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03Jun 2015

Retirement Planning: What do I want to happen in our financial future?

by Noemi Lardizabal-Dado ⋅ Leave a Comment

When you retire, think and act as if you were still working; when you’re still working, think and act a bit as if you were already retired. ~Author Unknown

(Photo Credit)

“If I can provide a good future for my children they will look after me during my old age.”

This has been referred by some as “Filipino retirement planning”. Truth is, I have never heard of this practice. My daddy old boy, bless his soul, never gave that impression to us, 7 siblings. Even at his semi-retirement at 55 years old till his death at 73, he supported himself and still left enough income for us even after death. He prepared for his retirement the moment he graduated college.

I am following dad’s plan but I am not as liquid as he once was at my age. I had been busy saving for my kids’ college education and paying off two home mortgages that it’s about time I rebuild my liquidity. Ever since the kids left college, I see myself working even past the age of 70. I don’t have a retirement age. My work is fun. The only factor going against me is my health, the diabetes and my spastic heart condition and that’s the future I am concerned about. I need to save up for contingencies like that.

In “Retirement Planning, Pinoy-Style” written by Randell Tiongson, a registered financial planner and writer for Money Sense Magazine, a short survey of average middle class Filipinos was done to look into Filipinos’ view towards retirement planning. Most of the respondents prefer to retire earlier than the usual 60 or 65 years old. It seems many do not see themselves working very long and would like to get out of the rat race earlier than most. I think these are the employees and not someone like me who enjoys work at home. Here’s an interesting revelation from that survey. While most wanted to retire early, many of them do not have any retirement program in place. It makes me wonder how serious they are in early retirement. It might just be wishful thinking.

Most agree that they may not have enough money to retire comfortably. As to the best time to start planning, most were unanimous in saying that “the earlier, the better”, from the time one earns income or at least when one hits 30 years old. That’s the practice I am inculcating to my children. Start saving for your retirement today. The best investments for retirement are real estate, time deposits and savings. Few mentioned sophisticated instruments like life insurance, mutual funds, unit investment trust funds, socks, bonds or structured notes. Fortunately, my father exposed me to all these type of investments but on a more conservative approach.

On the reason why retirement planning is not taken seriously, respondents talked about immediate gratification, mañana habit, lack of funds, low income, increasing expenses, wrong priorities, short-term thinking, lack of knowledge. One respondent even added that “Filipinos are not too keen on preparing for their retirement maybe because of what we call the extended family.” Most parents, including myself, are too busy preparing for their children’s future and they tend to forget their old age which brings me back now to the Pinoy-style Retirement Planning.

I cannot imagine my children supporting me in my old age especially if they have families already which is one reason that I stopped giving them financial support once they started work so I could rebuild my savings. My kids often say that they will help us in our old age but I don’t want them to think that is our plan. If they want to give us gifts, well and good. It is not an imposition but more out of love.

I do have a retirement plan and it starts with a goal and an action plan that started in our first year of marriage.

Each of us today, has a financial future. There are few future aspects of my life I can control, but one part I can play is to assist our family’s future is setting goals. I dont have to obsess about my goals. I don’t have to constantly watch and mark our progress toward them. But it is beneficial to think about my goals and write them down. What do I want to happen in our financial future? What financial problems would I like to solve? What bills would I like to be rid of? What would I like to be earning at the end of this year? The end of next year? Five years froom now? Twenty years from now? I know I am willing to work for these goals and trust God to guide me.

Taking responsibility for my retirement plan enables me to take focus off money. It frees me to do my work and live the life I want. I deserve to have the self-esteem and peace that accompanies financial responsibility.

Do you have a retirement plan?

The question isn’t at what age I want to retire, it’s at what income. ~George Foreman

01Jun 2015

Just singing in the rain.. What a glorious feelin’ !

by Noemi Lardizabal-Dado ⋅ Leave a Comment

Singin in the Rain will open on August 20 for a strictly limited season at The Theater , Solaire. You can buy tickets through TicketWorld. Call 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph . Tickets start at 1,500 pesos.

