How to Hire the Right Contractor?

You might find yourself in need of the services of a skilled contractor at some point in the future. A contractor is a person who is in charge of a crew of workers during a construction project. Needless to say, you need to be sure you hire a really good contractor. Otherwise, there is a chance that your construction work will not be done correctly. Therefore, it is important that you take the hiring of your contractor very seriously for the safety of your family. Here are some of the things that should be your primary concerns when you are going to be hiring a contractor.

1. What sort of track record does the contractor have?

You should always investigate the track record of any person you are thinking about hiring to do work at your home. This is especially the case when it comes to contractors. You need to be sure that this person is legit and has not been sued by any of his previous clients. A great place to find out a lot of good info about contractors in your area is the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website. They will give ratings to contractors based on a variety of factors. You should only consider hiring a contractor if he has received a high BBB rating. It is always important to know exactly who you are dealing with where your contractor is concerned.

2. Does the contractor have a valid license?

Why is it important for the garage remodeling contractor you hire to be licensed? You need to be sure that the contractor who is in charge of your construction project has received all of the necessary training that your state requires. There is no way to determine this unless you see a contractor's valid license to work in your state. Many people try to work as a contractor without a valid license. They are able to do this because many people simply assume that the contractor they hire is licensed. However, that is not always the case. Hiring an unlicensed contractor could mean that you will receive construction work that is substandard and dangerous.

3. Are the contractor and all of his workers covered by a current insurance policy?

It is essential that every person who performs construction work on your property have insurance coverage. This is because damage to your home and property can happen during the course of the construction project. The insurance coverage that the contractor has will compensate you for any damage that is sustained to your property. Do not take the contractor's word for it that he is insured. Make sure you ask to see his valid proof of insurance.

Tax and Estate Planning Is Important to Everyone

They say that the only thing that's constant is death and taxes. A few days ago, I was able to read an article about the family who is struggling and fighting over with their inheritance. There was no will left by the husband/ father and the beneficiary written on his assets may have not been updated. In this scenario, it was named after the decedent's sister and not the surviving wife and children. They also have some issues in terms of transferring the properties due to the cost and taxes involved. 

We can all say that it is not easy to lose a loved one and problems like these are certainly not welcome. According to experts, these scenarios could have been avoided if proper estate and tax planning was made. 

Tax and Estate Planning may not be exciting but it is important and practical. This is not just for wealthy families but also for middle-earners or investors who are very keen in planning their family's future. 

Some of the reasons why you should consider estate planning are the following: 

1. Protection for your children. Making sure that it goes to the right person or the appropriate trustee is assigned. 

2. Avoids family conflicts. Whether we admit it or not, family disputes arise when money is involved. Much more huge amounts from inheritance. 

3. Minimize cost and taxes. Tax and Estate Planning helps you minimize cost and taxes when transferring the estate or property. 

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So, if you want to learn more about Tax and Estate Planning, Gargoles Law Office will be conducting a seminar on August 15, 2017 at the WSI Corporate Center in Makati City. 

Key topics would include: Estate Planning Tools, Basic Concepts of Property Regime, Basic concepts of Law on Sales, Computation of Capital Gains Tax and Documentary Stamp Tax, Basic concepts of Law on Donations, Computation of Donor’s Tax, Basic Concepts of Law on Succession, Computation of Estate Tax, Living Trust, Family Holding Corporation, Life Insurance Policy and Final Analysis on Transfer of Property

It is also recommended to CPAs since it comes with CPD Credits. For more details, you may visit their Facebook page or register online via this link: http://bit.ly/TaxandEstatePlanning. 

Gas up for only Php 10/ Liter on July 11 at Phoenix Gas Stations Nationwide

Phoenix Petroleum Philippines is celebrating their 10th listing anniversary with the biggest sale ever. On July 11, 2017 from 10AM-12NN gas up for only Php 10/ liter.  

Promo is applicable for cash and credit transactions. PO and bulk transactions are not included. The use of drums and/or liquid containers is also not allowed. Promo is not valid in conjunction with other promos.

