CIMB Bank Philippines (PH), a digital mobile-first bank and the newest member of the Malaysia-based CIMB Group, announced that they had recruited 2 million accounts to-date in a press conference last March 3. This keeps them on track for their target 4 million sign-ups by the end of the year.
\nAccording to Vijay Manoharan, the bank\u2019s chief executive officer, this may be attributed to the increase of collaborations that they\u2019ve forged with key local players. \u201cWith the introduction of new product offerings and more strategic partnerships later in the year, we are confident that we will reach our targets well before the year ends,\u201d Manoharan said.
\nOne of these new offerings is the enhanced UpSave Account, a savings account product. Its 4% per annum interest rate, which is 1600% higher than those of local banks\u2019, is now a permanent feature. They are also planning to expand their customer base, developing products for small-medium enterprises set to launch within the latter part of the year.
\nCIMB Bank PH was not without its challenges since it launched in 2019. Until now, they are still trying to overcome the market\u2019s mental barrier in trusting an intangible bank. But by assuring the public of their safety and highlighting their value through high interest rates and zero hidden fees, they are confident in winning more customers over.
\n\u201cWe are realistic, because [we\u2019re talking about] a hundred million people, 7,200 islands, and mainly a hundred years of [people] used to be banking in a certain way,\u201d said Manoharan. \u201cPeople don\u2019t change in six months, twelve months, two years. So this is a marathon.\u201d
\n", "content_text": "CIMB Bank Philippines (PH), a digital mobile-first bank and the newest member of the Malaysia-based CIMB Group, announced that they had recruited 2 million accounts to-date in a press conference last March 3. This keeps them on track for their target 4 million sign-ups by the end of the year.\nAccording to Vijay Manoharan, the bank\u2019s chief executive officer, this may be attributed to the increase of collaborations that they\u2019ve forged with key local players. \u201cWith the introduction of new product offerings and more strategic partnerships later in the year, we are confident that we will reach our targets well before the year ends,\u201d Manoharan said.\nOne of these new offerings is the enhanced UpSave Account, a savings account product. Its 4% per annum interest rate, which is 1600% higher than those of local banks\u2019, is now a permanent feature. They are also planning to expand their customer base, developing products for small-medium enterprises set to launch within the latter part of the year.\nCIMB Bank PH was not without its challenges since it launched in 2019. Until now, they are still trying to overcome the market\u2019s mental barrier in trusting an intangible bank. But by assuring the public of their safety and highlighting their value through high interest rates and zero hidden fees, they are confident in winning more customers over.\n\u201cWe are realistic, because [we\u2019re talking about] a hundred million people, 7,200 islands, and mainly a hundred years of [people] used to be banking in a certain way,\u201d said Manoharan. \u201cPeople don\u2019t change in six months, twelve months, two years. So this is a marathon.\u201d", "date_published": "2020-03-16T11:52:25+08:00", "date_modified": "2020-03-16T11:52:25+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "CIMB Bank Philippines", "CIMB Group", "UpSave Account", "Money" ], "summary": "The digital bank shared their achievements so far and goals for the year." }, { "id": "/?p=277978", "url": "/money/2020/02/11/277978/sparkup-money-e-commerce-enabler-great-deals-raises-php-600-million-from-navegar/", "title": "E-commerce enabler Great Deals raises Php 600 million from Navegar", "content_html": "Philippines-based Great Deals E-commerce Corp. has raised $12 million (roughly P600 million) from Navegar, the largest private equity firm in the country.
\nThe agreement was inked on January 23, 2020 and was attended by Great Deals E-commerce Corp. Founder & CEO Steve Sy and Navegar\u2019s Managing Partner Javier Infante, along with their respective teams and advisors.
\n\nGreat Deals plans to use the funds on capital investments, which will enhance its IT, infrastructure, warehouse capabilities, and technology solutions as it aggressively expands its presence in the country. The company aims to be the Philippine Alibaba and Baozun, China\u2019s leading e-commerce enabler.
\n\u201cWe are ecstatic to continue building and implementing successful online retail, distribution and marketing strategies for our 250+ brand clients in partnership with Navegar,\u201d said Great Deal’s Sy. \u201cTo dominate the market here in the Philippines, we will work closely with Navegar, whose vast experience in building high-growth companies will ensure the continued expansion of our business.\u201d
\nSy founded Great Deals in 2014 when — after years as an entrepreneur in the retail and e-commerce sectors — he saw a glaring need to enable entrepreneurs like himself to succeed in the digital economy. Great Deals offers end-to-end e-commerce services, and handles digital content, web design, analytics, chat support, warehousing, and fulfilment. It made headlines in 2018 when it dispatched a record-breaking 114,165 orders in one day. It has since surpassed its own record by facilitating 233,038 orders in a single day last year. Their clientele includes multi-national companies Reckitt Benckiser, Nestle, Samsonite, Reebok, Crocs, L\u2019Oreal, Abbott, and Unilever.
\nGreat Deal’s new investor Navegar is a private equity fund that invests exclusively in Philippine companies, collaborating with founders and management teams to create long-term shareholder value. Founded in 2012 by its Managing Partners Nori Poblador and Javier Infante, Navegar manages two pools of money with nearly $300 million in assets under management.
\n\u201cWe are big believers in Steve Sy,” Infante said. “His management style, charisma, marketing savvy and integrity form the bedrock of this company. We also like the fact that e-commerce has tremendous potential in this country. The Philippines has very low e-commerce penetration, at less than 2% of gross domestic product, compared to China’s nearly 40% and 25% in the U.S (according to Forbes). There is no way to go but up for smart Philippines e-commerce. It is just the beginning. The best way for an investor to participate in this upswing is to partner with a successful business that has already established strong relationships with top brands in the market.\u201d
\n\u201cE-commerce is a sunrise industry in the Philippines, and there are so many looming on the horizon,” Sy said. “Our mission, in Great Deals, is to uplift Filipino lives through the digital economy, harnessing local technology, human resources and boundless creativity to bring the best we can offer to the Philippines.”
\n", "content_text": "Philippines-based Great Deals E-commerce Corp. has raised $12 million (roughly P600 million) from Navegar, the largest private equity firm in the country.\nThe agreement was inked on January 23, 2020 and was attended by Great Deals E-commerce Corp. Founder & CEO Steve Sy and Navegar\u2019s Managing Partner Javier Infante, along with their respective teams and advisors.\n\nGreat Deals plans to use the funds on capital investments, which will enhance its IT, infrastructure, warehouse capabilities, and technology solutions as it aggressively expands its presence in the country. The company aims to be the Philippine Alibaba and Baozun, China\u2019s leading e-commerce enabler.\n\u201cWe are ecstatic to continue building and implementing successful online retail, distribution and marketing strategies for our 250+ brand clients in partnership with Navegar,\u201d said Great Deal’s Sy. \u201cTo dominate the market here in the Philippines, we will work closely with Navegar, whose vast experience in building high-growth companies will ensure the continued expansion of our business.\u201d\nSy founded Great Deals in 2014 when — after years as an entrepreneur in the retail and e-commerce sectors — he saw a glaring need to enable entrepreneurs like himself to succeed in the digital economy. Great Deals offers end-to-end e-commerce services, and handles digital content, web design, analytics, chat support, warehousing, and fulfilment. It made headlines in 2018 when it dispatched a record-breaking 114,165 orders in one day. It has since surpassed its own record by facilitating 233,038 orders in a single day last year. Their clientele includes multi-national companies Reckitt Benckiser, Nestle, Samsonite, Reebok, Crocs, L\u2019Oreal, Abbott, and Unilever.\nGreat Deal’s new investor Navegar is a private equity fund that invests exclusively in Philippine companies, collaborating with founders and management teams to create long-term shareholder value. Founded in 2012 by its Managing Partners Nori Poblador and Javier Infante, Navegar manages two pools of money with nearly $300 million in assets under management.\n\u201cWe are big believers in Steve Sy,” Infante said. “His management style, charisma, marketing savvy and integrity form the bedrock of this company. We also like the fact that e-commerce has tremendous potential in this country. The Philippines has very low e-commerce penetration, at less than 2% of gross domestic product, compared to China’s nearly 40% and 25% in the U.S (according to Forbes). There is no way to go but up for smart Philippines e-commerce. It is just the beginning. The best way for an investor to participate in this upswing is to partner with a successful business that has already established strong relationships with top brands in the market.\u201d\n\u201cE-commerce is a sunrise industry in the Philippines, and there are so many looming on the horizon,” Sy said. “Our mission, in Great Deals, is to uplift Filipino lives through the digital economy, harnessing local technology, human resources and boundless creativity to bring the best we can offer to the Philippines.”", "date_published": "2020-02-11T15:35:07+08:00", "date_modified": "2020-02-11T15:35:07+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "e-commerce", "Great Deals", "Navegar", "Money" ], "summary": "Great Deals plans to use the funds on capital investments, aiming to be the Philippine Alibaba and Baozun, China\u2019s leading e-commerce enabler." }, { "id": "/?p=205982", "url": "/money/2018/12/21/205982/sparkup-money-how-to-launch-your-stock-trading-career/", "title": "How to launch your stock trading career", "content_html": "2018 hasn\u2019t been great for the Philippine stock market. The Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi) fared among the worst performing markets this year, sowing a lot of fear and doubt among new traders on the wisdom of investing locally.
\nBut where there are problems, there are also massive opportunities. And it\u2019s in this economic context that non-brokerage stock market platform Investagrams held its Traders\u2019 Summit 2018. Investors, traders, and stock market enthusiasts gathered together to discuss strategies for getting ahead as a trader.
\nFor those new to trading on the stock market, or interested in launching a career in trading, here are some key insights from some of the best in the field.
David Ramolete (a.k.a. King Trade) opened the day with a discussion about balancing stock market trading with a full-time career. According to him, many people are hesitant to become more involved in the stock market because they feel they don\u2019t have enough money or time. He stressed that you don\u2019t need much of both to start.
\n\u201cWhat\u2019s important is that you start as soon as possible and maximize the power of time and compound interest to our advantage,\u201d he said.
\nStarting small and just getting the ball rolling is the best move for beginners, he says.
For people with full-time jobs, Ramolete said, around fifteen to thirty minutes a day would be enough to execute end-of-day (EOD) trading strategies. EOD simply refers to a time in the market where the stocks reflect the closing prices for the day. In the Philippine market, that\u2019s between 3:17 and 3:30 p.m.
\n\u201cBeing busy is not an excuse to not earn from the stock market,\u201d he said.
\nEOD Trading fits most market profiles, from long term investors to short and medium term traders so anyone can profit from it provided they put in the work. What\u2019s more, EOD trading protects traders from the noise of intra-day fluctuations in stock prices, allowing them to focus on bigger moves and capital preservation.
\nThe only limitation to EOD is that it doesn\u2019t give much room for high risk trades that reward quick responses and precision timing.
Because EOD traders don\u2019t have much time to monitor market performance, it\u2019s crucial to make safe decisions to be able to turn a profit. The focus should be on bigger moves, based on patterns like swings and trends.
\nLook for uptrending stocks that have consistently been hitting higher highs and lower lows over a given period, or stocks that are trading above their moving average. Wait for a breakout before putting it on your watchlist, then plan accordingly.
\nIf things go poorly, set a stop loss at levels you\u2019re comfortable with. If things go well, sell at the first sign of resistance. Rinse and repeat.
\u201cWhat is the difference between a market loser and a profitable trader? That one thing that will make you fail as traders. That is a lack of focus,\u201d said Nikki Jurado (a.k.a Nomad Finance Girl).
\nNewbie traders often get so distracted by obsessing over the most successful strategies and the best performing traders that they tend to jump from one strategy to another.
\nDevelop a strategy that works for you and fits your appetite, and stick to it. To be a successful trader, you must be willing to put in the effort needed to hone your own skills and strategies.
The reason so many people quit trading early, Jurado said, is that they simply don\u2019t have a purpose strong enough to sustain them whenever they suffer losses. When money is the goal, it becomes much harder to power through a process that may end up losing more money down the road.
\n\u201cWhat makes people successful is what they do with their time and their money. They live their lives everyday with purpose. They have something to fight for; they have values that drive them. That for me is what makes a successful trader,\u201d she said.
\n\u201cMoney is never strong enough to make you stay when everything goes to shit. And I\u2019m telling you right now, everything will go to shit.\u201d
Since much of stock market trading relies on statistics and probability, mistakes are par for the course. Trial-and-error is an essential part of the process, especially when you\u2019re just starting out building your own strategies. Jurado recommends making as many mistakes as you can learn from.
\n\u201cMake mistakes that you\u2019ll never forget,\u201d she said. \u201cMistakes that you\u2019ll always regret. Unless you make these mistakes, stupid embarrassing decisions, unless you\u2019re able to go through the shit, you\u2019ll never make it.\u201d
\n\u201cSo make mistakes, fail often, fail hard, but never quit,\u201d she said.
Celeste Rodriguez (a.k.a. Rooting for Celeste) said that people who are just starting to trade have to commit to being a student.
\n\u201cYou have to have the hunger to keep learning,\u201d she said.
\nAt this stage, the focus should be on building the character and grit you need for success. And that means looking for the best mentors available to you. Positive influence and a supportive community can dictate what direction you go in the future, and is crucial to your early development as a trader.
\nRodriguez also recommended establishing early habits like journaling to help navigate what she calls the \u201cLearning Jungle\u201d, where traders try to build a system of their own.
After about a year into trading and finding a system that works for you, you should then focus on gaining more experience, tweaking your strategies as you go. Focus on risk management. At this point, it\u2019s more about building your own competence and confidence in your system than it is about making money.
\n\u201cYour goal is to build a system, learn, and survive,\u201d Rodriguez said.
\n\u201cThe more you know about your methods, the more you figure out what its strengths and weaknesses are. If you know it enough, you\u2019ll know when to play and when to pass.\u201d
When you hopefully achieve mastery of your own system, try to strive for consistency. Just because you\u2019ve become a successful trader doesn\u2019t mean you can be complacent. Always evaluate yourself and how you perform in the market.
\n\u201cIt is not the strongest species that survive. It\u2019s the one that is most adaptable to change,\u201d Rodriguez said.
It\u2019s often easier to find what you\u2019re looking for if you know how to look for them. This is what Akio Kashiwagi (MoneyGrowers.ph) talked about in his session, \u2018The Art of Bottom Picking\u2019. He said that every trader should have a trading strategy, a specific set of entry and exit rules in trading.
\nSticking to your rules even if they put you at a loss or you feel like you\u2019re missing out on a good trade will save you some heartache later on.
\n\u201cPatience is not inaction. It is simply knowing what you are looking for and taking action at the right time,\u201d he said.
What may work for another trader may not necessarily work for you. This is why system-hopping, or frequently changing trading strategies, is so detrimental to your overall growth as a trader.
\nKashiwagi suggested that you find a strategy that works best for your lifestyle, your goals, and your temperament, then master it.
\n\u201cThe biggest determinant of a trading system\u2019s success is the ability of the trader to follow it one hundred percent.\u201d
The only way to be a successful trader is to build confidence in yourself and your system. Backtest and forward test your strategies. Collect and look at the data. Look at the patterns that form over time. If you\u2019re unsure, try virtual or paper trading first before you put money on the market.
\nOnce you\u2019ve found a system that works for you, believe in it even in the worst of times.
\n\u201cIf you trade, you must remember it\u2019s like a pendulum. You will experience both the extreme sides: the pain and the joy. That\u2019s how your character will be tested,\u201d Kashiwagi said.
\n\u201cHow you will be able to pick yourself up from the bottom, that is the real art of bottom picking.\u201d
\n
With the festive spirit of the holidays rolling in, comes the seasonal anxiety of balancing Christmas lists and bank accounts.
\nAs soon as that 13th month pay comes in, it\u2019s easy to throw caution to the wind and ditch that meticulous budget plan you spent all year setting for yourself. Before you know it, harmless window shopping can snowball into an avalanche of debt.
\nLuckily, as with many problems in the modern world, there\u2019s an app (or ten) for that. Here are four tips from the fintech experts at Cashalo on how to get through the holidays with your wallets intact.
This is the easiest and most rewarding financial habit you need to adopt. Instead of spending money immediately, set aside a portion of your income the moment you receive it. Put it aside. Forget about it. To make the process simpler, you can easily transfer funds electronically from your payroll straight to your separate savings account through your banks\u2019 mobile-app.
\nWith a little planning and cash management, you can stretch your hard-earned peso and still meet your savings and expense goals. It helps to prepare a list of the people you plan to give presents to and have a set budget for each of them. Various apps such as \u201cMint\u201d and \u201cWally\u201d help you easily track your finances on the go.
\nAvoid the holiday traffic rush and take advantage of coupon codes, eVouchers, and live discounts up for grabs online. \u00a0E-commerce stores also offer great sales during the holiday season.
\nOnly ever spend within your means. But if you absolutely need a little extra cash to help you through a month when your expenses are slightly higher than expected, mobile-apps such as Cashalo are a convenient and affordable solution – offering purpose-based financing with the lowest non-bank interest rates. Cashalo\u2019s newest solution, Cashacart also makes it easy for you to buy the items you want by providing access to a digital credit line at 0% installment rates from a network of over 250 partner retail stores.
\nSmartphones can be really helpful tools for developing responsible spending habits, and powerful apps such as Cashalo empower you with more options to be financially prudent. Not only does it encourage you to use your money wisely, it also improves your financial well being by helping build a robust financial identity and positive credit score. \u00a0Being a responsible consumer and making timely payments, unlocks even more financing options providing greater flexibility.
Blockchain remittance firms are experiencing record growth thanks to an increase in global migration. As populations continue to migrate, the need to send money back to their home countries is growing. Blockchain remittance firms are providing this essential service at a reduced rate.
\nThese international payments are vital to the livelihood of millions of people around the world. They\u2019re primarily used for living expenses such as food, transportation, and education. Making these statements more tangible, East Asian countries received $129 billion in remittance payments last year according to the World Bank.
A recent study revealed that the remittance sector has grown to a staggering $585 billion industry. In 2017 alone, $439 billion was sent to developing countries, equating to around 700 million families living off of remittance payments globally.
\nRemittance payments have also become the main source of foreign income for many nations. According to a May report in Forbes, Mexico\u2019s remittance payments have now superseded their oil industry to become the country\u2019s main source of foreign income.
\nMexico isn\u2019t alone in their dependence on remittance payments. The World Bank released their 2016 remittance statistics in April of this year. The report revealed that remittance payments are now more stable than private capital flow in terms of international growth. This means that the remittance industry could be a smart investment in most parts of the world.
Sending money internationally isn\u2019t cheap, and non-profits such as the World Bank have been combating these high fees for years. Since 2008, remittance fees have declined 7.32 percent. This decrease saved migrants $90 billion in fees over the same time frame.
\nWhenever someone sends money internationally, numerous third-party organizations are involved in the transaction. Each verification step adds a small fee to the total cost. In addition, international conversion rates must be accounted for. World Bank reports have averaged these costs to be around 7.45 percent of each transaction processed.
Blockchain remittance companies are taking the industry to the next level by facilitating a frictionless experience for users. Traditionally, international money transfers can take days to complete due to the number of verifications that are required. Blockchain remittance companies provide instant money transfer services.
\nAfrica relies heavily on remittance payments. Until recently, large financial firms, such as Western Union and MoneyGram, dominated the market. This changed when blockchain remittance companies began to spring up across the continent. Firms such as Abra are now changing the local markets.
\nThe Abra platform allows users to transfer money for free across the globe. In addition to these cost savings, users are able to send transactions directly from their mobile devices. Abra offers a direct peer-to-peer money transfer technology that doesn\u2019t require the use of any bank. And, the platform automatically deposits funds onto debit cards that it provides for users.
\nAbra is pioneering remittance FinTech with this all-inclusive approach. This non-reliance on the traditional banking system is important in developing nations because they often lack the means to implement the expensive infrastructure required to institute these organizations. By circumventing the current system, Abra users don\u2019t have to worry about how to transfer money from blockchain to bank account.
\nMigrants are saving on fees and conversion rate costs by removing the middleman from the remittance system. These savings are too large to ignore, and now, industry leaders are researching this technology.
For the first time ever, this year\u2019s Global Money Transfer Summit (GMTS) will feature blockchain remittance FinTech. The GMTS is the largest international money transfer conference in the world. Every year, representatives from major financial institutions are chosen to speak at this event.
\nAmong those invitees are representatives from Ripple, Stellar, and Cashaa. These popular cryptocurrency representatives will discuss the future of the money transfer industry and why blockchain technology is an essential path for the industry to travel.
Ripple (XRP) was one of the first bank-focused cryptocurrencies to enter the market in 2012. Designed primarily for large international inter-bank money transfers, Ripple\u2019s developers describe it as a real-time gross settlement system. The Ripple platform utilizes the XRP token to facilitate these global transfers instantly.
\nRipple has managed to secure major partnerships with numerous large financial organizations including Fidor Bank in Munich, Bank of America, and Santander. In May 2015, Ripple became AML compliant after receiving a $700,000 fine from FinCEN for not complying with the Bank Secrecy Act. Today, the cryptocurrency remains in the top five coins in terms of market capitalization.
Blockchain technology is transforming the remittance sector, and Ripple isn\u2019t alone in their quest to service the international money transfer industry. Today, numerous remittance-focused cryptocurrencies are available. You can expect to see further integration of this game-changing technology.
\nNow that the industry has openly acknowledged the benefits that blockchain technology brings to the table, the demand for blockchain-based remittance services is expected to increase significantly. This is great news for the millions of families that rely on this lifeline to survive.
A version of this story by David Hamilton originally appeared on CoinCentral.com.
\n", "content_text": "Blockchain remittance firms are experiencing record growth thanks to an increase in global migration. As populations continue to migrate, the need to send money back to their home countries is growing. Blockchain remittance firms are providing this essential service at a reduced rate.\nThese international payments are vital to the livelihood of millions of people around the world. They\u2019re primarily used for living expenses such as food, transportation, and education. Making these statements more tangible, East Asian countries received $129 billion in remittance payments last year according to the World Bank.\nRemittance Stats\nA recent study revealed that the remittance sector has grown to a staggering $585 billion industry. In 2017 alone, $439 billion was sent to developing countries, equating to around 700 million families living off of remittance payments globally.\nRemittance payments have also become the main source of foreign income for many nations. According to a May report in Forbes, Mexico\u2019s remittance payments have now superseded their oil industry to become the country\u2019s main source of foreign income.\nMexico isn\u2019t alone in their dependence on remittance payments. The World Bank released their 2016 remittance statistics in April of this year. The report revealed that remittance payments are now more stable than private capital flow in terms of international growth. This means that the remittance industry could be a smart investment in most parts of the world.\nThe High Costs of Sending Remittance Payments\nSending money internationally isn\u2019t cheap, and non-profits such as the World Bank have been combating these high fees for years. Since 2008, remittance fees have declined 7.32 percent. This decrease saved migrants $90 billion in fees over the same time frame.\nWhenever someone sends money internationally, numerous third-party organizations are involved in the transaction. Each verification step adds a small fee to the total cost. In addition, international conversion rates must be accounted for. World Bank reports have averaged these costs to be around 7.45 percent of each transaction processed.\nBlockchain Remittance Fintech: Technology to Help Millions\nBlockchain remittance companies are taking the industry to the next level by facilitating a frictionless experience for users. Traditionally, international money transfers can take days to complete due to the number of verifications that are required. Blockchain remittance companies provide instant money transfer services.\nRemittance Firms: Abra\nAfrica relies heavily on remittance payments. Until recently, large financial firms, such as Western Union and MoneyGram, dominated the market. This changed when blockchain remittance companies began to spring up across the continent. Firms such as Abra are now changing the local markets.\nThe Abra platform allows users to transfer money for free across the globe. In addition to these cost savings, users are able to send transactions directly from their mobile devices. Abra offers a direct peer-to-peer money transfer technology that doesn\u2019t require the use of any bank. And, the platform automatically deposits funds onto debit cards that it provides for users.\nAbra is pioneering remittance FinTech with this all-inclusive approach. This non-reliance on the traditional banking system is important in developing nations because they often lack the means to implement the expensive infrastructure required to institute these organizations. By circumventing the current system, Abra users don\u2019t have to worry about how to transfer money from blockchain to bank account.\nMigrants are saving on fees and conversion rate costs by removing the middleman from the remittance system. These savings are too large to ignore, and now, industry leaders are researching this technology.\nBlockchain Remittance on the Rise\nFor the first time ever, this year\u2019s Global Money Transfer Summit (GMTS) will feature blockchain remittance FinTech. The GMTS is the largest international money transfer conference in the world. Every year, representatives from major financial institutions are chosen to speak at this event.\nAmong those invitees are representatives from Ripple, Stellar, and Cashaa. These popular cryptocurrency representatives will discuss the future of the money transfer industry and why blockchain technology is an essential path for the industry to travel.\nRemittance Cryptocurrencies: Ripple\nRipple (XRP) was one of the first bank-focused cryptocurrencies to enter the market in 2012. Designed primarily for large international inter-bank money transfers, Ripple\u2019s developers describe it as a real-time gross settlement system. The Ripple platform utilizes the XRP token to facilitate these global transfers instantly.\nRipple has managed to secure major partnerships with numerous large financial organizations including Fidor Bank in Munich, Bank of America, and Santander. In May 2015, Ripple became AML compliant after receiving a $700,000 fine from FinCEN for not complying with the Bank Secrecy Act. Today, the cryptocurrency remains in the top five coins in terms of market capitalization.\nRemittance Fintech: A New Horizon\nBlockchain technology is transforming the remittance sector, and Ripple isn\u2019t alone in their quest to service the international money transfer industry. Today, numerous remittance-focused cryptocurrencies are available. You can expect to see further integration of this game-changing technology.\nNow that the industry has openly acknowledged the benefits that blockchain technology brings to the table, the demand for blockchain-based remittance services is expected to increase significantly. This is great news for the millions of families that rely on this lifeline to survive.\n\nA version of this story by David Hamilton originally appeared on CoinCentral.com.", "date_published": "2018-09-12T21:33:59+08:00", "date_modified": "2018-09-12T21:33:59+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1311207d4ac1996cb586666fe3d56418ca9f007d735b74eb19d3fa440df5c8b4?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1311207d4ac1996cb586666fe3d56418ca9f007d735b74eb19d3fa440df5c8b4?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "blockchain", "Money", "remittance" ], "summary": "Sending money becomes faster, more secure on the blockchain." }, { "id": "http://www.bworldonline.com/?p=163482", "url": "/money/2018/06/06/163482/sparkup-money-pundix-crypto-startup-blockchain/", "title": "PHL govt's 'friendly attitude' lures Indonesian crypto startup", "content_html": "The country\u2019s virtual currency (VC) community last year faced several uncertainties after the government drew ire from companies whose businesses involve the digital form of money. It even came to a point where the Securities and Exchange Commission warned the public about investing on VCs and even declared the token sales of a controversial businessman as illegal.