I’m singing in the rain
Just singing in the rain
What a glorious feelin’
I’m happy again
I’m laughing at clouds
So dark up above
The sun’s in my heart
And I’m ready for love
Let the stormy clouds chase
Everyone from the place
Come on with the rain
I’ve a smile on my face
I walk down the lane
With a happy refrain
Just singin’,
Singin’ in the rain

Are you familiar with those lyrics? Well if you don’t know it yet, “Singin in the Rain” is an iconic 1952 movie which starred Debbie Reynolds and Gene Kelly. Set in 1927, it tells the story of the first Hollywood musical, when the silver screen found its voice and left silent movies — and some of its stars behind. I remember watching Gene Kelly on TV tap dance to the rains . There are so many delightful moments in this iconic movie. Sometimes, I can’t help singing along because it is just a happy song. Remember how it was when we were kids and played with the rain?

Here is the “Singin in the Rain” from the movie.

“Singin in the Rain” has been described as “one of the most joyous dances ever filmed”. Gene Kelly explained that his inspiration for the famous street dance scene was the way children like to play in the rain.

The good news is “Singin in the Rain” will come to Manila during the rainy month of August from the producers of box office hits, CATS, Mamma Mia, The Phantom of the Opera and Wicked. I usually dread the rains because of the flood waters but I love the rain in its pitter-patter mode. The song reminds me to be grateful that the rain will kiss the dry soil .

Here is a snippet of the musical.

I was also delighted to be present during the press launch and got to meet the three main characters: Steven Van Wyk, Bethany Dickson , Grant Almirall. They presented “Good Morning”.

From Left to right: Steven Van Wyk, Bethany Dickson , Grant Almirall

The musical preserved much of the iconic movie since it was just important to serve the piece as well as the movie because people come to hear certain things and that’s what the producers want to provide. Expect glorious songs like Good Morning, Make ’em Laugh , Moses Supposes, and the classic Singin’ in the Rain.

Steven Van Wyk (Cosmo Brown)

The wonderful thing about the play is the choreography is flawlessly created with the help of 12,000 liters of water. Definitely the audience will enjoy one of the most famous dance routines live on stage, with some leaving the stage a little wetter than they arrived. The 12,000 liters of water will be poured on the stage over the course of two numbers–, the first one being the iconic SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN , as done by Gene Kelly and they see it again in the finale. All the water is is UV-treated, sand-filtered and chlorinated. It’s the same machinery as in the swimming pool except that this is pouring in the air.

Bethany Dickson (Kathy Selden)

Audience seated in the first three rows will be in for a one-of-a-kind experience because this is the “splash zone”. The audience will get a treat by being subject to a generous amount of rain water from the show during some of the dance numbers. Bethany Dickson , one of the main characters told me that the water is heated. The bonus is the first three rows will be provided with a poncho if they want to protect themselves.

Grant Almirall (Don Lockwood)

Leading the cast of 27 as the charming Don Lockwood is Grant Almirall, Bethany Dickson as Kathy Selden, and Steven Van Wyk as Cosmo Brown. Expect to be showered with everything you wish for in a musical: breath-taking songs and dance numbers, sumptuous set design and costumes with a superb score and joyous story.

Steven Van Wyk , Bethany Dickson, Grant Almirall

So if you want to watch this feel-good musical, you can buy tickets through TicketWorld. Call 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph . Tickets start at 1,500 pesos.

25May 2015

Lazada Philippines launches Mom Loves – A shopping extravaganza for all the moms, May 26- June 4

by Noemi Lardizabal-Dado ⋅ Leave a Comment

Did you know that 63% of Filipino moms read online advice from : Parenting websites (82%); Facebook (36%), Search engines (31%) and family and friends (84%)? More and more mothers are online because they have become tech-savvy, digitally engaged on their laptops and mobile. They made a purchase mainly because it was recommended on a parenting website followed by “they saw an online brand promotion” and lastly, they “saw someone follow the brand online”.

