MONEY MATTERS : 3 SMART WAYS ON HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT STOCKS

Let me ask you a question: How much do you earn in a month? in a year? Now, how much do you want to earn? If you’re on Point A (my earnings now) to Point B (my projected earnings), you have to find a way to connect the gap. Ugh, these are the type of thoughts we try to avoid as it requires a massive cerebral exercise. Surprise! Whether we think about it or not – we will still face the fruits of our action (or inaction).

Admittedly, there was a time I procrastinated. It was a long hiatus, actually. However, when I felt that I’m ready to test the waters, I’ve read about stock investing enough for me to make sense out of it. Don’t get me wrong… there are other ways of earning. Start a business, opt for higher pay, etc. but this post leans toward stock market investing.

Say, you feel that investing is for you. You’ve opened an online brokerage account, funded it and now what? I don’t know about you but I don’t want to look at annual reports, let alone try to analyze graphs or things like that. So I figured out some ways:

INVESTMENT GUIDE
It’s right under our nose! I use COL Financial as my online brokerage account and when you click on Investment Guide > Investment PDF, tada! Problem solved! On that PDF, you can see which stocks to BUY and at how much. You can leave alone the others details and digest them whenever you feel you can. I suggest that don’t lump your entire fund, always be prudent. Anyways, as you go along, you’ll get a feel on things. You’ll do fine! This guide is free for COL users.

BO SANCHEZ TRULY RICH CLUB (TRC)
First things first. This is not a sponsored post and I don’t have a link where I can get a commission with each click or something like that. Sharing is caring, that’s all :) Brushing that aside, I personally subscribed in Bo Sanchez TRC because of one reason: it’s mighty convenient. You’ll receive a buy at this price alert and sell at this price alert. Easy peasy. There are good materials that come with his monthly emails too. There’s a catch though, subscription fee starts from Php 500 or so.
 

LOOK AROUND YOU
Say what? I mean, look around… for real! If you want to know which stocks are in for the long haul, look at household and consumer staples. The likes of PLDT, MERALCO, PUREGOLD, URC (think Piattos), JOLIBBEE, MAXS, SM, AYALA CORP, etc. are here to stay. They’ve been here for so many years so, chances are, they’ll be part of the Philippine market moving forward.

CMK TRAVELS : TOP 6 THINGS TO DO IN WALES, UNITED KINGDOM

I've realized that the best time to write about your trip is right after you've done them, given the luxury of time. That way, feelings and experiences still linger as if they happened just recently. Literally :) Special thanks to Bonnie and Len for taking my picture above! You guys have no idea how many takes, dips and turns we've had to capture that scene! Ahh, the joys of traveling with friends!

United Kingdom is composed of 4 different territories, namely: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. We decided to spend one weekend in Wales. I've spent my Christmas 2014 in Scotland and it's such a beautiful place. I have high hopes for Wales and indeed, it was wonderful.

One has to have a UK Visa to visit Wales. For my personal take on requirements and application, click HERE and HERE. We got there from London (Paddington Station) via First Great Western Train. It took us about 3 hours of travel. We left at 8:30 am, arrived at Cardiff Central at 11:50 am. We were seated regular class going to Wales, and first class back to London. I'd say, first class has some perks. Like spacious seats and stuff. If the price is right, who would say no to a first class upgrade?! Fee is approximately £89.00 (Php 6,200) for a round trip ticket.

OWAIN GLYNDWR
That's the thing about Welsh language, they don't have much vowels on their words. Very interesting, is it? We were so famished when we arrived and as with all travels, what's the first thing to do? FOOD TRIP! Yay! We've ordered Classic Combo (to share), fish and chips (can't go wrong with that, mate!) and Risotto plus drinks. The place speaks Victorian vintage all throughout. We've spent around £45.00 so that's £15 (Php 1,000+) for each pax. The meal and experience was worth it. The burp got me going for the next 4 hours of walking and sight-seeing!

CARDIFF CASTLE
There's an abundance of castles in Wales. And real ones! I am awed by the idea that this was a proper, working castle before. Wow! Cardiff Castle is one of the Wales' popular tourist spots. You have to pay £12.00 for a standard entrance fee. The place was HUGE! Colossal, gigantic, I'm running out of adjectives to describe it! We didn't manage to scour the entire place because our bags were waiting for us. Say whut?!

