Yesterday, we had the second day of the 3rd Asia Finance Forum. I learned about preparing for the future even when the technology of the present is still limited. We have to go from science fiction to science fact in this rapidly evolving world to become more financially inclusive. Because of that, risk management as a controlled framework to prepare for the future has been discussed during the forum. By working to regulate risk management practices, more people will have access to financial services that will equip them to face the future.
It was a privilege to be part of this forum. Thank you for having me, ADB!
3rd Asia Finance Forum Day 1
Day 1 of the 3rd Asia Finance Forum was all about inclusion. Technology must be used to provide access to the unbanked and those located in remote locations. At the same time, finance must be made easy to understand for everyone. The future of finance has already been made, and it’s up to us whether we will adapt or remain stagnant.
Shopee Holds its First-Ever 11.11 Big Christmas TV Special
MANILA, NOVEMBER 5 2019 - Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, will be holding its first-ever televised show, the 11.11 Big Christmas TV Special on November 10 at 10:30 PM, aired on GMA7 and Shopee Live. The star-studded show will feature performances by popular GMA stars, Alden Richards, Maine Mendoza, and Heart Evangelista, in an exciting live countdown to the finale of the Shopee 11.11 Big Christmas Sale on 11 November. In addition, it will also include the premiere of the latest Shopee’sjingle, exclusively composed by Jose Mari Chan for this year’s festive season.
Martin Yu, Associate Director at Shopee Philippines, said, “Christmas is an important holiday for Filipinos, and we are thrilled to kickstart the celebrations in the biggest way possible with our very first televised Christmas concert, the Shopee 11.11 Big Christmas TV Special. With this, we hope to deepen engagement with our users by bringing them closer to their favorite stars and brands, and also to foster the festive spirit in the Philippines. We invite everyone to join in the excitement on 10 November as we count down together to our 11.11 Big Christmas Sale. ”
Key highlights of the Shopee 11.11 Big Christmas TV Special
● Debut of Shopee’s latest Christmas jingle: Catch a live performance of the new Shopee Christmas jingle by Jose Mari Chan, which was exclusively composed for this year’s festive season.
● Star-studded show: Watch top celebrities such as Alden Richards, Maine Mendoza, and Heart Evangelista perform all-time favorite Christmas songs. Also, enjoy special guest appearances by Gabbi Garcia, Lani Missalucha, Julie Anne San Jose and many more popular homegrown stars.
● Over ₱11 million worth of prizes, deals, and discounts including a house and lot: Stand a chance to win exciting prizes including a Rusi Mojo 200 motorcycle, Toyota Fortuner, and a house and lot from Avida by tuning in to 3 special Shopee Shake sessions during the program.
● Score amazing deals and vouchers: Enjoy amazing discounts of up to 70% from leading brands like Unilever, Pampers, Maybelline, Anker, and Perfetti van Melle during the show.
Exciting promotions, giveaways and discounts on November 11
Shopee 11.11 Big Christmas Sale will culminate on November 11 with exciting promotions including:
● All-day sitewide free shipping with ₱0 minimum spend.
● Up to 90% off deals: Score up to 90% off deals during the finale of Shopee 11.11 Big Christmas Sale, such as the Xiaomi Redmi 7 and Redmi 7A. Consumers can also get the HUG 32” LED TV LT32, and the Rapoo V600 Gamepad XB360; both available at only ₱11.
● 12-hour non-stop live stream: Look forward to non-stop challenges and vouchers during the exclusive 12-hour Shopee Live session from 12 noon to 12 midnight, andwatch out for five iPhone 11 giveaways.
● Exciting giveaways via Shopee Shake and Shopee Catch: Stand a chance to win from a pool of 2 million Shopeecoins and an iPhone 11 by playing Shopee Shake. Shopeewill also be upsizing its latest Shopee Catch, with a total of 6 game sessions and a 1 million coin pool to be won.
● Exclusive deals from leading brands: Shop exclusive deals from leading brands such as Pampers, Silverworks, Bosch, Unilever, Maybelline, Olay, Pantene, Globe, Anker, Safeguard, Watsons, and Huawei.
● Special promotions from industry players: Get an additional 12% off when checking out with a Metrobank card. Also, enjoy two months’ worth of load for free when buying Cignal Ultimate Prepaid HD at only ₱2,290 during the sale.
