gain more than enough knowledge for me to grow old and happy and I'll make sure to pass on what I'll be learning to my daughter. 

Swabeng Thoughts: Getting Premium with SSS and Philhealth

Only a couple days more before I could get my first paycheck for 2014. I'm looking forward to a bigger pay since I reported on all holidays during the Christmas season plus my unused sick leaves for the past year XD. 

Now the not so good news part is that starting this year (this month), SSS and Philhealth will be raising their respective member contributions. While I'm still trying to recall how much my monthly contribution is for both (I guess I'm at the maximum XD), here are the new contribution tables for both SSS and Philhealth.

SSS Contributions starting 2014

Philhealth Contributions starting 2014

While our government explained the rational for the increase, most of us do not agree. I don't mind the increase as long as I'd be able to reap the benefits in the future as well as my fellow contributors, I'm good with that. 

I would also keep an eye on any update with these two institutions as I contribute for my future and when I retire (hopefully as early as I can), I hope I could enjoy the rest of my life with some money to spend.

Swabeng Thoughts: 2014 Holidays, should I work or should I go

This is one of the topics I've read before in various blogs. Most of them have already planned their out-of town trips with (for travel bloggers) and others have plans of doing staycations. My swabeng thoughts on this? Just read below.

Some would prefer to stay home and spend time with their love ones as much as they could. As a dad, I prefer this over going out-of-town (for now). However, working in an IT environment would be a different case. My wife has accepted the fact that I'm required to report whenever necessary.

I belong to a group that requires us (as a group) to man the operations on a 24/7/365 basis. It means that there should be at least one of us (whoever is scheduled for the day) should be visible just in case someone needs our assistance. It also means that if we're scheduled to work on a holiday, we should be there or else, we'll get deducted (no work no pay) unless we use our leave credits.

Here is the list of National Holidays for 2014. Be sure to plan accordingly and use them wisely.

Taken from The Manila Bulletin Facebook Page.

I'm looking forward to work on holidays, get extra pay (YEHEY!!!) and save-up for the future. ^_^

Swabeng Thoughts: On working holidays, double pay and being away from home

This is not the first time I've been away from my family because of holiday work. The first time (2010) I remember was when my wife was still pregnant with Marien while I'm at the office (former) all by myself. At first, it was kinda lonely since I'm all alone and not even going online on facebook kept me company. Eventually, after my shift, I went home right away to be with my family.

Then the following year (2011) was my rest day and it falls on both Christmas and New Year's Eve (and the day itself) so I was able to spend more time with them. Sans the holiday pay, it doesn't matter as that was the first time I've spent holidays at home as a dad. I got to take them out and bough a gift for my only daughter.

Then last year (2012), as I'm out of a job, I got to spend the entire Christmas season (plus a few more weeks) at home which gave me more time to spend with my family. The only problem was I'm not the one providing for my family during that time (although my wife was able to cover for it). It was a bit frustrating on my end but I was able to learn a lesson from it.

Well yesterday was a holiday shift for me as I was able to work and spend Christmas at home after work. Thank God I was bale to provide for them the things that they need (and more) especially during the yuletide season. To be honest that was a different feeling as I thought I wasn't able to make it home last night but eventually, I did. 

Again, Merry Christmas everyone! 

Taken from Google

Swabeng Thoughts: 2013's Hits and Misses

As the year is almost done, I felt that there are a few more things that needs to be done before the year turns to 2014.

This year is really a good year for me to grow as a person (in whole) and learned a lot within the last 12 months. Everything was taken with a grain of salt and an open mind as I'm now plotting my 2014 to-do's (to be written on a separate post).

Anyway, here are the things I am grateful of regardless of whether its a hit or miss.

1. A new job in a new company (Hit!): I've been praying to get a new job right after I left my old job. I didn't slack off on this one as I looked for one and got it after 4 months. The good thing is that the one I got is probably the one I consider a dream come true. My job here is not just answering phones but doing other stuff as well while I try to learn as much as I can. Pay is higher than most BPOs give and more and I was able to save too for my daughter's future.

2. Saving for the rainy day (Hit!): Thanks to my job, my take home pay is more than enough that I can put 40% into my daughter's account (my account). I was able to hit a good target for the year though my wife was hoping a much bigger savings. I could have hit that target if it wasn't for a few stumbling blocks along the way. Nevertheless, I was also able to buy a few things for myself without compromising my daughter's savings and I'll make sure to continue to save more. 