TIP: Once you arrive at Cardiff Central station, you can leave your bag at a locker within Cardiff Tourist Information Centre. Fee depends on the locker size, we've had all our bags stored for a measly £8.00. However, we were told that the place is only open up until 15:30 (3:30 pm) hence, we have to hurry of our castle adventure. 

Nonetheless, 2 hours is not too bad to pose, click and jump for the camera. We were marveled by their structure. And I am overly happy because it was bright and sunny when we visited. I can wear my blush dress!
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ST. FAGANS HISTORY MUSEUM

Friendly reminder: You can spend an entire day being a kid at St. Fagans History Museum. It's not your typical museum, it's one-of-a-kind. My favorite museum, officially! It's like a Universal Studio but your playground revolves around castles and gardens! Pictures below are just the tip of the iceberg. We've gone to a carnival, mini-market, cafe, farm and a whole lot more... get this: WITHIN the history museum.
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Here's a mini-tour of St. Fagan's Castle. You can take a peek on how the royals lived. On the old picture below, that's Lord Windsor on his mother's lap. This reminds me of President Ferdinand Marcos' home in Ilocos. It's always surreal to walk on the place where great men began.

MERMAID QUAY & BUS RIDE

Just when you thought you've seen enough, you ain't seen nothing yet! Who would've thought they have boat adventures in Wales? And prices start at £7.00! Not too bad! Only catch was, the adventure was fully booked until June (!) plus the fact that we're too pressed for time. You have to try their buses too. They say one way to immerse is to ride a place's public transportation. 

TIP: They have all-day bus tickets but in case you want to buy per ride, you can do so. Heads up that Mr. Driver will ask you for an exact fare. He doesn't give changes. Cab is pocket-friendly as well. It ranges from £5.00 approx for places within the metro.
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GHOST TOUR AND CARNIVALS
Quite a contrast, I know but try it for once! It was my first time to join a ghost tour and it turned out to be a comedy tour! I don't know if I will do any justice explaining things in narrative but in a gist, the walk was more of laughter rather than fear-fest because of mishaps here and there (insert boisterous giggle here). Seriously, I find the walk interesting. It sums up the urban legends and unsolved mysteries surrounding a place called Llandaff. We went out at 9 pm and ended the tour at 11 pm. It was cold (to think it's summer) plus I was so hungry - good thing there's a Chinese resto nearby.

Carnival, it's another laugh trip because of the mirrors that turn you into a dwarf. We were laughing so hard because we finally knew how we look like had we been midgets. Ghost tour costs £10 and magic mirror, £1. 

WELSH MARKET PLACES

Welsh culture is very rich and this fact trickles down to the variation of items they offer. From lovespoons (wooden spoon given to your special someone) to fudge (their choco-mint concoction is a piece of heaven) to pork sausages (which left me with regret because I should have hoarded 4 packs of that - perfect for Longsilog!) to artisan chocolates (Peanut butter is a sure-fire hit)... you cannot leave the place empty handed!

TIP: St. Fagans National History Museum has so many yummy treats for the public. That's where we bought our fudge, artisan chocolate and sausages. How's that for a museum? I want to teleport and come back!

LONDON DIARY : ALMOST SPRING

Greetings from Kensington Palace, known to be the home of Princess Charlotte (granddaughter princess of Queen Elizabeth). The palace is opulent and fancy, it's really a beauty to behold. This is my first day-out since I came back in London.

Twas Friday night when I landed and thankfully, there's no interesting story like what happened last October. Lost luggage, remember? Aside from the long queue at the immigration, all went well. It was also a pleasant surprise that I saw my friend, S waiting at the airport. He initially told me he has work so I wasn't expecting, but I guess he finished early. We had a sumptuous dinner at Zizzi's and off we go home.

When it's spring, the sun usually sets at 8:30 pm. Yey!

Having experienced a full-on winter, I can now relate why everybody's excited for sun shine. It just... surreal. And spring makes you want to do more since it's day time almost 24/7. London has lots of park. Very conducive for everyone who wants to bask in the sun.

I'd say it's 'almost' spring because flowers are still on their blooming stage. This is a shot taken from Bushy Park. It's near my flat along Hampton Court. View is spectacular. There's something about nature that takes away stress and hang-ups. With that, I took it upon myself to go out for a walk after office. Less than hour walk do wonders. It's only less than a week but I can feel some tensions on my hamstrings, I think I need to do a couple of stretches before walking.

