Best Birthday Ever

Best Birthday Celebration

Best Birthday Gift

Last 20th July was my 31st birthday.  It was my first time to celebrate it away from my family.  During my regular work at the office, my wife kept telling me that we need to chat as soon as I arrive home.  I did what she insisted and when I saw them in the webcam on the other side of the world, I saw nothing but the party invitation that my wife made.  As she removed the invitation on the screen, I was really flabbergasted that they prepared a party for me.  (You can see the birthday banner above especially made by wife and kids.)  I saw her and my two kids together with their friends wearing party hats.  They even have a Sponge Bob party whistle blowing.  It is like a children's party with all the kids gathered around the table.  I was not aware that they will do something like that.  They have waited for ten o'clock in the evening just to see me celebrate with them.  Tears of joy started to roll over my face as I hear them singing Happy Birthday.  My youngest son, Jaizen was the one who blew the candle.  

The surprises did not end there.  As they were eating, my wife instructed me to open the package that she sent.  When I opened it, I saw the best gift I received in my whole life.  (You can see the photo of the customized t-shirt with my family on it.)  It is a gift that cannot be replaced by anything in this world.  Not even the newest model of Black Berry, Storm 2 can substitute on it.  It is not the t-shirt that is irreplaceable, but the mere presence of my family on it made me feel that I am with them whenever I wear it. It made me feel as if my family is wrapped around me, hugging me whenever I use it.  It is their way of saying "Daddy, we will always be with you wherever you go."

That day was the happiest day I have since I am away from them. It was the birthday party of all birthday parties.  And it was the best gift that I have received.

Being away from my family to work overseas is really a sacrifice.  I am unable to hug my family whenever I want to.  I am incapable of playing with my kids whenever they want me to play with them.  I am unable to guide my kids as they grow and see the world.  But in spite of all of these, constant communication keep us strong.  Our investment to our relationship keep as intact.

Thank you Mom for all the love.  Thank you Kuya Jade for looking after Mommy and Jaizen.  Thank you Jaizen for being our playful mascot.  And most especially I thank God for giving me such a wonderful family.

Reflection:  How much did you invest in your relationship with your family?

Letter to Mommy on our Wedding Anniversary

Dear Mom,

Thank you for being there for us through thick and thin.


Thank you for always thinking of our well being.


Thank you for always praying for our family.


You are always there to listen to our problems and joys where we can confide anything to you.


You lift our spirits up when we are down on the ground.


You caution us when we are a bit hasty.


You are the most precious piece that completes my whole being.


You are my inspiration to do things beyond the ordinary and remind me to keep going.


You are my Castor above the sky that gives light to us.


You are the special gift from God that makes my true heaven.

Now I know, it is real that there is heaven here on earth because I am with you.


Happy 3rd Year Wedding Anniversary!

I LOVE YOU.

Love, Dad



P.S. 

watch this video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPtLVsHAQio

Financial Literacy Training at Dubai

The Clock Tower at Dubai, UAE

This is my first blog and really excited to write up.  Let me share to you what I did last week.

My journey to financial independence opens new doors of opportunities as well as venues for learning.  The thirst for knowledge is incessant.


That is why last April 30, 2010, while most of our fellow OFWs here in Abu Dhabi are having their day off watching movies on their laptop, going to the mall for a stroll or simply chilling out at home, my friend John and I went up to Dubai to visit the IMG Office for a training on financial literacy.

Just a calling card on our hands, we went to Bur Dubai. It was my first time going to Dubai on my own and it was quite a long trip. We saw the famous Burj Al Arab on the left side of Sheik Zayed Road and the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa (formerly known as Burj Dubai) on the right side. The excitement made us awake on the 2 hours road trip.

As we drop off the van at the bus station, the environment of Dubai started to come into us. The roads are smaller than in Abu Dhabi, the road networks are much complicated. Examining the address which says "near the Clock Tower", we started asking for directions.  Finally, we end up riding a cab.  The fare is more expensive since they charge a minimum of AED10.  Upon arrival at the Clock Tower, we recognized that we were definitely lost because it is a roundabout and buildings are just all over the place.  We called the facilitator for another set of directions.  Finally, we got to the office after a few blocks walk.  We were excited to enter the room just like a student going on his first day at school.

We have learned vast information about the proper ways of savings and attaining financial freedom.  The training can be highlighted as follows;

6 Steps to Financial Freedom:

Step 1:  The Discipline to Increase Cash Flow

"The way you manage your time and cash flow can make your poor or rich". 

How will you manage your expenses?

How will you earn additional income streams? 

Step 2:  Debt Management

How long will it take to pay off debt (credit cards, loans, etc.)?

Do you have strategy to get out of debt?

Step 3:  Create Emergency Fund

What would happen if you lost your job today?

What about unexpected expenses?

Step 4:  Ensure Proper Protection

Are you prepared and protected if you become sick, disabled or die?

Step 5:  Build Long-Term Asset Accumulation

Are you saving enough for your retirement goal?

If not, do you know where and how to start?

Step 6:  Preserve Your Estate

What will you pass down as a legacy to future generations of your family?

Do you have a strategy to help you meet goals?

There is so much yet to be learned since I just started applying the above concepts and the principles that I read in the financial books which I came across. What is imperative are the passion for learning new things and the openness to new ideas.

Next time I will share to you the privileges and advantages of attending financial literacy trainings.

Be a blessing to others everyday.