Time

In a couple of weeks, I would turn a year and a half old in the financial services industry. I awed my self for "turning my back" from the marketing-centric FMCG industry where I spent eight strong years of my professional life, taking a great leap by joining Sun Life Financial. With only my faith and spunk in tow, I leaped without knowing if it will be right for me --- if it will bring as much growth and fulfillment as the industry I left behind. That is water under the bridge now.

What currently awes me are the big and small things I was able to learn and unlearn, conquer and let go, build and re-build, with this great leap. In a matter of a year and half:


1. I learned more about business and finances. I do not skip the business and economic sections of the broadsheets anymore.

2. I was able to review my financial situation and take charge now of managing it armed with more confidence in my decisions.

3. I appreciate the value of insurance and sound investments.

4. I realized that my first career need not be my last.

5. The discipline and competencies I learned from FMCG still holds water in the industry SLF belongs. If I keep these competencies, it can actually be a compelling differentiator with my colleagues.

6. I learned that building a career is not synonymous to "a rat race".

7. It hit me hard that some aspects of my life has been stumped with my devotion to my career. It is about time these get the much needed attention.

8. I finally embraced the idea that fulfillment and growth does not depend on the company but on myself.

9. I realized that there are other options to provide for the family than slave over an eight to eight job.

10. I finally found the time to show gratitude to my family and friends who have been my source of support and inspiration in my life.

This set of learnings are very timely because a few weeks ago, I entered a new decade in my life. Yes I am 30 now. Needless to say, I need such wisdom and resolve to arm me with the experiences and challenges this new chapter of my life will bring. My 20s was a roller coaster ride. I will be a fool to expect anything less in my 30s...

Show-stoppers

As I reflect about my life and where I am right now, I realized that with the daily grind to work, work, work, to go for "it," to make people and projects move, to make things happen, I ironically realized how I value those who make me... STOP.

Thank you to my wife, family, select friends and colleagues for being my show-stoppers. Thank you for giving me the gift of introspection, the grace of wisdom, the value of listening to someone else's thoughts, and the privilege to be shared with wisdom that just make me sit down and stop.

As this is the season for reflection and recollection, I take this opportunity to express my gratitude and let you know of your value to me.

Have a meaningful holy week ahead!

Me

I just had my long overdue alone time. It's been ages since I last detached myself from the world, free from phone calls, work and errands. I remember, I used to do this a lot in the university when everything seems to fall apart. I also remember the times when I would pack up and decide to go out of town or climb a mountain or take a public transport without a clue where I'm headed. I even spend a day in a Jesuit cemetery just to get my fix of that moment when I can be with me and myself.

It is quite different now. It does not feel right. I have a wife and kids whom I cannot cut-off from, pull the communication plug that binds me with them just like that. The moment is also different now. I used to bask in the comfort of peace and quiet that my alone time brings me. Now it seems uncomfortable and deafening. I used to be a good companion to myself. Now there seems to be a bit tension. Or is it lack of familiarity?

I thought that with my alone time, I will find refuge from the hurly burly life. Now I am not sure. Where can I find peace and quiet? Now I do not know...

Measures

In light of the great global and local financial crisis which they say will go on at least until the end of 2009, I thought of responding in my own little way by writing down a short and simple financial resolution to guide me in my spending and help me become more prudent on my finances:

Cost Cutting Measures Computation Annual Savings
1. Clean and wash the car myself
---> Ps100/wk x 52 wks = Ps 5,200/yr

2. Set weekly budget to Ps2,500 from P3,000
---> Ps500/wk x 52 wks = Ps26,000/yr

3. Bring packed lunch to the office 2x/wk
---> Ps250/wk x 52 wks = Ps13,000/yr

4. Get to office early and avail of free parking 2x/wk
---> Ps270/wk x 52 wks = Ps14,040/yr

5. Remove junk snacks in my list 2x/wk
---> Ps200/wk x 52 wks = Ps 10,400/yr

Total Savings --> Ps68,280/yr!

The end result of this simple resolution is quite startling. I didn’t realize with a little cut on my spending here and there, which honestly won’t hurt much, the impact is quite significant. With this amount, I can already avail of some VUL products or MF products and make a good investment out of it. Now that makes me more determined to keep this resolution!

Re-start

"Review. Renew. Re-do. Relive. Relieve. Retrieve. Re-write. Re-start. Hoping this time, I will do it right..."

Moments

At the start of the year, I made a silent vow to be more involved with my family. So in almost all occasions this year, may it be big or small, I made a sincere effort to be around and make my presence felt. I must say that I am quite pleased with the results of this decision. Not only did I rescue myself from the eternal guilt of being an absentee family member (father, sibling, son and all), I also succeeded in including myself with some of the moments and experiences my family will forever remember and treasure.

I must admit, at first, I thought I am doing my family a favor by being their driver, host, sponsor, supporter, additional help or headcount and what have you in all those occasions. Little did I know that it will be me who will enjoy each and every moment the most. Little did I realize that there is still as much growth and learning to find within my family as there is with my work and the life outside it.

Jeio's 3rd birthday

An afternoon at Fun Ranch

Jianna's Christening

Jianna at the hospital

UN Day at Jeio's School

In an inflatable playpen at SM Baguio

At Strawberry Farm

At Club Manila East

Team "Love More"

Team "Love More"

At Ans' Wedding

To Bora Peak

At Bora Peak


At Macau Tower

At HK Ngong Ping

At HK Kowloon Bay

Thanks to my entire family:) I am looking forward to spend more moments with you this coming year!

Update

I realized the first 6 months of my so-called new life is about to close. The ride was so surreal and so exciting I barely noticed the time pass by.

Here are some of the things I learned so far, in no order of importance:

1. Cebu Pac Go-lite is right. It's better to go w/o baggages.
2. You can still build new friendships even in your late 20s.
3. Work-life balance is for real, not just a concept.
4. Joining the rat race is a choice..
5. Don't be negligent in trusting. See those big companies crumble?
6. A house is not an investment.
7. Choose Mutual funds on the basis of risk you can take.
8. Happy wife. Happy me.
9. Let go of the not-so-good stuff in life to give space for better things.
10. Help comes in many form. Discern on what others/you really need.
11. Do not forget your mistakes in the past.
12. Routine ain't bad. Coffee on Sundays w/ wife & bud ain't bad at all.
13. You will not lose anything if you give compliments everyday.
14. Use simple words as much as possible.
15. Don't sell your credentials. Let your work do the talking.
16. Friends are friends forever until you decide otherwise.
17. Invest now. "It's not about timing but a matter of time."
18. Write down as many dreams as you can. See how it feels.
19. Keep track of your successes in life. Celebrate it.
20. If beer is bitter to your taste, it means you don't need to drink.
21. "One for the road" means 3 beers, at least.
22. There is joy in going to an out-of-the-country trip without itinerary.
23. Keep a picture of your kid/wife. It can keep you sane.
24. Love life and it will love you back.
25. Learn to be comfortable with your own skin as you age.
26. A fancy dinner date never goes unnoticed.
27. Give back.
28. Share and donate.
29. Learn. Share some learnings, if you must, but do not preach.
30. Remember your roles (father, brother) & be reminded of your worth.

I must admit I am enjoying my life now. I am looking forward to the next 6 months.