It’s been seven months since I resigned, and most of that time has been spent with my family—especially Kat—where I truly felt my presence making a difference in her well-being. I’ve also managed household matters like renovations, school needs, and daily routines, while picking up new skills in stocks, crypto, AI, and even video editing. Despite asthma flaring up during the rainy season, I’m grateful I can still manage it with my medication.
On the investing side, I’ve been hit hard by the proposed Konectedong Pinoy Bill, which dragged PLDT and Globe down more than 10% below my average, making them tough holds despite their long-term strength. Adding to the challenge is Ghost Month (August 23–September 21), which has brought even more uncertainty to the market. Still, the past months have given me time to breathe, reconnect, and prepare—I know it’s time to shift gears and start building forward again.ng for the “spiritual murk” to pass. For me, it’s been a reminder to stay grounded and patient, even when everything feels a little unsettled.
This Month's Quote
Our biggest regrets are not for the things we have done but for the things we haven’t done.
— Chad Michael Murray
Productivity after going back in the Philippines
Productivity isn’t about doing more, it’s about staying focused on what truly matters and finishing it with purpose...
It’s been seven months now since I resigned back in February 2025, and most of that time I’ve poured into my family and, most importantly, into Kat. Being here with her every day has made me realize how much my presence really matters. I feel that just being beside her has not only improved her well-being but may have even given her more time with us—and that alone makes this decision worth it. These past months have also been about catching up on the things I missed when we weren’t together and finally taking care of matters I had to set aside before. I sorted out the Avida unit processes and contracts, kept the Santolan renovations moving forward, looked after Joyce’s school needs, and made sure Jace’s daily routine was in order.
But beyond the responsibilities, I’ve had more precious conversations with Kat, moments that feel priceless now. I’ve also spent some time learning—studying stocks and crypto, tinkering with AI, even trying my hand at video editing. Somewhere along the way, I started sketching out a rough plan for a software I’d love to create one day. For now, though, I know I’ve been too relaxed to push it seriously—but deep inside, I feel the need to commit to it soon.
Looking at where we are now, I feel our family is in a better place than before. The break gave me a chance to breathe, reconnect, and just be present for the people who matter most. But I also know it’s time to shift gears again. The pause is over, and I need to start moving forward—strengthening our finances, focusing on our plans, and making sure we continue building a good future together.
Asthma Attacks
Breathing difficulties...
The past few nights have been colder than usual because of the rainy season, and it hasn’t been easy for me. Lately, my asthma has been acting up again, and there were times I felt the tightness in my chest creeping in just as I was about to sleep. Thankfully, I still have my Ventolin puff with me, along with my maintenance Seretide, which help me manage those difficult nights. Even though it’s a bit of a struggle, I’m grateful that with these, I can still get through the evenings and rest.
Philippine Stocks
Money Money Money...
The proposed Konectedong Pinoy (KP) Bill has had a significant impact on two of my key holdings—PLDT and Globe Telecom. The market reacted negatively to the bill’s potential effects on the telecom industry, causing both stocks to plunge more than 10% below my current average. For long-term investors like me, it’s been tough to see such sharp declines, especially since these companies have traditionally been viewed as stable blue-chip choices. While the upcoming dividends may help cushion some of the losses, the overall outlook feels shaky at the moment. PLDT and Globe are still fundamentally strong companies with established infrastructures and market dominance, but right now the sentiment surrounding them is weak, making them appear like “bad” stocks to hold in the short term.
This year’s Ghost Month runs from August 23 to September 21, with its peak during the Hungry Ghost Festival on September 6. I’ve been really feeling its effect on the stock market—and on my portfolio. There's a quiet tension that creeps in when traditional beliefs meet modern investing. Many investors tend to pull back during this period, waiting for the “spiritual murk” to pass. For me, it’s been a reminder to stay grounded and patient, even when everything feels a little unsettled.
Crypto Ethereum
Ethereum’s volatility is both its risk and its reward—what shakes the faint-hearted builds opportunity for the patient...
These past few months, even though I started a bit late with investing in stocks and exploring crypto, the experience has opened up a whole new awareness for me. I’ve become more attentive to current news and trends, and I’ve also started learning technical aspects like candlestick charts and different market indicators.
Korean Drama this August
Kdrama fever...
Completed Series "The Trunk", "Eve", "Trigger" and currently watching the ongoing series "Beyond the Bar".
The MoneyWise Engineer: Best Investments for Passive Income
Filipino easy to learn investing tips...