\nHowever, things turned lighter in March, with the country\u2019s business watchdog and the central bank announcing their plan to launch a nationwide campaign to educate Filipinos on digital currencies following the release of guidelines on VC exchanges.
\nThis, according to Peko Wan, vice-president of Indonesian startup Pundi X, \u201ccaught the attention\u201d of the company engaged in letting blockchain developers and token holders sell cryptocurrency and services at any physical store in the world.
\n\u201cFor the Philippine market, it\u2019s very interesting that the government has a friendly attitude towards cryptocurrency companies,\u201d she told SparkUp on the sidelines of a meet-up that the company organized on May 30 in Makati City. \u201cThis is a very promising market for us to develop. In our roadmap, we see Korea, Japan, Singapore, Switzerland as the countries where we first deployed and now we think maybe Philippines could be part of it.\u201d
\nThe company aims to introduce to the country its blockchain-powered product called Pundi XPOS, which enables brick-and-mortar shops to accept, sell, and buy cryptocurrencies.
\nWhile Pundi X has yet to decide on when to launch the product here, Wan said the company sees a huge potential in the country. It aims to deploy \u201cat least 100,000\u201d units of Pundi XPOS worldwide.
\nIn penetrating the Philippine market, Wan said Pundi X will leverage on the huge number of Filipino overseas workers opting to use cryptocurrencies.
\n\u201cThere are over 2.3 millions of documented overseas workers in the Philippines. Some of them choose to purchase cryptocurrencies and send them back to their families. Cryptocurrency can make the cross-border transactions faster and more cost effective,\u201d Wan said in a separate statement.
\nWan added that they are considering to tap convenience stores, food chains, and luxury goods stores to become their partners in the Philippines.
\n\u201cThere\u2019s a use case for Filipino market,\u201d she said\u2014the technical jargon simply describing how a user makes use of a system to accomplish a goal. \u201cWe\u2019ll start from there and when we see good partners we, of course, want to expand our footprints to physical stores to deploy devices,\u201d she said.
\nPundi X is also banking on the growing interest in blockchain technology among consumers and businesses in the Philippines, as well as the establishment of organizations like the Blockchain Association of the Philippines and the Philippine Association of Digital Commerce and Decentralized Industry.
\nStill, as blockchain is still unfamiliar territory for Filipino regulators, she said: \u201cWe will be very transparent of what we are doing here also we are not involving any money laundering, I think this is what the government is very very afraid of. If there\u2019s any regulation in place we will comply, that is our goal.
\n", "content_text": "The country\u2019s virtual currency (VC) community last year faced several uncertainties after the government drew ire from companies whose businesses involve the digital form of money. It even came to a point where the Securities and Exchange Commission warned the public about investing on VCs and even declared the token sales of a controversial businessman as illegal.\nHowever, things turned lighter in March, with the country\u2019s business watchdog and the central bank announcing their plan to launch a nationwide campaign to educate Filipinos on digital currencies following the release of guidelines on VC exchanges.\nThis, according to Peko Wan, vice-president of Indonesian startup Pundi X, \u201ccaught the attention\u201d of the company engaged in letting blockchain developers and token holders sell cryptocurrency and services at any physical store in the world.\n\u201cFor the Philippine market, it\u2019s very interesting that the government has a friendly attitude towards cryptocurrency companies,\u201d she told SparkUp on the sidelines of a meet-up that the company organized on May 30 in Makati City. \u201cThis is a very promising market for us to develop. In our roadmap, we see Korea, Japan, Singapore, Switzerland as the countries where we first deployed and now we think maybe Philippines could be part of it.\u201d\nPundi XPOS\n\nThe company aims to introduce to the country its blockchain-powered product called Pundi XPOS, which enables brick-and-mortar shops to accept, sell, and buy cryptocurrencies.\nWhile Pundi X has yet to decide on when to launch the product here, Wan said the company sees a huge potential in the country. It aims to deploy \u201cat least 100,000\u201d units of Pundi XPOS worldwide.\nIn penetrating the Philippine market, Wan said Pundi X will leverage on the huge number of Filipino overseas workers opting to use cryptocurrencies.\n\u201cThere are over 2.3 millions of documented overseas workers in the Philippines. Some of them choose to purchase cryptocurrencies and send them back to their families. Cryptocurrency can make the cross-border transactions faster and more cost effective,\u201d Wan said in a separate statement.\nWan added that they are considering to tap convenience stores, food chains, and luxury goods stores to become their partners in the Philippines.\n\u201cThere\u2019s a use case for Filipino market,\u201d she said\u2014the technical jargon simply describing how a user makes use of a system to accomplish a goal. \u201cWe\u2019ll start from there and when we see good partners we, of course, want to expand our footprints to physical stores to deploy devices,\u201d she said.\nPundi X is also banking on the growing interest in blockchain technology among consumers and businesses in the Philippines, as well as the establishment of organizations like the Blockchain Association of the Philippines and the Philippine Association of Digital Commerce and Decentralized Industry.\nStill, as blockchain is still unfamiliar territory for Filipino regulators, she said: \u201cWe will be very transparent of what we are doing here also we are not involving any money laundering, I think this is what the government is very very afraid of. If there\u2019s any regulation in place we will comply, that is our goal.", "date_published": "2018-06-06T17:44:04+08:00", "date_modified": "2018-06-06T17:44:04+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1311207d4ac1996cb586666fe3d56418ca9f007d735b74eb19d3fa440df5c8b4?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1311207d4ac1996cb586666fe3d56418ca9f007d735b74eb19d3fa440df5c8b4?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Blockchain technology", "business", "cryptocurrency", "entrepreneurship", "indonesia", "Pundi X", "startup", "technology", "virtual currency", "Money" ], "summary": "Pundi X aims to deploy its blockchain-powered products Pundi XPOS to the country as part of its global expansion plan." }, { "id": "http://www.bworldonline.com/?p=158186", "url": "/money/2018/05/15/158186/sparkup-money-cash-light-cashless-society-lito-villanueva-smart/", "title": "Heading towards a \u2018cash-light\u2019\u2014not cashless\u2014society", "content_html": "During his visit to the Philippines in October last year, Chinese billionaire Jack Ma rooted for the country\u2019s transformation into a \u201ccashless society.\u201d But while transitioning seems to be a good move for the Philippines,\u00a0 the reality is that the country still has a long road ahead before fulfilling the vision.
\nFor Lito Villanueva, managing director of FINTQnologies Corp., who entered the fintech space in 2007, the Philippines is poised to become a \u201ccash-light society\u201d where people minimally use cash while utilizing digital means of payment.
\nThe reason for this, he said, runs deep through Filipinos\u2019 way of handling money.
\n\u201cFor us to be able to push for a cash-light or cashless society, it\u2019s cultural and at the same time behavioral,\u201d he said in panel discussion at QBO Philippines, Makati City last May 8.
\nHis first order of business at Smart was spearheading its international mobile financial services. With him at the helm, Smart developed and launched “Smart Mobile Money Transfer,” allowing users to send money using their mobile phone outside the Philippines and vice versa. This venture is among the telecommunication giant\u2019s projects aimed at innovating ways of providing financial services to Filipinos. Another one is Smart Money, which despite being present in as early as 2000, has still yet to generate more users.
\nHe explained, \u201cA lot of Filipinos would still put their savings under their mattresses. There are still a lot of Filipinos who are not into mobile banking.\u201d
\nVillanueva said the key to \u201caccelerate inclusive financial growth\u201d in the country is \u201cawareness\u201d among common Filipinos such as farmers, vendors, and drivers.
\nA good start in doing so, he added, is to introduce the concept of \u201csachet banking\u201d that involves sari-sari stores (neighborhood sundry store) in providing anyone with insurance or investment plan with just as low as \u20b115 using mobile phones.
\n\u201cIn emerging markets like the Philippines, such a sachet marketing is the key towards success,\u201d he said.
\nStill, Villanueva believes that the country is bound to become a cashless nation as many fintech businesses eye expansion in the region.
\n\u201cThere is the proliferation of the likes of PayMaya, GCash, Coins.ph, and you could see now that there [is] a huge influx of fintech players going into the Philippines. In fact a lot of foreigners who are fintech advocates are now going to the country to start a business because there\u2019s a huge opportunity for everyone in the country today
\nFor Robertson Chiang, chief operating officer of online payment provider DragonPay Corporation, moving to a cashless society is \u201cnot a necessity.\u201d
\nFintech platforms are not new to the Philippines, with established companies like Globe Telecommunication running GCash and Mynt and Smart having Lendr and Fintq as part of their business. But Chiang said the country is still waiting for a \u201ckiller app\u201d that will commonize the use of fintech platforms among Filipinos.
\n\u201cLogic would dictate that somehow all of us eventually will be going to that cash-light setup. As to how long that will happen, it\u2019s really difficult to say,\u201d he said.
\n", "content_text": "During his visit to the Philippines in October last year, Chinese billionaire Jack Ma rooted for the country\u2019s transformation into a \u201ccashless society.\u201d But while transitioning seems to be a good move for the Philippines,\u00a0 the reality is that the country still has a long road ahead before fulfilling the vision.\nFor Lito Villanueva, managing director of FINTQnologies Corp., who entered the fintech space in 2007, the Philippines is poised to become a \u201ccash-light society\u201d where people minimally use cash while utilizing digital means of payment.\nThe reason for this, he said, runs deep through Filipinos\u2019 way of handling money.\n\u201cFor us to be able to push for a cash-light or cashless society, it\u2019s cultural and at the same time behavioral,\u201d he said in panel discussion at QBO Philippines, Makati City last May 8.\nHis first order of business at Smart was spearheading its international mobile financial services. With him at the helm, Smart developed and launched “Smart Mobile Money Transfer,” allowing users to send money using their mobile phone outside the Philippines and vice versa. This venture is among the telecommunication giant\u2019s projects aimed at innovating ways of providing financial services to Filipinos. Another one is Smart Money, which despite being present in as early as 2000, has still yet to generate more users.\nHe explained, \u201cA lot of Filipinos would still put their savings under their mattresses. There are still a lot of Filipinos who are not into mobile banking.\u201d\nVillanueva said the key to \u201caccelerate inclusive financial growth\u201d in the country is \u201cawareness\u201d among common Filipinos such as farmers, vendors, and drivers.\nA good start in doing so, he added, is to introduce the concept of \u201csachet banking\u201d that involves sari-sari stores (neighborhood sundry store) in providing anyone with insurance or investment plan with just as low as \u20b115 using mobile phones.\n\u201cIn emerging markets like the Philippines, such a sachet marketing is the key towards success,\u201d he said.\nStill, Villanueva believes that the country is bound to become a cashless nation as many fintech businesses eye expansion in the region.\n\u201cThere is the proliferation of the likes of PayMaya, GCash, Coins.ph, and you could see now that there [is] a huge influx of fintech players going into the Philippines. In fact a lot of foreigners who are fintech advocates are now going to the country to start a business because there\u2019s a huge opportunity for everyone in the country today\nFor Robertson Chiang, chief operating officer of online payment provider DragonPay Corporation, moving to a cashless society is \u201cnot a necessity.\u201d\nFintech platforms are not new to the Philippines, with established companies like Globe Telecommunication running GCash and Mynt and Smart having Lendr and Fintq as part of their business. But Chiang said the country is still waiting for a \u201ckiller app\u201d that will commonize the use of fintech platforms among Filipinos.\n\u201cLogic would dictate that somehow all of us eventually will be going to that cash-light setup. As to how long that will happen, it\u2019s really difficult to say,\u201d he said.", "date_published": "2018-05-15T18:05:10+08:00", "date_modified": "2018-05-15T18:05:10+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1311207d4ac1996cb586666fe3d56418ca9f007d735b74eb19d3fa440df5c8b4?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1311207d4ac1996cb586666fe3d56418ca9f007d735b74eb19d3fa440df5c8b4?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "cash-light", "cashless", "financial technology", "fintech", "innovation", "technology", "Money" ], "summary": "The Philippines may have to cross a long road yet before becoming a totally \u201ccashless society.\u201d" }, { "id": "http://www.bworldonline.com/?p=152636", "url": "/money/2018/04/23/152636/sparkup-money-invested-financial-technology-100000-grant-dubai-expo2020/", "title": "Student loan platform InvestEd just got a $100,000 grant to expand", "content_html": "Student loans are not as ubiquitous here as in the United States. In fact, the Philippine Statistics Authority estimates that 600,000 college students dropout annually due to financial problems. That\u2019s one in five students.
\nBut in this era of the sharing economy, getting a student loan need not be a tedious process of finding a needle in a haystack, especially because a Filipino startup engaged in matching student borrowers with lenders via an online platform was awarded a $100,000 grant from the government of Dubai last week to accelerate its expansion.
\nInvestEd, a company ran by 24-year-old CEO Carmina Bayombong, was among the 26 social enterprises from 30 countries that won the grant under the Dubai World Expo 2020 (Expo2020) program. Expo2020, which will be held in Dubai from October 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021, is a global convention that will showcase innovative businesses from different countries. More than 100 countries, including the Philippines, are set to join the expo.
\n\u201cI witnessed a lot of my friends drop out due to financial problems,\u201d Bayombong said in a previous speaking engagement at SparkUp\u2019s Spark Series X Far Eastern University. \u201cThat got me thinking, why is financial aid in education such a hard thing to come by?\u201d
\nLaunched in December 2016, InvestEd offers student loans amounting from \u20b110,000 to \u20b180,000. Students need only to create a borrower account invested.phonline, get notified of qualification within seven business days, be interviewed for a final assessment, and sign a loan agreement that they will pay their loan after finishing their degree.
\nWhere does the money come from?
\nInvestEd gets investors\u2014lenders\u2014who are promised that they can grow their money for 7%-11% per annum with a minimum amount of \u20b1100,000, deposited in tranches.
\nTo secure their investment, a six-point approach to repayment is enforced. This includes multiple matching, where a lender is matched with at least three borrowers to reduce risk, as well as a credit investigation technology using a credit scoring and profiling algorithm powered by artificial intelligence. Lenders are repaid bi-monthly over 12 to 36 months, depending on the student\u2019s loan amount and starting salary. An amortization schedule is provided after depositing their pledge.
\nIn its initial operation, the company granted loans to 12 students from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines during their last semester. The next line of lendees included, among others, engineering students from the University of the Philippines.
\nApart from loans, the company also provides students with personal development training, financial literacy classes and pre\u2011employment workshops. Because of this supplementary program, borrowers get employed 33 days after graduating, compared to the national average of four to six months.
\nIn a Facebook post, InvestEd said it will use the funding for its plan to increase the number of its loaners from 70 to 3,500 students.
\n
To learn more about InvestEd, click invested.ph here.
\n", "content_text": "Student loans are not as ubiquitous here as in the United States. In fact, the Philippine Statistics Authority estimates that 600,000 college students dropout annually due to financial problems. That\u2019s one in five students.\nBut in this era of the sharing economy, getting a student loan need not be a tedious process of finding a needle in a haystack, especially because a Filipino startup engaged in matching student borrowers with lenders via an online platform was awarded a $100,000 grant from the government of Dubai last week to accelerate its expansion.\nInvestEd, a company ran by 24-year-old CEO Carmina Bayombong, was among the 26 social enterprises from 30 countries that won the grant under the Dubai World Expo 2020 (Expo2020) program. Expo2020, which will be held in Dubai from October 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021, is a global convention that will showcase innovative businesses from different countries. More than 100 countries, including the Philippines, are set to join the expo.\n\u201cI witnessed a lot of my friends drop out due to financial problems,\u201d Bayombong said in a previous speaking engagement at SparkUp\u2019s Spark Series X Far Eastern University. \u201cThat got me thinking, why is financial aid in education such a hard thing to come by?\u201d\nLaunched in December 2016, InvestEd offers student loans amounting from \u20b110,000 to \u20b180,000. Students need only to create a borrower account invested.phonline, get notified of qualification within seven business days, be interviewed for a final assessment, and sign a loan agreement that they will pay their loan after finishing their degree.\nWhere does the money come from?\nInvestEd gets investors\u2014lenders\u2014who are promised that they can grow their money for 7%-11% per annum with a minimum amount of \u20b1100,000, deposited in tranches.\nTo secure their investment, a six-point approach to repayment is enforced. This includes multiple matching, where a lender is matched with at least three borrowers to reduce risk, as well as a credit investigation technology using a credit scoring and profiling algorithm powered by artificial intelligence. Lenders are repaid bi-monthly over 12 to 36 months, depending on the student\u2019s loan amount and starting salary. An amortization schedule is provided after depositing their pledge.\nIn its initial operation, the company granted loans to 12 students from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines during their last semester. The next line of lendees included, among others, engineering students from the University of the Philippines.\nApart from loans, the company also provides students with personal development training, financial literacy classes and pre\u2011employment workshops. Because of this supplementary program, borrowers get employed 33 days after graduating, compared to the national average of four to six months.\nIn a Facebook post, InvestEd said it will use the funding for its plan to increase the number of its loaners from 70 to 3,500 students.\n\nCurrently, InvestEd serves students across Metro Manila, Bulacan, Laguna, Batangas, Camarines Sur, and the Cagayan Valley. The grant will allow them to widen their reach.\n\nTo learn more about InvestEd, click invested.ph here.", "date_published": "2018-04-23T17:36:45+08:00", "date_modified": "2018-04-23T17:36:45+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1311207d4ac1996cb586666fe3d56418ca9f007d735b74eb19d3fa440df5c8b4?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1311207d4ac1996cb586666fe3d56418ca9f007d735b74eb19d3fa440df5c8b4?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Carmina Bayombong", "education", "financial tech", "InvestEd", "startup", "technology", "Money" ], "summary": "The startup ran by a 24-year-old matches borrowers with lenders who want to invest in their education." }, { "id": "http://www.bworldonline.com/?p=147940", "url": "/money/2018/04/04/147940/sparkup-money-casino-blockchain-technology-gaming-industry/", "title": "Coming soon to your favorite casino: cryptocurrencies", "content_html": "A seamless payment method with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin replacing physical tokens\u2014this is how you might transact in casinos might once blockchain technology is integrated into their operations.
\n“I will give two facts for the gaming industry in the next couple of years: one, if you’re not accepting Bitcoin cash as a payment method for your games, do it,” Jimmy Nguyen, CEO of blockchain research and development firm nChain Group, said in a panel discussion at the Asean Gaming Summit last March 21 in Pasay City. “Second, think of ways on how your games and game applications can eliminate intermediaries, people or companies in the middle.”
\nNguyen emphasized that adapting blockchain will “transform how things operate” and bring “more efficiency” in the industry.
\n“The power of blockchain is to eliminate intermediaries,” he said. “It started with Bitcoin as a cryptocurrency eliminating the need for a central issuer of money, so you can send money to people directly anywhere in the world.”
\nHe further said: “We foresee a future where [blockchain] technology is able to power Bitcoin cash micro transactions on any browser-based application and that includes games in the gaming [industry] as well.”
\nCasinos, he said, can even conduct initial coin offerings (ICO) to generate fund “as long as the coin has some technical functions.” Companies, particularly fintech startups, are using ICO to generate funds for a new product by selling their own tokens.
\n“For example if it can be used in a game that you can’t do with a normal cryptocurrency or you cannot do with a normal credit card or cash payment,” he said.
\nWhile experts are keen towards integration of this technology in daily trades, companies may have a hard time achieving it. Regulation and security issues have bombarded cryptocurrencies amid their sudden popularity worldwide, with countries like South Korea, China, and even the Philippines keeping a strict eye on companies involving cryptocurrencies in their operations.
\nSome companies in the global gaming industry are already adapting this concept.
\nJust this week, an alliance of gaming manufacturers from different countries including China, Japan, South Korea, and U.S., launched GAME CASH (GSH), a unified payment system powered by blockchain.
\n\u201c[Last year was] a year of explosive growth of games and the first year of wide application of blockchain technology; 2018 will be the year of gaming blockchain,\u201d GSH Foundation said in a statement. \u201cAs the industry develops so rapidly, GSH, as the most important part of the gaming industry blockchain, will play a key role in the creation of the whole industry prosperity.\u201d
\nUnder GSH, players from member countries can use Game Cash (GCash), a virtual currency based on the Ethernet 2.0 protocol, as a common payment token. They can also exchange gaming coins in the alliance and convert unused gaming coins back to GCash.
\n\u201cIt [does] not only solve the problem of recharge redundancy and waste, but also greatly improves the player’s confidence and enhances the fluidity across the whole gaming industry,\u201d it added.
\nThe payment system, the foundation said, aims to integrate gaming industry resource worldwide for the creation of a common cryptocurrency payment system through blockchain technology
\n\u201cThis payment system will make all the gaming channels connected to fully solve the sore points from the industry and the game players,\u201d the foundation said. \u201cThe gaming industry has been developing vigorously in the past 10 years, but there are endless kinds of malpractices, black box operations, security and user privacy issues, payment problems, etc. With the emergence of GSH alliance, these problems will be solved once and for all.\u201d
\n", "content_text": "A seamless payment method with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin replacing physical tokens\u2014this is how you might transact in casinos might once blockchain technology is integrated into their operations.\n“I will give two facts for the gaming industry in the next couple of years: one, if you’re not accepting Bitcoin cash as a payment method for your games, do it,” Jimmy Nguyen, CEO of blockchain research and development firm nChain Group, said in a panel discussion at the Asean Gaming Summit last March 21 in Pasay City. “Second, think of ways on how your games and game applications can eliminate intermediaries, people or companies in the middle.”\nNguyen emphasized that adapting blockchain will “transform how things operate” and bring “more efficiency” in the industry.\n“The power of blockchain is to eliminate intermediaries,” he said. “It started with Bitcoin as a cryptocurrency eliminating the need for a central issuer of money, so you can send money to people directly anywhere in the world.”\nHe further said: “We foresee a future where [blockchain] technology is able to power Bitcoin cash micro transactions on any browser-based application and that includes games in the gaming [industry] as well.”\nCasinos, he said, can even conduct initial coin offerings (ICO) to generate fund “as long as the coin has some technical functions.” Companies, particularly fintech startups, are using ICO to generate funds for a new product by selling their own tokens.\n“For example if it can be used in a game that you can’t do with a normal cryptocurrency or you cannot do with a normal credit card or cash payment,” he said.\nWhile experts are keen towards integration of this technology in daily trades, companies may have a hard time achieving it. Regulation and security issues have bombarded cryptocurrencies amid their sudden popularity worldwide, with countries like South Korea, China, and even the Philippines keeping a strict eye on companies involving cryptocurrencies in their operations.\nAdapting\nSome companies in the global gaming industry are already adapting this concept.\nJust this week, an alliance of gaming manufacturers from different countries including China, Japan, South Korea, and U.S., launched GAME CASH (GSH), a unified payment system powered by blockchain.\n\u201c[Last year was] a year of explosive growth of games and the first year of wide application of blockchain technology; 2018 will be the year of gaming blockchain,\u201d GSH Foundation said in a statement. \u201cAs the industry develops so rapidly, GSH, as the most important part of the gaming industry blockchain, will play a key role in the creation of the whole industry prosperity.\u201d\nUnder GSH, players from member countries can use Game Cash (GCash), a virtual currency based on the Ethernet 2.0 protocol, as a common payment token. They can also exchange gaming coins in the alliance and convert unused gaming coins back to GCash.\n\u201cIt [does] not only solve the problem of recharge redundancy and waste, but also greatly improves the player’s confidence and enhances the fluidity across the whole gaming industry,\u201d it added.\nThe payment system, the foundation said, aims to integrate gaming industry resource worldwide for the creation of a common cryptocurrency payment system through blockchain technology\n\u201cThis payment system will make all the gaming channels connected to fully solve the sore points from the industry and the game players,\u201d the foundation said. \u201cThe gaming industry has been developing vigorously in the past 10 years, but there are endless kinds of malpractices, black box operations, security and user privacy issues, payment problems, etc. With the emergence of GSH alliance, these problems will be solved once and for all.\u201d", "date_published": "2018-04-04T19:36:47+08:00", "date_modified": "2018-04-04T19:36:47+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1311207d4ac1996cb586666fe3d56418ca9f007d735b74eb19d3fa440df5c8b4?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1311207d4ac1996cb586666fe3d56418ca9f007d735b74eb19d3fa440df5c8b4?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "bitcoin", "Blockchain technology", "casino", "cryptocurrency", "gaming industry", "technology", "Money" ], "summary": "Chips turning into Bitcoin is NOT an impossibility." }, { "id": "http://www.bworldonline.com/?p=145654", "url": "/sparkup/2018/03/21/145654/how-global-trends-are-shaping-fintech/", "title": "How global trends are shaping fintech", "content_html": "No one can escape the inevitable. Blockchain, a rather controversial buzzword thanks to its role in virtual currencies, is seen to disrupt the business landscape\u2014even the financial technology industry.