Find out more about Shopee 11.11 Big Christmas Sale at https://www.shopee.ph/1111.
Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.
Shopee 11.11 2019
Last night, I had fun at Shopee Philippines’ Media Dinner for their annual 11.11 sale. I had a wonderful time as I got to watch their ambassadors Jose Mari Chan, Julie Anne San Jose, Gabbi Garcia, and Alden Richards. It was definitely a highlight to watch Jose Mari Chan sing “Christmas in our Hearts” live, as it used to sing that as a child!
Please tune in to their 11.11 TV special on GMA this Sunday, 10:30pm. It will be headlined by Manny Pacquiao and other Kapuso stars. Also, make sure to “add to cart” those items you’ve been eyeing for on 11.11! Free shipping and big discounts await us all.
ADB FinTech Bootcamp Day 2
Yesterday was another opportunity to learn about finance and tech in the second day of the ADB FinTech Bootcamp. I enjoyed learning about risk management in farming and disasters. I also appreciated the proactive stance of the Philippines in using data to prepare of risks that may arise anytime soon.
I look forward to the main forum in the next two days!
ADB FinTech Bootcamp Day 1
Yesterday, I attended day 1 of the FinTech Bootcamp at the Asian Development Bank. I enjoyed learning about blockchain basics and seeing how the infrastructure could streamline financial services. I am sharing with you the slides from the bootcamp, and I hope that you will also be part of the future of FinTech.
Sunday Barks
I spent my Sunday having coffee with my doggo friends at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. I enjoyed my afternoon and got to relax with these furbabies.
I know that I spend too much time with them, but I can’t commit to owning a pet dog. This is the responsible choice in becoming a dog lover and still getting to spend time with the puppers I love.
I can’t wait ‘til next weekend!
Garage Sale
I have been selling my pre-loved items on my Carousell shop for a few months now. I have closed a few deals, and I must say that the experience has been gratifying! More than earning money on the side, I enjoy selling my secondhand goods because I am giving them a new lease on life.
I am also learning more about business while chatting with customers and negotiating prices. It has not been easy at first, but I am already getting the hang of it.
Please support this venture of mine and shop my closet! The QR Code below will take you to my shop, where items in excellent condition await you. Hope to see you there!
Simple Halloween
Yesterday was my late friend Diane’s death anniversary. I visited her vault and stuck a post-it, as per our tradition.
Then, I visited Ella for a simple Halloween celebration at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe.
Celebrations don’t need to be elaborate and expensive. Sometimes, a visit to a late friend and cuddling a dog will already suffice. The most special memories are based on the mundane.
Maginhawa Slowdown
Yesterday, I watched Hello World, an anime film. It was showing at Cinema Centenario, a microcinema that I frequent at Maginhawa. I don’t usually like anime, but this one was enjoyable! I highly recommend it.
I had early dinner at Steakfix after the movie. Their chicken steak was very good!
Spending my day at the street where I finished high school was therapeutic. I look forward to more slow days here, so I can recharge and be reminded of how fun it is to be young.
RDFS 2019 Day 3
Yesterday, I attended the third day of the RDFS Forum at the ADB. The forum was wrapped up with solutions for sustainability such as smart farming and online businesses for agricultural products.
I also got to watch an art film entitled No Data Plan at UP. It was about the immigration crisis in the US, and it struck me how fortunate I am to live freely in the country I reside in.
I look forward to becoming an advocate of farmers in my own way by supporting local produce. I also want to keep the conversation going offline.
‘Til next time, ADB!
RDFS 2019 Day 2
Yesterday, I attended the second day of the Rural Development and Food Security Forum 2019. It was another insightful day of learning on how traditional farming, sustainability, and technology can converge to build a better system of nourishing the planet. I also got to network and meet new friends!
I can’t wait to learn more on the forum’s last day. I am also looking forward to applying my insights to my job in the future.
Van Gogh Alive
I’m a Van Gogh fan, so it was a real treat to immense myself in the Van Gogh Alive experience. I went there alone, and felt overwhelmed while watching the art of the famed artist come to life onscreen. It was in a good way, of course. Beautiful music accompanied his paintings and quotes. I will never forget the scene wherein Starry Night was projected onscreen. It’s my favorite work of his.
Being a part of this immersive show was an emotional journey. I hope to be part of more venues that promote art in the future, and feel more connected to the artists that made them.