There's quite a few tweaks in my life and I think it's for the better:

MONEY MATTERS : 3 THINGS TO CONSIDER ABOUT BLUE CHIP STOCK INVESTING

I’m literally up in the air as I type this post. For regulars on CMK blog, you’ll have a hint where I’m bound. My plane is flying from Manila, PH to London, UK. Wee. Goodbyes are bittersweet whichever angle you look at it. I’ll miss Manila but I’m excited for London too. And vice versa! Well, life is like that, a series of ‘hellos’ and ‘goodbyes’ but as long as you have your center (to me, it’s a personal relationship with Jesus Christ) – you’ll do fine. I was about to type then delete this part: “apologies if you find me dropping Jesus– or other ‘spiritual or to some, corny topics, every once so often… “
 

But then, the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks, isn’t it? I love Jesus and I’m not ashamed of that. And I think we should stand up for whatever convictions we have. Never imposing but brave enough to share, at least.
 

Whew! Right, that’s an entirely different introduction people! Because what I’ll be sharing with you today has something to do with stock market {as the title gives away}.

I’ve been investing in stock market for a couple of years now and one of the things I’ve learned is: LEARNING IS AN ONGOING PROCESS, as with any other things. I think there’s a bit of attachment with financial investing because, after all, that’s our hard-earned money on the line.

Blue-chip companies. If you’re kind enough to visit the MONEY MATTERS section above, you’ll have an idea what this cool term is all about. Simply put, these are companies that a) have been operational for a long time and b) pricier than non-blue chip ones. Here are 3 things to consider when investing in blue-chip stocks.

ROOM FOR GROWTH 
I’ve known someone who made millions of gain just by investing consistently for the past 10 years. Which stock is this? It’s DMCI Holdings, Inc. Yes, I just spilled the beans, but it’s not me, for the record. I wish it was me indeed but nope.

If you’re thinking what I’m thinking, you’ll probably say – Okay, I’ll yank in my funds at DMCI! Hold your horses! This is where room for growth comes. We need to check if there’s enough growth space when investing. This is not to say, DMCI has no promising growth but it’s best to at least be aware where the company is heading.

Way back in the 90’s, Jollibee (JFC) shares were only less than Php 10*. Then came 2013, it went up to Php 170*. Then just recently (2015), it’s share price is Php 200*. If you’ve invested 10,000 shares at Php 10, then you’re looking at Php 1.9M gain. But that is if you’ve invested once and never again. What if you’ve consistently invested a portion of your funds over time? Which leads to my next point.

TIME HORIZON 
Fact: stock appreciation takes time. You know why so many people are getting scammed? It’s because they want to double their money at the SHORTEST time possible. That’s super risky and chances are it’s illegal. Again, if it’s too good to be true…  it’s not true.

It took that man 10 years, and several bull and bear market cycles, before he got millions of gains. I’ve heard someone said that stock market is more of psychology rather than mathematics. Sounds about right. When you invest, especially if you’re not a master trader (if there’s such a thing) prepare to wait it out. As my boss usually says, the things worth having takes time!

UK VISA APPLICATION FOR PHILIPPINE PASSPORT HOLDERS (TIMELINE FOR 2015)

Applying any visa can be such a heart-stopping experience! And you lodging your application for the nth time is not an excuse to lay back and hope for a sure thing!

UPDATE: If you're interested, I've published an updated YouTube video on UK Tourist Visa application. Hope this helps! :)

Long story short, I've been to London, United Kingdom twice last year. This 2015, I applied for a business visa and the process has not changed much. For detailed narrative and tips, feel free to look at HOW TO APPLY FOR UK VISA IN THE PHILIPPINES? (2014 EDITION)  

I have decided to publish a post specifically to detail my timelines. You see, when you apply for something, the hardest part is the WAITING GAME and it's no fun at all! You know that feeling when your food tastes bland and you can't be 100% relaxed because the idea is hanging over your head? That's me exactly the past week. I can pretend to have a good time, and self-talked "Okay, I'm calm, it's fine..." but sometimes, wahhh, it just gets the best out of me! So, here goes.