List of participating stations:

SOUTH MINDANAO

1. R Castillo, Davao City
2. Tierra Verde, Sasa, Davao City
3. Damosa, Davao City
4. Gmall Toril, Davao City
5. Lanang, Davao City
6. Cabantian, Davao City
7. Acacia, Davao City
8. Matina, Davao City
9. Apopong, General Santos City
10. Bulaong, General Santos City

NORTH MINDANAO

1. Mabini, Cabadbaran City 
2. Ampayon, Butuan City 
3. Upper Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City 
4. Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental 
5. Hagkol, Valencia, Bukidnon 
6. Mercedes, Zambanga City 
7. Tablon, Cagayan de Oro City 
8. Gusu, Zamboanga City 
9. Tetuan, Zamboanga City 
10. Puerto, Cagayan de Oro City

VISAYAS

1. Bolo, Roxas City, Capiz 
2. Brgy. North, Baluarte, Molo, Ilo-Ilo City 
3. Pook, Kalibo, Aklan 
4. Yati, Liloan, Cebu City 
5. B. Rodriguez St., Cebu City 
6. Tintay, Talamban, Cebu City 
7. Lopez Jaena, Bacolod City 
8. Mansilingan, Bacolod City 
9. Araneta-Singcang Sts., Bacolod City 
10. Brgy. San Isidro, Ormoc City, Leyte 
11. Tagbak Terminal, Tagbak, Jaro, Iloilo 
12. Bulwang, Numancia, Aklan 
13. Toting Reyes, Kalibo 
14. Calindagan, Dumaguete 
15. Rizal-Mabini Sts., Kabankalan, Negros Occidental 
16. Kabankalan, Negros Occidental 
17. Lagtang, Cebu 
18. SRP, Talisay City, Cebu 
19. Tayud, Consolacion, Cebu 
20. Naga Naga, Tacloban Leyte

NORTH LUZON

1. McArthur Highway, Lucao, Dagupan, Pangasinan 
2. Rosario, La Union 
3. Sanciangco, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija 
4. McArthur Highway, Sto. Cristo, Tarlac City 
5. 2615 Rizal Ave., West Bajac Bajac Olongapo City, Zambales 
6. Burol 1st, McArthur Highway, Balagtas, Bulacan 
7. McArthur Highway, Bocaue, Bulacan 
8. Malhacan, Bulacan

SOUTH LUZON

1. Candelaria By-Pass Road, Malabanban Sur, Candelaria, Quezon 
2. Maharlika Highway, Brgy. San Rafael, San Pablo City Laguna 2 
3. Brgy. San Antonio, Los Baños, Laguna 
4. Brgy. Del Rosario, San Pablo City 3 
5. National Rd., Ibabang Dupay, Lucena City 
6. Balagtas,Batangas 
7. Mabini, Bauan Batangas 
8. Maraouy, Lipa City Batangas 
9. Malvar, Batangas 
10. Brgy. Wawa, Nasugbu Batangas

SOUTH METRO MANILA

1. Edsa Extension, Central Business Park, Pasay City (MOA) 
2. Dr. A. Santos Avenue, Sucat Paranaque 
3. Sta. Rosa Tagaytay Road,,Sta. Rosa City Laguna 
4. Marcos Alvarez, Brgy. Talon V, Las Pinas 
5. Brgy. San Martin De Porres, East Service Road, Parañaque 
6. Daang Hari Molino Rd., Molino IV 
7. Acacia Drive cor. Aguinaldo Highway,Dasmariñas Cavite 
8. Km 18, E. Aguinaldo Highway,,Salinas IV,Bacoor, Cavite 
9. Brgy. Bangkal, Evangelista cor. Gen. Estrella, Makati City

NORTH METRO MANILA

1. Amang Rodriguez Ave, Manggahan Pasig City 
2. #37 Timog Avenue., South Triangle, Quezon City 
3. L8 Mindanao Ave 2 Brgy. Bahay Toro, QC 
4. Dahlia Ave., Fairview, Quezon City 
5. Malanday Valenzuela City 
6. MH Del Pilar Malanday, Valenzuela City 
7. Samson Rd. Caloocan 
8. North Edsa 
9. Sumulong, Antipolo

For more details, click here.

Just for June: A Complete Guide For Smarter Consumers

If you have been following my blog, you may have several posts about rewards, special offers, and freebies. For someone who believes that the best things in life are free, I am always on a lookout for the best deals, promotions, giveaways and special selling events. 

I am not really an advocate of frugal living but I encourage all my readers to become smarter consumers. Thus, starting this month, we're launching "JUST FOR" feature. It is a monthly list of important dates for shopping.

June 5 (Monday)

• Forever 21 Buy one Take one offer on accessories and tools. 
• Air Asia's Red Hot Sale. Get flights for as low as Php 17 in selected destinations. Travel Period is from January 15 to August 28, 2018. 
• TOMS Great Summer Sale. Buy one get one and buy two get three offers.
• Red Ribbon E-coupons. Get a freebie for a minimum purchase of Php 200. Download the coupons, here. 