Now, I am going to recommend to you an online store, Lazada Philippines – the country’s one-stop shopping destination. I like shopping at Lazada because it saves me, time and money as I can shop at the comfort of my home. I like how they constantly update me on the status of my purchase and delivery.

Good news for mommies and daddies. Lazada prepared something for you out there starting May 26 until June 4 via www.lazada.com.ph/mom-loves .

You can start browsing the items here.

Whether you are social media savvy, on-the-go, urban lifestylista, or even the stay-at-home type of mom, Mom Loves has something in-store for every mom. From exciting flash sales coming from top brands, to hot discounts and exciting games, Mom Loves is packed with all the coolest deals that every mom could get to nurture her family.

Lazada carefully took into consideration a couple of fun mom facts into designing this year’s mom-focused shopping event:

1. 60% of mothers visit social media sites such as Facebook, Youtube, and

2. Mothers in emerging markets such as the Philippines consider a variety of other product information beyond quality, price, and convenience, such as branding

3. 8 out of 10 moms would buy frequently but of lesser basket size due to the management of cash flow;

Top items bought by moms in Lazada would be the following:

a. Learning Toys

b. Home Appliances

c. Home and Living Items

e. Health and Beauty

There are many learning toys at the Mom Loves Shopping portal and I discovered Fisher-Price toys , one of my favorite toy brands for young children. Most of my children grew up with Fisher-Price toys because they are so sturdy, offer visual stimulation and help my baby develop problem solving. . One such toy was the Fisher Price Elephant Shape Sorter .

An activity center was one toy I bought for my babies. This “Bright Starts Bloomin Birdies Activity Gym” contains so many fun activities for babies.

Other than toys, there are many sale items under lifestyle, Apparel, Health & Safety, Feeding and Partnerships.

Start checking out the sale items in Mom Loves and see if you need this in your household.

24May 2015

A mother-daughter photo shoot on a Sunday morning by Sunday Morning Studios

by Noemi Lardizabal-Dado ⋅ Leave a Comment

“A good snapshot keeps a moment from running away.” – Eudora Welty

I love taking photos . I got that quirky habit from my daddy old boy who kept snapping away every single moment when my siblings and I are touring in some place . I also love good photography and capturing the moment in time. Around 40 years ago, my mom hired a studio photographer to take our family photo. I am glad she did because this is our one and only decent family photo of my parents and siblings. My dad , mom, and two siblings have passed away since this was taken in 1972 but I have this photo that holds this moment from running away. Aren’t we stiff?

Five years ago, my husband and I celebrated our silver wedding anniversary. I knew I just had to get Mimi and Karl to take our family photos. It was just natural that we chose the UP campus (where we met) for our silver anniversary photo shoot and the celebration of our then 37 years as a couple on March 7. Dragging my two girls to join us, the two hour photo shoot was sweet and poignant. As Butch wrapped his arms around me, I loved how the soft breeze cooled the scorching sun hitting us between the branches of the tree.

Now this is a better family photo, where we are all relaxed even if we were guided to do this pose. We held our daughters’ hands as we walk around the campus where their parents met 37 years ago.

Such a beautiful day, because in 2010 my daughters were still living with us. I get sentimental when I look back at these photos and reminisce that afternoon. We watched the sunset as the photo shoot ended with this pose.

Three years later, my second daughter asked me if I wanted a photo shoot with her. Why not? She was leaving for Europe and I wanted to hold this moment in time.. She discovered this wonderful photographer in Tumblr that took great portraits. I soon found out they were two photographers (Aaron and Anabelle) of Sunday Morning Studios, wedding and lifestyle photographers and lovers of natural light. We again headed off to the UP campus and took mother-daughter photos as well as solo photos.

Here is one of our mother-daughter photos. Isn’t she lovely?

Unfortunately, Lauren could not join us that afternoon. I told that we should have a photo together one day. Two years later, we found the time to have this photos shoot on Mother’s day , a sunday morning with Sunday Morning Studios.

This time, we wanted a photo suited for a LinkedIn profile , with a twist of both lifestyle and corporate look. The scene we envisioned was a coffee shop so we chose CO/OP Goods & Eats in San Juan where we also had our Mother Day brunch. Another lovely photo of my daughter, don’t you think?