3. Attending Events (Hit!): Well, I've missed this years' FHM 100 Sexiest Event and Bumper to Bumper for the nth time. But I was still able to attend a few more events though its kinda sad that some of my friends have their own shooting gigs already. As long as my rest days still fall on a weekend, I'd continue to attend to keep me busy and de-stress myself. 

4. Achieving Zero Backlog (Miss!): Honestly, I'd blame it on poor time management on my part as I couldn't seem to either get up early or stay up very late to either edit photos or update my blog posts. I was able to have a good start and eventually, faded by the 4th quarter of the year. Hopefully by next year I would be able to sustain my campaign to achieve zero backlog for my blog posts and my photos to edit.  

5. Keeping myself in top shape (Miss!): The only downside in working in this type of environment is that you spend close to 8 hours sitting staring at the monitor. I'm not complaining here though I could have done something to improve my overall health from regaining my 20/20 vision to my improving heart condition to to losing weight and keeping it off, to my dental dilemma which I need to have those useless tooth extracted once and for all. Hopefully next year, I'd be able to improve in all of them.

That's only a few things I was able to accomplish this year. Now I'm trying to draft the things I need to do this coming 2014. ^_^

Swabeng Thoughts: Planner Season

Well some of the coffee shops in the metro has already launched their own version of their 2014 Journal (Planner) which would make coffee aficionados collect for one. I myself look forward to what they can offer as I need to limit my planner to as few as possible =P. Choosing one seems a bit complicated especially to those who has limited budget like myself.

But still, there are still critics who couldn't seem to understand why people spend money just to get the planner of their choosing. Rather than feeling upset towards them, I feel sorry as they really don't understand the mechanics and how collecting coffeeshop planners makes fanatics feel satisfied when they get what they want. Aside from that, some of the proceeds go to the coffeeshop's charity partner.

I've been collecting planners of this coffeeshop since 2007 and up to now, I'd still look forward to get my own. Maybe I'll get only one for 2014 and from there we'll see if there is a need to get more than one planner for 2014. Anyway, see you soon. 

Swabeng Thoughts: 13th Month Pay - Save or Splurge?

It was 2008 the last time I received my 13th month pay while working in a call center. Fast forward today, its been almost 5 years and I couldn't hold my excitement in receiving my well-deserved extra pay. Well, I could have received it a few times but the last company I worked with doesn't have 13th month pay in their vocabulary.

Last 2008, I didn't splurge on my 13th month pay as I saved almost all of it to our wedding expenses at that time. Then a few years passed by, my wife was the one getting her 13th month pay while I just smiled and be happy for her (and for me too XD ).

In the next few weeks, the 13th month pay I'll be receiving will be a lot first for me again. First, this would be my first 13th month pay with my daughter and wife. I'll make sure their needs (and a few wants) would be satisfied first. It would also be my first 13th month pay that I'd be getting much than what I expected (hopefully) that not in my wildest dreams, I'm gonna get it. 

After putting most of my 13th month pay to my daughter's account, I'll make sure to get some things for myself from new clothes and shoes to new books.

Keeping my fingers crossed.

Swabeng Thoughts: Getting an invite from PFW and its schedule next week

For the second time this year, I have received an invite from Philippine Fashion week on the 25th of October at 8:30pm. If I would confirm, I would be able to see the works of Albert Andrada, Eric Delos Santos, Jerome Ang, Jun Jun Cambe, Norman Noriega, Raoul Ramirez. However, being new at work, I have to pass on this event again with a heavy heart.

Its been two years since the last time I've attended The Philippine Fashion Week. I couldn't imagine how time flies so fast. After three albums, its still stuck at three, I wonder when I would be able to attend again. XD

Anyway, here is the schedule for PFW (Philippine Fashion Week) as mostly this is a by invitation only event.

Taken from Google

I wonder how long I have to wait before I could attend again. XD

Swabeng Random Thoughts Part 8

1. Its been a while since the last time I scribbled down what's been on my head. I think the last time was when I was about to go to work again this year. Time really flies so fast.

2.AFAIK, I hope I would get regularized at work. The last time I got regularized was back in August 2006.If I get regularized this month, then, it would be coincidence XD.

3. Today is my last day of work here in the office. For the past 6 months, I was able to learn a lot and grasp as much knowledge as I can even though my world had a 360-degree turn in their IT environment.

4. I was able to start editing some pictures that I took last year (and I was able to edit 20+ sets) but for some reason, I couldn't seem to continue my streak. There is some force that prevents me to continue editing. Even with my blogging, I need to push through and continue to reach my zero backlog target for this year. 