\nIn fact, blockchain technology will \u201cgreatly shape\u201d the future of the Philippine\u2019s financial service industry. This is according to J.P. Ellis, CEO and co\u2011founder of Singapore\u2011based C88 Financial Technologies that operates digital financial service market eCompareMo, at the company\u2019s event Finovation 2018 last March 15 in Makati City.
\n\u201cBlockchain and massively open and secure ledgers improve transparency and intra\u2011institution data sharing,\u201d he said, adding during a roundtable discussion with reporters: \u201cWe differentiate strongly between blockchain and cryptocurrency. Cryptocurrency in many respects is speculative financial instruments, we don\u2019t invest in that. However it is built on top of this concept, blockchain, which is essentially an open, public ledger.\u201d
\nLaunched in 2015, eCompareMo is an online financial tool that provides Filipino users with information about loans, credit cards, and insurance policies offered by its partner banks and insurers, to match their financial needs. Since then, the company has tied up with over 20 service providers in the Philippines and has been generating at least a million visits monthly.
\nWhile the company is keen to utilize blockchain, Ellis clarified that eCompareMo.com has no plan to involve virtual currencies (VCs) in its operation. VCs like Bitcoin, Etherium, and Ripple are digital forms of money enabled by blockchain.
\nHe further said: \u201cWe are very keenly involved in financial technology regulations in the entire region, [but] we are not involved in cryptocurencies at all. We don\u2019t endorse it, we don\u2019t have a stand on it.\u201d
\n\n
But while cryptocurrency isn\u2019t in the horizon for eCompareMo just yet, it\u00a0did\u00a0join another bandwagon through this (controversial) technology: AI. The company launched its AI\u2011powered chatbot called \u201cAlex\u201d during the event.
\nThe chatbot responds to queries from customers opting to avail financial products available in the platform.
\n\u201cWe believe that [AI] will be able to solve our customers\u2019 needs 24/7. A lot of customer questions are very standard, so this can be automated,\u201d Ellis said, adding that AI \u201creduces costs\u201d and cut long waiting time for consumers.
\nThe chatbot, according to Mercedes Limson, chief commercial officer, was built in\u2011house and is proprietary.
\n\u201cOur chatbot will also offer products that are related to your needs, and then give you alerts should you need to, say, update your insurance,\u201d Limson said during the roundtable discussion.
\n\n
The company also named three other global trends that will shape the local fintech industry, namely big data, product customization, and information security.
\n\u201cBig data [will] improve everything virtually, from parking risk to detecting fraud,\u201d he said. \u201c[The] ability to offer personalized pricing and more financial product manufacturing is better for customers [while] leveraging cloud [can] move the industry to world class information security and cybersecurity standards.\u201d
\nThese technologies, according to Ellis, will respond to the \u201cdemand of the market for faster and more convenient ways to accomplish financial processes.\u201d
\n\u201cBig data [will] improve everything virtually, from parking risk to detecting fraud,\u201d he said. \u201c[The] ability to offer personalized pricing and more financial product manufacturing is better for customers [while] leveraging cloud [can] move the industry to world class information security and cybersecurity standards.\u201d
\nThese technologies, according to Ellis, will respond to the \u201cdemand of the market for faster and more convenient ways to accomplish financial processes.\u201d
\n", "content_text": "No one can escape the inevitable. Blockchain, a rather controversial buzzword thanks to its role in virtual currencies, is seen to disrupt the business landscape\u2014even the financial technology industry.\nIn fact, blockchain technology will \u201cgreatly shape\u201d the future of the Philippine\u2019s financial service industry. This is according to J.P. Ellis, CEO and co\u2011founder of Singapore\u2011based C88 Financial Technologies that operates digital financial service market eCompareMo, at the company\u2019s event Finovation 2018 last March 15 in Makati City.\n\u201cBlockchain and massively open and secure ledgers improve transparency and intra\u2011institution data sharing,\u201d he said, adding during a roundtable discussion with reporters: \u201cWe differentiate strongly between blockchain and cryptocurrency. Cryptocurrency in many respects is speculative financial instruments, we don\u2019t invest in that. However it is built on top of this concept, blockchain, which is essentially an open, public ledger.\u201d\nLaunched in 2015, eCompareMo is an online financial tool that provides Filipino users with information about loans, credit cards, and insurance policies offered by its partner banks and insurers, to match their financial needs. Since then, the company has tied up with over 20 service providers in the Philippines and has been generating at least a million visits monthly.\nWhile the company is keen to utilize blockchain, Ellis clarified that eCompareMo.com has no plan to involve virtual currencies (VCs) in its operation. VCs like Bitcoin, Etherium, and Ripple are digital forms of money enabled by blockchain.\nHe further said: \u201cWe are very keenly involved in financial technology regulations in the entire region, [but] we are not involved in cryptocurencies at all. We don\u2019t endorse it, we don\u2019t have a stand on it.\u201d\n \nAlex\nBut while cryptocurrency isn\u2019t in the horizon for eCompareMo just yet, it\u00a0did\u00a0join another bandwagon through this (controversial) technology: AI. The company launched its AI\u2011powered chatbot called \u201cAlex\u201d during the event.\nThe chatbot responds to queries from customers opting to avail financial products available in the platform.\n\u201cWe believe that [AI] will be able to solve our customers\u2019 needs 24/7. A lot of customer questions are very standard, so this can be automated,\u201d Ellis said, adding that AI \u201creduces costs\u201d and cut long waiting time for consumers.\nThe chatbot, according to Mercedes Limson, chief commercial officer, was built in\u2011house and is proprietary.\n\u201cOur chatbot will also offer products that are related to your needs, and then give you alerts should you need to, say, update your insurance,\u201d Limson said during the roundtable discussion.\n \nGlobal trends\nThe company also named three other global trends that will shape the local fintech industry, namely big data, product customization, and information security.\n\u201cBig data [will] improve everything virtually, from parking risk to detecting fraud,\u201d he said. \u201c[The] ability to offer personalized pricing and more financial product manufacturing is better for customers [while] leveraging cloud [can] move the industry to world class information security and cybersecurity standards.\u201d\nThese technologies, according to Ellis, will respond to the \u201cdemand of the market for faster and more convenient ways to accomplish financial processes.\u201d\n\u201cBig data [will] improve everything virtually, from parking risk to detecting fraud,\u201d he said. \u201c[The] ability to offer personalized pricing and more financial product manufacturing is better for customers [while] leveraging cloud [can] move the industry to world class information security and cybersecurity standards.\u201d\nThese technologies, according to Ellis, will respond to the \u201cdemand of the market for faster and more convenient ways to accomplish financial processes.\u201d", "date_published": "2018-03-21T12:16:12+08:00", "date_modified": "2018-03-21T12:16:12+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1311207d4ac1996cb586666fe3d56418ca9f007d735b74eb19d3fa440df5c8b4?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1311207d4ac1996cb586666fe3d56418ca9f007d735b74eb19d3fa440df5c8b4?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Money", "SparkUp" ], "summary": "Blockchain, a rather controversial buzzword thanks to its role in virtual currencies, is seen to disrupt the business landscape\u2014even the financial technology industry." }, { "id": "http://www.bworldonline.com/?p=145641", "url": "/sparkup/2018/03/19/145641/coins-ph-inks-deal-with-beep-amid-bitcoin-uncertainties/", "title": "Coins.ph inks deal with Beep amid Bitcoin uncertainties", "content_html": "There seems to be no relief yet for virtual currencies (VC) traders in the country after a series of new unfavorable pronouncements from the central bank.
\nBangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Nestor A. Espenilla, Jr. recently maintained the institution\u2019s stand on the digital currency, saying VCs like Bitcoin, Etherium, and Ripple are not proper mediums of exchange or investment vehicles. He also expressed the BSP\u2019s concern on the possible use of VCs in illegal activities such as money laundering and terrorist financing.
\n\u201cWe earnestly caution the public that before speculating and investing their hard\u2011earned money in cryptocurrency, as with any other type of currencies, prospective investment should know and fully understand the risks involved,\u201d Espenilla said in his\u00a0speech\u00a0in a business forum last week.
\nYet despite such critical statements, as well as regulation and security issues, the popularity of VCs continues to grow in the country, with companies\u2014startups in particular\u2014pushing through with initiatives that involve the new form of currency.
\nDigital Bitcoin exchange service and mobile payment platform Coins.ph, for instance, is not showing any slowdown in its operation. The company continued to collaborate with local business for easy\u2011payment methods, with Beep being its latest partner.
\nWith the partnership, Beep card users can already reload using their stored money on the mobile app by just tapping the card at the back of their phone. Beep cards are currently used by a 4 million Filipinos as a mode of payment in Light Rail Transit (LRT) lines 1 and 2 and the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3,\u00a0Family Mart, Robinson\u2019s Cinema, as well as in South Luzon Express Way and North Luzon Expressway tollways, among others.
\nWhile it does not involve Bitcoin or any VC\u2019s, the deal manifests the company\u2019s confidence in continuing and even expanding its operation in the Philippines. It also shows the strength of the company\u2019s other mobile payment services as a source of profit for the business.
\n\u201cCryptocurrency is just one product that we offer and in general blockchain technology is not slowing down,\u201d Coins.ph CEO and founder Rone Hose told\u00a0SparkUp\u00a0during the launch of the deal on March 19 in Makati City. \u201cThe interest is increasing and increasing. We\u2019re seeing more financial institution adapting it for cross\u2011boarder settlements.\u201d
\nBlockchain is the underlying technology that enables VCs to work. According to Hone, this advancement enables fintech companies to \u201cfacilitate better and more efficient transactions.\u201d
\n\u201cOur core mission is to make it easier for people to access financial services, be it remittance, bill payments, load, and now we\u2019re getting into transportation,\u201d he said. \u201cWe look at Blockchain as a technology that helps us provide our services. It\u2019s more of a means to the end, and the end is really giving people access to banking and other financial services.\u201d
\nThe partnership also marks Coins.ph\u2019s latest initiative aimed at promoting cashless transactions in the country. The company also previously tied up with Asia\u2011based e\u2011commerce platform MetroDeal, which allowed the latter to accept Bitcoin as a mode of payment.
\n", "content_text": "There seems to be no relief yet for virtual currencies (VC) traders in the country after a series of new unfavorable pronouncements from the central bank.\nBangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Nestor A. Espenilla, Jr. recently maintained the institution\u2019s stand on the digital currency, saying VCs like Bitcoin, Etherium, and Ripple are not proper mediums of exchange or investment vehicles. He also expressed the BSP\u2019s concern on the possible use of VCs in illegal activities such as money laundering and terrorist financing.\n\u201cWe earnestly caution the public that before speculating and investing their hard\u2011earned money in cryptocurrency, as with any other type of currencies, prospective investment should know and fully understand the risks involved,\u201d Espenilla said in his\u00a0speech\u00a0in a business forum last week.\nYet despite such critical statements, as well as regulation and security issues, the popularity of VCs continues to grow in the country, with companies\u2014startups in particular\u2014pushing through with initiatives that involve the new form of currency.\nDigital Bitcoin exchange service and mobile payment platform Coins.ph, for instance, is not showing any slowdown in its operation. The company continued to collaborate with local business for easy\u2011payment methods, with Beep being its latest partner.\nWith the partnership, Beep card users can already reload using their stored money on the mobile app by just tapping the card at the back of their phone. Beep cards are currently used by a 4 million Filipinos as a mode of payment in Light Rail Transit (LRT) lines 1 and 2 and the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3,\u00a0Family Mart, Robinson\u2019s Cinema, as well as in South Luzon Express Way and North Luzon Expressway tollways, among others.\nWhile it does not involve Bitcoin or any VC\u2019s, the deal manifests the company\u2019s confidence in continuing and even expanding its operation in the Philippines. It also shows the strength of the company\u2019s other mobile payment services as a source of profit for the business.\n\u201cCryptocurrency is just one product that we offer and in general blockchain technology is not slowing down,\u201d Coins.ph CEO and founder Rone Hose told\u00a0SparkUp\u00a0during the launch of the deal on March 19 in Makati City. \u201cThe interest is increasing and increasing. We\u2019re seeing more financial institution adapting it for cross\u2011boarder settlements.\u201d\nBlockchain is the underlying technology that enables VCs to work. According to Hone, this advancement enables fintech companies to \u201cfacilitate better and more efficient transactions.\u201d\n\u201cOur core mission is to make it easier for people to access financial services, be it remittance, bill payments, load, and now we\u2019re getting into transportation,\u201d he said. \u201cWe look at Blockchain as a technology that helps us provide our services. It\u2019s more of a means to the end, and the end is really giving people access to banking and other financial services.\u201d\nThe partnership also marks Coins.ph\u2019s latest initiative aimed at promoting cashless transactions in the country. The company also previously tied up with Asia\u2011based e\u2011commerce platform MetroDeal, which allowed the latter to accept Bitcoin as a mode of payment.", "date_published": "2018-03-19T12:06:14+08:00", "date_modified": "2018-03-19T12:06:14+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1311207d4ac1996cb586666fe3d56418ca9f007d735b74eb19d3fa440df5c8b4?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1311207d4ac1996cb586666fe3d56418ca9f007d735b74eb19d3fa440df5c8b4?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Money", "SparkUp" ], "summary": "Startups are pushing through with initiatives that involve the new form of currency." }, { "id": "http://www.bworldonline.com/?p=145598", "url": "/sparkup/2018/03/01/145598/is-facebooks-marketplace-a-threat-to-local-e%e2%80%91commerce-players/", "title": "Is Facebook\u2019s Marketplace a threat to local e\u2011commerce players?", "content_html": "If you use the Facebook app often enough, you may have noticed the new icon flanked the friend request and notifications buttons. The social media behemoth on January 23 announced that the Philippines was already among the 47 countries where this feature\u2014Marketplace\u2014is enabled.
\nMarketplace allows users to buy and sell items directly through their Facebook account, and filter through products that are near their location. It was launched in October 2016, but was only made available in U.S., U.K., Australia, and New Zealand.
\nIn a country like the Philippines\u2014which takes the global lead in time spent on social media according to the report\u00a0Digital in 2017\u00a0with an average of 4 hours and 17 minutes per day on social media sites like Facebook, Snapchat an Twitter\u2014this could mean that users will now buy items without leaving the app, avoiding sites that are dedicated to e\u2011commerce.
\nThe local e\u2011commerce industry is putting up a brave face in the anticipated fight to retain traction, as Facebook unveils the service, at the same time taking it as a \u201cpositive development.\u201d
\n\u201c[With] 97% of [Filipinos] online being in Facebook, this will allow the Philippine market [to be] more aware of alternative options for online shopping, and make them (market) more familiar [with] how online shopping works,\u201d Mark Joseph Panganiban, executive director of the Digital Commerce Association of the Philippines (DCOM), told\u00a0SparkUp\u00a0in an email.
\nDCOM is a private non\u2011stock, non\u2011profit organization whose founders and members include the top e\u2011commerce players in the country such as Shopinas, Sulit.ph, Multiply, Ensogo, and CashCashPinoy.
\nPanganiban said existing e\u2011commerce platforms does not see Marketplace as a threat as they \u201calready had it coming.\u201d
\n\u201cUnderstanding the varying business models and setups, each platform/provider has their own unique online selling and/or value\u2011proposition to its users,\u201d he said.
\nMarketplace, he added, could actually help grow the industry \u201cas user experience in the Philippines mature and develop.\u201d
\n\u201cYou cannot discount the popularity of Facebook, especially in the Philippines. Facebook has the mass market, the tools in identifying potential customers, and touch\u2011points among customers and brands/businesses.\u201d
\n\n
While Marketplace may affect e\u2011commerce platforms selling their own products, the direct blow is seen to go towards online classified platforms that share the same business model of generating tractions from outsourced listings.
\nSingapore\u2011based Carousell, for one, does not see Facebook\u2019s Marketplace as a threat.
\nA relatively new player that entered the Philippines in 2016, Carousell already boasts of having 4.1. million listings at present.
\n\u201cAt Carousell, we’ve been anticipating the Marketplace launch in the region for some time,\u201d a spokesperson of the company said in an email. \u201cWe look forward to see how it grows around the world and in the markets that we operate in.\u201d
\nTo remain in the game, the company is currently looking into new features powered by new technologies like machine learning and blockchain technology, all aimed at \u201c[improving] the overall classifieds experience\u201d in the platform.
\nThe initiative came after the company launch artificial intelligence (AI)\u2011enabled features last year, including Smart Listings, which make all information about items sold in the platform more organized and easy to be searched. The AI feature using data also allows the company to know what users buying under each categories will most likely search for.
\n\u201cTo make the buying and selling process even simpler and safer, we are now exploring how we can make deal arrangements even more frictionless for our users by taking away the hassle of arranging for transactions to take place safely and efficiently.\u201d
\n\n
Facebook has yet to implement a systemized way of filtering through the posted products in Marketplace\u2014one thing that existing platforms like OLX Philippines and Carousell already have, with the former forming an anti\u2011fraud team that checks all sellers and items posted on the website in 2015.
\nInstead of the competition that Marketplace\u2019s presence may cause to the industry, Panganiban said the limelight should be on the implementation of regulations and protection of consumer rights.
\nHe said government institutions such as the Department of Trade and Industry, Philippines National Police, or National Bureau of Investigation\u2019s Cybercrime Division must come up with \u201ccreative and user\u2011friendly way\u201d of resolving disputes that users may experience in using the platform.
\n\u201cIt\u2019s an interesting times for the government and the industry. Hopefully, we [can] continually catch up with regulation while improving the overall e\u2011commerce ecosystem,\u201d he said.
\n", "content_text": "If you use the Facebook app often enough, you may have noticed the new icon flanked the friend request and notifications buttons. The social media behemoth on January 23 announced that the Philippines was already among the 47 countries where this feature\u2014Marketplace\u2014is enabled.\nMarketplace allows users to buy and sell items directly through their Facebook account, and filter through products that are near their location. It was launched in October 2016, but was only made available in U.S., U.K., Australia, and New Zealand.\nIn a country like the Philippines\u2014which takes the global lead in time spent on social media according to the report\u00a0Digital in 2017\u00a0with an average of 4 hours and 17 minutes per day on social media sites like Facebook, Snapchat an Twitter\u2014this could mean that users will now buy items without leaving the app, avoiding sites that are dedicated to e\u2011commerce.\nThe local e\u2011commerce industry is putting up a brave face in the anticipated fight to retain traction, as Facebook unveils the service, at the same time taking it as a \u201cpositive development.\u201d\n\u201c[With] 97% of [Filipinos] online being in Facebook, this will allow the Philippine market [to be] more aware of alternative options for online shopping, and make them (market) more familiar [with] how online shopping works,\u201d Mark Joseph Panganiban, executive director of the Digital Commerce Association of the Philippines (DCOM), told\u00a0SparkUp\u00a0in an email.\nDCOM is a private non\u2011stock, non\u2011profit organization whose founders and members include the top e\u2011commerce players in the country such as Shopinas, Sulit.ph, Multiply, Ensogo, and CashCashPinoy.\nPanganiban said existing e\u2011commerce platforms does not see Marketplace as a threat as they \u201calready had it coming.\u201d\n\u201cUnderstanding the varying business models and setups, each platform/provider has their own unique online selling and/or value\u2011proposition to its users,\u201d he said.\nMarketplace, he added, could actually help grow the industry \u201cas user experience in the Philippines mature and develop.\u201d\n\u201cYou cannot discount the popularity of Facebook, especially in the Philippines. Facebook has the mass market, the tools in identifying potential customers, and touch\u2011points among customers and brands/businesses.\u201d\n \nRaising the game\nWhile Marketplace may affect e\u2011commerce platforms selling their own products, the direct blow is seen to go towards online classified platforms that share the same business model of generating tractions from outsourced listings.\nSingapore\u2011based Carousell, for one, does not see Facebook\u2019s Marketplace as a threat.\nA relatively new player that entered the Philippines in 2016, Carousell already boasts of having 4.1. million listings at present.\n\u201cAt Carousell, we’ve been anticipating the Marketplace launch in the region for some time,\u201d a spokesperson of the company said in an email. \u201cWe look forward to see how it grows around the world and in the markets that we operate in.\u201d\nTo remain in the game, the company is currently looking into new features powered by new technologies like machine learning and blockchain technology, all aimed at \u201c[improving] the overall classifieds experience\u201d in the platform.\nThe initiative came after the company launch artificial intelligence (AI)\u2011enabled features last year, including Smart Listings, which make all information about items sold in the platform more organized and easy to be searched. The AI feature using data also allows the company to know what users buying under each categories will most likely search for.\n\u201cTo make the buying and selling process even simpler and safer, we are now exploring how we can make deal arrangements even more frictionless for our users by taking away the hassle of arranging for transactions to take place safely and efficiently.\u201d\n \nConsumer protection\nFacebook has yet to implement a systemized way of filtering through the posted products in Marketplace\u2014one thing that existing platforms like OLX Philippines and Carousell already have, with the former forming an anti\u2011fraud team that checks all sellers and items posted on the website in 2015.\nInstead of the competition that Marketplace\u2019s presence may cause to the industry, Panganiban said the limelight should be on the implementation of regulations and protection of consumer rights.\nHe said government institutions such as the Department of Trade and Industry, Philippines National Police, or National Bureau of Investigation\u2019s Cybercrime Division must come up with \u201ccreative and user\u2011friendly way\u201d of resolving disputes that users may experience in using the platform.\n\u201cIt\u2019s an interesting times for the government and the industry. Hopefully, we [can] continually catch up with regulation while improving the overall e\u2011commerce ecosystem,\u201d he said.", "date_published": "2018-03-01T10:43:48+08:00", "date_modified": "2018-03-01T10:43:48+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1311207d4ac1996cb586666fe3d56418ca9f007d735b74eb19d3fa440df5c8b4?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1311207d4ac1996cb586666fe3d56418ca9f007d735b74eb19d3fa440df5c8b4?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Money", "SparkUp" ], "summary": "The introduction of Facebook\u2019s Marketplace feature in the Philippines is seen to cause a tit\u2011for\u2011tat dispute in the digital arena of commercial dealings. But the Philippine e\u2011commerce industry takes it as a \u201cpositive development.\u201d" }, { "id": "http://www.bworldonline.com/?p=145589", "url": "/sparkup/2018/02/22/145589/after-the-calata-issue-whatll-happen-to-startups-eyeing-an-ico/", "title": "After the Calata issue, what\u2019ll happen to startups eyeing an ICO?", "content_html": "The concept of an initial coin offering (ICO)\u2014a crowdfunding method used to generate capital by token sales or coin sales\u2014has been in the news lately, though not necessarily positive. A little context: recently, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) called \u201cillegal\u201d an ICO undertaken by Krops, an online marketplace for farm produce led by businessman Joseph Calata. The SEC\u2019s investigation found out that the company has sold 2.4 million units of its token called Krop Tokens or KropCoins, despite an earlier advisory dated January 8 where the SEC urged the public to \u201cbe vigilant\u201d in investing in unregistered securities, particularly in an ICO. Despite the decision, Krops\u00a0continued its coin distribution, insisting that the order does not prohibit the company from selling tokens to foreign investors.
