Barako Haus: Our New 2nd Home in the South

With all the establishments with a modern theme, and coffee chains abroad continuing to be popular, it is a welcome treat to discover Barako Haus. Right in President's Avenue near Pizza Hut and Pancake House, Barako Haus offers a unique and hard to find special coffee.



The Barako Civet is one of their product offerings. Made from the droppings of a Civet cat, the coffee which uses homegrown beans in alfonso is one of their best sellers. For those with a craving for strong coffee, their blend is also flavorful. Their Filipino coffee is also a best seller plus it is bottomless :)





What i love about the place is the nice interiors. Filipino in design, there are seats wherein you can play sungka. Again perhaps as an answer to the puzzle cafes that are popular. You can seat confortably too.

The staff is very friendly. The other products are good too. I ordered the bread with kesong puti and it was filling.

All in all, we are torn between wanting to keep the place to ourselves. But of course, drop by :) we definitely want Barako Haus as a second home. We hope you like it too.

Sungka, anyone?

Life's Like That (Funny Anecdotes)

Okay, so we have all had our "mam/sir" experiences in Jollibee, I have also had my share of inefficient service, but these are not what I am talking about here.  Most companies have trainings for their new staff. But sometimes, perhaps when they were preparing for work, and afraid of being late, they leave common sense behind :) Note that there are indeed times you find these instances funny.

Experience #1: SM Department Store. I was walking in the make up section, when I got approached by a saleslady offering a straightening iron tool. I was in a hurry and not in the mood, when I said "no thanks, offering an explanation "maikli pa buhok ko eh". So imagine my disdain with her answer, "yun na nga po ma'am eh, maikli pa lang puro tikwas na." Err...where's your manager?

Experience #2: Flea Market/Tiangge. I was looking at a blouse, I wasn't sure if it fit me but I was inspecting it carefully. It was a buttondown blouse. The saleslady looked at me and said, "ma'am hindi po kasya sa inyo." I was still in a good mood so I said, "malay mo hindi para sa kin to, or magdadiet na lang ako" To which she said, "ma'am ayoko lang po kasi masira yung damit"...Me: mentally slaps her.

Experience #3: I have written about this in FB. The guards in our subdivision normally ask for another ID when we enter. But more than that, they ask rudely and in a feeling close way "Ano ang gagawin niyo dun" So one time, in several of the gates, as I was delivering gifts and doing errands, I decided to tell the whole truth. "Ah, susunduin ko po kasi ang anak ko, kasi kaibigan niya yung taga dyan, alam mo naman, mahirap panahon ngayon, kaya hatid sundo tsaka buti na yung nakakadalaw siya kesa maglakwatsa kung saan saan. Isang anak ko lang kasi yan...bla bla. Guard lets me in

Experience #4:Guard asks again what I'm going to do in a house, and this time, I was with my sister, so naturally we had to tell the whole truth "Ah kasi magkaklase kami ng college, eh inaanak ko ang mga anak niya eh nung nakaraang pasko hindi kami nagkita kita kaya eto ngayon, hinahatid ko kasi alam mo naman dapat talga magbigay sa mga inaanak. Dati kasi hindi ako nakapagbigay tapos...." Guard lets us in.

Experience #5:Happened to my brother: He got apprehended for a minor traffic violation. Because he was in a hurry, he offered to pay the officer a bit of money, around P50. To which the officer replied, "Sir, di pa ho kasya yan sa value meal, paddagdag po ng P9"

Experience #6: Our helper wrote us a letter before she left. My mom was a bank officer. But we wondered why she kept on addressing her as "Atty". Nevertheless, my mom concluded it was from her corporate attire and professional demeanor probably. Until at the end of the letter, our helper said"Atty, pasensha na po ah, at talgang nagpatulong kasi ang "atty" ko sa probinsya, ako na lang kasi pagasa namin magkakapatid kaya pati is kong "atty" uuwi.  So it is a family of lawyers!

My son sometimes denies he ate bubble gum...

More to come!

The HeART of Saving

One of the most common responses I hear when I get to talk about young ones or even old ones when offered a savings or investment plan is "wala akong pera eh." Somehow, people think that insurance and investments are only for the rich, or for those with extra. But let me share you a secret? You can begin one now.

At the risk of this being a hardsell, and I promise this isn't, let me ask you something, like a coffee ad before asked, "Who do you wake up for?"

Need I say more?