5. When I started working here, my doctor gave me prescribed medicine for my maintenance and it worked well on me. So far, my blood pressure has been stabilized but I gained some weight thanks to free food (and drinks) at our pantry. I just hope the Admin Dept would provide healthier optionsfor guys like me.

6. Even with Sat-Sun as my rest days, I wasn't able to fully enjoy those weekends of taking pictures as I need to attend some Daddy duties for Marien. In return, I missed a couple of shooting opportunities that I have to wait for a year. I need to re-awaken my creativity again for me to grow as a better person.

7. Last June, I bought a Danbo and its mini version during the Toycon 2013. Up to now, I haven't took both off from their box. Hopefully, I could start shooting again while getting inspiration to capture the best photos. 

8. Since I started working here, my smoking habits got back. But I just smoke when I'm in the office with my colleagues who smoke as well and I just limit myself to 3 sticks a night. At home, I don't smoke. 

9. Since I started working again, I tried collecting a few books that deals with Finance and Money. It tackles topics from how to save money to how to invest it for the long term. I want to impart what I learned here to my daughter as my wife has her own ways to save money. 

10. I forgot to mention that last night, I just signed my 5th month performance appraisal (it was almost a month overdue) as my manager has recommended me to be regularized here at work. Unless I signed some documents pertaining to my status as a permanent employee, I have to work as if its my last day. 

Swabeng Thoughts: Time Management and Candy Crush

Most people I know online and offline are getting hooked into this game called Candy Crush. Its a simple game that can be played online (internet) or offline that is indeed fun and challenging at the same time. I got started to get hooked into this gave recently.  

Then, I remember a former colleague of mine saying she'll quit playing Candy Crush as it makes her unproductive and spend less time with her family. Eventually she quit and moved on with her life.

Most people had a habit of quitting doing things that turn out to be bad and makes you unproductive especially doing it excessively. One problem I see here is the lack of proper time management. When and where to play was the issue.

While part of me agrees to it, I don't mind playing Candy Crush an hour or two in a day not just to relax and kill time, but to keep my braincells working as well. Also I only play Candy Crush at home while watching my daughter sleep or while she's playing mer mom's other tablet.

I still got to do things I wanted to do without compromising time for my family and to myself. Speaking of which, I got some life already to use and hopefully level up. XD

Swabeng Thoughts: Seven-Eight-Nine

Yesterday, while we attended the 3:00pm mass at The Edsa Shrine, we were listening attentively to Fr. Dave Concepcion's Homily. The first few words that came to my mind were seven-eight-nine. When you add up all three of them, you'll come up with twenty-four.

There are twenty-four hours in a day (of course all of us knows). Father Dave even shared how to use seven-eight-nine hours wisely. Seven hours for rest (sleep); Eight hours for work; and Nine hours for everything else. Being said, he doesn't see any reason why most people would say they don't have all the time in the world. That was also one of my problems back then (and sometimes, even now).

For starters, I work eight hours a day for five days. Then I get seven (sometimes six, sometimes eight) hours of rest. And the remaining nine hours are for everything else and I get more during my days-off. Good thing where I work now doesn't require to work overtime which I have sixteen hours left in a day.

Getting enough sleep is very important to me to function at 110%. Seven hours of sleep is enough. Say I get only six or five, I could still live with that (probably because I need to do a lot of things). Less than five hours of sleep would make me a bit irritated and get me extra cups of coffee just to keep me awake. They say that the lesser you sleep, the fatter you get (and prone to a lot of illnesses) and by far, this happened to me already this year. If you ask me, my best sleeping time would be from 10:00pm to 5:00am so my body could repair itself while I rest.

After work and sleep comes other things. It seems that nine hours is more than enough to do almost everything. On my work days, two to three hours would be for commuting to and from the office; Two hours for either editing pictures or going online; And the rest would be spending time with my daughter as I have the task of taking care of my daughter in the morning by the time she wakes up until I leave for work.

On weekends (or rest days) I have seventeen hours to do a lot of things. My activities ranges from baby-sitting Marien to going out to take pictures on events among other things. I try to catch-up online and update some of my drafts that hopefully get posted sometime soon XD. Sometimes, I try to get some more rest by joining my daughter in her long afternoon naps that sometimes gets me into trouble getting sleep XD. 

What I wanted to say is, you simply need to manage your time well. You don't have any reason why you won't be able to do something. Before I forget, you don't have any reason why you won't be able to go to church to hear mass or pray to give thanks for all the blessings he showers upon us. 

How about you, how do you spend your twenty four hours?