\n\u201cThere is no final decision yet as to whether or not the Krop Token is a security,\u201d Calata said in a message to\u00a0SparkUp. \u201cWe have not yet started our formal discussion on this.\u201d
\nCalata said the company and SEC will have a bilateral meeting to discuss \u201cmatters where we shall fully present facts about the Krop Token and its issuance,\u201d while maintaining that the commission should have conducted a dialogue with Krops first before issuing the CDO. \u201cThat way, we could have avoided the public perception of wrongly thinking that what we were doing was illegal,\u201d Calata said, calling the action \u201cquite damaging\u201d to current and future ICOs.
\n\n
SparkUp\u00a0asked other startups eyeing their own ICOs if the SEC\u2011Calata issue will change their plans.
\nTwo\u2011year\u2011old fintech startup Qwikwire said nothing is stopping it in executing\u00a0its planned ICO, from which the company seeks to raise $9 million. However, its CEO Ray Refundo said the company may direct the ICO solely to foreign investors\u2014a safe way of complying with SEC\u2019s directive.
\n\u201cIt is very likely that we will block Filipino buyers from participating. But it is not certain yet,\u201d he said.
\nPre\u2011selling of the coin is set to begin on February 26, and regular selling will run from March 26 until the end of April. The app will be launched in September 2018.
\n\u201cWe will push through with [our ICO],\u201d Refundo said in an email.\u00a0\u201cOur ICO compliance strategy is two-fold: release tokens that already have an immediate utility without waiting for a platform like most ICOs, [making] our token structurally a utility token, and we will only market the platform and its utility, not the ICO or token itself.\u201d
\nHowever, Qwikwire is not opposed to regulation. Raf Padilla, legal counsel of Qwikwire, said creating a regulation on ICO is \u201cextremely valuable to finally settle any doubt on the legal status of this new method of raising funds or capital.\u201d
\nPadilla added that it would pave the way for ICO\u2019s that are \u201cdefinitive and legal.\u201d He said: \u201cThis is a very important development and we should encourage the SEC to carry on. The regulation will also give the SEC the opportunity to define conditions and impose special restrictions that will somehow mitigate the exposure of the public to high-risk ICO investments.\u201d
\nMeanwhile, Bangkok\u2011based Global Crypto Hub also recently launched an ICO in the Philippines, selling its own virtual currency called Usereum for investors and remittance services starting last February 15.
\nThe company aims to raise up to $10.5 million from the ICO, which it will use for the creation of cryptocurrency expo and other cryptocurrency awareness programs, among others.
\n\u201cWe are not a local startup and we are not violating any laws of SEC by accepting any fiat currency,\u201d Jagdish Pandya, its co\u2011founder, said in an email.\u00a0 \u201cAny Filipino can subscribe by sending Bitcoin purchased by them through Phillippine exchanges only.\u201d
\nPandya also thinks that a government regulation on ICO and cryptocurrencies is necessary, as well as a tax structure for these trades.
\n\u201cCryptocurrency will contribute billions of dollars of turnover and capital appreciation. [Last] year Bitcoin [was valued] from $1000 to $19,000, Ripple touched 3+ dollar, and Ethereum as high as $1,500,\u201d he said.
\n\u201cWe wish to create cryptocurrency standards,\u201d he added. \u201cGovernment should invite media, people, and tech experts to give their opinion on formulating policy.\u201d
\n\n
Despite its strict watch on ICO, SEC previously clarified that it is not against such trade.
\nSEC Commissioner Emilio Aquino said the commission was simply protecting investors who do not know or understand cryptocurrency.
\nAquino also announced that the commission would release within the year guidelines for companies opting to launch ICO\u2019s.
\n\u201cWe want also to come out with our own set of regulations,\u201d he said in a press briefing. \u201cWe need to act now because ICOs are sprouting globally, not necessarily in the Philippines.\u201d
\nAfter all, with startup ecosystems continuously thriving, ICOs seem to present a way for new enterprises to address the perennial issue of lack of funding. But as in any new thing, it may have to wait longer before tech startups can reap the benefits of this new trade.
\n", "content_text": "The concept of an initial coin offering (ICO)\u2014a crowdfunding method used to generate capital by token sales or coin sales\u2014has been in the news lately, though not necessarily positive. A little context: recently, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) called \u201cillegal\u201d an ICO undertaken by Krops, an online marketplace for farm produce led by businessman Joseph Calata. The SEC\u2019s investigation found out that the company has sold 2.4 million units of its token called Krop Tokens or KropCoins, despite an earlier advisory dated January 8 where the SEC urged the public to \u201cbe vigilant\u201d in investing in unregistered securities, particularly in an ICO. Despite the decision, Krops\u00a0continued its coin distribution, insisting that the order does not prohibit the company from selling tokens to foreign investors.\n\u201cThere is no final decision yet as to whether or not the Krop Token is a security,\u201d Calata said in a message to\u00a0SparkUp. \u201cWe have not yet started our formal discussion on this.\u201d\nCalata said the company and SEC will have a bilateral meeting to discuss \u201cmatters where we shall fully present facts about the Krop Token and its issuance,\u201d while maintaining that the commission should have conducted a dialogue with Krops first before issuing the CDO. \u201cThat way, we could have avoided the public perception of wrongly thinking that what we were doing was illegal,\u201d Calata said, calling the action \u201cquite damaging\u201d to current and future ICOs.\n \n\u2018WE WILL PUSH THROUGH\u2019\nSparkUp\u00a0asked other startups eyeing their own ICOs if the SEC\u2011Calata issue will change their plans.\nTwo\u2011year\u2011old fintech startup Qwikwire said nothing is stopping it in executing\u00a0its planned ICO, from which the company seeks to raise $9 million. However, its CEO Ray Refundo said the company may direct the ICO solely to foreign investors\u2014a safe way of complying with SEC\u2019s directive.\n\u201cIt is very likely that we will block Filipino buyers from participating. But it is not certain yet,\u201d he said.\nPre\u2011selling of the coin is set to begin on February 26, and regular selling will run from March 26 until the end of April. The app will be launched in September 2018.\n\u201cWe will push through with [our ICO],\u201d Refundo said in an email.\u00a0\u201cOur ICO compliance strategy is two-fold: release tokens that already have an immediate utility without waiting for a platform like most ICOs, [making] our token structurally a utility token, and we will only market the platform and its utility, not the ICO or token itself.\u201d\nHowever, Qwikwire is not opposed to regulation. Raf Padilla, legal counsel of Qwikwire, said creating a regulation on ICO is \u201cextremely valuable to finally settle any doubt on the legal status of this new method of raising funds or capital.\u201d\nPadilla added that it would pave the way for ICO\u2019s that are \u201cdefinitive and legal.\u201d He said: \u201cThis is a very important development and we should encourage the SEC to carry on. The regulation will also give the SEC the opportunity to define conditions and impose special restrictions that will somehow mitigate the exposure of the public to high-risk ICO investments.\u201d\nMeanwhile, Bangkok\u2011based Global Crypto Hub also recently launched an ICO in the Philippines, selling its own virtual currency called Usereum for investors and remittance services starting last February 15.\nThe company aims to raise up to $10.5 million from the ICO, which it will use for the creation of cryptocurrency expo and other cryptocurrency awareness programs, among others.\n\u201cWe are not a local startup and we are not violating any laws of SEC by accepting any fiat currency,\u201d Jagdish Pandya, its co\u2011founder, said in an email.\u00a0 \u201cAny Filipino can subscribe by sending Bitcoin purchased by them through Phillippine exchanges only.\u201d\nPandya also thinks that a government regulation on ICO and cryptocurrencies is necessary, as well as a tax structure for these trades.\n\u201cCryptocurrency will contribute billions of dollars of turnover and capital appreciation. [Last] year Bitcoin [was valued] from $1000 to $19,000, Ripple touched 3+ dollar, and Ethereum as high as $1,500,\u201d he said.\n\u201cWe wish to create cryptocurrency standards,\u201d he added. \u201cGovernment should invite media, people, and tech experts to give their opinion on formulating policy.\u201d\n \nNOT AGAINST\nDespite its strict watch on ICO, SEC previously clarified that it is not against such trade.\nSEC Commissioner Emilio Aquino said the commission was simply protecting investors who do not know or understand cryptocurrency.\nAquino also announced that the commission would release within the year guidelines for companies opting to launch ICO\u2019s.\n\u201cWe want also to come out with our own set of regulations,\u201d he said in a press briefing. \u201cWe need to act now because ICOs are sprouting globally, not necessarily in the Philippines.\u201d\nAfter all, with startup ecosystems continuously thriving, ICOs seem to present a way for new enterprises to address the perennial issue of lack of funding. But as in any new thing, it may have to wait longer before tech startups can reap the benefits of this new trade.", "date_published": "2018-02-22T10:35:15+08:00", "date_modified": "2018-02-22T10:35:15+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1311207d4ac1996cb586666fe3d56418ca9f007d735b74eb19d3fa440df5c8b4?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1311207d4ac1996cb586666fe3d56418ca9f007d735b74eb19d3fa440df5c8b4?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Money", "SparkUp" ], "summary": "SparkUp asked other startups eyeing their own ICOs if the issue will change their plans." }, { "id": "http://www.bworldonline.com/?p=145272", "url": "/sparkup/2018/01/30/145272/the-basics-on-bitcoin-for-yall-who-are-clueless/", "title": "The basics on Bitcoin for y\u2019all who are clueless", "content_html": "Bitcoin. Bitcoin. Bitcoin. Everyone\u2019s talking about it and frankly, it can get intimidating. Bitcoin is continuously gaining traction in the Philippines, prompting the government to raise concerns towards the virtual currency (VC) and all activities related to it. And as business\u2011minded millennials, we have to make sure we\u2019re not left out. #FOMO
\nSo here\u2019s the basic info:
\n![\"\"](\"http://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/1-8.jpg\")
Used solely through digital platforms, meaning, unlike bills and coins, it cannot be held in one\u2019s hand. It is used in purchasing products online, and is a form of investment for some because of its fluctuating value. As of writing, Bitcoin\u2019s value per unit has plunged below the $10,000 from almost $20,000 just before 2017 ended.
![\"\"](\"http://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/2-8.jpg\")
The underlying technology behind Bitcoin and other electronic currencies is called \u201cblockchain,\u201d a network of interconnected ledgers or data bases that allows the easy access to and transfer of VC\u2019s. (Here\u2019s a\u00a0related story\u00a0about that)
![\"\"](\"http://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/3-8.jpg\")
Unlike physical currencies, VC\u2019s are not regulated by any state or central bank, with the their security and verification as well as production highly dependent on cryptography. Hence, the attempt to regulate companies that serve as trading entities in many countries, including the Philippines.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) in February last year issued an order requiring all VC providers present in the country to be under its watch. At present, BSP is in the process of authorizing 12 bitcoin exchange entities, following the approval of two VC exchanges last year.
\nThe Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) also recently issued an\u00a0advisory, warning the public against investing in initial coin offerings (ICO), the counterpart of initial public offering in the startup scene. The announcement came after SEC\u2019s previous announcement that it would look into the ICO of KROPS, a digital marketplace for farm produce led by Joseph Calata, chairman of now delisted agribusiness firm Calata Corp. The ICO was, later on, declared illegal.
\nThrough an ICO, startups raise a certain amount of money for a project by selling a VC in return of another digital currency or fiat money. Fintech startup\u00a0Qwikwire, for example, last December launched its ICO with an aim to raise $9 million for a new digital real\u2011estate market.
\n![\"\"](\"http://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/4-6.jpg\")
According to Zach Piester, co\u2011founder of venture development and innovation firm Intrepid Ventures, the country has a \u201creally large and robust blockchain and [cryptocurrency] community.\u201d
\u201cOur hope in the ecosystem is that we can create new global financial systems based on the notion of transferring value without [a] third party,\u201d Piester said during the first Blockchain & Bitcoin Conference Philippines last January 25 at EDSA Shangri\u2011La Hotel in Mandaluyong City. The event drew hundreds of local and foreign Bitcoin enthusiasts.
\n![\"\"](\"http://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/5-2.jpg\")
Jeremy Goodwin, CEO of peer\u2011to\u2011peer manufacturing network SyncFab, claims: \u201cThe reason why cryptocurrencies exist is that they were [a] product of financial crisis in 2008. With the corruption in the financial market and all the untrusted central banking system, they (cryptocurrencies) are [a] trust\u2011worthy medium of financial banking.\u201d He added: \u201cThey can be used and de\u2011centralized and for which the system is set up by movement undertaken by some libertarians and some technologists who create alternatives to the existing financial, central banking system [in the form of] de\u2011centralized ledgers.\u201d
![\"\"](\"http://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/6-1.jpg\")
For Luis Buenaventura, chief technology officer at BloomSolutions and author of the book \u201cReinventing Remittances with Bitcoin,\u201d the number of people involved in VC trades is growing because of the \u201cexcitement behind the technology and the real\u2011world application of what blockchain is gonna do to transform many industries.\u201d
\u201cHumanity has proven itself not up to the task of managing its money. I think that our governments are particularly good at that, and we\u2019ve seen it time and time again,\u201d Buenaventura said.
\n\u201cAn alternative now exists that we trust more in math, in electricity, and in many ways [cryptocurrencies] feel particularly more sound as a solution.\u201d
\n", "content_text": "Bitcoin. Bitcoin. Bitcoin. Everyone\u2019s talking about it and frankly, it can get intimidating. Bitcoin is continuously gaining traction in the Philippines, prompting the government to raise concerns towards the virtual currency (VC) and all activities related to it. And as business\u2011minded millennials, we have to make sure we\u2019re not left out. #FOMO\nSo here\u2019s the basic info:\nUsed solely through digital platforms, meaning, unlike bills and coins, it cannot be held in one\u2019s hand. It is used in purchasing products online, and is a form of investment for some because of its fluctuating value. As of writing, Bitcoin\u2019s value per unit has plunged below the $10,000 from almost $20,000 just before 2017 ended.\nThe underlying technology behind Bitcoin and other electronic currencies is called \u201cblockchain,\u201d a network of interconnected ledgers or data bases that allows the easy access to and transfer of VC\u2019s. (Here\u2019s a\u00a0related story\u00a0about that)\nUnlike physical currencies, VC\u2019s are not regulated by any state or central bank, with the their security and verification as well as production highly dependent on cryptography. Hence, the attempt to regulate companies that serve as trading entities in many countries, including the Philippines.\nThe Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) in February last year issued an order requiring all VC providers present in the country to be under its watch. At present, BSP is in the process of authorizing 12 bitcoin exchange entities, following the approval of two VC exchanges last year.\nThe Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) also recently issued an\u00a0advisory, warning the public against investing in initial coin offerings (ICO), the counterpart of initial public offering in the startup scene. The announcement came after SEC\u2019s previous announcement that it would look into the ICO of KROPS, a digital marketplace for farm produce led by Joseph Calata, chairman of now delisted agribusiness firm Calata Corp. The ICO was, later on, declared illegal.\nThrough an ICO, startups raise a certain amount of money for a project by selling a VC in return of another digital currency or fiat money. Fintech startup\u00a0Qwikwire, for example, last December launched its ICO with an aim to raise $9 million for a new digital real\u2011estate market.\nAccording to Zach Piester, co\u2011founder of venture development and innovation firm Intrepid Ventures, the country has a \u201creally large and robust blockchain and [cryptocurrency] community.\u201d\n\u201cOur hope in the ecosystem is that we can create new global financial systems based on the notion of transferring value without [a] third party,\u201d Piester said during the first Blockchain & Bitcoin Conference Philippines last January 25 at EDSA Shangri\u2011La Hotel in Mandaluyong City. The event drew hundreds of local and foreign Bitcoin enthusiasts.\nJeremy Goodwin, CEO of peer\u2011to\u2011peer manufacturing network SyncFab, claims: \u201cThe reason why cryptocurrencies exist is that they were [a] product of financial crisis in 2008. With the corruption in the financial market and all the untrusted central banking system, they (cryptocurrencies) are [a] trust\u2011worthy medium of financial banking.\u201d He added: \u201cThey can be used and de\u2011centralized and for which the system is set up by movement undertaken by some libertarians and some technologists who create alternatives to the existing financial, central banking system [in the form of] de\u2011centralized ledgers.\u201d\nGoodwin also said that cryptocurrencies are \u201cmeant to address double spending,\u201d easing payment transactions by eliminating third party platforms.\nFor Luis Buenaventura, chief technology officer at BloomSolutions and author of the book \u201cReinventing Remittances with Bitcoin,\u201d the number of people involved in VC trades is growing because of the \u201cexcitement behind the technology and the real\u2011world application of what blockchain is gonna do to transform many industries.\u201d\n\u201cHumanity has proven itself not up to the task of managing its money. I think that our governments are particularly good at that, and we\u2019ve seen it time and time again,\u201d Buenaventura said.\n\u201cAn alternative now exists that we trust more in math, in electricity, and in many ways [cryptocurrencies] feel particularly more sound as a solution.\u201d", "date_published": "2018-01-30T15:02:50+08:00", "date_modified": "2018-01-30T15:02:50+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1311207d4ac1996cb586666fe3d56418ca9f007d735b74eb19d3fa440df5c8b4?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1311207d4ac1996cb586666fe3d56418ca9f007d735b74eb19d3fa440df5c8b4?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Money", "SparkUp" ], "summary": "Don\u2019t fear the latest buzzword. We\u2019ll walk you through it." }, { "id": "http://www.bworldonline.com/?p=145238", "url": "/sparkup/2018/01/17/145238/from-a-venture-capitalist-tips-on-convincing-investors/", "title": "From a venture capitalist: Tips on convincing investors", "content_html": "For tech startups, money is the fuel that keeps a company going. Raising funds to sustain operation is as difficult as marketing a product or coming up with innovative ideas to lead the race.
\nGood thing there are investors who are willing to invest some money in new enterprises. But convincing investors to bet on a company, especially startups, is not a piece of cake.
\nMichael Lints, partner at early\u2011stage venture capital firm Golden Gate Ventures (GGV), knows this struggle among startups very well. For one, his current job requires him to negotiate with founders where his company can invest in. GGV, to date, has already invested in more than 40 startups in Southeast Asia, including some enterprises in the Philippines such as Lendo, Ayannah, and Carousell.
\nLints has also had a fair share of struggle in courting investors back in early 2000\u2019s when he, together with his two best friends, put up a startup that provided small enterprises with IT platforms. The lack of funds and tractions prompted them to stop its operation in 2006.
\nIn a forum organized by QBO Philippines on January 9 in Makati City, Lints shared some pointers that startup founders should always remember when dealing with investors.
\n\n![\"\"](\"http://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/1-7.jpg\")
There\u2019s a lot of money that businesses can get from investors. But the question is, how do you get those money?
\nAccording to Lints, allowing investors to invest in a company is more that just about money. Startup founders should, instead, consider it as a form of marriage that will last for at least ten years.
\n\u201cIt\u2019s all about the marriage between you and the investors ,\u201d\u00a0he said. \u201cThere\u2019s always this weird relationship between investors and founders because\u00a0[when money is involved,]\u00a0people feel some form of guilt … But you have to view it as a partnership, and partnership means we\u2019re building this business together [and that] we want you to be successful. If you\u2019re successful, we\u2019re successful.\u201d
\n![\"\"](\"http://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/2-7.jpg\")
Startups should not consider fundraising as a side gig. Instead, Lints said, they should take it as important as their sales.
\n\u201c[Companies] do fundraising two months before they run out of money, and what happens when you do that, you\u2019re gonna [have] the wrong partners,\u201d he said. \u201cFund raising is a part of your business, it\u2019s not different from sales. Fund raising is something you do every single day. And what does that mean? That means that you do research.\u201d
\nIn talking to investors, he said, startup founders should \u201cdo their homework\u201d and research by reading about investment\u2011related articles that are available online.
\n\u201cIf a fund is coming, you should know. If a new Chinese player is coming to the Philippines to look for a deal, you should know. You should be the first one to know. The next thing is to ask, how can I find a way to be connected to these guys?\u201d he said.
\n![\"\"](\"http://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/3-7.jpg\")
Before meeting with an investor, founders should make sure that all important files and documents containing crucial information about their company are organized.
\n\u201cWhenever an investor asks questions about your finance, contracts, you wanna answer them fast,\u201d Lints said. \u201cSo if you take up to two months to answer because you have to look [for an answer], you can\u2019t find it, that\u2019s a sign in itself. It basically means you don\u2019t have your [things] in order. It\u2019s something that you can solve, but it\u2019s a worry.\u201d
\nIn pitching to investors, conveying a clear message through a presentation is essential. And, according to Lints, founders can achieve an effective pitch by practicing.
\n\u201cI\u2019m 42, but every single pitch, I practice. Every single [time]. I wanna make sure that the story I\u2019m telling is sticking with investors I\u2019m talking to. Use your friends, relatives, to practice with,\u201d he said, adding that founders can even film themselves while delivering their presentation to make their pitch clearer.
\n![\"\"](\"http://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/4-5.jpg\")
While there is no formula in creating a successful pitch presentation, Lints said a good one should have at least three key contents: context by \u201cdescribing how the world looks today,\u201d the change that the company introduces through its product or service, and the world after using this change.
\n\u201cYour company is about making a change because if you\u2019re not changing anything, that means you\u2019re not also starting anything,\u201d he said.
\nHe added that presenters should also let investors know how they will generate revenue and scale the business. In proving the company\u2019s relevance, startup founders should present the growth in traction that their companies have generated.
\n\u201cInvestors will always ask about traction. Try to show that you\u2019re relevant,\u201d he finally advised. \u201cAnd relevant means yesterday we had 200 users, now we have 400. But don\u2019t just show growth. Explain why you\u2019re growing.\u201d
\n", "content_text": "For tech startups, money is the fuel that keeps a company going. Raising funds to sustain operation is as difficult as marketing a product or coming up with innovative ideas to lead the race.\nGood thing there are investors who are willing to invest some money in new enterprises. But convincing investors to bet on a company, especially startups, is not a piece of cake.\nMichael Lints, partner at early\u2011stage venture capital firm Golden Gate Ventures (GGV), knows this struggle among startups very well. For one, his current job requires him to negotiate with founders where his company can invest in. GGV, to date, has already invested in more than 40 startups in Southeast Asia, including some enterprises in the Philippines such as Lendo, Ayannah, and Carousell.\nLints has also had a fair share of struggle in courting investors back in early 2000\u2019s when he, together with his two best friends, put up a startup that provided small enterprises with IT platforms. The lack of funds and tractions prompted them to stop its operation in 2006.\nIn a forum organized by QBO Philippines on January 9 in Makati City, Lints shared some pointers that startup founders should always remember when dealing with investors.\n\nArt\u00a0Samantha Gonzales\nThere\u2019s a lot of money that businesses can get from investors. But the question is, how do you get those money?\nAccording to Lints, allowing investors to invest in a company is more that just about money. Startup founders should, instead, consider it as a form of marriage that will last for at least ten years.\n\u201cIt\u2019s all about the marriage between you and the investors ,\u201d\u00a0he said. \u201cThere\u2019s always this weird relationship between investors and founders because\u00a0[when money is involved,]\u00a0people feel some form of guilt … But you have to view it as a partnership, and partnership means we\u2019re building this business together [and that] we want you to be successful. If you\u2019re successful, we\u2019re successful.\u201d\nArt\u00a0Samantha Gonzales\nStartups should not consider fundraising as a side gig. Instead, Lints said, they should take it as important as their sales.\n\u201c[Companies] do fundraising two months before they run out of money, and what happens when you do that, you\u2019re gonna [have] the wrong partners,\u201d he said. \u201cFund raising is a part of your business, it\u2019s not different from sales. Fund raising is something you do every single day. And what does that mean? That means that you do research.\u201d\nIn talking to investors, he said, startup founders should \u201cdo their homework\u201d and research by reading about investment\u2011related articles that are available online.\n\u201cIf a fund is coming, you should know. If a new Chinese player is coming to the Philippines to look for a deal, you should know. You should be the first one to know. The next thing is to ask, how can I find a way to be connected to these guys?\u201d he said.\nArt\u00a0Samantha Gonzales\nBefore meeting with an investor, founders should make sure that all important files and documents containing crucial information about their company are organized.\n\u201cWhenever an investor asks questions about your finance, contracts, you wanna answer them fast,\u201d Lints said. \u201cSo if you take up to two months to answer because you have to look [for an answer], you can\u2019t find it, that\u2019s a sign in itself. It basically means you don\u2019t have your [things] in order. It\u2019s something that you can solve, but it\u2019s a worry.\u201d\nIn pitching to investors, conveying a clear message through a presentation is essential. And, according to Lints, founders can achieve an effective pitch by practicing.\n\u201cI\u2019m 42, but every single pitch, I practice. Every single [time]. I wanna make sure that the story I\u2019m telling is sticking with investors I\u2019m talking to. Use your friends, relatives, to practice with,\u201d he said, adding that founders can even film themselves while delivering their presentation to make their pitch clearer.\nArt\u00a0Samantha Gonzales\nWhile there is no formula in creating a successful pitch presentation, Lints said a good one should have at least three key contents: context by \u201cdescribing how the world looks today,\u201d the change that the company introduces through its product or service, and the world after using this change.\n\u201cYour company is about making a change because if you\u2019re not changing anything, that means you\u2019re not also starting anything,\u201d he said.\nHe added that presenters should also let investors know how they will generate revenue and scale the business. In proving the company\u2019s relevance, startup founders should present the growth in traction that their companies have generated.\n\u201cInvestors will always ask about traction. Try to show that you\u2019re relevant,\u201d he finally advised. \u201cAnd relevant means yesterday we had 200 users, now we have 400. But don\u2019t just show growth. Explain why you\u2019re growing.\u201d", "date_published": "2018-01-17T14:04:51+08:00", "date_modified": "2018-01-17T14:04:51+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1311207d4ac1996cb586666fe3d56418ca9f007d735b74eb19d3fa440df5c8b4?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1311207d4ac1996cb586666fe3d56418ca9f007d735b74eb19d3fa440df5c8b4?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Money", "SparkUp" ], "summary": "Want VCs to invest in your company? Take it from Michael Lints, a former startup owner and current partner at a venture capital firm." }, { "id": "http://www.bworldonline.com/?p=145182", "url": "/sparkup/2017/12/18/145182/fintech-startup-qwikwire-aims-to-raise-9-m-from-initial-coin-offering-in-2018/", "title": "Fintech startup Qwikwire aims to raise $9 M from \u2018initial coin offering\u2019 in 2018", "content_html": "Two\u2011year\u2011old fintech company Qwikwire, which boasts of being the leading cross\u2011boarder real estate payment processor in South East Asia, announced last Friday its own digital currency that will be sold through an initial coin offering (ICO).