We all have needs, we all have wants. But we all have the same love for our family. With that being said, most of us just need a little push in the right direction. And let me tell you that this is not easy, but it is going to be worth it.

How does one begin?

1.) First of all, common sense dictates that after graduation, we should get a job. And most of us, we have different priorities when it comes to job hunting. Sometimes we compromise and end up with something we hate and though it does pay the bills, it doesn't allow us to grow bigger. Find something you love, nurture it, later on maybe you can find your own place for it and have a business. How can you save if money isn't coming in? 

2.) Do not be afraid to learn about money. Nowadays there are plenty of resources in the net and take advantage of it. Ask questions, find a mentor. Also, if a financial advisor or insurance agent wants to meet up with you, just say yes! Believe me, they will move on to the next client, and it is their job to share to the most number of people. Let them do their job, and you can benefit from them. Aside from the free coffee, they are offering you their time to discuss. If you do not need what they have to offer, then at least you had additional information. And if you do like it, then it is something to consider. Remember, insurance is for your loved ones. Like what I read, insurance keeps you from being poor while investments help make you rich.

3.) Beware of those little purchases that add up. When I first started writing again recently, I told myself that I will get a phone that I have been saving up for but never got to do. But I wanted to have a useful purchase, (because I needed a better camera) and I said that because I made a purchase, then I better make the most of it, and so far it has helped me market my business more.

4.) Get a 2nd job. There is no shame in selling, or getting a sideline. You just have to find one that suits your talent and time. Do you like kids? then you can host parties. (hint, hint). Do you have a nice voice? Try out a career as a voice talent. Do you speak english well? There are online tutoring jobs available. Check out freelancer.com, or odesk for more opportunities. Beware of scams or business opportunities that are dubious, but just keep on trying.

You can learn even from just watching television

5.) Stay away from sales when you are sad, or stop thinking about retail therapy. Yes, there is such a thing but try to limit your retail therapy at one small item. Otherwise, retail therapy has a twin, and that is buyer's remorse!

6.) Sell your items that you don't use anymore. There is olx, or ebay, or just make use of your house, pool in the items that you don't use and pitch in with friends.  Better yet, you can arrange an exchange party wherein you simply barter items with each other instead of spending on things which can be recycled.

7.) Treat credit cards as cash. I once had a credit card collector whom I dreaded answering. But after a while, he was so persistent and insisted on really talking to me that I realized he was just doing his job. He made me a good payment arrangement, and instead of being afraid of him, I treated him as someone who made my life easier. Besides, when I finally paid off the bill, I was glad I didn't dread hearing the phone ring again!

8.) Beware of those designer jeans, or even designer food. Even in exercising, do you really need to use a particular brand?  Does exercising in the park make it better than when you are in an expensive gym? Take care of your health but do not forget to take care of your wallet too :) 

9.) On household purchases, compare brands. Be practical. When I shop with my son, I ask him whether its a need or a want. He rolls his eyes but I can tell the lesson has stuck to him.

Travel for fun! It's the best experience that is far more valuable than anything

10.) Pamper yourself a bit every now and then, so you don't feel deprived. Then continue with your savings plan. Delayed gratification is a good concept to remember when the urge to spend hits.

11.) Sites like groupon, metrodeal are good sources of sale items. But before buying, make sure you will be available and really willing to push through with the sale. 40% of those who buy do not really avail of the items, and though this would go to the merchant, they will be unable to sustain their sales as well in the long run.

12.) Before buying an item, ask yourself if it can wait a week, if the urge is still there, give it another one. Are you keeping up with friends, are you really going to use all the features of a particular item? How would you feel if this item was stolen from you? If you are uncomfortable using it, then it isn't for you.

13,) I reiterate this, you do not have to help everyone who asks for help.  If you were really somebody's friend, you would listen and ask them how they came to the predicament. And if you do give help, give an amount that you are actually willing to donate for good. If it comes back, it means just put it in your savings plan. Believe me, you are better off saying no to continue to be friends.

14.) Always look for the bigger picture. Why are you saving, who are you saving for, what is your timeline? 


15.) Slowly but surely is the name of the game. Also, it helps to have arrangements with bank when you have a salary to deduct a portion for your savings. Just talk to the bank and open a second account with them. Also, it might help to get a savings plan wherein you can commit to an amount. Most times, when you have to pay, then you just come up with a way to pay...just like students with deadlines, we need a little push.

