The Global Filipino Investors Singapore - Investors Boot Camp

ABBEY: We planned not to attend this seminar as our sked will have conflict with Ate Sol's visit, but still the urge to learn more on financial literacy prevailed. 

I can say that we got more than what we paid for. The fee is small compared with the gold nuggets of knowledge that we gained. We were given the awareness of having a financial plan setup today for a comfortable and bright future. Then once your mind is opened, you need to learn how to invest and earn from it. Lastly, how to give back and share the knowledge and experiences you had. 

Those topics were discussed by Sir Jess Uy, Sir Jay Penaflor and Ms. Salve Duplito. These mentors are BIG names on financial world; but they don’t boast their popularity or their fame. They are humble and helpful individuals especially to those who are starting the journey towards financial freedom.

WILL: Saying thanks to The Global Filipino Investors Group is not enough. Thanks to Kuya Floi, Kuya Rich and Kuya Rex for accepting me and Abbey to be part of the growing family.

Last 12th of April, we attended one of their events. Even though we read a lot of books how to allocate your assets strategically, stock market analysis and for value investing, it would be more nice to attend some seminars.

Sir Jess Uy; I considered him as a friend (feeling close). Do you know that he cares a lot for me and specially to Abbey? He knew every concerns we have in the aspect of finance. He helped us to check if we are in the right track towards our targeted retirement age. He introduced to us how to invest globally to minimize the risk. We were shocked when Sir Jess checked how much our money earned in our fun of funds. Thanks a lot Sir!

This is our first time to see Sir Jay Peñaflor. He is always playing jokes to keep the computation of technical analysis to be lively. Anyway, who will hate math when money is the topic? After the rigid calculations he gave as a secret to make our life in stock analysis more easier. Haha!

Ms. Ma. Salve Duplito is a well-known person. She is one of the consultant in a famous firm, the women behind MoneyStories. She gives a free financial advises to the people who needs it badly and one of the hosts of ANC On The Money. She touched my heart while she's telling her past. When she is so poor (gosh, tears clinging into my eyes) and the eye-opener scene that made her inculcated in her mind that she needs to study hard, be top on her class and to live a good life. Hey if you just want to be rich, don't go to her, she will not help you. Haha!

Kuya Floi, thanks for bringing the speakers all the way from Philippines. Thanks sa gift ng TGFI. Kinuha ni Sam (ang batang mahilig kay Olaf) na hiningi naman ni Bettina. In the end, wala ka talagang gift sa akin. Haha!

Thanks TGFI. A group to be treasured.

Chocz Gourmet (Handcrafted Quality Chocolate) Esplanade Mall - Chocolate Truffle Cake

ABBEY: Want to try something out of your ordinary taste pallette on cakes? Since this is the first time to have a bite on their cake, my experience is great. 

We got a 20SGD voucher from our good bank and a little more top up and we had a Chocolate Truffle cake; ganache layer with chocolate sponge. We redeemed it at their branch in Esplanade mall. 

The dark chocolate has a smooth texture :) Perfect for a dessert after a hearty meal.

WILL: I am a great fan of bread and pastries but here in Singapore cakes are not as cheap as priced in Philippines. Now on my point of view, ahmm, or should I say I instilled it in my mind that buying cakes will be a waste of money and additional calories for me and husband's body. And that's why a slice of cake creates some lesions to my conscience.  Haha!

It is my birthday month and we have points to redeem and we chose a chocolate truffle cake from Chocz. 

Chocz is located at Esplanade Mall. They have different kinds of pastries and this heart-shaped cake designed with nuts on its sides appeals to me a lot. 

I took a spoonful of it, place it in my mouth and to my delight I blurted out "Napakasarap" (very delicious). Abbey agreed. A perfect dessert for a perfect night. 

Thanks to Citibank for the voucher and thanks Chocz for a very special creation.

Singapore Turf Club - Think Entertainment, Think Racing

ABBEY: I've never been to a horse race track even back in the Philippines so I was excited when Wilma told me that we will visit Singapore Turf Club at Kranji. 

Public entrance for level 1 grandstand is at 6SGD while going to Owner's Lounge is priced at 30SGD. At first we bought the 6-dollar ticket but we were asked by the usher if we wanted to upgrade our ticket. We complied and we didn't have any regret on our decision, as the place is nice, beautiful and comfortable. You can have table with a monitor for your viewing convenience. Also you can order food and drinks for as low as 10SGD and 4SGD respectively. 

Each guest in the Owner's Lounge will be given the programme for the day. In it are the race schedules, horses', trainers', and jockeys' information as well as intructions on how to bet. We placed bets but unfortunately our horses didn't won. It was a fun experience for that day. 

WILL: As you all know, I am easily bored. I hate a day-to-day routine. And as agreed by me and Abbey, every year we will go, do or taste something different. Last year we slept under the stars and beside the gentle waves of East Coast Park. Now we were here to see a horse race.

Do not get me wrong as I am not promoting gambling here. The billboards say on the middle of the track "Know Your Limits". Well, before going there, I limit myself for one bet and for $2 only win or lose and fixed my mind to go in second floor air-conditioned grandstand with a $6 entrance fee. Hey please check the dress code at the turf club or else you will not be allowed to go and holler for your horse. Haha

I wore a little white dress (again thanks Ate Minnie for sponsoring) and Abbey went for white polo shirt, jeans and black shoes. We headed to the ticket counter and they asked us if we want to go for Owner's Lounge that costs $30.00 each. Abbey is pushing me to allow him to buy that but I insisted the opposite. He failed and we moved on at the gate. 

The marshall halted us to stop and asked us why we do not want to go to the owner's lounge. He described it and as usual my
husband was enticed by the comfort the marshall is describing. Although all of the floors were air conditioned but having your own table and tv screen will be a great experience. And then I gave in. Abbey held my hand and rushed to the ticket counter to refund the $6 ticket and buy the owner's lounge one. We were handed our ticket and envelope consisted of ballpen cum highlighter and booklet of days races. 

We entered a carpeted area with nice chandeliers. We entered the lounge and we were welcomed with gleeful ambiance. It is so beautiful. Everybody is shouting with joy..it seems. We walked and walked looking for a table, darl, the nicest spot were all
flagged reserved. Then one of the men on the higher bench showed me that table B14 is free. We sat, took the betting paper, and non-stop laughing filled the air. The 1st race is on and we are looking for race 3, that would give us enough time to study how to bet. After minutes of discussing and tummy-clenching happiness, Abbey officially handed our bets and get the receipt. The result? We lose! This is really a game of chance. So even Abbey told me to go for another bet, I stand firm and declined.

We ordered food... yes! We ordered food, price range is from $5-$15. The fried beehoon is nice and can serve 2 pax.
after our light mirienda, we went down to see the parade of the horses and its jockeys. 

We went out to feel the action under the sun. There we saw the betters seriously checking out the program and the results. The cheers and cursing for their horses is higher here.

A very out-of-box dating experience. You can go here via mrt, alight at Kranji or just hail a taxi. :) 

Know your limits guys!