\nPre\u2011selling of the coin will start on February 26, and regular selling will run from March 26 until the end of April.
\nQwikwire aims to raise $9 million for its new project called AQwire, a \u201cdecentralized app\u201d and website powered by blockchain technology that will serve as a market place for real\u2011estate developers to attract and sell properties to foreign buyers. The app will be launched in September 2018.
\nTech startups that utilize blockchain technology are taking advantage of the popularity of cryptocurrencies like the much talked about Bitcoin (whose value, as of writing, is now over $20,000 per coin). In this process, they develop new ways to raise capital\u2014some of which going beyond the norm of courting investors or borrowing from the bank.
\nThis ICO process is pretty much the same as the initial public offering or IPO done by established companies to expand their capital by selling a stock to the public or potential investors. In an ICO, however, no share in the company is offered, except for a \u201ccrypto\u2011token\u201d sold in exchange of other digital currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum to generate funds for an upcoming product or application.
\nWhile tech startups in other countries like the U.S. have been resorting to this fund raising process since 2013, launching an ICO is relatively new to the Philippine startup community.
\n\n
In Qwikwire\u2019s case, the company will sell its own cryptocurrency called \u201cQEY\u201d in exchange of Ethereum, with the equivalent value depending on the latter\u2019s rate during the selling period.
\nUsers of the app can only use QEY in purchasing properties through the platform.
\nThe initiative marks Qwikwire\u2019s entry to the blockchain space.
\nQwikwire CEO and founder Ray Refundo believes that \u201cblockchain is the future\u201d and that it is \u201cthe new internet.\u201d
\n\u201cSo many companies have been built on top of the internet; Google, Facebook, Uber. [It\u2019s an entirely] new economy built on top of the internet. But the internet is a simple thing, it\u2019s just actually a network of interconnected computers. In the same way, blockchain is a system of interconnected ledgers or data bases. Basically it\u2019s a new way of processing information,\u201d he explained during the launch held at QBO Innovation Hub in Makati, City.
\nWhile not so much applications have been built yet on top of the technology after Bitcoin, which is the first blockchain\u2011powered app, Refundo said that in the next 20 years, blockchain will be \u201cas big as or even bigger than the internet today.\u201d
\nBy using blockchain to run the new app, Refundo said they can validate all listings, buyers, and transactions in the platform at large. And since it is a decentralized system, users no longer need to pay for a middleman that is among the requirements in purchasing properties from abroad.
\n\u201c[There are] so many problems that can be solved by blockchain, especially when you talk about global commerce or from traveling to banking and finance,\u201d he said.
\n", "content_text": "Two\u2011year\u2011old fintech company Qwikwire, which boasts of being the leading cross\u2011boarder real estate payment processor in South East Asia, announced last Friday its own digital currency that will be sold through an initial coin offering (ICO).\nPre\u2011selling of the coin will start on February 26, and regular selling will run from March 26 until the end of April.\nQwikwire aims to raise $9 million for its new project called AQwire, a \u201cdecentralized app\u201d and website powered by blockchain technology that will serve as a market place for real\u2011estate developers to attract and sell properties to foreign buyers. The app will be launched in September 2018.\nTech startups that utilize blockchain technology are taking advantage of the popularity of cryptocurrencies like the much talked about Bitcoin (whose value, as of writing, is now over $20,000 per coin). In this process, they develop new ways to raise capital\u2014some of which going beyond the norm of courting investors or borrowing from the bank.\nThis ICO process is pretty much the same as the initial public offering or IPO done by established companies to expand their capital by selling a stock to the public or potential investors. In an ICO, however, no share in the company is offered, except for a \u201ccrypto\u2011token\u201d sold in exchange of other digital currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum to generate funds for an upcoming product or application.\nWhile tech startups in other countries like the U.S. have been resorting to this fund raising process since 2013, launching an ICO is relatively new to the Philippine startup community.\n \nJoining the blockchain space\nIn Qwikwire\u2019s case, the company will sell its own cryptocurrency called \u201cQEY\u201d in exchange of Ethereum, with the equivalent value depending on the latter\u2019s rate during the selling period.\nUsers of the app can only use QEY in purchasing properties through the platform.\nThe initiative marks Qwikwire\u2019s entry to the blockchain space.\nQwikwire CEO and founder Ray Refundo believes that \u201cblockchain is the future\u201d and that it is \u201cthe new internet.\u201d\n\u201cSo many companies have been built on top of the internet; Google, Facebook, Uber. [It\u2019s an entirely] new economy built on top of the internet. But the internet is a simple thing, it\u2019s just actually a network of interconnected computers. In the same way, blockchain is a system of interconnected ledgers or data bases. Basically it\u2019s a new way of processing information,\u201d he explained during the launch held at QBO Innovation Hub in Makati, City.\nWhile not so much applications have been built yet on top of the technology after Bitcoin, which is the first blockchain\u2011powered app, Refundo said that in the next 20 years, blockchain will be \u201cas big as or even bigger than the internet today.\u201d\nBy using blockchain to run the new app, Refundo said they can validate all listings, buyers, and transactions in the platform at large. And since it is a decentralized system, users no longer need to pay for a middleman that is among the requirements in purchasing properties from abroad.\n\u201c[There are] so many problems that can be solved by blockchain, especially when you talk about global commerce or from traveling to banking and finance,\u201d he said.", "date_published": "2017-12-18T11:49:24+08:00", "date_modified": "2017-12-18T11:49:24+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1311207d4ac1996cb586666fe3d56418ca9f007d735b74eb19d3fa440df5c8b4?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1311207d4ac1996cb586666fe3d56418ca9f007d735b74eb19d3fa440df5c8b4?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Money", "SparkUp" ], "summary": "It\u2019s pretty much like IPO, but here no share in the company is sold, only \u201ccrypto\u2011tokens\u201d in exchange of other cryptocurrencies." }, { "id": "http://www.bworldonline.com/?p=145147", "url": "/sparkup/2017/12/04/145147/all-about-the-abundance-mindset/", "title": "All about the abundance mindset", "content_html": "Everything we have seen, heard, and experienced in our childhood shaped our abundant or scarcity mindset. But, even with all these experiences, we can choose to learn and shift mindsets at any given time if we really want to. Just like so many things in life, the abundance mindset is learnable. Feeling and being abundant is a discipline and a lifestyle. With conscious awareness and consistent practice, it is doable.
\nHere are some ways you could walk through abundance:
\nA quote attributed to American talk show host and media proprietor Oprah Winfrey goes: \u201cIf you look at what you have in life, you will always have more. If you look at what you don\u2019t have in life, you will never have enough.\u201d Choose to see what you have and consistently be grateful for them. Maybe you can choose a routine in the morning, like while taking a bath or having coffee: think of three to five things or moments you were really grateful for the day before.
\n\n
In \u201cThe Science of Getting Rich,\u201d Wallace D. Wattles mentions the difference between a creative mind and a competitive mind. With a competitive mind, you have the scarcity mindset where there\u2019s only one pie. It\u2019s a survival of the fittest and in order to get a bigger piece, someone else has to get a smaller one. Contrary to this is the creative with an abundance mindset. The source is infinite and there is always enough for everyone.
\n\n
Be aware of what you say. Stay alert and avoid using words of scarcity like \u201clack\u201d because that usually goes hand\u2011in\u2011hand with feeling like something really is lacking. Acknowledge your scarcity mindset and shift your mind and feeling to abundance. A simple example of this is when you\u2019re at a party. When the host announces that the buffet is already open, fight the urge to run to the buffet table especially if you\u2019re going to do that because you fear that there it will run out before you could even get your share.
\n\n
\n
It\u2019s a very effective tool we use and for the past 14 years, we\u2019ve never missed creating our individual personal annual vision boards. We would cut out pictures from magazines of the local and international places we\u2019d like to visit, put our personal and professional goal for that particular year, including long\u2011term goals. We\u2019d even put the gadgets we want to buy and even the pricey material things we long to have. Through the years, the magazine cutouts turned into collaged online pictures online which we use as desktop, laptop and cellphone wallpapers. We\u2019d look at it, daydream, and meditate about it every single day. We make sure to feel grateful for what\u2019s coming our way, as well as those that have already materialized. Believe it or not, after 14 years of doing it, 95% of them actually came true. We didn\u2019t have much materially, but in many instances, we\u2019d gotten invites to all\u2011expense\u2011paid trips abroad. In other trips, we would have friends abroad who would invite us to stay with them so we reduce expenses. We spend so much less, yet experience so much more. Of course, while vacationing, our passive income sources continue working for us.
\nVision boards emphasize abundance because they are a tangible proof of all the goals we wish to achieve. It\u2019s easier to channel gratitude and abundance if you can literally look back on your past vision boards. You\u2019ll get to be grateful for all the things and experiences that you have gotten throughout the years.
\n", "content_text": "Everything we have seen, heard, and experienced in our childhood shaped our abundant or scarcity mindset. But, even with all these experiences, we can choose to learn and shift mindsets at any given time if we really want to. Just like so many things in life, the abundance mindset is learnable. Feeling and being abundant is a discipline and a lifestyle. With conscious awareness and consistent practice, it is doable.\nHere are some ways you could walk through abundance:\nAlways be grateful.\nA quote attributed to American talk show host and media proprietor Oprah Winfrey goes: \u201cIf you look at what you have in life, you will always have more. If you look at what you don\u2019t have in life, you will never have enough.\u201d Choose to see what you have and consistently be grateful for them. Maybe you can choose a routine in the morning, like while taking a bath or having coffee: think of three to five things or moments you were really grateful for the day before.\n \nRecognize the power of your mind and mindset.\nIn \u201cThe Science of Getting Rich,\u201d Wallace D. Wattles mentions the difference between a creative mind and a competitive mind. With a competitive mind, you have the scarcity mindset where there\u2019s only one pie. It\u2019s a survival of the fittest and in order to get a bigger piece, someone else has to get a smaller one. Contrary to this is the creative with an abundance mindset. The source is infinite and there is always enough for everyone.\n \nBe wary of having a scarcity mindset.\nBe aware of what you say. Stay alert and avoid using words of scarcity like \u201clack\u201d because that usually goes hand\u2011in\u2011hand with feeling like something really is lacking. Acknowledge your scarcity mindset and shift your mind and feeling to abundance. A simple example of this is when you\u2019re at a party. When the host announces that the buffet is already open, fight the urge to run to the buffet table especially if you\u2019re going to do that because you fear that there it will run out before you could even get your share.\n \nSurround yourself with people who are grateful, creative, inspired and who always looks at the brighter side of things.\n \nCreate your own vision board.\nIt\u2019s a very effective tool we use and for the past 14 years, we\u2019ve never missed creating our individual personal annual vision boards. We would cut out pictures from magazines of the local and international places we\u2019d like to visit, put our personal and professional goal for that particular year, including long\u2011term goals. We\u2019d even put the gadgets we want to buy and even the pricey material things we long to have. Through the years, the magazine cutouts turned into collaged online pictures online which we use as desktop, laptop and cellphone wallpapers. We\u2019d look at it, daydream, and meditate about it every single day. We make sure to feel grateful for what\u2019s coming our way, as well as those that have already materialized. Believe it or not, after 14 years of doing it, 95% of them actually came true. We didn\u2019t have much materially, but in many instances, we\u2019d gotten invites to all\u2011expense\u2011paid trips abroad. In other trips, we would have friends abroad who would invite us to stay with them so we reduce expenses. We spend so much less, yet experience so much more. Of course, while vacationing, our passive income sources continue working for us.\nVision boards emphasize abundance because they are a tangible proof of all the goals we wish to achieve. It\u2019s easier to channel gratitude and abundance if you can literally look back on your past vision boards. You\u2019ll get to be grateful for all the things and experiences that you have gotten throughout the years.", "date_published": "2017-12-04T11:16:32+08:00", "date_modified": "2017-12-04T11:16:32+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1311207d4ac1996cb586666fe3d56418ca9f007d735b74eb19d3fa440df5c8b4?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1311207d4ac1996cb586666fe3d56418ca9f007d735b74eb19d3fa440df5c8b4?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Money", "SparkUp" ], "summary": "Feeling and being abundant is a discipline and a lifestyle." }, { "id": "http://www.bworldonline.com/?p=145097", "url": "/sparkup/2017/11/27/145097/real-talk-on-real-estate/", "title": "Real talk on real estate", "content_html": "Investments are items you buy now that will gain money or benefits in the future. Think about the investments you have made in the past. Are they producing the income or benefits you want them to produce now? What are some other things you could put your money on to gain more in the future?
\nWe invited one of our friends, Jim Clerigo, Alveo Land Corporation associate regional sales Ddirector, to tell us more about investing on real estate and what benefits you could reap in the near future.
\nFor me, real estate is about the future\u2014a future that is tangible and something that you could actually live in. It also means investment for you and your children\u2019s children. It\u2019s all about security really. Your children will have something to inherit in the future, and it\u2019s an assurance and security you can already provide them now. It\u2019s like a bank where your money grows but at a higher rate. Banks could close but your properties would stay forever.
\nIt really depends on how big your dream is. If you want to purchase properties in exclusive villages or from high-end brands, it will cost you at least \u20b16 million. With us, reservation fees are at \u20b1100,000 per unit while the monthly amortization ranges from \u20b150,000 up.
\nIt really depends on what you need and what you can afford. If you want a property but you find it expensive, then work harder to be able to afford it. Or better yet, check your spending behavior. There might be some unnecessary expenses which you can do away with so you can increase your purchasing power on the things that really matter. Your income should at least be 50% greater than your expenses for you to really be able to save up.
\nIf you have the money, choose to invest on real estate. Buy properties you can afford, but don\u2019t stop there. You should always be on the lookout for new developments. The best time to buy is the first day a project or development is offered to the public. The inventory is fresh and the price is at its lowest during this time. It\u2019s okay to make sacrifices early in your life so you can reap the fruits for you and your family later on.
\nAlso, buy properties from reputable brands only. It\u2019s so easy to search which ones can be trusted more. Check first the reputation and track record of the company you want to deal with. Right now, in our country, it is not just about good locations but also about the brands or companies as well.
\nWe are actually pretty lucky that there are many options and ways in order for us to invest our money and make it grow. What\u2019s important is it is aligned with the goals we set for ourselves and the capabilities we have now. The only way these investments will work for us is if we stay committed to them and if our resources can handle these commitments. Invest on those worthy of investment and reap the fruits for you and your family in the near future.
\nJim Clerigo is currently an associate regional sales director of Alveo Land Corp., handling Laguna and Cavite Properties. You may reach him through 0917-5771000 or abclerigo@yahoo.com.
\n", "content_text": "Investments are items you buy now that will gain money or benefits in the future. Think about the investments you have made in the past. Are they producing the income or benefits you want them to produce now? What are some other things you could put your money on to gain more in the future?\nWe invited one of our friends, Jim Clerigo, Alveo Land Corporation associate regional sales Ddirector, to tell us more about investing on real estate and what benefits you could reap in the near future.\nWhat is real estate?\nFor me, real estate is about the future\u2014a future that is tangible and something that you could actually live in. It also means investment for you and your children\u2019s children. It\u2019s all about security really. Your children will have something to inherit in the future, and it\u2019s an assurance and security you can already provide them now. It\u2019s like a bank where your money grows but at a higher rate. Banks could close but your properties would stay forever.\nHow much money do you need to invest in properties?\nIt really depends on how big your dream is. If you want to purchase properties in exclusive villages or from high-end brands, it will cost you at least \u20b16 million. With us, reservation fees are at \u20b1100,000 per unit while the monthly amortization ranges from \u20b150,000 up.\nIt really depends on what you need and what you can afford. If you want a property but you find it expensive, then work harder to be able to afford it. Or better yet, check your spending behavior. There might be some unnecessary expenses which you can do away with so you can increase your purchasing power on the things that really matter. Your income should at least be 50% greater than your expenses for you to really be able to save up.\nWhat is your advice on money and investments?\nIf you have the money, choose to invest on real estate. Buy properties you can afford, but don\u2019t stop there. You should always be on the lookout for new developments. The best time to buy is the first day a project or development is offered to the public. The inventory is fresh and the price is at its lowest during this time. It\u2019s okay to make sacrifices early in your life so you can reap the fruits for you and your family later on.\nAlso, buy properties from reputable brands only. It\u2019s so easy to search which ones can be trusted more. Check first the reputation and track record of the company you want to deal with. Right now, in our country, it is not just about good locations but also about the brands or companies as well.\nWe are actually pretty lucky that there are many options and ways in order for us to invest our money and make it grow. What\u2019s important is it is aligned with the goals we set for ourselves and the capabilities we have now. The only way these investments will work for us is if we stay committed to them and if our resources can handle these commitments. Invest on those worthy of investment and reap the fruits for you and your family in the near future.\n\n\nJim Clerigo is currently an associate regional sales director of Alveo Land Corp., handling Laguna and Cavite Properties. You may reach him through 0917-5771000 or abclerigo@yahoo.com.", "date_published": "2017-11-27T02:01:05+08:00", "date_modified": "2017-11-27T02:01:05+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1311207d4ac1996cb586666fe3d56418ca9f007d735b74eb19d3fa440df5c8b4?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1311207d4ac1996cb586666fe3d56418ca9f007d735b74eb19d3fa440df5c8b4?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Money", "SparkUp" ], "summary": "We answer all your questions about property." }, { "id": "http://www.bworldonline.com/?p=145078", "url": "/sparkup/2017/11/20/145078/planning-to-save-saving-to-plan/", "title": "Planning to save, saving to plan", "content_html": "Who here had a piggy bank when they were younger? We bet only a few weren\u2019t taught to \u201csave\u201d since the first time they received Christmas money. But, we want to ask now: what does it really mean when we say we should save as\u00a0adults? We got one of our friends,\u00a0Jehan De Guzman, a full\u2011time financial advisor at Sun Life, to talk about the importance of saving, and how saving isn\u2019t just dropping some leftover coins into a piggy bank.
\nThe most basic thing about saving is\u00a0that you\u00a0really\u00a0have\u00a0to\u00a0live within your means.
\nIt\u2019s\u00a0easier said than done because it\u2019s so easy to spend\u00a0nowadays, but checking your spending habits really is the first\u00a0and\u00a0key step. Know your spending triggers and don\u2019t spend more than you earn.
\nRefusing to buy the most recent gadget and resisting to shop over the weekend sale are only a few ways to save.
\nAnother way\u2014and we strongly suggest this\u2014is to make a cashflow list. A cashflow list is basically a table or chart where you list down all your sources of income per month on one side, and then jot down all your expected expenses on the other. Include absolutely everything that you spend on\u2014leisure, transportation, parking, insurances, business, salaries, tuition fees, loans, clothes, etc. These are your spending triggers. We have\u00a0a sample and\u00a0an entire list\u00a0below so you can create a more comprehensive list\u00a0for yourself.\u00a0By writing them all down, you can easily see where your monthly money really goes.
\n![](\"http://sparkup.ph/money-plan-save-finance-financial-literacy-spending-saving/img/INSIDE-GRAPGIC-SUNLIFE.jpg\")
Art\u00a0Erka Capili Inciong
\nSeeing exactly what your expenses are will present you with the most difficult questions: Do I really need a\u00a0\u20b12,500\u00a0monthly\u00a0cellphone subscription? Is it necessary to buy new accessories every month? Is an out\u2011of\u2011town trip really something I can afford right now?\u00a0The cashflow list and the questions you will be answering will, of course, depend on your priorities and non\u2011negotiables so, feel free to add and remove items for your\u00a0personal\u00a0cashflow list.\u00a0Make sure to also include your investments so that you can really allocate budget for them every month.
\nIf you\u2019re finding it difficult to list where your money goes, then that\u2019s also a sign that you should be more\u00a0conscious\u00a0of how you spend your money.\u00a0Make a cashflow list starting now and it will absolutely make a difference to your spending.
\nPlanning to\u00a0save is only the first step to successfully managing your finances. It\u00a0is an equally important step\u00a0to discipline yourself by doing away with\u00a0the unnecessary items\u00a0and religiously sticking to your budget\u00a0for the non\u2011negotiables. Once you\u2019re able to\u00a0plan how to save, we\u2019re\u00a0sure that there will be more\u00a0save\u00a0to make your future plans.
\nJehan\u00a0De Guzman is a full\u2011time advisor and manager at Sun Life Financial.\u00a0From being a project manager in a bank to being an interior designer, De Guzman\u00a0eventually found purpose and fulfillment in\u00a0being a financial advisor as she takes\u00a0part in improving financial literacy among Filipinos. As clich\u00e9 as it may sound, she proudly claims that finding a job you love is indeed possible.\u00a0If you wish to contact\u00a0her, you may reach her\u00a0at\u00a009156488284\u00a0and\u00a0jehan.deguzman@gmail.com\u00a0and\u00a0jehan.z.deguzman@sunlife.com.ph.
\nWe would also like to thank Sun Life Financial for the infographic shown in the article.
\n", "content_text": "Who here had a piggy bank when they were younger? We bet only a few weren\u2019t taught to \u201csave\u201d since the first time they received Christmas money. But, we want to ask now: what does it really mean when we say we should save as\u00a0adults? We got one of our friends,\u00a0Jehan De Guzman, a full\u2011time financial advisor at Sun Life, to talk about the importance of saving, and how saving isn\u2019t just dropping some leftover coins into a piggy bank.\nWhat is saving?\nThe most basic thing about saving is\u00a0that you\u00a0really\u00a0have\u00a0to\u00a0live within your means.\nIt\u2019s\u00a0easier said than done because it\u2019s so easy to spend\u00a0nowadays, but checking your spending habits really is the first\u00a0and\u00a0key step. Know your spending triggers and don\u2019t spend more than you earn.\nIs spending less the only way I can save? What are spending triggers?\nRefusing to buy the most recent gadget and resisting to shop over the weekend sale are only a few ways to save.\nAnother way\u2014and we strongly suggest this\u2014is to make a cashflow list. A cashflow list is basically a table or chart where you list down all your sources of income per month on one side, and then jot down all your expected expenses on the other. Include absolutely everything that you spend on\u2014leisure, transportation, parking, insurances, business, salaries, tuition fees, loans, clothes, etc. These are your spending triggers. We have\u00a0a sample and\u00a0an entire list\u00a0below so you can create a more comprehensive list\u00a0for yourself.\u00a0By writing them all down, you can easily see where your monthly money really goes.\n\nArt\u00a0Erka Capili Inciong\n\nAfter making a cashflow list, what now?\nSeeing exactly what your expenses are will present you with the most difficult questions: Do I really need a\u00a0\u20b12,500\u00a0monthly\u00a0cellphone subscription? Is it necessary to buy new accessories every month? Is an out\u2011of\u2011town trip really something I can afford right now?\u00a0The cashflow list and the questions you will be answering will, of course, depend on your priorities and non\u2011negotiables so, feel free to add and remove items for your\u00a0personal\u00a0cashflow list.\u00a0Make sure to also include your investments so that you can really allocate budget for them every month.\nIf you\u2019re finding it difficult to list where your money goes, then that\u2019s also a sign that you should be more\u00a0conscious\u00a0of how you spend your money.\u00a0Make a cashflow list starting now and it will absolutely make a difference to your spending.\nPlanning to\u00a0save is only the first step to successfully managing your finances. It\u00a0is an equally important step\u00a0to discipline yourself by doing away with\u00a0the unnecessary items\u00a0and religiously sticking to your budget\u00a0for the non\u2011negotiables. Once you\u2019re able to\u00a0plan how to save, we\u2019re\u00a0sure that there will be more\u00a0save\u00a0to make your future plans.\n\n\nJehan\u00a0De Guzman is a full\u2011time advisor and manager at Sun Life Financial.\u00a0From being a project manager in a bank to being an interior designer, De Guzman\u00a0eventually found purpose and fulfillment in\u00a0being a financial advisor as she takes\u00a0part in improving financial literacy among Filipinos. As clich\u00e9 as it may sound, she proudly claims that finding a job you love is indeed possible.\u00a0If you wish to contact\u00a0her, you may reach her\u00a0at\u00a009156488284\u00a0and\u00a0jehan.deguzman@gmail.com\u00a0and\u00a0jehan.z.deguzman@sunlife.com.ph.\nWe would also like to thank Sun Life Financial for the infographic shown in the article.", "date_published": "2017-11-20T01:40:10+08:00", "date_modified": "2017-11-20T01:40:10+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1311207d4ac1996cb586666fe3d56418ca9f007d735b74eb19d3fa440df5c8b4?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1311207d4ac1996cb586666fe3d56418ca9f007d735b74eb19d3fa440df5c8b4?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Money", "SparkUp" ], "summary": "Saving isn\u2019t just dropping some leftover coins into a piggy bank." }, { "id": "http://www.bworldonline.com/?p=145053", "url": "/sparkup/2017/11/13/145053/ask-yourself-these-6-questions-before-getting-a-condo/", "title": "Ask yourself these 6 questions before getting a condo", "content_html": "Ask a typical millennial about his future goals and part of the list is to get a stable job, buy a car, own a condo, and eventually, build a family and a home. It seems like owning a condominium has been seen as a milestone to the typical millennial #adultinglife. But, before you could actually make that big move, check out the list and questions below, and see if condo living is for you.