June 6 (Tuesday) 

• Forever 21 Buy one Take one offer on accessories and tools.
• Air Asia's Red Hot Sale. Get flights for as low as Php 17 in selected destinations. Travel Period is from January 15 to August 28, 2018. 
• TOMS Great Summer Sale. Buy one get one and buy two get three offers.
• Red Ribbon E-coupons. Get a freebie for a minimum purchase of Php 200. Download the coupons, here. 

June 7 (Wednesday)

• Forever 21 Buy one Take one offer on accessories and tools. 
• Air Asia's Red Hot Sale. Get flights for as low as Php 17 in selected destinations. Travel Period is from January 15 to August 28, 2018. 
• TOMS Great Summer Sale. Buy one get one and buy two get three offers.
• Philippine Airlines' Independence Day Seat Sale.
• Grande Wednesday with Starbucks Philippines Pop'zel Coffee Frappuccino. Promo is valid only from 3pm to 6pm.
• Red Ribbon E-coupons. Get a freebie for a minimum purchase of Php 200. Download the coupons, here. 

June 8 (Thursday)

• Forever 21 Buy one Take one offer on accessories and tools. 
• Air Asia's Red Hot Sale. Get flights for as low as Php 17 in selected destinations. Travel Period is from January 15 to August 28, 2018. 
• B22 Challenge is back for Boulangerie 22 SM North Edsa opening! The first 122 customers to line up by 10 AM on June 8 at their newest branch will have the chance to shop all breads in one bag only for P22 pesos in under 22 seconds!
• TOMS Great Summer Sale. Buy one get one and buy two get three offers. 
• Red Ribbon E-coupons. Get a freebie for a minimum purchase of Php 200. Download the coupons, here. 
• Papa John's #3forP450Thursdays. 3 Family size pizzas for the price of one! In Double Meat, Italian Papa, Tropical Toss and Creamy White Cheese variants! 

June 9 (Friday)

• Air Asia's Red Hot Sale. Get flights for as low as Php 17 in selected destinations. Travel Period is from January 15 to August 28, 2018.
• TOMS Great Summer Sale. Buy one get one and buy two get three offers.  
• Red Ribbon E-coupons. Get a freebie for a minimum purchase of Php 200. Download the coupons, here. 

June 10 (Saturday)

• Air Asia's Red Hot Sale. Get flights for as low as Php 17 in selected destinations. Travel Period is from January 15 to August 28, 2018. 
• TOMS Great Summer Sale. Buy one get one and buy two get three offers. 
• Red Ribbon E-coupons. Get a freebie for a minimum purchase of Php 200. Download the coupons, here. 

June 11 (Sunday) 

• National Lechon Day at Lechon Haus. 50 pesos for a Lechon Belly meal or Lechon Manok Meal for the first 500 meals! Available at all Lechon Haus outlets nationwide. 
• Air Asia's Red Hot Sale. Get flights for as low as Php 17 in selected destinations. Travel Period is from January 15 to August 28, 2017.
• TOMS Great Summer Sale. Buy one get one and buy two get three offers. 
• Red Ribbon E-coupons. Get a freebie for a minimum purchase of Php 200. Download the coupons, here. 

June 12 (Monday)

• TOMS Great Summer Sale. Buy one get one and buy two get three offers. 
• SM Bacolod's The Big Pinoy Sale. 70% off on selected items. 
• Red Ribbon E-coupons. Get a freebie for a minimum purchase of Php 200. Download the coupons, here. 

June 13 (Tuesday)

• TOMS Great Summer Sale. Buy one get one and buy two get three offers.
• Red Ribbon E-coupons. Get a freebie for a minimum purchase of Php 200. Download the coupons, here. 

June 14 (Wednesday)

• TOMS Great Summer Sale. Buy one get one and buy two get three offers.
• Red Ribbon E-coupons. Get a freebie for a minimum purchase of Php 200. Download the coupons, here.  

June 15 (Thursday)

• TOMS Great Summer Sale. Buy one get one and buy two get three offers. 
• Red Ribbon E-coupons. Get a freebie for a minimum purchase of Php 200. Download the coupons, here.
• Papa John's #3forP450Thursdays. 3 Family size pizzas for the price of one! In Double Meat, Italian Papa, Tropical Toss and Creamy White Cheese variants! 

For promo submissions, send us a message here. Keep visiting this post as it is updated from time to time. 

Don't miss this GrabCar User Life Hack!