I really like how Anabelle and Aaron took our portraits. Anabelle guided us on how to pose by making us imagine an emotion or an idea. The simplicity, elegance, beauty and life caught in each frame. The moment captured forever.

A great photograph is a full expression of what one feels about what is being photographed in the deepest sense, and is, thereby, a true expression of what one feels about life in its entirety. ~Ansel Adams

21May 2015

Blog Giveaway: Tickets to the ICON 2015 , get started in making the right investments & financial choices.

by Noemi Lardizabal-Dado ⋅ 7 Comments

UPDATED May 27- Winners (you can only win once. If your name is also a winner in other blogs, then I will choose another winner)

Gold Winners:

1. Jyrus Cimatu
2. SHIELA MAY LOPEZ

Silver Winners:

1. John Paul S. Tanyag
2. Kim sigrid espiritu
3. Liz Aquino

——

My father, a self-made man, was orphaned during his teens. He survived because his parents left a few coconut lands which gave his five siblings some passive income. More important than acquiring wealth, I learned from my dad the importance of risk-taking, investment and managing personal finances at a young age. But what if you were not exposed to financial planning? How does one learn?

In fact, you might ask…Financial planning, entrepreneurship, trading, investment, and stocks… What do these all really mean ? Do we know what money management exactly means? Are we utilizing what we earn in the right way to invest and create value for a better future? What are the risks involved when it comes to trading and stocks? These are a lot to think about. It might even sound complicated and intimidating, but this is where my friend, Randell Tiongson’s ICON 2015 comes in. Hailing from the success of last year’s ICON 2014, Tiongson makes a comeback with a conference that’s bigger and better, and promises to have more in store.

I have known Randell Tiongson in 2008, way before he became a blogger. I attended his first seminar on retirement planning with my husband and daughter in 2009. He is such a great mentor and inspiring lecturer. If you attend ICON 2015, you are blessed to listen to the best financial experts in the country . ICON 2015 will be held on May 30, 2015 from 8AM to 5PM at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City. With a whole-day event and a packed program flow, you will ;earn the basics, get motivated and ultimately be inspired by the best speakers in the Philippine financial industry. In just one day, you will gain the knowledge and tools you need to get started in making the right investments and financial choices.

This year ICON 2015 is bringing you no less than the best speakers and advocates in the field of investing. Here they are:

1. The event’s pioneer, columnist, and best-selling author of “Money Manifesto,” Randell Tiongson .

2. Francis Kong, respected lecturer, inspirational speaker and author of Only the Real Matters.

3. Marvin Germo,the well-known stock market trader and best-selling author of Stock Smart

4. Jess Uy,s Global Investing Advocate, personal speaker and finance coach and

5. Economist and Ateneo De Manila University Professor Alvin Ang .

The new speakers for this installment are: the seasoned financial adviser, best-selling author of the “Pwede Na! The Complete Pinoy Guide” series and founder of Personal Finance Advisers Philippine Corporation (PFAPC) Efren Cruz and radio host, wealth coach and best-selling author of “Till Debt Do Us Part” Chinkee Tan. Also, a brief sponsor’s session will be given by Sun Life Financial’s Managing Director (Asia) Michael Manuel as he tackles “Why It Is A Good Time to Invest Now.”

Here are the registration fees : (It is an investment)

Gold – PhP 2,800 (You get 1 FREE coffee and snack from Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf but only for the first 150 attendees. You also get to be closest to the stage)

Silver – PhP 1,200

Student – PhP 500

You will learn a lot that it will surely pay the way to your financial freedom.

If you want to join us to this avenue of learning and investing, visit Randell Tiongson’s ICON Facebook page and log on to bit.ly/ICON2015REG to book your seats as soon as possible! Also stay tuned to their posts on Twitter (@icon_ph) and Instagram (icon_ph) for more information.

Be part of this and learn how to invest for a greater future!