16.) Sometimes, you just have to spend a bit more to end up saving. This has happened to me during events, I do not get extra people to drive for example to try and save money. So I ended up crashing the car because of little sleep. So I paid more. On the other hand, learn to price your products and talents accordingly so you can give and get the best service ever, resulting to more sales.

There are still plenty of ideas, but for now, here are some tips to better improve your budget. Saving is a science for sure, but it is also an art that may be practiced. And definitely, when we do it for the ones that matter then it becomes a real tool for showing our love.

Have faith, we have a Great Provider. Do your best, do not lose hope, and claim His blessings.

All will be well, may you be blessed!

Don't Doubt It, Claim It

Back when I was in college, I veered away from Engineering or Computer Science. I have a big respect for math wizards, and wished I had that much interest. But maybe, I really had a different calling. I chose Development Communication as my course, it was creative, it had some Science as subjects. But heck, I would choose Crop Science anytime than any theorems.

I had the opportunity to have the best Math teachers in highschool and gradeschool. I did well in Math but I didn't like it. I was even surprised to be part of the first section based on math. (Sorry, just amazed)  Because of these teachers, I survived the dreaded UP Math curse.  I also realized that I do love algebra. That being said, I stayed away from anything financial or related to accounting.

With my college blockmates in a reunion. They were all successful, and i asked myself, when will it be my turn?

I always imagined working with kids. No big corporate job. And though I have had corporate jobs, I have always been in the creative field. Back when I was in my first job, I was blessed to be in research wherein I realized I can persevere in writing even when topics are way out of my league.

Theater workshop in Tahanan Village

With my friends from Black Tie, where I did copywriting, scriptwriting, etc.

Recently though, as I was evaluating my events business, I realized that the one thing I was having a hard time controlling was the finance part. I had a great set of suppliers, staff, and ideas. But I had a hard time with finance. And it started to affect my creativity. And so I had this realization. Every job has to have a yin and yang. And naturally, understanding finance is important. Even President Aquino in his recent SONA acknowledged the need for more bookkeepers, accountants, etc.

As I was going through business and family challenges, I got the opportunity to talk to my financial advisor. My very good confidante, and because he gave me such sound advice (not just financial ones, mind you even life lessons), I began learning bit by bit how to save. I asked him questions about where to put my money (especially as a single mother). I also asked him what it's like to be a financial advisor, if it was hard to go after people, and he even gave a unique answer. He said, people sought him instead. And true enough, I was the one who set follow up meetings with him. I was expecting him to give me a proposal on our first meeting, but he gave it on the third. Most of all, my talks with him, made me trusted him enough to take the leap. And what is this leap? The leap to learn about financial independence. 

The article in Moneysense magazine that made me feel like I should do more, be more.

And so I decided to become a financial advisor. I joined Philam, and met my friend LJ's mom.  I threw away the notion that I should always be in a creative job, Sometime late last year, I attended all the trainings our office gave. I passed the exam, and I closed some policies. The thing that made me like those sessions with my classmates aside from the great trainers, was the fact that at the end of the day, we were talking about people. About lives. About what would  happens if a person dies? What happens to his millions? How about his investments, is it indeed safer to put it in a bank, or buy properties? Then there were even juicier questions, what if he had illegitimate children? The numbers began to have meaning. Math began to be more heart.  Most of all, what if a person did not have money to save?

How does one begin? How do I begin?

With my reasons for everything

I was able to be close one of the biggest FYC accounts in the Manila A category. This was totally unexpected. And though I would like to say it has been smooth sailing from then on, it was hard!Because I was still into my other line of business, I had a burnout. Something happened in our family too, our ancestral house was under construction, I had to handle some clients, and new opportunities presented themselves. And I was left with another dilemma.
Do you get more than one dream?

With balloons, happy moments

I felt alone. I felt like I was drowning. who am I doing this with? So they say, trust nobody when it comes to business. Ganyan talga sa negosyo... How many times have I encountered stealing of ideas in the creative world, and more so in sales?  In spite all of these, the one thing that I know I can do was to write.  When I do not have funds maybe for going out and doing sales pitches, or when my event client has not yet paid down payment, I can write. I can write about experiences, I can write about people, and I can write about my financial journey, about my spiritual journey.

 I can write about LIFE.