\n![](\"http://sparkup.ph/money-condo-unit-six-questions/img/inside-money-condo-unit-six-questions.jpg\")
Art\u00a0Erka Capili Inciong
\nLiving the condo life is a statement that you are already capable of sustaining yourself and covering for all your expenses. Before making the move, however, make sure that your resources will allow you to do so. Whether or not you do decide to get the entire amount from your savings or from loans, be sure that it will still leave you financially stable and healthy.
\nGetting a loan may be an option to finance your condominium purchase. Banks assess your capability to pay back your debt through your credit history as it is a reflection of your financial capacity. Check your credit history with your corresponding bank and have it available upon request.
\nHaving your own place and being independent do not simply mean just paying for the downpayment and all the remaining balance for the next years. Paying for the condominium is just the first step. You have to make sure that all the other expenses\u2014utilities, monthly amortization fees, association dues, daily expenses, etc. are all accounted for. Make sure that all these are included in your budget as you transition to the independent life.
\n![](\"http://sparkup.ph/money-condo-unit-six-questions/img/inside-other-money-condo-unit-six-questions.jpg\")
Art\u00a0Erka Capili Inciong
\nResidential and commercial areas have different rates. Canvass and ask around before getting a condo deal. The rates and fees may differ depending on how valuable the location of the condominium is. Ask about the necessary rates you would need to pay and take the time to learn them all. If anything, condo life should be able to train you to becoming more diligent with your expenses.
\nEach condominium will have its own set of rules and policies. Study them. All of these terms exist to ensure the safety and security of everyone in the building. Make sure that the building has a good security system and is accessible to the police station and fire department if needed.
\nLastly, scout for a condominium that will give you access to all the establishments you would need \u2014 markets, groceries, drugstores, church, convenience stores, hospitals, police stations and fire departments. A pad that is in the middle of all these places will surely come in handy for midnight snack emergencies or legit life\u2011threatening emergencies.
\nThese are just some guidelines to help you assess and decide if condo living is for you. What\u2019s important is that the condominium you do decide to live in will be a home fit to your personality, your budget and your lifestyle. It will, after all, be your future haven, so make that dream come true in the best possible way. Consider all factors and decide wisely. We\u2019re pretty sure that with these in mind, you definitely condo it!
\n", "content_text": "Ask a typical millennial about his future goals and part of the list is to get a stable job, buy a car, own a condo, and eventually, build a family and a home. It seems like owning a condominium has been seen as a milestone to the typical millennial #adultinglife. But, before you could actually make that big move, check out the list and questions below, and see if condo living is for you.\n\nArt\u00a0Erka Capili Inciong\nAm I financially independent?\nLiving the condo life is a statement that you are already capable of sustaining yourself and covering for all your expenses. Before making the move, however, make sure that your resources will allow you to do so. Whether or not you do decide to get the entire amount from your savings or from loans, be sure that it will still leave you financially stable and healthy.\nWhat is my credit history?\nGetting a loan may be an option to finance your condominium purchase. Banks assess your capability to pay back your debt through your credit history as it is a reflection of your financial capacity. Check your credit history with your corresponding bank and have it available upon request.\nCan I afford it?\nHaving your own place and being independent do not simply mean just paying for the downpayment and all the remaining balance for the next years. Paying for the condominium is just the first step. You have to make sure that all the other expenses\u2014utilities, monthly amortization fees, association dues, daily expenses, etc. are all accounted for. Make sure that all these are included in your budget as you transition to the independent life.\n\nArt\u00a0Erka Capili Inciong\nWhat are the rates and fees?\nResidential and commercial areas have different rates. Canvass and ask around before getting a condo deal. The rates and fees may differ depending on how valuable the location of the condominium is. Ask about the necessary rates you would need to pay and take the time to learn them all. If anything, condo life should be able to train you to becoming more diligent with your expenses.\nWhat are the rules? How will I ensure my safety?\nEach condominium will have its own set of rules and policies. Study them. All of these terms exist to ensure the safety and security of everyone in the building. Make sure that the building has a good security system and is accessible to the police station and fire department if needed.\nHow do I get the best possible location?\nLastly, scout for a condominium that will give you access to all the establishments you would need \u2014 markets, groceries, drugstores, church, convenience stores, hospitals, police stations and fire departments. A pad that is in the middle of all these places will surely come in handy for midnight snack emergencies or legit life\u2011threatening emergencies.\nThese are just some guidelines to help you assess and decide if condo living is for you. What\u2019s important is that the condominium you do decide to live in will be a home fit to your personality, your budget and your lifestyle. It will, after all, be your future haven, so make that dream come true in the best possible way. Consider all factors and decide wisely. We\u2019re pretty sure that with these in mind, you definitely condo it!", "date_published": "2017-11-13T00:39:27+08:00", "date_modified": "2017-11-13T00:39:27+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1311207d4ac1996cb586666fe3d56418ca9f007d735b74eb19d3fa440df5c8b4?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1311207d4ac1996cb586666fe3d56418ca9f007d735b74eb19d3fa440df5c8b4?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Money", "SparkUp" ], "summary": "Owning a condo unit has become a milestone\u2014a right of passage that equates to permanent residency in the \u201cadult\u201d department." }, { "id": "http://www.bworldonline.com/?p=145020", "url": "/sparkup/2017/10/31/145020/a-step%e2%80%91by%e2%80%91step-guide-to-investing-your-first-salary/", "title": "A step\u2011by\u2011step guide to investing your first salary", "content_html": "We all have big, big plans for our first salary, which for fresh grads on their first job sounds like a lot of money. But if you\u2019re like most people, then the more you earn, the more you may end up spending, because finally you can buy that cool gadget that you\u2019ve been eyeing for so long, or those fresh pair of kicks, or eat at this pricey but trendy restaurant. And then at some point your parents will expect you to chip in with the utility bills, the rent, your younger siblings\u2019 education, existing family debt, and so on. Poof! There goes your first salary.
\nThat just seems to be the thing with our generation. We have big, big dreams according to our\u00a0Google search trends. Topping Filipino millennial search trends are arts and entertainment; hobbies and leisure; travel and tourism; computers; family and community; vehicles; fitness; apparel; finances and of course, mobile phones. We want to spend, spend, spend, but we can only earn, earn, earn so much before we succumb to our physical limits.
\nSelf\u2011styled \u201c40\u2011year\u2011old millennial,\u201d\u00a0Sun Life Asset Management Company, Inc.\u00a0(SLAMCI) bank and alternate distribution channels head Gerald Bautista, who is also the fund advisor of\u00a0Matteo Guidicelli, shared some of his pro tips on how to make our first salary grow to fit our growing needs during the\u00a0Sinag Students Summit\u00a0on October 26 at the Pan Pacific Hotel, Manila.
\nHow? Through investing, of course.
\n\u201cIt\u2019s easy to get money from our ATM, it\u2019s so accessible,\u201d Bautista said in his explanation on how investment can make our money grow. \u201cBut if you have a piggy bank like a mutual fund that\u2019s meant to achieve your life goals, then you let it stay there and you only break it when you actually need it.\u201d
\nAn example he gave was that of a 23\u2011year\u2011old whose goal is to visit Japan. If he invested \u20b15,000, and then diligently invested \u20b11,000 every month (which is equivalent to saving approximately \u20b135 daily), assuming that there\u2019s a 10% interest in his earnings throughout, then he would have \u20b147,000 by age 26. By age 28, it could get him a return of \u20b183,000, enough money for a trip to Japan.
\n\u201cThese are certain habits that you should do. You can\u2019t just invest money one time,\u201d Bautista said. “You have to save regularly… If you don\u2019t put money in regularly, your \u20b15,000 after a few years will just amount to \u20b17,000.\u201d
\n\u201cThe most important thing to remember is you have to make investing very consistent. For example, the 5\u20113\u20115 formula,\u201d he further explained, 5\u20113\u20115 being the \u201cmagic number\u201d to growing an investment fund. The 5\u20113\u20115 formula essentially boils down to investing \u20b15,000 initially, and investing \u20b13,000 monthly. The financial expert swears that you\u2019re sure to see a growth in your investments in five months.
\n\nAnother thing that\u2019s important: start early. The longer your money is invested, the more your savings grow.
\nAnd what better time to start investing than when you earn that sweet, sweet first paycheck, when you have all the money of a working member of society with less of the responsibility. Bautista shared this simple investment breakdown to cover how you could ideally invest your first paycheck and still have money left over for all the fun things you want to do.
\n![](\"http://sparkup.ph/money-sun-life-mutual-funds-invest-first-paycheck/img/salary-infographics.jpg\")
Art\u00a0Erka Capili Inciong
\nLet\u2019s do the math, shall we?
\nLet\u2019s assume that you got a job with a starting salary of \u20b115,000 and the\u00a0Department of Finance\u2019s Tax Reform Program\u00a0has passed, which means that you fall under the bracket that won\u2019t have to pay personal income tax and will be able to take home all of your money.
\nUnder Bautista\u2019s breakdown, you will be investing \u20b11,500 in a mutual fund for long\u2011term goals for your dream car or wedding, another \u20b11,500 for your travel plans, and \u20b13,000 to your future home. Another \u20b11,500 will be invested in insurance, in case something happens to you. A mere \u20b1750 goes to another mutual fund for short\u2011term needs, in case you want to switch jobs, or (God forbid) you get fired. That leaves you \u20b16,750 cash in your ATM for your personal enjoyment!
\nAnd now that you\u2019ve started, all you have to do is top\u2011up regularly, at smaller increments if you want. Then you can enjoy what you earned while having money saved up for the future at the same time.
\n\u201cIndecision is the thief of opportunity. I don\u2019t want you guys to procrastinate,\u201d Bautista said, quoting the late American entrepreneur Jim Rohn. \u201cOnce you get your first salary, you really have to be mindful and start investing. These will fund your life goals five or ten years down the road.\u201d
\n\u201cYou have to make sure that money is working for you through proper investment means.\u201d
\nFor more information on SLAMCI\u2019s investment platforms and get more investment tips, visit\u00a0http://brighterlife.com.ph/.
\n", "content_text": "We all have big, big plans for our first salary, which for fresh grads on their first job sounds like a lot of money. But if you\u2019re like most people, then the more you earn, the more you may end up spending, because finally you can buy that cool gadget that you\u2019ve been eyeing for so long, or those fresh pair of kicks, or eat at this pricey but trendy restaurant. And then at some point your parents will expect you to chip in with the utility bills, the rent, your younger siblings\u2019 education, existing family debt, and so on. Poof! There goes your first salary.\nThat just seems to be the thing with our generation. We have big, big dreams according to our\u00a0Google search trends. Topping Filipino millennial search trends are arts and entertainment; hobbies and leisure; travel and tourism; computers; family and community; vehicles; fitness; apparel; finances and of course, mobile phones. We want to spend, spend, spend, but we can only earn, earn, earn so much before we succumb to our physical limits.\nSelf\u2011styled \u201c40\u2011year\u2011old millennial,\u201d\u00a0Sun Life Asset Management Company, Inc.\u00a0(SLAMCI) bank and alternate distribution channels head Gerald Bautista, who is also the fund advisor of\u00a0Matteo Guidicelli, shared some of his pro tips on how to make our first salary grow to fit our growing needs during the\u00a0Sinag Students Summit\u00a0on October 26 at the Pan Pacific Hotel, Manila.\nHow? Through investing, of course.\n\u201cIt\u2019s easy to get money from our ATM, it\u2019s so accessible,\u201d Bautista said in his explanation on how investment can make our money grow. \u201cBut if you have a piggy bank like a mutual fund that\u2019s meant to achieve your life goals, then you let it stay there and you only break it when you actually need it.\u201d\nAn example he gave was that of a 23\u2011year\u2011old whose goal is to visit Japan. If he invested \u20b15,000, and then diligently invested \u20b11,000 every month (which is equivalent to saving approximately \u20b135 daily), assuming that there\u2019s a 10% interest in his earnings throughout, then he would have \u20b147,000 by age 26. By age 28, it could get him a return of \u20b183,000, enough money for a trip to Japan.\n\u201cThese are certain habits that you should do. You can\u2019t just invest money one time,\u201d Bautista said. “You have to save regularly… If you don\u2019t put money in regularly, your \u20b15,000 after a few years will just amount to \u20b17,000.\u201d\n\u201cThe most important thing to remember is you have to make investing very consistent. For example, the 5\u20113\u20115 formula,\u201d he further explained, 5\u20113\u20115 being the \u201cmagic number\u201d to growing an investment fund. The 5\u20113\u20115 formula essentially boils down to investing \u20b15,000 initially, and investing \u20b13,000 monthly. The financial expert swears that you\u2019re sure to see a growth in your investments in five months.\n\nAnother thing that\u2019s important: start early. The longer your money is invested, the more your savings grow.\nAnd what better time to start investing than when you earn that sweet, sweet first paycheck, when you have all the money of a working member of society with less of the responsibility. Bautista shared this simple investment breakdown to cover how you could ideally invest your first paycheck and still have money left over for all the fun things you want to do.\n\nArt\u00a0Erka Capili Inciong\nLet\u2019s do the math, shall we?\nLet\u2019s assume that you got a job with a starting salary of \u20b115,000 and the\u00a0Department of Finance\u2019s Tax Reform Program\u00a0has passed, which means that you fall under the bracket that won\u2019t have to pay personal income tax and will be able to take home all of your money.\nUnder Bautista\u2019s breakdown, you will be investing \u20b11,500 in a mutual fund for long\u2011term goals for your dream car or wedding, another \u20b11,500 for your travel plans, and \u20b13,000 to your future home. Another \u20b11,500 will be invested in insurance, in case something happens to you. A mere \u20b1750 goes to another mutual fund for short\u2011term needs, in case you want to switch jobs, or (God forbid) you get fired. That leaves you \u20b16,750 cash in your ATM for your personal enjoyment!\nAnd now that you\u2019ve started, all you have to do is top\u2011up regularly, at smaller increments if you want. Then you can enjoy what you earned while having money saved up for the future at the same time.\n\u201cIndecision is the thief of opportunity. I don\u2019t want you guys to procrastinate,\u201d Bautista said, quoting the late American entrepreneur Jim Rohn. \u201cOnce you get your first salary, you really have to be mindful and start investing. These will fund your life goals five or ten years down the road.\u201d\n\u201cYou have to make sure that money is working for you through proper investment means.\u201d\n\n\nFor more information on SLAMCI\u2019s investment platforms and get more investment tips, visit\u00a0http://brighterlife.com.ph/.", "date_published": "2017-10-31T23:59:10+08:00", "date_modified": "2017-10-31T23:59:10+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1311207d4ac1996cb586666fe3d56418ca9f007d735b74eb19d3fa440df5c8b4?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1311207d4ac1996cb586666fe3d56418ca9f007d735b74eb19d3fa440df5c8b4?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Money", "SparkUp" ], "summary": "Sun Life Asset Management gives us a breakdown of how to save money and enjoy it too." }, { "id": "http://www.bworldonline.com/?p=145003", "url": "/sparkup/2017/10/23/145003/heres-how-you-can-get-life%e2%80%91changing-financial-lessons-for-free/", "title": "Here\u2019s how you can get life\u2011changing financial lessons\u2014for free", "content_html": "If you\u2019ve ever stretched your allowance until the end of the week, subsisted on fishballs, or regretted an impulse buy, dear, maybe you need some intervention.
\n![](\"http://sparkup.ph/money-sunlife-sinag-students-summit-2017/img/inside-budget.jpg\")
Art\u00a0Erka Capili Inciong
\nHappening on October 26, 2017 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Pan Pacific Hotel in Manila, the Sinag Students Summit will gather financial industry leaders to talk about the following topics: the importance of financial literacy, Filipinos\u2019 financial behavior, and a student\u2019s guide to investing. There will also be a panel discussion on reporting a story and advocating a cause.
\nRegister through\u00a0this link. For inquiries, contact Lalie Novero at pnove@sunlife.com or 0998-849-5991
\n", "content_text": "If you\u2019ve ever stretched your allowance until the end of the week, subsisted on fishballs, or regretted an impulse buy, dear, maybe you need some intervention.\nHere\u2019s some good news. Sun Life, the\u00a0country\u2019s top insurer\u00a0is holding a free summit for students who are ready to embark on their financial journey.\n\nArt\u00a0Erka Capili Inciong\nHappening on October 26, 2017 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Pan Pacific Hotel in Manila, the Sinag Students Summit will gather financial industry leaders to talk about the following topics: the importance of financial literacy, Filipinos\u2019 financial behavior, and a student\u2019s guide to investing. There will also be a panel discussion on reporting a story and advocating a cause.\n\n\nRegister through\u00a0this link. For inquiries, contact Lalie Novero at pnove@sunlife.com or 0998-849-5991", "date_published": "2017-10-23T23:42:21+08:00", "date_modified": "2017-10-23T23:42:21+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1311207d4ac1996cb586666fe3d56418ca9f007d735b74eb19d3fa440df5c8b4?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1311207d4ac1996cb586666fe3d56418ca9f007d735b74eb19d3fa440df5c8b4?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Money", "SparkUp" ], "summary": "If you\u2019ve ever stretched your allowance until the end of the week, subsisted on fishballs, or regretted an impulse buy, dear, maybe you need some intervention." }, { "id": "http://www.bworldonline.com/?p=144974", "url": "/sparkup/2017/10/16/144974/bpi-is-teaching-financial-literacy-in-classrooms-and-itll-make-you-jealous/", "title": "BPI is teaching financial literacy in classrooms, and it\u2019ll make you jealous", "content_html": "Don\u2019t you wish we were taught how to adult? Look at all these\u00a0money mistakes\u00a0that we\u2019re committing right now. Well, the students who have to take senior high school due to the government\u2011mandated K\u201112 curriculum might learn these skills in school. Lucky them.
\nThe Bank of the Philippines Islands Foundation (BPIF), through its BPI Senior High School Acceleration Program for Employment and Entrepreneurship (BPI SHAPE) program has partnered with key schools in Taguig and Laguna to provide assistance in coming up with the financial literacy curriculum for senior high students. In an interview with\u00a0SparkUp\u00a0during the BPI SHAPE Business and Academic Fair at SM Aura Premier, Taguig City last September 28, officials from BPI and the local government of Taguig spoke about the benefits of this partnership between one of the largest private banks in the Philippines and the government.
\n\u201cWe found out that there\u2019s a real need for Grades 11 and 12 students to learn basic financial literacy if they plan to pursue corporate or employment, and of course entrepreneurship skills if they would go for that track,\u201d said Anika Daudem, program manager of BPI SHAPE. \u201cBut aside from that we also encourage students to take the subject even if they plan on going to further studies like college or vocational courses.\u201d
\n\n\u201cThe financial literacy module of BPI SHAPE will prepare them for life once they earn their own income. So it\u2019s really about personal money management, savings, basic modules on investing\u2014how to maximize what they\u2019re going to get once they enter the real world,\u201d Ms. Daudem added. \u201cIt\u2019s focuses on the personal finance of the students.\u201d
\nThe executive direrctor of BPI Foundation, Maricris San Diego, herself helped shed light on how BPI and possibly other players from the private sector can help in the Department of Education\u2019s (DepEd) K\u201112 program. \u201cWe embarked with a tie up with the City of Taguig and the Department of Education to help them enrich the K\u201112 program and cope with the changes that happened. Because part of the goal of K\u201112 is to reduce unemployment in the Philippines by making sure that our graduates are prepared for employment or entrepreneurship, and of course higher studies,\u201d Ms. San Diego said. \u201cThe private sector, especially BPI Foundation through BPI SHAPE is really complementing the program that DepEd has already prepared for the K\u201112.\u201d
\n\nThere are three ways that partnership with BPI SHAPE will enrich the education of senior high school students: through theory and academics, through practical sessions, and through partnerships and linkages. For theory and academics, BPI SHAPE has developed entrepreneurship and personal development modules specifically for the classroom set up and will train teachers on how to implement these. \u201cThereby the students can learn more about themselves and be able to choose which track they want to take in terms of further education, employment, or starting their own businesses,\u201d Ms. San Diego explained.
\n\nFor practical sessions, BPI will bring in representatives from private companies and individuals who have set up their own successful businesses to share with the students what they\u2019ve learned on their way to success. Finally, for partnerships and linkages, BPI SHAPE will link the schools to companies who are willing to partner with them for the 80\u2011hour mandatory work immersion for senior high school students.
\nAs for training the teachers, Ms. San Diego said that they are planning to have a bootcamp session. \u201cTeachers can learn not just from us but from each other, to share techniques on how to teach the different modules and also to learn from private practitioners on the skills that we are trying to impart the students,\u201d the BPI official said. \u201cWe will also invite leaders from student councils so that they will be well\u2011represented.\u201d
\n\nThe partnership with two schools in Taguig and three schools in Laguna is just the start for BPI SHAPE. \u201cIn the next year we\u2019re looking forward to expand it to the whole LGU: all 22 SHS in Taguig and hopefully all the ones also in Laguna,\u201d Ms. Daudem said. \u201cOnce we perfect that model, we will expand that to a bootcamp approach that we will partner with other LGUs for.\u201d
\nAnd then maybe, just maybe, we can finally learn about money from school.
