The Best Time to Build Your Wealth - Lessons Learned after Looking Back

I conducted a Sales Training Program and a Teambuidling Workshop yesterday for a group of Managers and Supervisors for one of my clients.  I had a great time!  I love this kind of job because I'm able to help many with the work that I do.  My job as a Management and Human Resources/Training Consultant lets me inspire and motivate my participants to aspire and strive to be better in what they are doing and be the best they can be.  It also lets me teach practical and concrete ways to many how they can apply the principles and strategies I share in my workshops/trainings to reach their goals and full potential.  My participants seemed to have a great time, too!  They had many wonderful insights as we processed our activities and as they presented their own ideas during our exercises.  There was hearty laughter the whole day as we exchanged ideas and stories all the way until our dinner.

 

I love it when I hear them speak out lessons/learnings that they had as we processed our activities and how they think they can apply them in the work setting or their work place and in their personal lives.

 

Yesterday, I felt that I could identify with one of my participants as I listened to her share about her regret of not being responsible enough and careful with the money she earned in the past years.  She said this after we did an activity called Lifeline where I asked all the participants to make a line graph to illustrate their high points and low points in their professional and personal life.  She said that she could have done better in managing her finances in the past especially since she was earning much then.  But I was glad to hear that with her realization she decided to be more resposible and conscious of the way she spends her money.

 

I could relate to her experience because I was like her when I was younger and still single.  There were a lot of times that I was spending too much on things (for example buying clothes without looking at price tags, buying dresses that costs thousands of pesos, etc.) and I had "horrible" cellphone/mobile phone bills!  I had a very expensive lifestyle which afforded me a lot of luxuries then but hindered me from saving and investing money for my future.  Looking back, I can say with my participant, "I wished I have done better."  And with my current knowledge on how to build and grow my wealth, I say: "I could have a much better investment portfolio... I could have millions already by now if I had invested my money then instead of spending them on things that were not necessary."

 

But it's not yet too late.  Because although we made some mistakes in the past on how we handled our finances, we can make the right choices now and avoid the same mistakes.  That's what I love about each new day in our lives.  We can start anew.  We can move forward with hope and faith again.  We can dream new dreams.  We can set new goals.  We can change our ways and start new habits.  That's what I shared with her yesterday during our workshop and during our ride to the restaurant where we had dinner with the rest of the participants.

 

And as you read this post, whether you are single like one of my participants who shared about her regret, engaged, or you are married just like me, this is my message to you: The best time to build your wealth is NOW!  NOW that you've realized that you need to improve your financial situation so you and your loved ones can enjoy a better life and so that you can have a brighter future.

 

You might be asking by now... HOW?

 

Let BO SANCHEZ, my mentor and my husband's mentor, teach you how.  We learned from him what we now know and we continue to learn from him though our membership in Bo's Truly Rich Club.

 

Bo was once a poor missionary... no income, no savings, no investments, no businesses.  But with the help of some mentors as well, he learned new things and started new habits, started investing and venturing into business.  He's now helping others become millionaires and successful businessmen like him!  Isn't that amazing? 

 

Would you like to learn from him as well and know how you can build your wealth and secure your/your family's future?  Click here.

 

You don't need to have lots of extra money to start building your wealth.  In fact, Bo has taught and helped his maids and driver invest!  They are now on their way to becoming millionnaires as well! 

 

So, take a good look at your expenses and see where you can save and rechannel.  Review your budget and set aside an amount each month that you will use to build your wealth and secure your future and your family's future.  Had I known this stuff before and been mentored by Bo before when I was still single and earning much monthly, I could have invested at least Php2,500 to Php5,000 each month!  Why that amount?  Because that was how much I spent on my cellphone bill before!  I'm glad that I know this now and that little by little I'm able to build my wealth together with my husband through the guidance we get from our mentor Bo Sanchez of the Truly Rich Club. 

 

Act NOW!  Click here to find out more about Bo Sanchez's Truly Rich Club and let him tell you his story. 

 

List of Catholic Churches in Baguio

Summer is fast approaching.  Can you feel the summer heat now in your homes?  I wonder if there are couples who are considering a destination wedding in Baguio this summer?  Here is my advance gift to you -- a list Catholic churches in Baguio that can help you in your wedding preparation.  Click on the names of the churches to go to their websites.

 

 

Baguio Cathedral (Our Lady of Atonement)

Address: Mount St. Mary Hill (Cathedral Hill), General Luna Road

Telephone number: (074) 442-4256; (074) 304-4064

Click here to see map.