RDFS Forum 2019
Yesterday, I got to hear mass at St. Jude. It’s the feast of the patron who has been good to me. It was only fitting that I began my day in his honor.
Then, I went to the Asian Development Bank for the Rural Development and Food Security Forum 2019. But before that, I had my go-to brekkie at the ADB Cafeteria: sardines, egg and garlic rice!
I learned on the first day of this forum that it’s important to factor in the interlinking risks and to move from distress-driven diversification to surplus-sustained diversification. It is also important to support businesses that provide opportunities to farmers and key stakeholders.
I look forward to learning more in the next two days of the the forum!
Intramuros Sunday
Yesterday, I got to explore Intramuros in time for their open house. Most museums in the Walled City offered free entrance. I got to visit the Destileria Limtuaco Museum for the second time. I also got to drink at their tasting bar again. My favorite was their Amadeo coffee liqueur.
I also got to visit the Attic Museum. It’s a small room with trinkets from a bygone era.
Then, it was pasta for lunch at Ristorante delle Mitre. Their tre pasta di maghi was delicious and flavorful!
My last stop was Fort Santiago. Even if I frequently visit the Walled City, the fort still offers new attractions that I have never visited before. Some examples of these were this tunnel, and the baluarte facing the entrance of the fort.
My Sunday at the Walled City was eventful and full of old world charm. I will definitely be back!
Happy Sam
Last night, I attended a children’s party with my mom. It was a fun event, and I even managed to get a Halloween photo. I enjoyed the buffet and survived even if I didn’t know anyone at the party.
I hope that I will still continue to thrive in places that are beyond my comfort zone, and have a great time in the process.
Rook Chapter
Yesterda, I spent time with my doggo friends at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe.
I also got featured on tv and online as I was reacting to the movie Isa Pa With Feelings.
And finally, I got my rook pierced by renowned body piercer Rachel of Piercings.Ravana.
I’m just focusing on the best things in life. Dogs, piercings, and movies keep me going these days. I am being kinder and more forgiving to myself. If it takes a few ear piercings to get me motivated, then so be it.
This is simply the start of better things to come!
Stepping Up
Yesterday, I bought a handsome pair of loafers from local brand Beaters. Marikina-made shoes are the best, in my opinion. There is no greater way of showing support for our local sapateros than by wearing shoes that are proudly Pinoy.
I ended my day with two Spanish films at UP, where I always hang out for a curated selection of movies to watch. I enjoyed both titles, and I look forward to next year’s Pelicula Film Festival!
It is true- the right pair of shoes can definitely open doors for me. I am claiming that this will be the start of better things to come. For now, I will take life one step at a time.
Eat, Pray, Love
Yesterday, I went to Padre Pio Chapel in Libis after my meeting in Ortigas. It was the 23rd of the month, which is the birth anniversary date of Padre Pio. I prayed for my intentions, and gave thanks for the blessings that I continue to receive.
I am inspired by the faithful who unceasingly gather in this church, and surrender their rosaries for every answered prayer.
I ended my day with some carbonara at Cucina Di Francesco, and a cozy e-jeep ride back to the MRT station.
Life is better whenever there’s a reason to pray. And since I’m a foodie, I will always find an excuse to enjoy a delicious bowl of pasta. Life can be filled with love, for as long as I will keep on doing the things that make me happy.
Luck is Here
Yesterday, I went to a job interview wherein I was told that I was overqualified. Rather than take this rejection negatively, I saw it in a positive light. I realized that it was one less company for me to apply. It was an extra push for me to pursue other companies. And of course, being overqualified is better than being under-qualified.
Then, I went to UP Film to watch Rae Red’s Babae at Baril starring Janine Gutierrez. It was a well-made film which depicted how desperate situations in our society forces people to take violence in their own hands. Janine Gutierrez shines in this movie! I first watched her in Elise and of course, her acting chops gave justice to the movie’s badass title.
After the movie, I went home to find the sterling silver ear jackets that I won from local shop Arajera’s giveaway. It always makes me happy whenever I win a prize at raffles. I take this as a sign that luck is on my side again after all the trials that my family has encountered these recent months.
Also, these ear jackets are lovely! I can’t wait to rock them, while showing some local handmade love at the same time.
I am claiming that positive things will finally happen to me moving forward! Indeed, luck is here to stay.