\n", "content_text": "Don\u2019t you wish we were taught how to adult? Look at all these\u00a0money mistakes\u00a0that we\u2019re committing right now. Well, the students who have to take senior high school due to the government\u2011mandated K\u201112 curriculum might learn these skills in school. Lucky them.\nThe Bank of the Philippines Islands Foundation (BPIF), through its BPI Senior High School Acceleration Program for Employment and Entrepreneurship (BPI SHAPE) program has partnered with key schools in Taguig and Laguna to provide assistance in coming up with the financial literacy curriculum for senior high students. In an interview with\u00a0SparkUp\u00a0during the BPI SHAPE Business and Academic Fair at SM Aura Premier, Taguig City last September 28, officials from BPI and the local government of Taguig spoke about the benefits of this partnership between one of the largest private banks in the Philippines and the government.\n\u201cWe found out that there\u2019s a real need for Grades 11 and 12 students to learn basic financial literacy if they plan to pursue corporate or employment, and of course entrepreneurship skills if they would go for that track,\u201d said Anika Daudem, program manager of BPI SHAPE. \u201cBut aside from that we also encourage students to take the subject even if they plan on going to further studies like college or vocational courses.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe financial literacy module of BPI SHAPE will prepare them for life once they earn their own income. So it\u2019s really about personal money management, savings, basic modules on investing\u2014how to maximize what they\u2019re going to get once they enter the real world,\u201d Ms. Daudem added. \u201cIt\u2019s focuses on the personal finance of the students.\u201d\nThe executive direrctor of BPI Foundation, Maricris San Diego, herself helped shed light on how BPI and possibly other players from the private sector can help in the Department of Education\u2019s (DepEd) K\u201112 program. \u201cWe embarked with a tie up with the City of Taguig and the Department of Education to help them enrich the K\u201112 program and cope with the changes that happened. Because part of the goal of K\u201112 is to reduce unemployment in the Philippines by making sure that our graduates are prepared for employment or entrepreneurship, and of course higher studies,\u201d Ms. San Diego said. \u201cThe private sector, especially BPI Foundation through BPI SHAPE is really complementing the program that DepEd has already prepared for the K\u201112.\u201d\n\nThere are three ways that partnership with BPI SHAPE will enrich the education of senior high school students: through theory and academics, through practical sessions, and through partnerships and linkages. For theory and academics, BPI SHAPE has developed entrepreneurship and personal development modules specifically for the classroom set up and will train teachers on how to implement these. \u201cThereby the students can learn more about themselves and be able to choose which track they want to take in terms of further education, employment, or starting their own businesses,\u201d Ms. San Diego explained.\n\nFor practical sessions, BPI will bring in representatives from private companies and individuals who have set up their own successful businesses to share with the students what they\u2019ve learned on their way to success. Finally, for partnerships and linkages, BPI SHAPE will link the schools to companies who are willing to partner with them for the 80\u2011hour mandatory work immersion for senior high school students.\nAs for training the teachers, Ms. San Diego said that they are planning to have a bootcamp session. \u201cTeachers can learn not just from us but from each other, to share techniques on how to teach the different modules and also to learn from private practitioners on the skills that we are trying to impart the students,\u201d the BPI official said. \u201cWe will also invite leaders from student councils so that they will be well\u2011represented.\u201d\n\nThe partnership with two schools in Taguig and three schools in Laguna is just the start for BPI SHAPE. \u201cIn the next year we\u2019re looking forward to expand it to the whole LGU: all 22 SHS in Taguig and hopefully all the ones also in Laguna,\u201d Ms. Daudem said. \u201cOnce we perfect that model, we will expand that to a bootcamp approach that we will partner with other LGUs for.\u201d\nAnd then maybe, just maybe, we can finally learn about money from school.", "date_published": "2017-10-16T23:00:30+08:00", "date_modified": "2017-10-16T23:00:30+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1311207d4ac1996cb586666fe3d56418ca9f007d735b74eb19d3fa440df5c8b4?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1311207d4ac1996cb586666fe3d56418ca9f007d735b74eb19d3fa440df5c8b4?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Money", "SparkUp" ], "summary": "BPI Foundation has partnered with key schools in Taguig and Laguna to provide assistance in coming up with a financial literacy curriculum for senior high students." }, { "id": "http://www.bworldonline.com/?p=144942", "url": "/sparkup/2017/10/09/144942/money-mistakes-millennials-make/", "title": "Money mistakes millennials make", "content_html": "Welcome to the adult world. As you enter this new chapter, you have long\u2011term goals to figure out: personal goals, career goals, and even financial goals, and we cannot stress enough how important it is to start planning for your financial goals most especially. After all, nobody really gets very far in life if one\u2019s finances are not properly managed.
\nWe\u2019ve listed the common mistakes of millennials in managing their finances and we hope that you won\u2019t ever find yourself saying:
\n![](\"http://sparkup.ph/money-life-insurance-manulife-financial-planning/img/Money-mistakes-budget.gif\")
Art\u00a0Samantha Gonzales
\nMost millennials think that budgeting your money is only a strong suggestion. Wrong! Budgeting is a must if you want to manage your finances properly. And we\u2019re not just talking about saving enough money for the next travel or weekend sale. We\u2019re talking about thinking way beyond your next paycheck.
\nBudget your money and allot certain amounts or percentages that you are willing to spend for each need and want. By assigning these caps or limitations, you\u2019ll be able to say which expenses really are your non\u2011negotiables and which aren\u2019t. But more importantly, make sure you stick to your budget!
\n\n![](\"http://sparkup.ph/money-life-insurance-manulife-financial-planning/img/Money-mistakes-credit-card.gif\")
Art\u00a0Samantha Gonzales
\nCredit cards are your best friend and worst enemy. Never put yourself in a situation that you\u2019ll get wild swiping that plastic left and right. With the emergence of tons of online stores that pop on your screen every few minutes, self\u2011mastery and self\u2011control will definitely be a challenge, but one that can be done with the correct mindset. Remember, the key here is moderation. It\u2019s okay to use your credit card once in a while, but just make sure you don\u2019t overdo it or else you\u2019ll be feeling much regret once that bill arrives.
\n![](\"http://sparkup.ph/money-life-insurance-manulife-financial-planning/img/Money-mistakes-no-insurance.gif\")
Art\u00a0Samantha Gonzales
\nMost of us prefer to not think about these things or at least postpone thinking about them for a few years. While medical and life insurance may not always be a priority, it\u2019s wiser if you start them early. After all, nobody really gets faulted for being prepared way too early, right? Check out our previous column on life insurance\u00a0here.
\n\n![](\"http://sparkup.ph/money-life-insurance-manulife-financial-planning/img/Money-mistakes-returement.gif\")
Art\u00a0Samantha Gonzales
\nSure, you won\u2019t be retiring in the next five to 10 years, but it\u2019s never really too soon to prepare for it, isn\u2019t it? Imagine, if you live until 80 and will be retiring by age 60, that\u2019s 20 years of your life without a job! And 20 years\u2014that\u2019s roughly your age now. Most young adults postpone planning for their retirement plan because they think that it\u2019s decades away anyway, but what they\u2019re not taking into consideration is the power of compounding interest. Compounding interest could be your ally especially if you\u2019re about to start planning for your retirement. The earlier you think about your retirement, the better.
\n\nThese are just the common traps that we hope you never find yourself saying. After all, if you really want to do a good job at this #adulting thing, you really have to start acting like a responsible one.
\n", "content_text": "Welcome to the adult world. As you enter this new chapter, you have long\u2011term goals to figure out: personal goals, career goals, and even financial goals, and we cannot stress enough how important it is to start planning for your financial goals most especially. After all, nobody really gets very far in life if one\u2019s finances are not properly managed.\nWe\u2019ve listed the common mistakes of millennials in managing their finances and we hope that you won\u2019t ever find yourself saying:\n\nArt\u00a0Samantha Gonzales\nMost millennials think that budgeting your money is only a strong suggestion. Wrong! Budgeting is a must if you want to manage your finances properly. And we\u2019re not just talking about saving enough money for the next travel or weekend sale. We\u2019re talking about thinking way beyond your next paycheck.\nBudget your money and allot certain amounts or percentages that you are willing to spend for each need and want. By assigning these caps or limitations, you\u2019ll be able to say which expenses really are your non\u2011negotiables and which aren\u2019t. But more importantly, make sure you stick to your budget!\n\n\nArt\u00a0Samantha Gonzales\nCredit cards are your best friend and worst enemy. Never put yourself in a situation that you\u2019ll get wild swiping that plastic left and right. With the emergence of tons of online stores that pop on your screen every few minutes, self\u2011mastery and self\u2011control will definitely be a challenge, but one that can be done with the correct mindset. Remember, the key here is moderation. It\u2019s okay to use your credit card once in a while, but just make sure you don\u2019t overdo it or else you\u2019ll be feeling much regret once that bill arrives.\n\nArt\u00a0Samantha Gonzales\nMost of us prefer to not think about these things or at least postpone thinking about them for a few years. While medical and life insurance may not always be a priority, it\u2019s wiser if you start them early. After all, nobody really gets faulted for being prepared way too early, right? Check out our previous column on life insurance\u00a0here.\n\n\nArt\u00a0Samantha Gonzales\nSure, you won\u2019t be retiring in the next five to 10 years, but it\u2019s never really too soon to prepare for it, isn\u2019t it? Imagine, if you live until 80 and will be retiring by age 60, that\u2019s 20 years of your life without a job! And 20 years\u2014that\u2019s roughly your age now. Most young adults postpone planning for their retirement plan because they think that it\u2019s decades away anyway, but what they\u2019re not taking into consideration is the power of compounding interest. Compounding interest could be your ally especially if you\u2019re about to start planning for your retirement. The earlier you think about your retirement, the better.\n\nThese are just the common traps that we hope you never find yourself saying. After all, if you really want to do a good job at this #adulting thing, you really have to start acting like a responsible one.", "date_published": "2017-10-09T22:26:55+08:00", "date_modified": "2017-10-09T22:26:55+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1311207d4ac1996cb586666fe3d56418ca9f007d735b74eb19d3fa440df5c8b4?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1311207d4ac1996cb586666fe3d56418ca9f007d735b74eb19d3fa440df5c8b4?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Money", "SparkUp" ], "summary": "Adulting booboos and how to avoid them." }, { "id": "http://www.bworldonline.com/?p=144904", "url": "/sparkup/2017/09/25/144904/insurance%e2%80%91related-questions-youre-too-afraid-to-ask/", "title": "Insurance\u2011related questions you\u2019re too afraid to ask", "content_html": "Handling real estate properties and various retail products for most of her life, Joisce Abiera jumped industries just a little over two years ago in April 2015. She used to help clients protect properties and goods, but she now finds herself assisting them in protecting themselves financially. This is what we call insurance.
\nWe invited her to tell us more about insurances and how we, too, could protect ourselves. Read on to know more!
\nInsurance is a significant financial tool to protect and secure your and your family\u2019s future by transferring an individual\u2019s risk of losses to the insurance company.\u00a0 It is a protection coverage for damage, loss, illness, death, or return of premium payments, depending on the case or type of insurance product that you have.
\nThere are generally two kinds of insurances: life insurance and non\u2011life insurance. Life insurance can further be divided into two classifications: traditional and variable. Traditional Insurance is purely life insurance while Variable Insurance is life insurance with an investment component. Variable Insurance gets you protection coverage and allows you to grow your funds at the same time.
\nNon\u2011life insurance is basically an insurance policy to protect an individual against losses and damages other than those covered by Life Insurance. The coverage period for most non\u2011life insurance policies and plans is usually one year where premiums are paid on an annual basis such as for automobile or property loss or damage.
\nInsurance is the basic, most significant part of your investment portfolio. It is a significant tool for Retirement Plans, Estate Planning, Mortgage Redemption, Asset Protection, Wealth Building, Business and Employee protection coverage among others.\u00a0 It serves a great purpose in fulfilling your and your family\u2019s needs in life, business, finances. Isn\u2019t getting an assurance of protection for yourself and for the people who matter to you the best benefit you could ever get?
\nIn purchasing an insurance policy, you can easily set aside a minimum of \u20b11,500 every month and get a lifetime of protection while you grow your money at the same time. It is a basic and important need for you to secure and protect yourself and your family should possible circumstances take place.\u00a0Nowadays, insurance policies are very affordable and should be taken advantage of. There are a variety of insurance options available today. There is even a low annual premium which could provide you with life\u2011long protection while allowing you to earn through the investment fund of your choice. Definitely a win\u2011win situation for you, right?
\nMost of the time, we find ourselves investing on various products, properties, and gadgets. A new technology is marketed and we find ourselves eagerly waiting for its release. We search and search for things we want to put our money on when we sometimes even forget the things (and people) who really matter the most. If we can invest on these things, then there\u2019s even more need to prioritize investing and protecting our own lives.
\nMs. Abiera may have been doing this for only two years now, but she has made it her personal advocacy to share the idea of saving, investing, growing one\u2019s funds, protecting and securing individuals and their families. She is dedicated and passionate about assisting people in achieving the kind of lifestyle they have always dreamed of. Aside from being a Licensed Real Estate Broker, getting people to ensure their future fuels her passion for financial fitness.
\nWe are so excited to announce that Ms. Abiera is offering to provide free financial advice to our readers! To get in touch with Ms. Abiera, you can send an email to thesimplyj@gmail.com or visit her website at\u00a0www.fb.com/thesimplyj\u00a0or call her directly at 0915\u2011513\u20115000.
\n", "content_text": "Handling real estate properties and various retail products for most of her life, Joisce Abiera jumped industries just a little over two years ago in April 2015. She used to help clients protect properties and goods, but she now finds herself assisting them in protecting themselves financially. This is what we call insurance.\nWe invited her to tell us more about insurances and how we, too, could protect ourselves. Read on to know more!\nJoisce, tell us more about insurances. What are they and is there only one kind of insurance?\nInsurance is a significant financial tool to protect and secure your and your family\u2019s future by transferring an individual\u2019s risk of losses to the insurance company.\u00a0 It is a protection coverage for damage, loss, illness, death, or return of premium payments, depending on the case or type of insurance product that you have.\nThere are generally two kinds of insurances: life insurance and non\u2011life insurance. Life insurance can further be divided into two classifications: traditional and variable. Traditional Insurance is purely life insurance while Variable Insurance is life insurance with an investment component. Variable Insurance gets you protection coverage and allows you to grow your funds at the same time.\nNon\u2011life insurance is basically an insurance policy to protect an individual against losses and damages other than those covered by Life Insurance. The coverage period for most non\u2011life insurance policies and plans is usually one year where premiums are paid on an annual basis such as for automobile or property loss or damage.\nWhat are the benefits of getting an insurance?\nInsurance is the basic, most significant part of your investment portfolio. It is a significant tool for Retirement Plans, Estate Planning, Mortgage Redemption, Asset Protection, Wealth Building, Business and Employee protection coverage among others.\u00a0 It serves a great purpose in fulfilling your and your family\u2019s needs in life, business, finances. Isn\u2019t getting an assurance of protection for yourself and for the people who matter to you the best benefit you could ever get?\nThe insurance will surely help protect me and family. How do I purchase an insurance policy?\nIn purchasing an insurance policy, you can easily set aside a minimum of \u20b11,500 every month and get a lifetime of protection while you grow your money at the same time. It is a basic and important need for you to secure and protect yourself and your family should possible circumstances take place.\u00a0Nowadays, insurance policies are very affordable and should be taken advantage of. There are a variety of insurance options available today. There is even a low annual premium which could provide you with life\u2011long protection while allowing you to earn through the investment fund of your choice. Definitely a win\u2011win situation for you, right?\nMost of the time, we find ourselves investing on various products, properties, and gadgets. A new technology is marketed and we find ourselves eagerly waiting for its release. We search and search for things we want to put our money on when we sometimes even forget the things (and people) who really matter the most. If we can invest on these things, then there\u2019s even more need to prioritize investing and protecting our own lives.\nMs. Abiera may have been doing this for only two years now, but she has made it her personal advocacy to share the idea of saving, investing, growing one\u2019s funds, protecting and securing individuals and their families. She is dedicated and passionate about assisting people in achieving the kind of lifestyle they have always dreamed of. Aside from being a Licensed Real Estate Broker, getting people to ensure their future fuels her passion for financial fitness.\nWe are so excited to announce that Ms. Abiera is offering to provide free financial advice to our readers! To get in touch with Ms. Abiera, you can send an email to thesimplyj@gmail.com or visit her website at\u00a0www.fb.com/thesimplyj\u00a0or call her directly at 0915\u2011513\u20115000.", "date_published": "2017-09-25T20:56:57+08:00", "date_modified": "2017-09-25T20:56:57+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1311207d4ac1996cb586666fe3d56418ca9f007d735b74eb19d3fa440df5c8b4?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1311207d4ac1996cb586666fe3d56418ca9f007d735b74eb19d3fa440df5c8b4?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Money", "SparkUp" ], "summary": "A Q&A with Joisce Abiera, who lives and breathes insurances." }, { "id": "http://www.bworldonline.com/?p=144889", "url": "/sparkup/2017/09/18/144889/psa-a-life-insurance-primer-for-the-uninitiated/", "title": "PSA: A life insurance primer for the uninitiated", "content_html": "Can you imagine making promises for a living? You help people make choices in the present in order to assure them and their families a fund which they can use should the unexpected (like passing away) would happen. Making promises and collaborating with people in keeping these promises are Jon Pineda\u2019s profession and vocation. After a colorful career in advertising, brand management, and sales, Jon has found his purpose in making promises for a living. For the past five years, he has been fulfilling these promises as a life insurance advisor.
\nLife insurance is the trade of an uncertainty (passing away unexpectedly) for a certainty (a periodic premium payment). It\u2019s a promise made by an insurer to pay a significant agreed\u2011upon sum in exchange for a periodic fraction of that sum. To put it simply, it\u2019s paying \u20b12,000 per month now and for a couple of years, in exchange for a permanent tattoo that says \u201cin case of the inevitable, please tell my wife that I own a promise from someone to give her \u20b12,000,000.\u201d
\nA life insurance policy, therefore, is considered by the financially savvy to be the foundation of any sound financial portfolio, particularly by parents. It\u2019s the single financial tool that multiplies the value of \u20b11.00 by hundreds of thousands, even millions. There are specific kinds of life insurance that are designed to be there up until the day a person dies. Whether it be at 35 or 95, the amount paid is still the same. It\u2019s like giving \u20b12,000 per month for 10 years in order to gain \u20b12,000,000 million for your family\u2019s future.
\nMany people think of insurance, particularly life insurance, as an expense or a \u201cnice to have\u201d that deserves to be at the bottom of the priority list. Sure, we all want to spend on things we enjoy and while that is understandable, it is also necessary to think long\u2011term. Let\u2019s stop for a minute and think, why are we working today? Is it really for myself, to satisfy my pleasures and to help me gain experiences? Or is it to pay for the mortgage, the tuition, a trip with my wife, our family dinners, braces for my teenage daughter, etc.? What if suddenly I can\u2019t work anymore, what happens then? Insurances are necessary because it promises your family a secure future. You can actually make that possible for them with a life insurance.
\nThe true question to be asked really is \u201chow much would you want them to have to live the life you wanted for them?\u201d Sure, we want our family to have as much as there could possibly be when we do pass, but a good advisor will ask you counter and follow\u2011up questions in order to reach a more specific, fine\u2011tuned purpose for your insurance policy. Your life insurance is based on your goals and needs, and its policy is customized for you because we completely understand that no two people\u2019s needs are the same. This is a decision you will have to make with the help and guidance of your advisor.
\n\nDetermining the \u201cright amount\u201d is a skill set honed by life insurance advisors who have embraced their role in society. We may be pariahs at first, but our belief in what insurance really does\u2014to protect a family from financial ruin\u2014is a noble cause that makes our career worth enduring. Stories in the insurance community about families\u2019 lives being touched and promises being kept, all while earning a decent (and oftentimes great) living are what really fuels me to keep my promises in return.
\n\nSecuring a future for your family relies on a decision you make in the present. Talk to a life insurance advisor who does this for a career. Find someone who will make a contract with you and one that will see to it that your family is well\u2011provided for, because in the end, our promises to our family live long after we do. They deserve the life you\u2019ve always envisioned for them because you worked to make and keep a promise for them.
\nFor free financial planning consultation, get in touch with Jon Pineda by texting +63917\u2011533\u20113461 or sending an email to jon_pineda@manulife.com.ph.
\n", "content_text": "Can you imagine making promises for a living? You help people make choices in the present in order to assure them and their families a fund which they can use should the unexpected (like passing away) would happen. Making promises and collaborating with people in keeping these promises are Jon Pineda\u2019s profession and vocation. After a colorful career in advertising, brand management, and sales, Jon has found his purpose in making promises for a living. For the past five years, he has been fulfilling these promises as a life insurance advisor.\nDefine life insurance in the simplest terms.\nLife insurance is the trade of an uncertainty (passing away unexpectedly) for a certainty (a periodic premium payment). It\u2019s a promise made by an insurer to pay a significant agreed\u2011upon sum in exchange for a periodic fraction of that sum. To put it simply, it\u2019s paying \u20b12,000 per month now and for a couple of years, in exchange for a permanent tattoo that says \u201cin case of the inevitable, please tell my wife that I own a promise from someone to give her \u20b12,000,000.\u201d\nA life insurance policy, therefore, is considered by the financially savvy to be the foundation of any sound financial portfolio, particularly by parents. It\u2019s the single financial tool that multiplies the value of \u20b11.00 by hundreds of thousands, even millions. There are specific kinds of life insurance that are designed to be there up until the day a person dies. Whether it be at 35 or 95, the amount paid is still the same. It\u2019s like giving \u20b12,000 per month for 10 years in order to gain \u20b12,000,000 million for your family\u2019s future.\nIs it necessary?\nMany people think of insurance, particularly life insurance, as an expense or a \u201cnice to have\u201d that deserves to be at the bottom of the priority list. Sure, we all want to spend on things we enjoy and while that is understandable, it is also necessary to think long\u2011term. Let\u2019s stop for a minute and think, why are we working today? Is it really for myself, to satisfy my pleasures and to help me gain experiences? Or is it to pay for the mortgage, the tuition, a trip with my wife, our family dinners, braces for my teenage daughter, etc.? What if suddenly I can\u2019t work anymore, what happens then? Insurances are necessary because it promises your family a secure future. You can actually make that possible for them with a life insurance.\nHow much life insurance is enough?\nThe true question to be asked really is \u201chow much would you want them to have to live the life you wanted for them?\u201d Sure, we want our family to have as much as there could possibly be when we do pass, but a good advisor will ask you counter and follow\u2011up questions in order to reach a more specific, fine\u2011tuned purpose for your insurance policy. Your life insurance is based on your goals and needs, and its policy is customized for you because we completely understand that no two people\u2019s needs are the same. This is a decision you will have to make with the help and guidance of your advisor.\n\nDetermining the \u201cright amount\u201d is a skill set honed by life insurance advisors who have embraced their role in society. We may be pariahs at first, but our belief in what insurance really does\u2014to protect a family from financial ruin\u2014is a noble cause that makes our career worth enduring. Stories in the insurance community about families\u2019 lives being touched and promises being kept, all while earning a decent (and oftentimes great) living are what really fuels me to keep my promises in return.\n\nSecuring a future for your family relies on a decision you make in the present. Talk to a life insurance advisor who does this for a career. Find someone who will make a contract with you and one that will see to it that your family is well\u2011provided for, because in the end, our promises to our family live long after we do. They deserve the life you\u2019ve always envisioned for them because you worked to make and keep a promise for them.\n\n\n\n\nFor free financial planning consultation, get in touch with Jon Pineda by texting +63917\u2011533\u20113461 or sending an email to jon_pineda@manulife.com.ph.", "date_published": "2017-09-18T20:43:24+08:00", "date_modified": "2017-09-18T20:43:24+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1311207d4ac1996cb586666fe3d56418ca9f007d735b74eb19d3fa440df5c8b4?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1311207d4ac1996cb586666fe3d56418ca9f007d735b74eb19d3fa440df5c8b4?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Money", "SparkUp" ], "summary": "It is considered by the financially savvy as the foundation of any sound financial portfolio." }, { "id": "http://www.bworldonline.com/?p=144870", "url": "/sparkup/2017/09/11/144870/steward-of-money/", "title": "Steward of money", "content_html": "Most of us are dead\u2011scared of debt. We\u2019ve associated credit cards with fear, and rightly so: many people end up with piles upon piles of unpaid bills, whose interest seems to compound endlessly.
\nOne of those people who fell through that financial trap is Sha Nacino, a motivational speaker who recalls getting buried in credit card debt as a young professional, particularly during her first year as an employee.
\nIt took her three years to zero-out her debts, but she eventually found her way out. \u201cIt was gruesome, but worth the journey just the same,\u201d she says. \u201cThe drawback inspired me to read books on money, attend seminars, and seek mentors that would help turn the situation around. There was no way but up!\u201d
\nIn this interview, Ms. Nacino talks about finance, happiness, purpose and success principles, and how she became a financial literacy advocate who\u2019s written and published more than 10 books.
\n![](\"http://sparkup.ph/money-credit-card-debt-steward-sha-nacino-financial-literacy-professional/img/inside-spark-money-credit-card-debt-steward-sha-nacino-financial-literacy-professional.jpg\")
Art\u00a0Erka Capili Inciong
\nWhenever I receive money, I set aside 10% as my tithe then I allocate certain percentages for my fun fund (vacations, eating out, etc.), investment fund (mostly stocks for me and my younger siblings), savings (liquid money), charity fund, business fund, learning fund and the rest is for my personal expenses. It makes managing my money so simple and effective.
\nI believe that we are stewards of money. Therefore, we should use it well and use it to serve God and others.
\nAfter that incident (of getting buried in credit card debt), I found my passion and made a commitment to share financial literacy to as many people as possible. This burning desire inspired me to write a book on money that would help young professionals who, like me, struggled to survive. It was in the process of writing my first book that I fell in love with writing and it brought out even more passion in me that I ended up developing a systematic way of writing a book to teach non\u2011writers to write books.
\nTo date, I have written and published books which tackle different ways to earn money, manage one\u2019s finances, and why and how you would eventually want to write your own book to share your story.\u00a0Some of my books are \u201cMoney & Me, How to Earn while on Vacation\u201d (you can\u00a0download\u00a0it for free), \u201cHow to Make Your Dreams Come True\u201d with a review by Brian Tracy (also\u00a0downloadable\u00a0for free), \u201cHow to Write a Book Even if You\u2019re Not a Writer,\u201d \u201cWhy You Need to Write a Book\u201d (again, a free eBook you can\u00a0download), \u201cIs it Time to Quit Your Job?\u201d and many more. Most of my books are about personal financial management and making your dreams come true.
\nI use my money to serve God and others. Being a steward of money means you go beyond yourself to help the person next to you. This is exactly why I ended up writing books, giving talks, teaching people how to write their own books through The 90\u2011Day Book Writing Challenge (shanacino.com/write).\u00a0These activities allow me to inspire other people through my words and works. \u201cI write\u00a0because\u00a0I care and I have a message to share\u201d and I feel good every time I write and publish a book that could bless someone. It gives me a different high when I\u2019m able to help someone write a book and share his idea to the world.\u00a0Kind of like giving back and paying it forward. Wouldn\u2019t it be nice to dream for ourselves and for others this way?