 

Immaculate Conception

Address: P. Ledesma Street, Aurora Hill

Telephone number: (074) 442-4343; (074) 445-4962

Click here to see map.

 

St. John Bosco Church

Address: Lucban

Telephone number: (074) 442-4436

Click here to see map.

 

St. Joseph the Worker Parish

Address: Pacdal

Telephone number: (074) 442-4021

Click here to see map.

 

St. Vincent Ferrer Parish

Address: Campo Filipino, Naguilian Road

Telephone number: (074) 442-5357; (074) 442-6986

Click here to see map.

 

Our Lady of Lourdes Church

Address: Kisad Road

Telephone number: (074) 443-9332

Click here to see map.

 

 

And if you're planning to do an ocular, I suggest that you pass by the Pink Sisters convent also and ask for the nuns to pray for you and your future spouse as you prepare for your wedding and your marriage.  You can find them at Brent Road and contact them at (072) 442-5203. You may click here to see map.

 

Moreover, I highly encourage you to visit all seven churches especially if you plan to go there this Lent so you can do Visita Iglesias.

 

Hope this helps.  God bless!

 

Trivia: Celebrities, Aga Muhlach and Charlene Gonzalez, got married at St. Joseph the Worker Parish in 2001.   

 

 

(Used to be) Dateless on Valentine's Day

I had been dateless on Valentine’s Day for years. There were years when I didn’t receive any flowers or roses… no love letters nor gifts. No fancy dinner dates with someone special to look forward to or fuss about. No one to hold hands with or exchange sweet messages with. There were years when I dreaded the month of February and the sight of all things that reminds me that Valentine’s Day was nearing. I hated the feeling of wanting to be like the rest.

 

That was me in Singapore resting by the lake after walking around.

But there were also many years when I didn’t mind not receiving anything at all or not having a special someone to celebrate it with. Those were the years when I was happily single, enjoying the company of friends, busy pursuing my passions and interests, busy achieving my personal goals. Those were years when I was so full of hope and faith that in time, I will celebrate Valentine’s Day with someone very special to me and who will make me feel special as well.

 

What helped me “survive” those years of being dateless on Valentine’s Day were these: first, I was surrounded by loving, single friends; second, I was part of a community of single men and women; third, I knew that I was called to the married life; and last but not least, I had a strong personal relationship with my God.

 

I was blessed that for most of my single life, I was surrounded by other single men and women who made me feel wanted, special and loved. Most of these friends of mine were part of the youth and singles community I was a part of when I was still in college and when I was already a working professional. We would arrange group dates with our female friends who were single and unattached as well. We would have Valentine activities in our youth or singles community, where singles who are not in any relationship would not feel out of place on Valentine’s Day, would have a chance to meet new friends, or simply have a good time to bond with old friends. Those were fun days! I enjoyed much of my single life because of the beautiful friendships I had during those years.

 

Another thing that helped me much during those dateless years is the certainty in my heart that I had been called to the married vocation. I just didn’t know when I’m getting married and with whom. I gained this certainty after I went through a state of life discernment process during my early single years. It’s a process I learned from the youth and singles community I was a part of and which I went through initially with the guidance of a Carmelite spiritual directress.

 

I have to admit though that even with all those helpful things/people in my life, there were times when I would still feel lonely. There were times when I would dream and long for a Valentine date with someone I love deeply. It was during those times that my strong relationship with my God helped me the most. When I felt my self esteem going down, I turned to God and allowed myself to be reminded of my dignity as His precious and beloved daughter. When I felt a strong need for companionship and even friends were not around to keep me company, I drew close to Him soaking myself in prayer so I would not forget that I’m never alone because He’s always beside me. When I felt that my love tank is empty or almost empty, I allowed God to fill me up with His unconditional and steadfast love.

 

Then, at one Valentine party organized for the singles in our community seven years ago, I met someone who was to be my Valentine for years to come. I went to that party with no expectation that I would meet someone new who can be my potential Valentine date in the future. I went there mainly because I was launching my book, When My Bridegroom Comes. It was a book I wrote about the challenges and joys of a single lady waiting and wondering when her bridegroom will come. I wrote it because I wanted to encourage and inspire other single ladies not to despair or be discouraged while waiting. I wrote it so other single and unattached ladies like me then would know how to make the most of their season of singleness. Little did I know that while I was busy pursuing my passions at that time, I would meet the Valentine I was waiting and praying for.