Learning about critical illnesses, and about life lessons

How do I balance all of these? How do I go up to my event client, my natural market and say, I plan parties, and I also sell investments. How does one combine everything? In the midst of all these, I can honestly say I just stopped. I looked at myself. Why am I here? Why am I doing this? I have always known the answer, and it's my family. It's my son. But the how? it was tricky.

And so I have decided to just finally let go and accept that I cannot do this alone. I tried to do everything, except I realized I cannot do anything. I cannot do anything without God. Someone wise told me to offer everything up to Him.  I know He will not give me opportunities that He knows I cannot handle, and then I received 2 messages today. I also met someone who prayed for me so eloquently the day before. Here is one of the messages:

I'm not going to say I suddenly had all the answers. That I suddenly became the best in everything I have been doing. But as it turns out, I don't have to choose. God's promises are abundant. But, I have this attitude. I am given the task to ask questions, to discuss things.  "Let's find out together". With God at the helm, just be still. HE can do this for you because it is His promise. Don't doubt it, claim it.  Let's start our journey together.

Have faith, all will be well, my friends.

On Father's Day and Being Darth Vader

Forgive me.  This is an old issue. just as I feel that I have been given a chance to be born again. I am going to be dramatic.  I am going to be honest.  And I am going to be spontaneous. Because as much as I am happy now, I feel like I just came close to being off track.

Father's day always made me excited.  Just like mother's day, its a chance to thank our dads and grandfathers for the sacrifices they did for us. I was blessed to be given 2 wonderful grandparents who doted on us.  Even more blessed with a dad who made all these sacrifices like driving for us, or waking up early to buy bread. Whenever one of us is in the hospital, he would make sure to be buying literally a lot of food. More than what you can ever eat or your visitors for that matter.

The past father's day  were uneventful. Aside from work, I would get greetings sometimes, and then I wouldn't think any of it anymore.  This year however, and these past few moments, was different.  I was dealing with ghosts of the past.  Not just my own, but my son's. Suddenly, the happy-go-lucky kid I used to know was asking me questions.  Somehow, my "do you want to play?" questions seem irrelevant.  Our 5 minute conversations have now become 2 hour question and answer portions. Questions are more mature.  When my eyes go down, he notices.  When tears fall, he more than notices, he takes my hand and cries too. As much as I have hoped to spare him from pain, I know that it is now more real to him.

"I am only sad, because I saw you crying, yet again".  And I tell him, I didn't cry, it was just that I remembered something. And although he didn't say anything, I can tell I didn't convince him. How many times did he refuse  to answer questions in school about families.  How many times have I seen him cry with me, for lost father figures. How many times have I seen him change the topic and hop off to another place when hosts in parties ask kids to bring their dads.  How could I have missed it when family days he wants to bring his cousins and the whole clan. How summer is not complete with the "whole" family going to the beach or spending family time.  How he goes with me in difficult events sleeping and all, just to spend time with me. He uses his energy to think of nice names or nice themes. And always has something nice to say about my weight. haha. 

Most of all, I think of him during father's day. He knows he is super blessed to have the closest grandfather ever.  I think of him when I add some of his teachers in FB, those whom I know look out for him. I've seen him with my uncles and guy friends, and I've seen how he wants some of them to be here when he gets home. And I feel blessed. I feel blessed for all the fathers and father figures that these generous people have come to be for him.

More so, I am blessed to have a glimpse of how strong a father I can be. I am not a man, but for every time I am able to fix his complicated toys, or even get a parking spot, I am happy.  For every time I answer his questions about growing up, I grow a little stronger. For every time he holds my hand and how he is nearly as tall as me, I am proud.  For every time we go biking together, I am blessed to spend time with him. For every tuition fee paid, and every doctor's appointment  or dental appointment he braved, I am the proudest mom/dad ever.  When he cried during his "summer operation", I cried too.  One halloween, I told him that I am Darth Vader because I am his father, and he laughed. And though it seems selfish, having all these things just to myself (and my loved ones) makes me feel even more blessed. 

Someday, he's going to have to move away and have his own life. I know right now he is looking at MY standards for growing up to be the man he will become.  I could only hope I am making the right decisions. I know that for every heartache we have endured, he is becoming stronger.  His character is being built. Right now, he may not have a real dad with him. Maybe God is still preparing the best dad for him. Or, I'd like to believe, maybe its because God is grooming HIM to be the best man and would-be-dad someday.  When that day comes, this pseudo dad will be extremely happy. (reposted from 2013)

2015: He is taller now!

photo credit: Lara