Category: Other Activities

I’m Peddling My Book at the 36th Manila International Book Fair

Last year, I decided to write a book that explains the basics of investments in a simple manner. I initially meant to just give out the books as Christmas gifts to my co-doctors and friends. Due to the good response of those who received the book, I decided to sell the book.

My book is available in Amazon here and via Central Books bookstores in the Philippines.

Central Books also invited me to appear in the 36th Manila International Book Fair. A chance to hawk my book in person!

Manila International Book Fair 2015
See you on Sunday, September 20 at the 36th Manila International Book Fair at the SMX Convention Center. Image from Manila International Book Fair Official Facebook Page

 

For authors, there’s always the fear that even if you show up at the book fair, no one buys your book, which can be embarrassing and ego crushing….

Continue reading I’m Peddling My Book at the 36th Manila International Book Fair

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Did Cebu Pacific Cash In On the AlDub Phenomenon Without Paying or Even Asking for Permission?

AlDub (stands for the love team of Alden Richards and Yaya Dub) is breaking all sorts of social media records recently. Ratings for Eat Bulaga, the show that features the two, are at their highest in years. 

It is expected that many companies will cash in on the popularity of the AlDub phenomenon. To get the business of the millions of AlDub fans, these companies (especially the larger ones), should compensate Eat Bulaga, Alden and Maine Mendoza (who plays Yaya) for riding on the trend. This is especially true if the likeness of “AlDub” is used.

#ALDUBest seat sale Cebu Pacific
Did Alden and Yaya Dub even know about this promo? #ALDUBest seat sale Cebu Pacific. Screengrab from Cebu Pacific twitter account

 

Wait…. Did Cebu Pacific just sign Alden and Maine as endorsers? Did Cebu Pacific even ask permission from the producers of Eat Bulaga?

Continue reading Did Cebu Pacific Cash In On the AlDub Phenomenon Without Paying or Even Asking for Permission?

Book Review: You Won’t Get Rich in the Stock Market Until You Change the Way You Think About It – by Andrew Stotz

For new investors, I suggest reading investment related books. Unfortunately, many of the books available are either thick, difficult to understand textbooks or self-help, motivational, “get rich now” books that offer no real-world value.

That’s why it is a joy to come across a book that reaches out to new investors, that uses simple terms, and that doesn’t promise the reader that he will be on the expressway towards riches or financial freedom.

You won't get rich in the stock market until you change the way you think about it by Andrew Stotz
You Won’t Get Rich in the Stock Market Until You Change the Way You Think About It by Andrew Stotz. Image from Andrew Stotz

 

Here’s what’s good about the book:

Continue reading Book Review: You Won’t Get Rich in the Stock Market Until You Change the Way You Think About It – by Andrew Stotz

A Blog Post to Gold’s Gym Philippines: “Thanks” for Kicking Us Members Out!

In June 2015, Gold’s Gym Philippines surprised its Sheridan branch club members by kicking them out without considerable notice. The reason — the Sheridan Gold’s Gym branch had become Nike’s House of Rise.

 

Golds Gym Sheridan becomes Nike's House of Rise
Gold’s Gym Sheridan becomes Nike’s House of Rise. Meanwhile, Gold’s Sheridan members were displaced. Image from Adobo Magazine Facebook page.

 

I’m happy for Gold’s Gym Sheridan for getting this gig, but did the gym have to kick out its members? Unfortunately for the members, Gold’s Sheridan is still pocketing the member’s money while raking in the Nike millions. That’s stinkier than a used pair of gym shorts.

Why was the Sheridan Gold’s gym branch chosen as the site for Nike’s Rise program?   Continue reading A Blog Post to Gold’s Gym Philippines: “Thanks” for Kicking Us Members Out!

Picture Perfect: Ten Ridiculous Things People Do When Asked to Submit A Professional Looking Recent Photo

I also have an upcoming stint as a speaker for a conference. I’m going to talk about investments to a group of doctors. They asked me to submit a picture for the marketing materials and the conference program handbook.

There’s a problem. I don’t have respectable and professional looking photos of myself. Well I do, but they are framed graduation pictures from decades past, so they are no longer appropriate.

Can I use this picture? Errrr, a  lot of people seem to use them in their profile pics.

facebook default no profile pic
If I use this pic, people may recognize me from Facebook – “Hey, aren’t you the default avatar guy?” Facebook default no profile pic. Image from Facebook.com

 

When asked to submit a professional looking photo, these are the ridiculous things people do:  – I’m guilty of many of these by the way.

 

Continue reading Picture Perfect: Ten Ridiculous Things People Do When Asked to Submit A Professional Looking Recent Photo

What Were Superheroes Doing in an Investment Conference?

Last May 16, the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Society of the Philippines hosted the Philippine Retail Investment Conference at the SMX Taguig Convention Center. Notice that Superman is in the background in this picture. What were superheroes (there were more of them) doing there? Did this imply that an investor has to have superpowers now to make money in the market? Did this insinuate that the finance industry now operates in an alternate reality?

Philippine Retail Investment Conference 2015 with Superman
What was Superman – his statue, at least – doing in an investment conference?

Continue reading What Were Superheroes Doing in an Investment Conference?

With a Heavily Faked CDG Play Heart

Imitation is the best form of flattery. I’m sure this does not apply to trademarks and other intellectual properties. The Comme Des Garcon “GDG” Play line of apparel and accessories – specially the ones with the “heart face” – has been around for many years (since 1999 actually). However, it is only in recent months when I have seen a heavy presence of these CDG Play shirts.

CDG Play Heart
The Commes Des Garcon “CDG” Play heart – Loved by consumers. Loved by counterfeiters. Image by Comme Des Garcon

 

Unfortunately, most of what I see are fakes.  Continue reading With a Heavily Faked CDG Play Heart