THE TIMELINE

• Thursday, April 23 - I got the DHL documents from our London office
• Friday, April 24 - Met with the Travel Agent (First United Travel, Inc.)
• Tuesday, April 28 - Personal Appearance at VFS Global
• Thursday, April 30 - Got an email saying A decision has been made... (more on this later)
•  Monday, May 4 - Got a confirmation that I got my visa. THANK YOU LORD!

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Important Note: I availed for VFS Global priority and VIP services. So the schedule above is faster than normal. 

 *NOTES & TIPS
Okay guys, this is not an all-inclusive thing. What works for me, might not work for you and vice versa. However, I'd still want to write this just in case someone out there is lost and in a limbo. I hope this little post will shed some light.

•  Original documents. It's always, always recommended that you give the UK embassy the original documents. They will be returned to you anyways. Tip: Make sure to enclose a photocopy of the same document.
• Bank Certificate. Based on blogs and web forums, it's apparent (though not 100% proven) that significant points are granted when you have a fat bank account. Visas are granted via point system so it's a good thing to make a mental note on that.
• Should I avail travel agent services? It depends on you entirely. As for me, I don't want to leave anything to chance and I don't know the best practices etc. To save my sanity - I availed one. Fee is Php 1,500, fair enough. 

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THE EMAILS 

This is the tricky part. As mentioned before - I've applied for a visa last 2014. By the grace of God, both of which were approved. One was April 2014 and another on September 2014. For both applications, I got this auto-generated email: *
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OFFICIAL: UK Visa Application: UKVI-Manila Visa Hub (Ref: XXXXXXX)

Your visa will be despatched shortly.  Passports can be collected from the Visa Application Centre after 3 working days unless advised, it will be returned by courier or have paid an additional courier fee. This is an automated "no reply" message. UKVI
 
This is an automated message. Please do not respond to this email address as incoming mail is not answered.

Come 2015. April 30, I got an email at around 2:08 pm. Here's the format:

Dear  (My complete name)

Application Reference :  GWFXXXXXXXXX     

A decision has been made on your application and your documents are being returned to the Visa Application Centre (VAC).  You will be contacted again by the VAC once these documents have been received and they are ready for you to collect. If you have chosen to have your documents couriered to you, these will be despatched by the VAC once they have been received.

AND I WAS LIKE... WHAT THE HECK! Is this a rejection notice? I was in a panic, I called the agent, I called mum (at this time, I'm crying and was shaking, so many things were popping over my head). 

Mum said, let's just pray and take the email as it is. A decision has been made. But the ultra-paranoid in me searched Mr. Google and to my horror, I read some blogs that say if there's no visa reference number  on the subject line, then it's a THANK YOU LETTER. I reconciled my 2014 mails, both have reference numbers. This 2015, it doesn't have one. OH MY GOSH!

FOOT SPA AT NUAT THAI SPA {AYALA MALL SERIN TAGAYTAY} REVIEW

Flashback 2008: Whilst waiting for my training to end I have decided to try getting a massage for the first time. My first dibs at spa massages happened at The Spa Bel-Air Makati {which was now closed, btw}. Spa is like a spell that casts out sore and tight muscles. It's like you're getting out of the room with a completely different set of arms and legs. I've been a spa junkie ever since.

Fast forward 2015, my family decided to visit Tagaytay for the nth time, knowing that there's something exciting to try every single tour. We're right! We've found out that there's an Ayala Mall Serin Tagatay this time! It's a newly opened {not-yet-100%-operational} mall right in front of Theodore Hotel.

In a nutshell, this is a mini-Greenbelt in Tagaytay. Complete with posh restaurants and, get this, Family Mart and Timezone! Now if you're into stock investing - make sure to add Ayala Corporation (AC) in your portfolio. But that's an entirely different topic! Going back - we've decided to try NUAT THAI SPA which was 1-month old when we graced their cozy nook.

SERVICE AVAILED:

Mum, dad and myself availed of the same  treatment, classic foot spa. This costs Php 320 each. Very good price point compared to the sky-high prices in the metro.

CMK HAPPY THOUGHTS:

Let me start off by saying their Ginger-Honey Tea is one of the best teas I've ever tasted! It's comparable to that of The Spa. It kind of the same if you'll ask my taste buds, actually. Price is uber reasonable too. For a 1-hour foot pampering, it's a cost-effective way to relax while bonding. Their good interiors are honorable mention too.