Giving you all a chance to join me

Thanks to my good friend, Randell…I have 5 tickets to give away: 2 Gold and 3 Silver tickets. Here is how to join:

1. Comment below why you want to attend ICON 2015. Make sure you can really attend the May 30 conference.

2. Deadline of comments is until 11:59 PM , May 26, 2015

3. Ticket is non-transferrable once your name is chosen.

I will choose the best comment for the Gold tickets and the next best three comments gets silver tickets.

17May 2015

Having a fun run in a color festival

by Noemi Lardizabal-Dado ⋅ Leave a Comment

“I think we are the oldest here”, my husband muttered as we assembled for the Color Manila Nite Run: Black Light Edition.

I laughed. “Don’t worry, we are here for the fun!” There is no age limit when it comes to fun and definitely none when it comes to fitness. Reality is I don’t like to run but I prefer to walk briskly. In fact, I have never joined any running events.

And well, why shouldn’t I try new things, get out of my comfort zone? When I attend the launch of this fun run a few weeks ago, I was told this is not your usual fun run and not a competition. I like that. No pressure to reach the finish line but just to enjoy the moment. Who knows, this might actually be the event to encourage me to even take the sport more seriously one day.

The Color Manila Nite Run: Black Light Edition is a “color festival, a fun run like no other, and a party rolled into one. It’s like that party but you wake up early for it, and never regret. The fun does not start at the finish line where you hear the bands. The party starts when you hear Gun Start. ”

As my husband and I started running/walking to our goal, we literally encountered the most colorful confetti ever. I got bombed with pink colored powder that smelled of candy. The entire time that we started running, from the gun start, the organizers started to explode powder on us. We passed by three color stations along our 3 K route. Each station has a specific color assigned. They made sure we all the happiest colors of the rainbow (yellow, blue, green, purple, orange) formulated to glow under UV light. Each of us had a blacklight headlight that reflected this powder. I felt like my body was “tie-dyed”

Even the streets exploded with colored rain. The only sad people were those caught in traffic as we passed through intersections.

There was so much happy-spirit fever everywhere as colors transferred from one person to another. The best part is finishing the fun run as we each got our finishers’ medal. Mission accomplished. Fun and run! You know what, I am seriously considering joining more fun runs before I take this sport seriously.

The young ones continued to party as we sat by the grassy corner, wiping off our tinkerbell dust before heading off to our car. And by party, this meant being with “a bunch of happy, supersonic, neon-colored balls of energy dancing while singing” .

“Let’s look for another fun run”, says my husband .

Uh-oh,here we go.

14May 2015

EXPO MOM 2015: #MOMMANIFESTO happening on May 22-25 at the Glorietta 2

by Noemi Lardizabal-Dado ⋅ Leave a Comment

Hello mommies. Let me share some mom activities from my friend, Mommy Mundo Founder Janice Villanueva.

This mother’s month of May, Mommy Mundo encourages moms to go on a journey of mindfulness and self-discovery through EXPO MOM 2015: #MOMMANIFESTO happening on May 22-25 at the Glorietta 2, Palm Drive, Makati City.

I remember I was there with fellow mom bloggers in the 2009 Expo Mom and we even had our own “Mommy Bloggers” booth.

Now on its 8th year, Expo Mom is the biggest gathering of progressive, active moms showcasing the latest in family-oriented product innovations and parenting trends in a fun, fulfilling environment.

Mommy Mundo Founder Janice Villanueva observes, “Moms are so caught up in the little things or the busy-ness of life, we either end up losing sight of the big picture, or we fail to appreciate the joy that simple moments can bring.” She adds, “What will help us live meaningfully is to live mindfully. Through self-awareness, we realize what’s important in our lives, and we are able to direct our energies to create the kind of life we aspire for, for ourselves and our families. Thus, through Expo Mom, our biggest annual event, we engage moms through our Mom Manifesto campaign, a virtual journey to mindfulness and missioning.”