I am such a huge fan/ loyal user of GrabCar. With a lot of promotions, safe and reliable rides, one cannot deny the fact that it is more practical to just use the app than drive your own car (in most cases.) 

If you are not familiar or not sure what I am talking about Grab is Southeast Asia's leading ride-hailing platform. It solves critical transportation challenges and makes transport freedom a reality for 620 million people in Southeast Asia. If you are interested, you can download the app for free from Google Play or IOS store. Click here to download the Grab app. 

Now, here's the fun part. As I mentioned, grab has a lot of promotions and you can check the notifications tab in the app these promo codes as well as your phone messages since Grab also sends SMS for updates. For new users, you may use this Grab promo code: GRABFREE (not sure if it's still valid but this code gives you a free ride up to Php 300 off) 

And that's not all, did you know that you can enjoy cashback on every GrabCar ride booked via the ShopBack Mobile App? Yes, you get a Php 5.00 rebate for every GrabCar booked aside from the promotion or discount code that is applied directly to your GrabCar fare. 

Source: www.shopback.ph

So, just like Grab, Shopback is an app that you can download Google Play or IOS store. and you may download it here.

Now, you must remember that in order to get the rebate, you have to open your Shopback app first, click the RIDE button then, you will be routed to the Grab app. Once the Grab app opens, use as usual. Keep in mind to never open the grab app directly since you won't be eligible for the rebate. You may also read the full terms and conditions here.

As a smarter shopper, let us fast track your rebate points and get a bonus of Php 100 if you sign-up to Shopback via this link. Shopback does not only provide rebates for Grab but also to other sites such as Lazada, Hotels.com, Zalora, Althea and a lot more. Your rebates can be paid via Paypal or Bank Deposit. 

Do you have any questions? Feel free to comment below. 

How to disable video autoplay in facebook?

With the constant updates and new features introduced in Facebook, most of us are left with no choice but to simply accept the changes. 

One change that I really did not like was the autoplay feature of the videos, Since I am a scaredy cat, I could not help panic when horror clips play automatically. I hate it more when the spammy adult content videos circulating the network would also play on its own. I could not imagine when kids borrow phones and can see adult content. It's just too risky and scary for parents. 

So, if you are wondering if you can disable the autoplay feature of our facebook video? Well, I am so glad that yes, we can and it actually pretty simple. 

Just follow these steps:

1. From the top right of Facebook, click and select Settings.
2. Click Videos in the left menu (normally below the support inbox link) 
3. Check Autoplay Videos settings and select Off.

Is it easy to display the autoplay feature? If yes, please share this post. 

Do you have any other facebook related questions, feel free to comment it below and we'll try to feature the answers. 

How do you view your facebook birthday video?

I had a blast celebrating my birthday and overwhelmed by the birthday greetings from family, friends, and clients. Though we may say that facebook was primarily responsible for reminding them about your day, still I am very grateful that they took the time and effort to send me a private message or write in my timeline. I even have one client and friend, Sha Nacino who is a well-known inspiration speaker and author, the Founder of the 90 Day Book Writing Challenge who took the time to shoot a video for me. I am so touched. :) 

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who sent their gifts. I couldn't be more blessed. Anyway, going back to the original purpose of this post is how to view your facebook birthday video. 

Technically, it is a video from facebook that will show on the top of your timeline the day after your birthday to highlight photos and messages from friends. Though it will automatically show on your timeline, one may realize that after viewing it, you may have no idea how to view it again. 

So, thank you Facebook for the wonderful birthday video. You have indeed become a big part of how people celebrate birthdays over the years.

The Future is Awesome: Samsung Happy Home

The Back to the Future Movie Day was celebrated in the US last October 21, 2015. Who would have known that the 1989 movie will give us a glimpse of what our future will look like? Flying cars and floating highways maybe far from reality but I’m sure these pictures will refresh your memory.

                                           

Up-close visual experience using VR glasses 

Crisp Sound and Visual Effects

Extra Large TV Screens

Put them all together, just like what Doc said, "Great Scott! Here is the Samsung SUHD." VR glasses may have its limitations, but the visual up-close experience, crisp audio, and size of the screen will definitely bring the house down. Samsung Ultra High Definition is a new range of 4K Ultra HD TVs. SUHD raised the bar of home entertainment solutions using nanocrystal technology to make the body of the TV lighter and thin, but yet powerful enough to produce 64 times more color expression than a regular TV.

