Triplets from Cebu appeal for help

Salazar and her three cute angels. Photo by: Delisa Nadela.

A baby they say is a blessing, a gift from God. How much more blessing could that be when you have not only one, not just two, but THREE babies? Yes, triplets!

On Maundy Thursday, April 17, while the Catholic faithful were out there reflecting, meditating and on a holiday break, 31-year old Flordeliz Padayao Salazar, a native of Dumanjug, Cebu gave birth to three baby girls via the CS section of Vicente Sotto Memorial Hospital. It was amazing! After all, it’s not every day that you hear news about triplets being born. When you hear about women giving birth to twins, you smile and clap in admiration. Such a blessing! How much more triplets then?

 But then, life they say is not always a walk in the park.  In Salazar’s case, she badly needs assistance for her newborn babies because they are premature, only eight-months old and had to be delivered because it was already risky for the mother.Therefore, they are now incubation. Salazar is a housewife, while her husband Antonio 44, is a motorcycle driver. They already have two kids: a 12-year old boy and nine- year old girl. Salazar's childhood friend, Fine Quirante-Guerrero, revealed a second degree cousin of Flordeliz conceived triplets before but it was unsuccessful--they died on their six months while in their mother's womb.

Salazar and her family appeal for help of in kind—babies need diaper, clothes, etc. Cash of any amount will also be much appreciated.Life in Dumanjug is quite hard, so she needs all the help she can get from kind-hearted individuals as much as possible. Their residence is located at a mountain barangay in Dumanjug with farming as the main source of livelihood.

In the spirit of Easter, I believe, it would be very meaningful if we could share little but heartfelt assistance to Salazar’s need and her three angels. And because Bible says, “ when you help do not let your right hand know what your left hand is doing,” just bring your donation for Salazar at VSMMC Ward 2-Philhealth. “Give to charity” but do it secretly. Of course you already know what happens after you extend help from the bottom of your heart: it comes back to you in thousands fold. This is your chance to experience God’s blessing by helping. Give so that you will receive. Be blessed! Happy Easter! 

Holy Week Sacrifice

Taken at Sto. Rosario Church in Cebu City.

Marian Rivera in a recent article published by www.pep.ph revealed she will give up chocolate, her main source of energy this time of the year, when we are supposed to repent, reflect, and forgive. Yes, Marian, who in that interview stated that her waistline is 17 inches (oh so very sexy!), admitted that she has “cheat” moment, especially when she is tired from work. Her cheat moment means indulging in her favorite chocolate brand.

Performing artist, tour guide and cultural activist Carlos Celdran on Twitter contemplated on the idea of no Facebook and cellphone for three days, in observance of the holy week. As for me, I’ve given up Facebook as well since Palm Sunday and it will be like that until Easter Sunday. It’s a sacrifice for me because I’m such an FB addict. I’m very active in that social media platform that it has become my Twitter as I post there almost every minute. I even declared before how I can’t live without FB. I’ve also decided not to eat meat this week. Oh well, it’s healthy eating because I’m going to feed myself with vegetables, and also it another form of sacrifice for me.

These are just simple sacrifices but it will surely make holy week observance meaningful. Still, these are nothing if you will think of how God gave up his life for us. He died on the cross for the salvation of the world. We should value His sacrifice for us by working on our faith more this holy week. Now is the perfect to repent for our sins and reconcile with God through confession and do our best never to commit the same mistake again.

 No matter how little our sacrifice would be this holy week that would mean a lot already in the eyes of our savior. So what will you give up this Holy Week then?

Mike Enriquez: Stick to the truth

He is among the pillars of GMA News and Public Affairs. The ABCDE markets know him for sure. His name is tantamount to decades of no-nonsense career in the field of broadcast-journalism in the country. He is fearless and inquisitive. To the afflicted he is the very reliable “Imbestigador” who goes after the shenanigans of government and excesses and arrogance of people who are in power and position. To the primetime viewers he is the anchor who delivers the news on 24 Oras with authority and credibility. Away from the cameras he loves to read, listens to music and spends quality time with his wife and their poodle.

Get to know him more in this interview originally published in HUGYAW, the entertainment section of Cebu based tabloid Banat News, affiliate of Philippine Star.