 

I’m no longer dateless on Valentine’s Day these days. There’s now someone who sends me flowers, brings me unexpected gifts, or writes me love messages… someone who holds my hand not just when we’re dancing but also when we’re praying, someone I can go out with for a romantic Valentine date. One thing I learned though over the years is that those dateless Valentine nights contributed much to my current joy; for through them, I grew to know myself more, which led me to have greater certainty of the kind of man I want to spend the rest of my days with, not just on Valentine’s Day. Today, I look back with gratitude for all those dateless years. I’m grateful that they have taught me much and formed me into the woman that I am now. I’m thankful even for the sadness and pain I endured during those lonely nights for they helped me appreciate more the joy and love that God has brought into my life right now not just on Valentine night but every single day of my married life.

 

 

(Author's note: Published today, February 17, 2013 at The Philippine Online Chronicles, Buhay Pinoy Channel.) 

List of Catholic Churches in Manila

I have already posted recently lists of Catholic churches in Quezon City, Tagaytay, Cavite and Batangas.  Today, I will share a list of Catholic Churches in Manila to help couples who are considering wedding venues in Manila in their wedding preparation.  Since we have already entered the season of Lent, I suggest that couples who are planning their ocular to these churches make it part of their Visita Iglesias to make their visits more meaningful and memorable.  It's like hitting two birds with one stone. :)

 

Let me begin with churches in Intramuros since most of the wedding venues I mentioned in my previous posts were in Intramuros.

 

INTRAMUROS

 

Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Manila Cathedral)

Address: Cabildo corner Beaterio, Intramuros

Telephone number: 527-3093, 527-1796, 527-3889, 528-3876

Email: mlacathedral@yahoo.com 
Click here to view map to church.

 

San Agustin Church (Nuestra Senora de la Correa)

Address: General Luna Street, Intramuros

Telephone number: 527-4052, 527-2746

Email: el89desabiduria@yahoo.es
Click here to view map to church.

 

 

OTHER AREAS IN MANILA

 

Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz (Binondo Church)

Address: Plaza L. Ruiz, Binondo

Telephone number: 242-4850, Fax: 241-4653
Click here to view map to church.

Nuestra Senora de Guia (Ermita Church)

Address: M. H. Del Pilar Street corner A. Flores Street, Ermita

Telephone number: 523-2754
Click here to view map to church.

Our Lady of Remedies (Malate Church)

Address: 2000 M. H. Del Pilar Street, Malate

Telephone number: 523-2593, 523-3168, 400-5876

Click here to view map to church.

San Fernando de Dilao Parish (Paco Church)

Address: 1521 Paz Street, Paco

Telephone number: 563-5678

Click here to view map to church.

St. Vincent de Paul Parish (San Marcelino Church)

Address: Adamson University Complex, 959 San Marcelino Street, Malate

Telephone number: 525-7853
Click here to view map to church.

 

 

I will be updating this list from time to time to add more churches in Manila.

 

A Very Memorable Valentine Party

I launched my book, When My Bridegroom Comes, seven years ago at a Valentine's party for the single men and women in our community, Light of Jesus (LOJ).  The single men were part of the Joshua brotherhood then.  The single women were part of the Esther sisterhood.  I was very excited because I chose Someone Really Special to be my date on that memorable night.  Launching my book was my way of telling the world that I believed in my Perfect Date's love and promises so much, enough for me to write and publish a book about His promises.  Little did I know that my Perfect Date that night, arranged something which will change the course of my life.  He led me to meet my future bridegroom and spouse.  Let me tell you briefly how.

 

 

 

I barely knew the brothers and sisters from LOJ then.  I only had a handful of friends since I was new in the community.  But although I was new, I was invited to serve in the Singles' Service Team by our leaders.  I said yes.  I didn't know that Jesus, my Perfect Date, will use that YES to bring me closer to the man He has set aside for me.  That night, the new members of the LOJ Singles' Service Team were introduced to the community.  I was one of them... He (my future bridegroom) was also one of them. 

 

 

That's me (wearing a pink dress), third from the left.  My future bridegroom, George
(wearing a blue long-sleeved shirt and tie), was in the middle beside the one holding a mic. 

 

But we didn't know each other personally yet.  It was our first time to see/meet each other in a joint event for the singles in our community.

 

He said that he introduced himself to me that night but I was meeting so many new faces at the party and I'm very poor at remembering names so our first actual meeting didn't register in my mind right away.

 

But Jesus, made a way for me to remember this man and for me to be drawn closer to him.