SUHD TV will bring your viewing experience to a whole new level. It also has a stylish curve sound bar equipped with multi-channel speakers and side speakers that enhance the surround sound for a heart pounding and eye popping TV experience. To top it all, Samsung Wireless Audio 360 produces balanced sound in all directions that you can maximize through its built-in WI-FI technology. I’m telling you seeing this bad boy first hand in action was a blast. 

Yeah! That’s me, on a pink shirt, guilty as charged

Aside from home entertainment system, Samsung also expands their artillery in making the perfect happy home by upgrading the lifestyle of Filipinos. Close to the idea of a retractable voice activated fruit basket from Back to the Future 2 movie. Samsung revolutionized the “fridge within the fridge” design, providing plenty of room in their Food Showcase Refrigerators.

Cooking became more exciting because of Samsung's Smart Oven. Do you still remember how Marty’s mom hydrated the pizza in the movie? That’s nothing compared to what Samsung Smart Oven can do. It is truly an all in one cooking solution with a health conscious system that allows the oil free frying and grill thanks to its Slim Fry Technology.

Another thing that Samsung wanted to address is the cooling system inside our homes. Living in a tropical country, high temperature and humidity affect the comforts of our homes. Once again, Samsung has one more trick up their sleeves to aid this need. Using the latest technology, Samsung created AR7000, an air conditioner that features a triangular design enabling quicker, further, and wide cooling. It also features the “Virus Doctor” that filters and keeps the air clean.  And the best part, it has a WI-FI function that will allow you to control it anytime, anywhere.

From the living room, into the kitchen, out to the backyard, Samsung is still on top of its game in dealing with your dirty laundry. Understanding the pain that you go through every time you sit or squat just to do your laundry, they have created the Samsung Activdualwash, which fused ergonomic design with the state of the art technology. It has a dedicated built-in sink, washboard and water jet built right into the washer making your laundry experience less tedious.

Generally, having all of these is part of one's dream home enabling families to comfortably lounge around the house and enjoy life's simple pleasures such as watching TV, munching on comfort food and making chores easier. A perfect showcase that families can enjoy conveniences and possibilities that are made by Samsung. This is something that we can all look forward to. 

So, don’t miss the chance of seeing up close these great innovations perfect for your #happyhome at the Samsung Happy Home Roadshow at Ayala The North District Point Bacolod until October 25. Just like what Dr. Brown said, the future has finally arrived.  

You may visit also the Samsung Philippines’ fan page or follow them on twitter @samsungph for more information. Full details and product images are available at www.samsung.com.ph

Book Review: Break Free by Don Soriano

2017 is a promising year for me. I have claimed that it is going to be a great year to start building our dreams and working on our life goals. Goals which included career growth, passion projects, addressing business needs, family plans and most importantly personal growth and development. 

Our goal is not really about getting filthy rich but it's about living comfortably, having genuine peace of mind and breaking free from the financial worries. In 2016, I learned the having a proper mindset is the key to a successful life. Thus, I have committed to invest in myself more by following inspirational people and reading self-help books. 

Break Free by Don Soriano

I was fortunate enough to get a copy of Don Soriano's book, Break Free. It talks about the principles to get from employee to employer in 3 years or less. I said to myself, "This is perfect. Just what I exactly needed." 

Readers are expected to read the book in 1 hour though was able to finish it in 45 minutes (Yes, I timed it. + you wouldn't want to stop reading it until you finish the book.)  

Though it's a quick read, the book provides very helpful and practical tips. It is very straightforward making it a perfect gift to stubborn and lazy readers. 

The book is not only about giving you tips on what to do but it also makes you think and realize your current situation, unacceptable excuses while inspiring you that you can still change your life and break free. (So, yes if you are stubborn and full of excuses, then this book would talk some sense into you.) 

I believe that everyone should read this. We should all realize the value of financial education and proper money management. 

Don Soriano's Break Free will teach you:

• Why you should not quit your job now? 
• What is the key to happiness? 
• How can you learn and grow more?
• How will your environment affect your success in life?
• And a lot more 

Currently, they are not yet available in major bookstores but you can order it online at www.facebook.com/iamdonsoriano for only Php 300.

About Don Soriano

If you are wondering, Don Soriano is a successful businessman who is a part owner of a branch of an international restaurant franchise and the franchisee of several Mr. Softy Ice Cream food carts. He is also a trainer and speaker who empowers people in business, personal finance, investments, and leadership. 

Visit www.donsoriano.ph/donspeaks if you would like to invite him as speaker in your future events. 