Expo Mom 2015, featuring over 50 booths alongside talks, demos and fun activities onstage, will be a celebration and culmination of this 5-week Mom Manifesto campaign. The Mom Manifesto journey begins on April 22 when it launches online at www.expomom.com/mommanifesto. Designed by Mommy Mundo founder Janice Villanueva and family life expert and certified psychologist Michele Alignay M.A., the workshop consists of a 6-step program to be fulfilled within a five week period, with each step just taking 15 minutes minimum from each mom participant. With self-awareness as a goal by the end of the program, moms will be able to come up with a guiding statement or her #MomManifesto. All participants are oms are invited to post their #MomManifesto statements on the wall that will be set up at Expo Mom 2015.

In addition to this key event highlight, moms can also look forward to Expo Mom 2015’s trademark fair of its top mom-approved and mom-tested products and services . The event is particularly proud of giving a home to aspiring and established mompreneurs who have developed products for their fellow moms through the years, exhibiting there goods alongside top mom and baby brands in the country. Expo Mom 2015: #MomManifesto is co-presented by Cordlife Philippines, supported by Huggies, Cycles Mid Detergent, Fern-C, Nurture Nook, Pioneer Insurance, JoomaJam, Wang Videography, ImagineNation Photography, and media partners Working Mom Magazine, Rappler, WheninManila.com, Crossover 105.1, Newlyweds@Work, and venue partner Glorietta and Ayala Center.
In lieu of entrance fees, donations in cash and kind (books, school supplies, clothes, shoes) will be accepted at the expo. All proceeds will go to MomShare’s partner beneficiary, Childhope Asia Philippines, to benefit literacy and health programs for street children under its care.

For more information on Expo Mom, go to www.expomom.com or follow Mommy Mundo on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. To know more about Expo Mom’s Mom Manifesto campaign, visit www.expomom.com/mommanifesto.

12May 2015

LEGO, the toy brand my kids love, at the 1st official LEGO® certified store in the Philippines

by Noemi Lardizabal-Dado ⋅ 2 Comments

I never realized the value my children placed on their toys until my daughter interviewed me for her research paper a few years ago on “Toys and Games I played with” for her Psychology course.

She said “Thank God mom for the girly and not so girly toys”.

In this day of digital toys and gadgets, I believe parents should never forget that the best toys for children are ‘open-ended’. Such toys encourage children to play using imagination, creativity and problem-solving skills such as blocks, balls, cardboard boxes, dress-ups and crafty bits and pieces

My three children loved LEGO blocks. They had lots and lots of LEGO blocks. They had the larger DUPLO blocks when they were toddlers. At that time. LEGO was sold in disassembled bricks, so they were free to create any figures their young minds could imagine. Even until the age of nine they spent all afternoon ignoring their Barbie dolls and instead built fortresses, houses, schools and whatnot. No wonder, I gave the Barbie Dolls away to my younger nieces. It was gathering dust.

During those days, LEGO blocks were sold at Gift Gate and were very expensive. I bought the LEGO blocks in Hongkong or the USA. Kids are blessed these days because the first official LEGO certified store just opened in the Philippines, today May 12, 2015.

When I periscoped the initial photos at the launch, many people were clamoring for the address. Well, it is located at the same building as Kidzania at the Park Triangle ( Along 11th avenue , 32nd street , Bonifacio Global City, Taguig ). Here is the map:

Everybody seems to be excited with this grand opening.

Did you know that seven LEGO sets are sold over the counter every second around the world? If today’s launch is any indication, I believe that is true.

There was a long queue waiting outside after the media launch.

Both young kids and young-at-heart LEGO fans ( Adult Fans of Lego or AFOLs ) will love the variety and the exclusive collectors sets and product lines unique to the LEGO certified Store only. What are these unique lines?

First of all, there is the Pick A Brick (PAB) where you can buy the LEGO elements you need individually. This great for your very own unique LEGO creations. Pick A Brick is sold for a minimum purchase of 100 grams at 679.79 pesos per 100 grams.

Second unique line is the Build a Mini (BAM) which allows you to build your very own customized mini figure by choosing a headwear, head, torso, legs and tools/accessories. Each BAM set includes three customizable mini figures which cost 499.75 pesos.

