Category: Investing

Balik-Manggagawa, OEC, Travel Tax, and more….

After almost two years since I last went home for a Christmas vacation, I was anticipating to go through another tedious, hellish, and time-consuming government requirements and procedures for OFW’s.

For those who are not aware, OFW’s have to undergo a process called “Balik-Manggagawa” at the POEA (Philippine Overseas Employment Agency). A document called Overseas Employment Certificate or OEC has to be secured as an exit clearance to be presented to the Immigration counter at the airport prior to departure from the Philippines. Continue reading Balik-Manggagawa, OEC, Travel Tax, and more….

Our Blasting Year-End Survey of Prime Real Estate Projects – Part 1

Most OFW’s aspire and dream to have their own property after years of tears and perspiration overseas. Owning a house and lot or a condo unit is definitely a big part of their retirement plan.

With the improving financial condition of the Philippine economy, living near and around the central business district of the Philippines can be one of the best choices for buying a relatively affordable unit in vertical villages to be called home in the city.

Together with my survey team, we visited some of the up and coming desirable properties around the Mandaluyong and Makati areas a few days before Christmas to help our fellowmen decide which of these condominium projects will best suit their investment ventures or their quest for financially-secure retirement years.

Again, I advise you to read my previous articles “The Hidden Costs of Buying a House or a Condo” and “Are You Really Ready To Buy A House” before making that big decision to buy a house or invest in real estate.

Here are our thoughts and observations about some of the most vibrant and exciting new and upcoming projects we visited. Take note that all these properties offer almost the same amenities, price discounts, and payment schemes. Continue reading Our Blasting Year-End Survey of Prime Real Estate Projects – Part 1

When Loan Sharks Attack

I was one of Randell Tiongson’s guests in his Money Talks radio show last night on Energy FM. In our discussion we talked about Filipinos getting buried in debt and eventually resorting to looking for opportunities overseas and leaving their loved ones behind.

I remember falling victim, a willing one at that, to a loan shark about 10 years ago. I couldn’t eat well. I could barely sleep for more than a couple of hours every night. I only worry about what could happen if they come to our house and do something terribly unlikeable. I could have even lost my job.

I recently read a news headline in Ireland that says “Soldier stole money from car park to pay back loan sharks“. AN OUT-of-work soldier came under pressure from loan sharks to repay a debt when he stole nearly €1,000 from a car park office safe, a court heard.

And then just recently (September 1, 2014), “Two teachers and a collector were killed, while four other teachers were injured, after a police officer went on a shooting rampage in the Pangasinan National High School campus in Lingayen town, Pangasinan Monday afternoon.”

Continue reading When Loan Sharks Attack