 

Since I was new in the community and I needed to bring my books with me to my apartment in Makati, I asked our leader if he can help me find a ride going home.  He introduced me to George, one of the new members of the Singles Service Team presented that night.  I had no idea that riding with him that night was part of God's perfect plan for my love life.  I even signed his copy of my book which he bought.  It's both funny and amazing looking back that I autographed that book for him not knowing that he was the bridegroom I wrote about in my book! 

 

Below is the dedication in my book which I wrote way before I met my anointed bridegroom.

 

"To him whom the Father has set apart to be my anointed bridegroom and to Jesus Christ, my Lord."

 

 

That ride to my apartment in Makati was the first of many memorable rides with George.  I eventually said YES to journey with him through life before God's altar with a heart full of love and faith on December 19, 2007.

 

 

 

As I have written at the back cover of my book, "Almost every young woman dreams of becoming a bride one day... of standing face to face with her beloved before the altar of God with a heart full of love." 

 

I'm very grateful to God that He has made that dream of mine come true.  And I'm also grateful to Him for bringing me to that very memorable Valentine party.

 

Happy Valentine's Day to you!  May God, who first loved us, and taught us how to love, bring you to experience His wonderful love through the special people He has placed in your lives.

 

 

List of Catholic Churches for Destination Weddings in Tagaytay, Cavite and Batangas

My post, Wedding Venues for a Destination Wedding in Tagaytay, is among the top articles or posts in this blog.  I thought that since many soon-to-be brides and grooms are planning for a destination wedding in that area, it would also be helpful to write a post about the Catholic churches near those venues I enumerated in that post.

 

So, here's a list of churches in Cavite and Batangas for brides and grooms who are planning a destination wedding there.  This list can be helpful as well to those who are planning to do Visita Iglesias this Lent or Holy Week.  I'll do my best to update this list as often as I can and to furnish the links to the web sites of the different churches in the list. 

 

 

CAVITE CHURCHES

 

Churches in Tagaytay City

 

Ina ng Laging Saklolo

Address: Tagaytay-Calamba Road, Tagaytay City National Road

Phone number: (046) 413-1375

Click here to view map.

 

Our Lady of Lourdes Parish

Address: Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway, Tagaytay City National Road

Phone number: (046) 413-1260

Click here to view map.

Pink Sisters

Address: 4120 Tagaytay City

Phone number: (046) 413-1216

Click here to view map.

 

Tagaytay Highlands Country Club (Madre de Dios) Chapel

Address: Tagaytay Highlands

Phone number: (046) 483-2033

Click here to view map.

 

Other Churches in Cavite

National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette

Address: Biga 2, Silang, Cavite

Phone number: (046) 414-0257

Click here to view map.

 

Our Lady of Candelaria Parish

Address: Silang, Cavite Town Proper

Phone number: (046) 414-0352

Click here to view map.
 

Parokya ng Imaculada Concepcion

Address: Dasmarinas, Cavite

Phone number: (046) 416-0797

Click here to view map.

San Pedro Apostol Parish Church

Address: 353 P. Justo Street, Caridad, Cavite City

Phone number: (046) 431-6470

Click here to view map.

St. Anthony's Boys Village Church

Address: Km 52, Aguinaldo Highway, Lalaan 2, Rogationist Academy, Silang, Cavite

Phone number: (046) 414-0448

Click here to view map.

 

St. Mary Magdalene Parish

Address: Barangay Wakas 2, Kawit, Cavite

Phone number: (046) 434-8445

Click here to view map.

 

 

BATANGAS CHURCHES

 

Caleruega Church

Address: Batulao, Nasugbu, Batangas

Phone number: (0973) 729301

Click here to view map.

 

Chapel on a Hill

Address: Don Bosco, Batulao, Nasugbu, Batangas

Phone number: (0917) 524 7192 ()

Click here to view map.

 

Cathedral de San Sebastian

Address: Lipa, Batangas

Phone number: (043) 756-2142

Click here to view map.

Immaculate Conception Parish

Address: Balayan, Batangas

Phone number: (043) 211-4371

Click here to view map.

 

Immaculate Conception

Address: Kap Ponso Street, Bauan, Batangas

Phone number: (043) 727-1367/504-0923

Click here to view map.

Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception

Address: Batangas City

Phone number: (043) 723-1484/9801797

Click here to view map.

 

Minor Basilica of St. Martin of Tours

Address: Taal, Batangas

Phone number: (043) 421-1028

Click here to view map.