Third, you can now enjoy the Monthly Mini Build (MMB) program, a hands-on monthly event where kids ages 6-14 are invited to build seasonal and exclusive LEGO Store mini builds. The best part is no purchase is needed. Children below 6 years old will also be allowed to join , as long as an adult or guardian will be present during the activity.

I noticed LEGO now offers sets like the newly released Simpsons. Of course the old ones like Ninja Go and Star Wars, Minecraft are there. What caught my eye is LEGO friends which is more feminine than the usual LEGO sets.

Shelves are stocked with sets geared toward girls and boys based on ages and dexterity.

What I like the most about this new store is their mission to inspire and develop the builders of tomorrow. LEGO and LAJ Marketing Philippines in partnership with World Vision will collaborate together for the “Rebuild Classrooms Project. The project aims to help children in target Area Development Programs to have access to learning facilities through the renovation and construction of classrooms and other school facilities.

Today, LEGO started selling 5,000 pieces of the 30302 Spider-Man Glider V29 for only 50.00 pesos in support of rebuilding classrooms in Malabon. I got five pieces which is the maximum purchase per person.

In addition to the Spiderman set sale, LEGO will also donate 100 pesos on your behalf for every 20pcs My Own Creation (MOC) entry you send in via Instagram which represents “EDUCATION”in order to help raise a total of 500,000 pesos for this project. In my instagram account, I assembled a book to symbolize education.

Visit the LEGO certified store at the Park Triangle ( 11th avenue corner Rizal Drive, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig )

12Apr 2015

Yaya meals: What’s the fuss about?

by Noemi Lardizabal-Dado ⋅ Leave a Comment

Is the Yaya Meal really an issue?
Is it justified, or overblown?

This is a question raised to some women interviewed by the Manila Bulletin, Sunday Lifestyle issue. The issue arose from an encounter at the exclusive Balesin Island Club. The Balesin Island Club does not find the term “yaya meal” discriminating and inappropriate. “Maggie Wilson-Consunji first brought the issue on social media through her April 4 post claiming that a certain staff barred Consunji’s mother from ordering the same meal as their family helper’s, saying that it was a “yaya meal”. I don’t claim to be the authority on yayas, or the household help but I have had years of experience dealing with yayas. In the interview with Manila Bulletin, I wrote my opinion on the matter.

The “yaya meals” does not shock me anymore. I think I have seen it all. Let me cite two examples. In the mid-nineties when my kids were much younger, I had to bring along a “yaya” in our out-of-town trips. This exclusive resort club in the South disallowed “yayas” to enter the women’s changing room. What is the point of bringing a “yaya” if I can’t even bring her along to help me with the kids? This caused some angry members to file a complaint to the management. A year later, the policy now allowed “yayas” to enter the room. Good thing, but that was not the end of it. Another instance was this snobbish country club with a sign that “yayas” are not allowed to dine inside their restaurant. If there were smart phones at that time, I would have quickly snapped a photo to share the snobbish attitude of this elite club. The “yayas” are such a blessing to mothers. I consider them part of the family and until now, my old “yayas” keep in touch. Though there is an employer-employee relationship, I treat them as family members, most especially when we eat out. They sleep with my kids, eat with them in restaurants and I allow them to order anything they want in the menu.

Ines Bautista Yao, thought the yaya meals “is being blown out of proportion (like a lot of issues nowadays). Ines seems to think that in social media, “it has gotten just that much easier to have an opinion and to be crazy passionate about it”. I disagree with her because in social media, one raises an issue to seek changes for social good. This is not simply about ranting about an establishment. For Maggie, it is seeking to right a wrong even if Balesin management disagrees. Apparently, Balesin just made it worse by referring to this “yaya meals” as hullabaloo.

Jamie Lyn Arcega, said “Instead of “yaya meal”, why not just “chicken/pork adobo”? In fact, Agoo Azcuna Bengzon adds that “the meal itself should just be on the menu, and if it suits the person’s palate and budget, anyone should be able to order that particular meal.”

