Category: Economy

#ParaSaEkonomiya : Philippine Finance Social Media Roundup

Social media is in everything this days, even in finance and investments. Unfortunately, finance related stuff doesn’t really trend in social media; at least here in the Philippines. The hashtag #ParaSaEkonomiya (For the Economy) is often used these days, but most of the posts don’t really relate to the economy. Sadly that hashatag has become a punchline.

Beginning with this post, Finance MD will regularly feature social media posts related to Philippine finance and investments. #ParaSaEkonomiya indeed.

 

Balikbayan boxes Change.org petition - Confirmed Victory
Confirmed Victory! – Change.org petition to stop new Customs rules on Balikbayan boxes. Screengrab from change.org.

First up is the petition against the new Bureau of Customs rules on “Balikbayan” boxes. Why are a lot of people opposed to these new rules?

Continue reading #ParaSaEkonomiya : Philippine Finance Social Media Roundup

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Australian PM (sort of) Tells Indonesia: How Can You Kill Our Drug Traffickers? We Gave You a Lot of Money During the Tsunami

Two Australians Andrew Chan and Myaran Sukumaran, convicted of drug trafficking, are awaiting execution in Indonesia. In an effort to convince the Indonesian government to stay the execution, Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said “Let’s not forget that a few years ago when Indonesia was struck by the Indian ocean tsunami, Australia sent a billion dollars worth of assistance”. Strong words or just plain horrible? What’s your say?

Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran
Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran. Image by Anita Kesuma

 

The two, Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, were the ringleaders of a group that has earned the monicker “Bali Nine”. Continue reading Australian PM (sort of) Tells Indonesia: How Can You Kill Our Drug Traffickers? We Gave You a Lot of Money During the Tsunami

Chinese New Year: Investment and Money Tips for The Year of The Goat

Kung Hei Fat Choi! Today, February 19 is the start of the Year of the Wooden Goat / Sheep / Ram according to the Chinese Lunar Calendar. In this post, I will list some investment and money tips from experts in Feng Shui and Chinese Astrology.

 

2015 Year of the Goat
Goats and sheep are totally different creatures, but that’s not important, right? Image from fengshuiben.blogspot

 

I searched online for feng shui experts, those who are usually hired to advice business executives and financial professionals on money matters. Here they are and what they had to say.  Continue reading Chinese New Year: Investment and Money Tips for The Year of The Goat

Deconstructing the Dunkin’ Donuts 3-3-12 Promo: How Much Did I Save and Why Dunkin Benefits More From the Deal

In this post, I am not just going to calculate the discount from a run-of-the-mill Dunkin’ Donuts food promo (because that would be too easy), but also try to connect it to the concept of self-interest and the invisible hand. By the way, this is NOT an advertorial. This is a legitimate post y’all.   I love donuts and I love promos more. Upon entering a neighborhood Dunkin’ Donuts (DNKN:US see latest stock quote), I planned to take out one – or maybe two – donuts home. However, I saw this poster.

Dunkin Donuts 3-3-12 promo
Is this really a great deal? Poster of Dunkin’ donuts 3-3-12 promo. Image from official Dunkin’ Donuts Philippines twitter account

The franchise owner for Dunkin’ Donuts in the Philippines is Golden Donuts Incorporated. The promo price for this box of donuts is PHP 199 (USD 4.51). If I buy the donuts separately, this is what I’ll have to pay:

  • 3 premium donuts – PHP 35 each – total of  PHP 105
  • 3 regular donuts –     PHP 20 each – total of PHP 60
  • 12 munchkins –          PHP 4 each  –  total of PHP 48

Separately, the donuts cost a total of PHP 213, so there’s a savings of PHP 14 (USD 29 cents) or 6.6% with the promo. In my opinion, that small a discount is not really a good deal. Continue reading Deconstructing the Dunkin’ Donuts 3-3-12 Promo: How Much Did I Save and Why Dunkin Benefits More From the Deal

Despite Russia’s Recent Economic Struggles – Miss Russia Wears Ridiculously Expensive Gowns to the Miss Universe Pageant in Doral

It is no secret that Russia has been on an economic slump lately due to economic sanctions brought about by the United States, Europe and their allies. The drop in crude oil prices makes things even worse.

Russia’s GDP grew by only 0.7% in the third quarter of 2014, and the World Bank projects that the country will go into recession in 2015. The Russian ruble (RUB) already lost about half its value. To counter the ruble slide, the Russian Central Bank raised interest rates to around 17%. Inflation is at around 9%.

But you probably cant’t tell what the Russian economy is going through based on what Miss Russia, Yulia Alipova, has been wearing to the Miss Universe 2014 pageant in Doral, Florida.

For the official evening gown portraits, Yulia wore an Elie Saab haute couture gown. Fashion pundits estimate the gown’s price tag at USD175,000. Yes, the number of zeroes are correct – the gown costs as much as a house. Continue reading Despite Russia’s Recent Economic Struggles – Miss Russia Wears Ridiculously Expensive Gowns to the Miss Universe Pageant in Doral

What Did Obama Say During His State of the Nation Address? What’s Your Say?

On the 20th of January 2015, President Barack Obama delivered the State of the Union Address.

“Tonight, we turn the page”, Obama said.

Clap! Clap! President Obama during his State of the Union Address on January 20, 2015. Image from AFP/Getty Images

 

Below are some excerpts from the President’s speech. I made my own comments. How about you? What’s your say?

Continue reading What Did Obama Say During His State of the Nation Address? What’s Your Say?

Papal Visit Philippines 2015 Special: Economies of Catholic Countries

This is a post, part of a series, to commemorate the Papal visit to the Philippines on January 15-19 2015.

 

Which among the predominantly Catholic countries have the largest economies?

Nationmaster defines a Catholic country as one with at least 60% Catholic population.

Catholicism by Population Percentage. Original image by Starfunker226

 

How does your country stack up?

As a Filipino, I would like to know how the Philippines stacks up.  Continue reading Papal Visit Philippines 2015 Special: Economies of Catholic Countries