 

Our Lady, Mary Mediatrix of All Graces (Carmel)

Address: Antipolo del Norte, P. Torres street, Lipa, Batangas

Phone number: (043) 757-5430

Click here to view map.
 

Redemptorist Church

Address: Divino Amor chapel, M.K. Lina street, Lipa, Batangas

Phone number: (043) 756-1314

Click here to view map.

 

St. Francis Paola Church

Address: Mabini, Batangas

Phone number: (043) 487-0233

Click here to view map.

 

St. Francis Xavier Church

Address: Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway, Nasugbu, Batangas

Phone number: (043) 416-0564

Click here to view map.

 

St. Isidore Church

Address: Cuenca, Batangas

Phone number: (043) 342-1279

Click here to view map. 

 

St. John the Baptist Church

Address: Lian, Batangas

Phone number: (043) 215-2089

Click here to view map. 

 

St. Raphael Church

Address: Calaca, Batangas

Phone number: (043) 223-5068/396-1248

Click here to view map. 

 

St. Thomas Aquinas Church

Address: Sto. Tomas, Batangas

Phone number: (043) 778-4578

Click here to view map.

List of Catholic Churches in Quezon City

This post was inspired by a comment in one of my previous blog posts.  I thought that it would also be helpful to come up with a post with a list of Catholic churches near the wedding reception venues I listed in this blog.  This would certainly make it easier for brides (and grooms) to see their options and evaluate which one would best fit their requirements or criteria.

These are the Catholic churches near the garden venues I listed in this post.  Simply click on the names of the churches below and you will be taken to their web sites where you can view some pictures as well.  This list is not yet complete. I will be updating this post every now and then.

Immaculate Conception Parish

Address: 39 Lantana Street, Cubao

Telephone number: 922-0029
Click here to view map to church.

Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish (near Claret School)

Address: Mahinhin Street, UP VillageTelephone number: 922-0029
Click here to view map to church. 

Our Lady of the Annunciation 

Address: Mindanao Avenue, St. Dominic 3, Tandang Sora

Telephone number: 454-9281
Click here to view map to church.

Our Lady of Consolation Parish Church, Tandang Sora

Our Lady of Consolation Parish (inside Tierra Pura Subdivision)
Address: Alondras Street, Mira Nila Homes, Tandang Sora

Telephone number: 931-1999; 453-16-17

Click here to view map to church.

Our Lady of Hope (behind SM City North Edsa)

Address: 107 Road 3, Pag-asa
Telephone number: 924-4259
Click here to view map to church.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Shrine (near Ali Mall, Gateway Mall and Araneta Center)

Address: 124 13th Avenue, Cubao

Telephone number: 911-7327; 911-7378; 437-1836, fax 912-5953
Click here to view map to church.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel (across Broadway Centrum)

Address: Castilla Street, Valencia Hills, New Manila

Telephone Number: 724- 5938; 724-1489; 927-5496
Click here to view map to church.

Parish of St. Benedict (across Ever Gotesco mall)

Address: Don Victorino Street, Don Antonio Heights Subdivision, Brgy. Holy Spirit

Telephone number: 0917 895 0192 

Click here to view map to church.

Parish of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary

Address: Daily Mirror St. cor. Bulletin St., West Triangle,

Telephone number: 371-9102; 372-1097

Click here to view map to church.

Parish of the Holy Sacrifice (inside UP, Diliman Campus)

Address: JP Laurel corner Apacible Street, UP, Diliman Campus

Telephone number: 926-9496; 926-1592
Click here to view map to church.

Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish

Address: 28 Scout Ybardolaza, Kamuning

Telephone number: 929-0419, 415-4353
Click here to view map to church.

San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish

Address: Neptune Street, Congressional Subdivision, Project 6

Telephone number: 928-5336

Click here to view map to church.

San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish 

Address: 16 Gabriella Silang Street, Tierra Verde Subdivision, Tandang Sora

Telephone number: 931-6452
Click here to view map to church.

St. Ignatius Cathedral (inside the camp)

Address: Capinpin Avenue, Camp Aguinaldo

Telephone number: 911-6001 local 6419

Click here to view map to church.

St. Peter's Cathedral (near Ever Gotesco mall and Sandigan Bayan) 

Address: Along Commonwealth Avenue

Telephone number: 932-9581 or 61
Click here to view map to church.

Sta. Maria della Strada Church (near La Vista Subdivision, Miriam College and Ateneo de Manila)

Address: Katipunan Avenue corner Pansol Street

Telephone number: 929-7790; 434-0379; 09176267790
Click here to view map to church.