\n\n
Invest in yourself. Do not let certain challenges stop you from trying. If you find yourself in a pitfall\u2014the same way that I have\u2014overcome it! These challenges push you to keep learning, so keep learning you shall. Learn and grow not only for yourself, but for others as well.
\nWe\u2019d like to thank our good friend, Sha Nacino, for being inspiring us and many Filipinos. If you want to know more about Sha and order her books, feel free to visit her website at\u00a0http://www.shanacino.com/\u00a0or email her at sha@seminarphilippines.com.
\n", "content_text": "Most of us are dead\u2011scared of debt. We\u2019ve associated credit cards with fear, and rightly so: many people end up with piles upon piles of unpaid bills, whose interest seems to compound endlessly.\nOne of those people who fell through that financial trap is Sha Nacino, a motivational speaker who recalls getting buried in credit card debt as a young professional, particularly during her first year as an employee.\nIt took her three years to zero-out her debts, but she eventually found her way out. \u201cIt was gruesome, but worth the journey just the same,\u201d she says. \u201cThe drawback inspired me to read books on money, attend seminars, and seek mentors that would help turn the situation around. There was no way but up!\u201d\nIn this interview, Ms. Nacino talks about finance, happiness, purpose and success principles, and how she became a financial literacy advocate who\u2019s written and published more than 10 books.\n\nArt\u00a0Erka Capili Inciong\nWhat is your secret to handling your own money?\nWhenever I receive money, I set aside 10% as my tithe then I allocate certain percentages for my fun fund (vacations, eating out, etc.), investment fund (mostly stocks for me and my younger siblings), savings (liquid money), charity fund, business fund, learning fund and the rest is for my personal expenses. It makes managing my money so simple and effective.\nI believe that we are stewards of money. Therefore, we should use it well and use it to serve God and others.\nWhat is the biggest reward you\u2019ve reaped from your struggle with money?\nAfter that incident (of getting buried in credit card debt), I found my passion and made a commitment to share financial literacy to as many people as possible. This burning desire inspired me to write a book on money that would help young professionals who, like me, struggled to survive. It was in the process of writing my first book that I fell in love with writing and it brought out even more passion in me that I ended up developing a systematic way of writing a book to teach non\u2011writers to write books.\nTo date, I have written and published books which tackle different ways to earn money, manage one\u2019s finances, and why and how you would eventually want to write your own book to share your story.\u00a0Some of my books are \u201cMoney & Me, How to Earn while on Vacation\u201d (you can\u00a0download\u00a0it for free), \u201cHow to Make Your Dreams Come True\u201d with a review by Brian Tracy (also\u00a0downloadable\u00a0for free), \u201cHow to Write a Book Even if You\u2019re Not a Writer,\u201d \u201cWhy You Need to Write a Book\u201d (again, a free eBook you can\u00a0download), \u201cIs it Time to Quit Your Job?\u201d and many more. Most of my books are about personal financial management and making your dreams come true.\nAside from your remarkable way of handling your own money, how else do you become a steward of money?\nI use my money to serve God and others. Being a steward of money means you go beyond yourself to help the person next to you. This is exactly why I ended up writing books, giving talks, teaching people how to write their own books through The 90\u2011Day Book Writing Challenge (shanacino.com/write).\u00a0These activities allow me to inspire other people through my words and works. \u201cI write\u00a0because\u00a0I care and I have a message to share\u201d and I feel good every time I write and publish a book that could bless someone. It gives me a different high when I\u2019m able to help someone write a book and share his idea to the world.\u00a0Kind of like giving back and paying it forward. Wouldn\u2019t it be nice to dream for ourselves and for others this way?\n \nAny words of wisdom for young professionals who may be stuck in a money rut?\nInvest in yourself. Do not let certain challenges stop you from trying. If you find yourself in a pitfall\u2014the same way that I have\u2014overcome it! These challenges push you to keep learning, so keep learning you shall. Learn and grow not only for yourself, but for others as well.\n\n\nWe\u2019d like to thank our good friend, Sha Nacino, for being inspiring us and many Filipinos. If you want to know more about Sha and order her books, feel free to visit her website at\u00a0http://www.shanacino.com/\u00a0or email her at sha@seminarphilippines.com.", "date_published": "2017-09-11T20:22:17+08:00", "date_modified": "2017-09-11T20:22:17+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1311207d4ac1996cb586666fe3d56418ca9f007d735b74eb19d3fa440df5c8b4?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1311207d4ac1996cb586666fe3d56418ca9f007d735b74eb19d3fa440df5c8b4?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Money", "SparkUp" ], "summary": "A young professional got buried in debt, paid it off for three years, and eventually became a motivational speaker. Here\u2019s her advice." }, { "id": "http://www.bworldonline.com/?p=144858", "url": "/sparkup/2017/09/04/144858/%e2%82%b1%e2%80%8e5000%e2%80%91worth-investments-even-your-excuses-cant-resist/", "title": "\u20b1\u200e5,000\u2011worth investments even your excuses can\u2019t resist", "content_html": "Millions are not made without a single peso: this is how each of us should think when we grow our money. Many of us get too afraid or apprehensive with growing our money when we think that the capital requires large sums in order to reap high yields. While it is true that the more you invest, the greater the likelihood of returns, you don\u2019t really have to start big immediately. There are numerous ways to start small and make the money grow incrementally. Why don\u2019t we start with \u20b15,000, shall we?
\nGetting into business isn\u2019t all about franchising millions\u2011worth brands, especially if you are just entering the industry. With just \u20b15,000 as your capital, your business may just be the next big buy\u2011and\u2011sell store or a go\u2011to\u2011supplier of chains and chains of restaurants in a matter of months or years. There are dozens of businesses you can get into and all you have to do is match your skill set with a need or demand.
\nIf you\u2019re into doing the easy day\u2011to\u2011day, you can start with the sari\u2011sari type of business. When there\u2019s a demand for tingi or small amounts of cellphone load in your area, get a spare phone and do a pasa\u2011load business. In small communities, you can even be the taste of the town by cooking delicious flavored fries, street food like fishballs and squidballs, or grilling some tasty barbecue.
\nIf you are into retail like selling shirts, bags or shoes, get into buying wholesale items in cheap markets and sell them directly online, or approach stores that can afford to get you as their supplier. With this, you dictate how high the mark-up will be and have a regular, stable cash inflow.
\nIf baking and cooking are your hobbies, turn them into money\u2011making businesses. Consider being a distributor of cookies and cakes. A friend of mine buys and sells sausages to restaurants and even offers to get orders as their official supplier.
\nJust imagine how much your initial money can grow with just finding that sweet intersection of skill and need.
\n\n
A mutual fund is one kind of investment where money is pooled from different people and then invested in stocks, bonds, short\u2011term money market instruments, and/or other securities. Here, a fund manager pools funds or money from clients, trades its underlying securities, realizes capital gains or loss, collects the dividend or interest income, and then distributes it among the investors. This is exactly what my father did with my money when I was in sixth grade. He introduced me to the stock market. My dad acted as my \u201cmiddleman\u201d and pooled what little I had with his to make our investment higher, allowing him to use it on companies that had higher yields. My initial capital grew and grew until it taught me to invest on higher stakes with higher returns.
\nI did some more research, decided on a handler who I trusted, and learned that I could start with \u20b110,000. Harnessing my discipline, I saved up for it and dove right into my very first, independent investment. But I figured that the larger the amount I put in, the bigger the returns would be. I then committed to regularly adding as little as \u20b11,000 to my fund. Every month, I set aside \u20b11,000 to \u201ctop up\u201d my account, knowing that it would be put to better use in my mutual fund rather than leaving it in the bank to collect dust. Someone once told me that putting money in the bank was as good as putting it under the bed. It was a dead\u2011end deal, while doing mutual funds\u2014though small and incremental\u2014still allows it to grow.
\nFortunately, in this day and age, there are actually more options open to fresh grads, or anyone who wants to start small. Even the stock market has opened its doors to accommodate people from all walks of life. Agents or brokers, like COL Financial, have made it more accessible to the working class by putting the information on the Internet for people who want to study and trade in the market. They even have 7\u2011day trials for people who want to get a feel of trading with no strings attached. With as little as \u20b15,000, you can try the stocks yourself. Every day, someone can earn from the stock market and that someone could be you.
\nThere\u2019s no shame in starting small because that very first step is what will eventually get you to your desired goal. Whether it\u2019s \u20b11,000 or \u20b1100,000, what\u2019s important is as you decide to take on the challenge of growing your money, you also commit and allow yourself to grow with it. Remember that all this will be a learning process for you. You don\u2019t have to get it right and big the first time around. It will be an exciting journey ahead so take the risk, make that first step. Even your shoe will tell you to \u201cjust do it.\u201d
\n", "content_text": "Millions are not made without a single peso: this is how each of us should think when we grow our money. Many of us get too afraid or apprehensive with growing our money when we think that the capital requires large sums in order to reap high yields. While it is true that the more you invest, the greater the likelihood of returns, you don\u2019t really have to start big immediately. There are numerous ways to start small and make the money grow incrementally. Why don\u2019t we start with \u20b15,000, shall we?\nSHARON ON BUSINESS IDEAS\nGetting into business isn\u2019t all about franchising millions\u2011worth brands, especially if you are just entering the industry. With just \u20b15,000 as your capital, your business may just be the next big buy\u2011and\u2011sell store or a go\u2011to\u2011supplier of chains and chains of restaurants in a matter of months or years. There are dozens of businesses you can get into and all you have to do is match your skill set with a need or demand.\nIf you\u2019re into doing the easy day\u2011to\u2011day, you can start with the sari\u2011sari type of business. When there\u2019s a demand for tingi or small amounts of cellphone load in your area, get a spare phone and do a pasa\u2011load business. In small communities, you can even be the taste of the town by cooking delicious flavored fries, street food like fishballs and squidballs, or grilling some tasty barbecue.\nIf you are into retail like selling shirts, bags or shoes, get into buying wholesale items in cheap markets and sell them directly online, or approach stores that can afford to get you as their supplier. With this, you dictate how high the mark-up will be and have a regular, stable cash inflow.\nIf baking and cooking are your hobbies, turn them into money\u2011making businesses. Consider being a distributor of cookies and cakes. A friend of mine buys and sells sausages to restaurants and even offers to get orders as their official supplier.\nJust imagine how much your initial money can grow with just finding that sweet intersection of skill and need.\n\nCLARISSA ON INVESTMENT SUGGESTIONS\nA mutual fund is one kind of investment where money is pooled from different people and then invested in stocks, bonds, short\u2011term money market instruments, and/or other securities. Here, a fund manager pools funds or money from clients, trades its underlying securities, realizes capital gains or loss, collects the dividend or interest income, and then distributes it among the investors. This is exactly what my father did with my money when I was in sixth grade. He introduced me to the stock market. My dad acted as my \u201cmiddleman\u201d and pooled what little I had with his to make our investment higher, allowing him to use it on companies that had higher yields. My initial capital grew and grew until it taught me to invest on higher stakes with higher returns.\nI did some more research, decided on a handler who I trusted, and learned that I could start with \u20b110,000. Harnessing my discipline, I saved up for it and dove right into my very first, independent investment. But I figured that the larger the amount I put in, the bigger the returns would be. I then committed to regularly adding as little as \u20b11,000 to my fund. Every month, I set aside \u20b11,000 to \u201ctop up\u201d my account, knowing that it would be put to better use in my mutual fund rather than leaving it in the bank to collect dust. Someone once told me that putting money in the bank was as good as putting it under the bed. It was a dead\u2011end deal, while doing mutual funds\u2014though small and incremental\u2014still allows it to grow.\nFortunately, in this day and age, there are actually more options open to fresh grads, or anyone who wants to start small. Even the stock market has opened its doors to accommodate people from all walks of life. Agents or brokers, like COL Financial, have made it more accessible to the working class by putting the information on the Internet for people who want to study and trade in the market. They even have 7\u2011day trials for people who want to get a feel of trading with no strings attached. With as little as \u20b15,000, you can try the stocks yourself. Every day, someone can earn from the stock market and that someone could be you.\nThere\u2019s no shame in starting small because that very first step is what will eventually get you to your desired goal. Whether it\u2019s \u20b11,000 or \u20b1100,000, what\u2019s important is as you decide to take on the challenge of growing your money, you also commit and allow yourself to grow with it. Remember that all this will be a learning process for you. You don\u2019t have to get it right and big the first time around. It will be an exciting journey ahead so take the risk, make that first step. Even your shoe will tell you to \u201cjust do it.\u201d", "date_published": "2017-09-04T20:12:07+08:00", "date_modified": "2017-09-04T20:12:07+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1311207d4ac1996cb586666fe3d56418ca9f007d735b74eb19d3fa440df5c8b4?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1311207d4ac1996cb586666fe3d56418ca9f007d735b74eb19d3fa440df5c8b4?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Money", "SparkUp" ], "summary": "The ultimate list of business ideas and financial ventures you can do full\u2011time or on the side." }, { "id": "http://www.bworldonline.com/?p=144841", "url": "/sparkup/2017/08/28/144841/side-hustle-alert-make-money-from-giving-advice/", "title": "Side hustle alert: Make money from giving advice", "content_html": "In the past few weeks, has a friend sought your advice on something? Have you given him good recommendations, suggestions or solutions to his problems? Has it ever crossed your mind that what you have done is actually an opportunity in both making a difference and making a fortune?
\nBrendon Burchard\u2019s book entitled \u201cMillionaire Messenger: Make a Difference and a Fortune Sharing Your Advice\u201d tells us that all of us have a story or a message to share. The experiences we\u2019ve had and the learnings we\u2019ve gathered in the creation of our personal narratives could actually impact the world and add value to other people\u2019s lives. What\u2019s even better about it is you can actually earn from it! We are all messengers and we can be millionaire messengers at that.
\nHow do we become Millionaire Messengers? Burchard shares with us a 10\u2011step program to follow.
\nWhat topics are you capable of discussing and are passionate about? Which one of these will help or impart knowledge to other people?
\nWho are the people you\u2019d want to reach? To whom will your message be relevant the most?
\nWhat are the struggles and challenges your recipients have encountered or are currently encountering? Get to know their pain points and what obstacles are hindering them from what they want to do.
\nDevelop your personal story and identify what difficulties or challenges you share with your target audience. It is important that your story will shed more light to their stories.
\nWhat channels or media will you use in order to share your message and story? In what manner would you want to send your message\u2014writing, speaking, consulting, coaching, online marketing, delivering lectures, seminars, webinars, etc?
\nOnce you\u2019ve identified the medium that will best suit your story and personality, start creating it. In our case, we\u2019ve chosen to showcase our many messages and stories through our website, Lifestyle Upgrade 101, and our books, \u201cI Wish They Taught Money in School\u201d and \u201cMoney Grows on Trees.\u201d
\nPromote your message and let everyone know what it is you offer. Provide them with relevant and quality content. Let your audience know that your message is something worth receiving.
\nYour recipients will need to know that the messenger is trustworthy. Get their buy\u2011in by providing them with free content at the beginning. Convincing them that you are worth their time will eventually push them to consume your content even at a price.
\nGet other people to talk about you and what you do. Tap other institutions, groups or individuals, who would expand your message\u2019s reach into their respective networks. Make them your partners.
\nThe idea is to not only settle with one message but to keep on building your offerings as you go along. What other messages or products could you share with your audience? Keep revisiting your story and always find ways to build your message. Stay relevant at all times.
\nRight now, we are currently delivering our messages and stories through writing, speaking and marketing online. The journey to being millionaire messengers have been extraordinary and we look forward to doing more and more in the years to come.
\nFollow these steps and keep on working on your message. We\u2019re sure that soon enough, you too will have books and websites to make a millionaire messenger out of you.
\nIn the meantime, we await the arrival of your message.
\nClarissa Seri\u00f1a\u2011de la Paz and Sharon W. Que are financial literacy advocates and the bestselling authors of \u201cI Wish They Taught Money in School\u201d and \u201cMoney Grows on Trees.\u201d Check out their books at\u00a0www.lifestyleupgrade101.com.
\n", "content_text": "In the past few weeks, has a friend sought your advice on something? Have you given him good recommendations, suggestions or solutions to his problems? Has it ever crossed your mind that what you have done is actually an opportunity in both making a difference and making a fortune?\nBrendon Burchard\u2019s book entitled \u201cMillionaire Messenger: Make a Difference and a Fortune Sharing Your Advice\u201d tells us that all of us have a story or a message to share. The experiences we\u2019ve had and the learnings we\u2019ve gathered in the creation of our personal narratives could actually impact the world and add value to other people\u2019s lives. What\u2019s even better about it is you can actually earn from it! We are all messengers and we can be millionaire messengers at that.\nHow do we become Millionaire Messengers? Burchard shares with us a 10\u2011step program to follow.\nKnow your message.\nWhat topics are you capable of discussing and are passionate about? Which one of these will help or impart knowledge to other people?\nChoose your message\u2019s recipients.\nWho are the people you\u2019d want to reach? To whom will your message be relevant the most?\nUnderstand your recipient\u2019s problems.\nWhat are the struggles and challenges your recipients have encountered or are currently encountering? Get to know their pain points and what obstacles are hindering them from what they want to do.\nCraft your message.\nDevelop your personal story and identify what difficulties or challenges you share with your target audience. It is important that your story will shed more light to their stories.\nPackage your message.\nWhat channels or media will you use in order to share your message and story? In what manner would you want to send your message\u2014writing, speaking, consulting, coaching, online marketing, delivering lectures, seminars, webinars, etc?\nDevelop your medium.\nOnce you\u2019ve identified the medium that will best suit your story and personality, start creating it. In our case, we\u2019ve chosen to showcase our many messages and stories through our website, Lifestyle Upgrade 101, and our books, \u201cI Wish They Taught Money in School\u201d and \u201cMoney Grows on Trees.\u201d\nSell your message.\nPromote your message and let everyone know what it is you offer. Provide them with relevant and quality content. Let your audience know that your message is something worth receiving.\nBoost your credibility.\nYour recipients will need to know that the messenger is trustworthy. Get their buy\u2011in by providing them with free content at the beginning. Convincing them that you are worth their time will eventually push them to consume your content even at a price.\nPromote your message with the help of others.\nGet other people to talk about you and what you do. Tap other institutions, groups or individuals, who would expand your message\u2019s reach into their respective networks. Make them your partners.\nRepeat and expand.\nThe idea is to not only settle with one message but to keep on building your offerings as you go along. What other messages or products could you share with your audience? Keep revisiting your story and always find ways to build your message. Stay relevant at all times.\nRight now, we are currently delivering our messages and stories through writing, speaking and marketing online. The journey to being millionaire messengers have been extraordinary and we look forward to doing more and more in the years to come.\nFollow these steps and keep on working on your message. We\u2019re sure that soon enough, you too will have books and websites to make a millionaire messenger out of you.\nIn the meantime, we await the arrival of your message.\n\n\n\n\nClarissa Seri\u00f1a\u2011de la Paz and Sharon W. Que are financial literacy advocates and the bestselling authors of \u201cI Wish They Taught Money in School\u201d and \u201cMoney Grows on Trees.\u201d Check out their books at\u00a0www.lifestyleupgrade101.com.", "date_published": "2017-08-28T19:37:19+08:00", "date_modified": "2017-08-28T19:37:19+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1311207d4ac1996cb586666fe3d56418ca9f007d735b74eb19d3fa440df5c8b4?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1311207d4ac1996cb586666fe3d56418ca9f007d735b74eb19d3fa440df5c8b4?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Money", "SparkUp" ], "summary": "Has it ever crossed your mind that giving advice allows you to both make a difference and make a fortune?" }, { "id": "http://www.bworldonline.com/?p=144821", "url": "/sparkup/2017/08/21/144821/life-hacks-for-the-little-extra/", "title": "Life hacks for the little extra $$$", "content_html": "American football broadcaster and former player, coach, and executive Jimmy Johnson once said that \u201cthe difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.\u201d That \u201clittle extra\u201d comes when you don\u2019t settle for conventions.
\nWhile it is conventional to work five days in a week, \u201cThe 4\u2011Hour Work Week\u201d author Timothy Ferriss believes that it\u2019s possible to gain much more by working much less. In the book, Ferriss shares that in order for you to truly achieve your goals and dreams, you have to be a lot more efficient with the use of your time and money, and this is possible through two interesting life hacks: a muse and a VA.
\n![](\"http://sparkup.ph/money-four-hour-work-week-tim-ferriss-life-hack/img/Timothy-Ferriss-virtual-assistant-muse.jpg\")
Art\u00a0Samantha Gonzales
\nIt is common for us to think that doing business is time-consuming, but Ferriss believes that businesses do not have to kill so much of your time and effort. This is possible through a muse. A muse is basically an online business, a money\u2011generating vehicle that will allow you to earn without having to spend as much time as an 8\u20115 job. Having an online business will allow you to reach more people and gain more customers because the world is your market and you can earn in multiple currencies. You are not bound by a geographical location and you can work on the business remotely. Location and time freedom for you, automated income for your finances. Definitely a win\u2011win situation.
\nAside from a muse, Ferriss advocates for outsourcing your life by hiring a VA. The VA will work on the day-to-day while you work on the big picture of the business. Having a VA and delegating tasks will get you to save time and money, and will liberate you from the daily worries that someone else can do for you. Not only does this give you the freedom you need, but also disciplines you to work more efficiently and responsibly.
\nWe actually took Ferriss\u2019 advice and got ourselves VAs. Our VAs develop our website, maintain our social media accounts, create and manage our Facebook ads, write for us, design for us, and sometimes, even reply to emails for us. Because of this, we save a lot of our time and we then get to focus on the actual meat of our business. Talk about working smart, right?
\nLike many life hacks we often hear and see, Ferriss shares with us some tips that will get our businesses and lives rolling in the most efficient of ways. However, it is still important to note that while these hacks could work for him and for us, results and experiences will differ for each person. We recommend that you try these out and get to learn more of what works for your experiences and businesses to find your most efficient hacks. More than anything, Ferriss invites all of us to be as adventurous and brave as he, because who knows, that little life hack, that little extra might just be your key to becoming extraordinary.
\n", "content_text": "American football broadcaster and former player, coach, and executive Jimmy Johnson once said that \u201cthe difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.\u201d That \u201clittle extra\u201d comes when you don\u2019t settle for conventions.\nWhile it is conventional to work five days in a week, \u201cThe 4\u2011Hour Work Week\u201d author Timothy Ferriss believes that it\u2019s possible to gain much more by working much less. In the book, Ferriss shares that in order for you to truly achieve your goals and dreams, you have to be a lot more efficient with the use of your time and money, and this is possible through two interesting life hacks: a muse and a VA.\n\nArt\u00a0Samantha Gonzales\nMuse\nIt is common for us to think that doing business is time-consuming, but Ferriss believes that businesses do not have to kill so much of your time and effort. This is possible through a muse. A muse is basically an online business, a money\u2011generating vehicle that will allow you to earn without having to spend as much time as an 8\u20115 job. Having an online business will allow you to reach more people and gain more customers because the world is your market and you can earn in multiple currencies. You are not bound by a geographical location and you can work on the business remotely. Location and time freedom for you, automated income for your finances. Definitely a win\u2011win situation.\nVirtual Assistant (a.k.a. VA)\nAside from a muse, Ferriss advocates for outsourcing your life by hiring a VA. The VA will work on the day-to-day while you work on the big picture of the business. Having a VA and delegating tasks will get you to save time and money, and will liberate you from the daily worries that someone else can do for you. Not only does this give you the freedom you need, but also disciplines you to work more efficiently and responsibly.\nWe actually took Ferriss\u2019 advice and got ourselves VAs. Our VAs develop our website, maintain our social media accounts, create and manage our Facebook ads, write for us, design for us, and sometimes, even reply to emails for us. Because of this, we save a lot of our time and we then get to focus on the actual meat of our business. Talk about working smart, right?\nLike many life hacks we often hear and see, Ferriss shares with us some tips that will get our businesses and lives rolling in the most efficient of ways. However, it is still important to note that while these hacks could work for him and for us, results and experiences will differ for each person. We recommend that you try these out and get to learn more of what works for your experiences and businesses to find your most efficient hacks. More than anything, Ferriss invites all of us to be as adventurous and brave as he, because who knows, that little life hack, that little extra might just be your key to becoming extraordinary.", "date_published": "2017-08-21T18:14:21+08:00", "date_modified": "2017-08-21T18:14:21+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1311207d4ac1996cb586666fe3d56418ca9f007d735b74eb19d3fa440df5c8b4?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1311207d4ac1996cb586666fe3d56418ca9f007d735b74eb19d3fa440df5c8b4?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Money", "SparkUp" ], "summary": "\u201cThe 4\u2011Hour Work Week\u201d author Timothy Ferriss believes that it\u2019s possible to gain much more by working much less." } ] }