Celebr888 Chinese New Year with a Samsung TV

This Chinese New Year, Samsung brings in good luck through its “It’s time to Celebr888” promo. From January 23 to February 19, score huge discounts on the following Samsung UHD TV models:

·         Php 7,000 off on Samsung 40-inch UHD TV

·         Php 13,000 off on Samsung 55-inch UHD TV

·         Php 21,000 off on Samsung 65-inch UHD TV

These discounts will let the whole family welcome the Year of the Rooster with a next-level home entertainment from Samsung. The UHD TV’s stunning 4K resolution, which is 4x better than Full HD, provides dramatic details and crisp images. Let the kids enjoy their most favorite shows with Samsung UHD TV’s spectacular picture performance through accurately blending primary and secondary colors. Techies in the family will surely appreciate its Smart TV features, allowing them to access favorite program choices, live TV, video on demand, apps, and social media in one easy-to-browse navigation experience.

Complement the upgraded family’s viewing experience with cinema style sound by adding Samsung Soundbars in your entertainment area. Enjoy up to 40% off on Samsung Soundbars (Flat Soundbar HW-K360, Flat Soundbar HW-K450, and Flat Soundbar HW-K550) when you take home any Samsung TV. With these deals, having a theater experience at home is now possible.

Celebr888 and reconnect with family and friends in style as you welcome a new beginning. Avail of these deals by heading to the nearest Samsung authorized dealer. For more details, visit the Samsung Facebook page or samsung.com/ph/offers.

Why we took the "Big Leap?" - A Story About Freelancing

A lot may have heard stories about people working from home or freelancing nowadays. A few years back, "freelancing" was not really a "positive" thing. It referred to people who did not have a stable job and is just doing any form of "raket" with no structure, no standard pay rate to earn a living. 

Currently, freelancing is now considered a career option. With all the technological advancements and everything going digital. Online freelancing or online work became a big hit that it has inspired professionals and corporate employees take the "big leap." Freelancing took a bigger meaning as it now considered "Working in Freedom."

Freelancers have different reasons why they decided to take on this different career path. Some of which are the following: 

"The convenience of having your own personal freedom, daily expenses and significant cuts on overhead costs are some of the benefits I enjoy when I started working from home - all of these without sacrificing family relationships," says Angel Salamante, an Inside Sales Agent from Bulacan 

According to Jocelyn Medina-Ihalas, a Virtual Assistant and Mom of 3,

"I started working from home due to the flexibility of working hours without neglecting my role as a parent."

"To be more productive and happier in a way that I can do multitasking - doing household chores, working and spending more quality time with my family especially with my kids." added Mylin Soriano, Virtual Assistant - Quality Analyst, Mom of 2.

On the personal note, I choose to start working from home because I can no longer tolerate the stress, traffic, and pollution to commute to and from work everyday. I keep getting sick and had very frequent asthma attacks. However, despite my health condition, I had to do something and need to continue to become productive.

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How to start? Where to begin? Is this even real? These are the questions I had in mind when I started my own freelancing career. Honestly, it was not easy but I was fortunate to meet the right people to guide and inspire me on what to do. The WAHMderful Weekend organized by WAHM Manila has literally changed my life. It is because of them that I realized that having a mentor and a support group is very crucial.

Thus, it has been part of our advocacy under The Purple Secretary to promoting more earning opportunities by empowering individuals from places where there are limited jobs offered as well as to provide support to parents who are not able to work due to family obligations. One of our objectives is to help guide "newbies" in avoiding online scams or being duped by others who present networking as an online job.

Last January 21, The Purple Secretary co-presented by Dojo 8 Coliving Space held the "How to Start Your Home Based Career Seminar." The learning event focused on the basics of starting one's home based career including different work-at-home career options, tips on getting started and information on where and how to apply. We also discussed current trends, pay rates and challenges faced by online workers. 

It was a sold out event and we are very happy with the overwhelming turnout of participants. I realized that there are a lot of individuals in Bacolod who are interested to also take the "big leap." Hearing personal stories from the participants made me realize that this is more than just a learning event. It is about changing other people's lives, improving family relationships and building our own community of freelancers in Bacolod. 

This promising start would not be possible without the support of our sponsors, Nacho King - SM Bacolod, Lord Byron's Back Ribs Bacolod, Flip and Color, My Little Ikbi and Bacolod DIY Party Rentals and media partners When in Manila, Sigrid Says and Mea in Bacolod. 

To all the participants, sponsors and partners - let me take this opportunity to thank you again for supporting the event. #bacolodworkathome