I find the “yaya meals” label so degrading , no matter how delicious it tastes. Why even label it as as “yaya meals” ? I blame the employer and Balesin for treating “yayas” to such indignity, just because this person is a “yaya”. It is discrimination, plain and simple.

08Apr 2015

How I Bought Car Insurance without Making a Single Phone Call

by Noemi Lardizabal-Dado ⋅ Leave a Comment

Every January, my phone reminds me to automatically renew my car’s insurance policy. This year was different. I told my husband that I want to see the different rates among the top car insurers in the country. And instead of making phone calls, I checked MoneyMax.ph, a website that lets you compare car insurance premiums from different companies. A friend introduced me to this innovative portal mid-January while we had coffee and talked about careers, personal finance and technology. What great timing.

On the MoneyMax website, I put in the details of my 5-year old SUV and gave my email address and phone number to receive a quote for comprehensive coverage.

It is so convenient and easy to use. The following day, I was pleasantly surprised to receive a call from a MoneyMaxPH Comparison Advisor who confirmed my inquiry and answered my questions. After a few minutes, I received a quotation listing five insurers, which allowed me to compare my options more easily.

There are three major factors when choosing an insurance company. “1. Reputation: Ask around and see what others are using and judge by their experiences. 2. Financial Capability: The bigger net worth, the better coverage and service you’ll receive. 3. Stability: Have they been around long enough and have weathered crises? Then chances are, they’re stable enough to lean on in troubled times.”

When faced with various quotes, it still pays to do your own research on the reputation, financial capability and stability of the insurance company. Choosing the lowest- priced car insurance company is easy, but I like to make sure the final choice is reputable enough and will cover you adequately after an accident or Acts of Nature. MoneyMax.ph partnered with some of the best insurers in the Philippines which makes it easier to find the right car insurance that fits your needs.

Among the quotes from my MoneyMax Comparison Advisor, Federal Phoenix seemed to be the most attractive. It has an affordable annual premium and a lower participation fee of 4,000 pesos. However, I don’t decide based on the premium cost alone. I’d rather pay a few extra pesos and be assured my car insurer is there to pay when I file a claim. In the end, I chose Mafpre Insurance, because I am familiar with this company and have filed claims before without problems. I also appreciate their after-sales service where they send gentle reminders that my car insurance policy needed to be renewed.

It’s good to see that the comparison quote shows the “Acts of Nature” cover. Back in 2009, I had no idea that the “Acts of Nature or Acts of God” was part of a comprehensive cover which led my husband to choose a low-cost policy because of the savings. I could not claim the “Acts of God” for one car when Typhoon Ondoy flood waters inundated our home. The Philippines has its share of natural calamities and even if one does not live in a flood-prone area, every car should get that protection.

I looked around for other users of moneymax.ph and arranged an interview with Jennifer Canoza, a wedding and events coordinator who drives her SUV from her home in Sta. Mesa to events in Metro Manila and as far as Batangas. Having bought her car in 2013, Jennifer relied on an insurance agent who recommended People’s General. She had no problems with People’s General except that she wanted to see if she can get a better deal from other car insurance companies.

On the second year, her insurance agent gave a quote of 20,000 pesos. She researched online to check reviews of other car insurance companies. Besides finding a low-cost policy, she also wanted to buy insurance from a reputable company that responds quickly to claims. A friend told her to visit MoneyMax.ph. To her surprise, she received a call immediately from a MoneyMax Comparison Advisor upon submitting her request online. She was reassured that their quotations comes from the top, reputable insurance companies with a good track record. The following day, she received an email with the quotation of five insurers in a tabular format. After more discussions with her MoneyMax Comparison Advisor , Jennifer chose Federal Phoenix for its easy installment payments and savings of four thousand pesos. Jennifer added that she liked the personal service of her MoneyMax Comparison Advisor who guided her every step of the way.

It’s good to have a resource that lets you compare different insurance premiums, and provides advisors who can answer any question you might have about the policies. Let’s see if MoneyMax has a better recommendation for me when I renew my car insurance in 2016.

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