The Pinoy's Power Nap

It's been a while. I missed writing my thoughts away.

Something for you readers.....

THE POWER NAP

They say power naps are good for you. However, the ordinary Filipino do more than just nap in the afternoon. They (we) sleep.

I am referring to the lazy ones of course. Or those who just don’t understand that time is gold. Or those who think their work for the day – and so are their income for the day – are enough for them to afford  a longer nap than usual.

When I was in the US,one of the first things i noticed was the ordinary US street (kalsada). They are almost empty , unlike in the Philippines where in every corner you’ll see some group of people chatting their time away. I’m talking adult half-naked males puffing cigarettes and women (sometimes even carrying around babies) here, by the way.

Dear reader, ever wondered why we have become this way? Or who taught us to be this way? Or why? Again, our society permits us to be like this. I have never heard of anybody in the Philippines who  EMPHASIZED that this is bad. No one, Nada.

“Kulang na nga ang kinikita natin sa maghapong trabaho, may gana pa tayong makipag-tsismisan sa kanto? O kaya matulog sa hapon?”

If we want wealth to follow us the rest of our lives, let us stop following  the old ways. Let us value TIME more. I mean 100x more. Be productive; Find work; Find means to earn extra cash during your spare time.

DO NOT TAKE A longer NAP than usual. It is bad. Even  shameful.

When you’re retired and gray, you’ll have plenty of naps and tsismis time. But today, while you still can, be as productive as possible. Always be on the lookout for extra income. Earn more cash. Seach for it; Ask around; Think of ways to earn more.

Once again  dear readers, do not let the world pass us by. Pinoy, wake up. It is time.

A lesson for Juan Dela Cruz

Today's headline in The Philippine Daily Inquirer says: "Don't dumb down viewers, TV urged". Read the news here.

In Tagalog: Huwag gawing bobo ang mga Pinoy sa mga ipinalalabas sa TV shows.

This is one of my advocacies. This is one of the things i'd like to shout out to every Pinoy. That we're better than what these TV stations (and radio) think. That we can change if want to.

Imagine the whole day the Pinoy gets to watch silly TV shows? And continue on at night before going to bed?
This has been going on for decades now. Kaya hindi tayo umaasenso, is because we tolerate this.

Value your time, people. I'm not saying you stop entertaining yourself totally. I'm preaching PRODUCTIVITY here. Get busy; Be always on the go.
Find work during your spare time.(Read about it here.) Look for anything productive. Sayang ang oras.

This is one of the Filipino's sicknesses - we do not value time. Lagi na lang tayong pa-petik-petik. This has got to change. Really, it's time (read my article about time here) . If not now, our kids will redo this in their lifetime as well.

Again, the lesson for today: Re-think; Start valuing your time. Time is gold. Every minute spent without any production is a wasted minute forever. Hindi na natin ito maibabalik pa.

What i'm saying is that the Pinoy's version of creating wealth isn't just creating wealth. It's deeper. It starts from changing the society we live in.

Readers' question: How do i save money?

A reader emailed me, asking "how do i save money?".Another one asks my opinion on Francisco Colayco's suggestion (in his book, Pera mo, Palaguin mo) of using envelopes.

With this post, I hope to answer these questions in the simplest, and most effective way i can. In fact, i will only use 3 words: Just do it!

I'm sorry if you were expecting a magic formula. But folks, really, ask yourself, how else do you expect yourself to save? In my opinion, there is no formula. Just willpower.

By all means you can, save every excess centavo. These add up. It's developing the habit that's more important. Once you've developed the habit, and have made this automatic and lasting, I promise you, you will very soon be taking the next big leap which is "growing your money" thru investments.


I can relate to you, ordinary Juan Dela Cruzes. I've been there. I am living proof that this is possible. Discipline, willpower and a bias for action. These are key.

Hesitant still? Also read (click links) relevant topics about:

a) Why create wealth?
b) Why save?
c) Money-saving tips
d) Investing 101
e) What to do with money saved

what to do with money saved

As you now know, every penny counts. If you've been following my posts, i'm betting you're now well on your way to creating your own wealth.

Let's recap. So far, i have taught you to:

1. Realize and admit you have a problem first

2. Understand your "big why"

3. Take action - know what to prioritize when it comes to spending

4. Start saving
5. Start valuing your time

Now we go to the next lesson to be learned- What to do with money saved.

For beginners:

My advice at this point? Go to your nearest bank. Open a passbook account, start saving there regularly. 

The objective is for you to develop the habit of not pocketing your excess pesos. Put it where you cannot have ready access to it. Remember it's a passbook, and not an ATM account. It's also a way for you to become at ease with the people inside banks.

For people with credit card problems:  

Start paying up. Little by little. Just face it and get over it. 

For people who are now ready for the next big leap: 

Start investing. Read my previous post re Investing 101. Choose among the items there. Research, ask around. Consult with knowledgable people. Start small. Just do it.

Details in my next posts. I promise you readers financial freedom. Start believing.