CMK WISHFUL THOUGHTS:

Due to the fact that they're fairly new - I can sense their attendants are not yet masters of their craft. The attendant/masseuse was quite hesitant to massage my feet and their foot soak was not a machine but an improvised basin filled with warm water. I was a bit surprised with that, but to me, that's tolerable. They're all accommodating and that balances the wishful thoughts, really.

Is it worth coming back? Read after the jump!

MAYBELLINE BABY SKIN INSTANT PORE ERASER REVIEW

When you want a dewy and long lasting makeup that sticks through the day, primers always get into the picture. I wasn't a believer of primers before. They're just an addition to my make up budget plus, they're colourless. I blabbered. 

Then, I tried one and then another. Before I knew it, I'm road testing primers the past few months! 

I got this product from Boots in London, United Kingdom. Boots is like Watsons here in Manila. And each time I pass by {it's some few steps away from my Pilates studio}, I got something nice to test! ** Evil Laughs ** Price point is generally the same. Around Php 300 if you'll convert it. 

It's funny because I'm seeing different tube packaging on blog reviews. Anyway, what's important is what's inside so that's okay! 

CMK HAPPY THOUGHTS:

It blurs your pores. Not 100% which is impossible, but it does a decent job. It's very light weight and unscented too. It didn't cause any breakouts on me plus my foundation glides perfectly once I set my face with this beauty. Price is def a good deal so you have all the excuse to use it everyday. I have a combination skin type and my T-zone can be unruly at times, product helps my skin achieve an oil-free finish with or without foundation.

CMK WISHFUL THOUGHTS:

It is silicone-based. It's not an issue for me but heads up to those who have allergies / silicone aversion. I hope this product will help my eyeliner stay a bit longer but I guess that's just asking too much. Let's put it this way, my eyelids are the oiliest part of my face! Man, and with summer heat and sweat, I've decided not to put eyeliners lest I want to look like a panda.

Maybelline's gel eyeliner failed me as seen HERE, what's my verdict on this M product this time?

BEAUTY BUZZ : WHAT A DIFFERENCE TRIMMED EYEBROWS CAN MAKE (AN EYEBROW GEL REVIEW)

I admit it. The least amount of makeup product that I own is eyebrow liner. I've got a number of excuses. First is I don't know how to apply one :P Next is out of fear of looking like a clown, I'd rather not use any at all. Lastly, I might as well buy yet another lipstick than to spend some on this. 

Earlier, whilst strolling at SM Makati, I was a bit disappointed because NYX hasn't replenished their stocks yet. Worst, they don't have any new arrivals {was told they're scheduled to arrive next week}. So, I tried other boutiques and my feet took me to Fashion 21 stall. It's quite a nostalgic brand for me. I remember buying beauty stuff from here way back my university days. Why? You guessed it! It's quality for a lesser price! :)

I was initially asking for an eyebrow pencil but quite hesitant due to reasons I've shared above. Good thing the lovely sales lady, Aileen, suggested that I use Eyebrow Gel instead.

EYEBROW GEL

Meet Fashion 21 Eyebrow Gel! I got it for Php 165 from SM Makati. They've fully renovated the place and it is really a makeup haven! From high-end, mid-range to affordable brands, they've got it all for you! Lol. With that, make sure that you add SMPH (SM Prime Holding) stocks on your portfolio.

Going back! The packaging looks sturdy to me. It's plastic and very lightweight, not too long so it can fit to any standard kikay kit. I got the LIGHT BROWN shade since it's the closest to my current hair colour and it's flattering on my skin tone.

CMK HAPPY THOUGHTS
I can't believe that I only noticed this just now. Trimmed and structured brows MAKE such a HUGE impact on one's face! On the brighter side, it's better late than never, they say. Product is long-lasting, easy to apply specially for a novice like me. Most of all, it looks natural. When you're done for the day, some few swipes of your favourite makeup remover, and that's it.

On the left side, that's the eyebrow gel on my bare face. On the right side, that's me with NYX BASKED BLUSH + ILLUMINATOR + BRONZER and NYX MATTE LIPSTICK IN MLS 25 TEMPTRESS. I'd say clean brows perfect your nude makeup look.

CMK WISHFUL THOUGHT

Product is not waterproof. Contrary to my eyelids that are mega-oily, my brows are just fine. Not a big deal to me but yes, make sure to remember this on a rainy day :) Here comes the swatch and a close up peek!