Para po sa inyo, what is your legacy as a broadcast journalist?

Mike: I don’t want to be the one to say that. I’d rather that be left for the viewers and the listeners to judge. Let them speak, besides in GMA, viewer is boss, right?

Sa palagay po ninyo, sino sa mga reporter ng GMA Network ang karapatdapat na sumunod sa yapak ninyo?

Mike: Naku marami. Marami tayong mahuhusay at masisipag na reporters. Marami ring tapat. ’Yun ang isa sa mga lakas ng GMA News and Public Affairs. All of our reporters can be the next Mike Enriquez.

 What are the advantages and disadvantages of being Mike Enriquez?

Mike: The biggest disadvantage is you’re total loss of privacy because of the nature of our job. We’re seen on television which is a very visible medium. So naturally, wherever you go, whether it’s in a church or in a restaurant or in a sidewalk or in an airport or in any public place, you will be recognized. When that happens, the tendency is for people to be drawn to you and most of the time they greet, so you have to greet back. Sometimes they want pictures taken, autograph, so walang privacy. Hindi naman lahat ng oras ay we feel good about relating with other people di ba? We have our bad hair days but you can’t afford to have that. When you are a known personality, you must return the good will of people who greet you, who smile at you, who wave at you. You have to greet back, you have to smile back, you have to wave back.

 One advantage is being popular. It gives you a great opportunity to use your popularity to be good to others. Hindi ’yung type na “Hindi mo ba kilala kung sino ako? Hindi ako pipila diyan!” None of that. The advantage is to use your popularity to help others. For example, if somebody is aggrieved, you call up the person who’s allegedly aggrieving the aggrieved and you use your popularity in a sense like ”Si Mike Enriquez ito, ano itong nabalitaan kong ginagawa ninyo sa taong iyan?” The other advantage of being popular is that it also makes you conscious of the need to conduct yourself properly in both public and private life kasi nga pinagkaka-ingatan mo ’yung popularity na ’yon. Unless wala kang pakialam which happens to some, they don’t care at all, they just do what they want. It’s a challenge being popular. It’s also a challenge to live up to being an expample to others, especially for the people who look at you and say ”I want to be that guy someday.”

 Anu-ano po ang mga katangian na dapat meron ang isang baguhan upang magtagumpay sa industriya?

Mike: Dapat maging tapat sila before anything else. Dapat maging makatotohanan, panig sa katotohanan. Dapat masipag sila at handang magsakripisyo para sa katotohanan at para sa career nila. This is not a field that grants instant gratification. Whatever gratification or reward comes, you need to work for it, and work for it very hard. If you want instant gratification, don’t go into broadcasting, it will not come right away.

Ano po ang paninindigan ninyo tungkol sa teleradyo at live streaming?

Mike: Teleradyo and live streaming, with the onset of the internet, it is inevitable na magkakaroon ng mga ganyan. Pero at the end of the day, regardless of the platform, ang pinagtutuunan ko ng pansin is ‘yung content. Mas lalo na ngayon na may mga social media, mas lalong mas importante ngayon na accurate, fair, and balanced ang content.

Laging sinasabi ng karamihan na kapag balita, GMA Network ang maaasahan, kapag entertainment, kabilang istasyon naman, what’s your reaction?

Mike: Hindi ko masasagot ‘yung sa entertainment part dahil I’m from News and Public Affairs. ‘Yung sa News and Public Affairs, pinaghihirapan namin ‘yan, 24/7. Hindi ako magugulat kung sasabihin nila ‘yun. Pero hindi namin ‘yun ginagawa para masabi nila na tayo ang nangunguna. Ginagawa namin ‘yun dahil ‘yun talaga ang misyon naming mga broadcaster, anumang network.

Sa tingin po ninyo, ano po kaya ang magiging kapalaran ng AM radio, knowing na may built-in FM radio sa cellphones ng karamihan?

Mike: Radio would still be around very much. In the future, it may take on different forms, but radio would still remain a people’s medium especially sa provincial areas. Radio has withstood the technological innovations and advances through the years.

Ano po ang paninindigan ninyo sa network war?

Mike: Kung ‘yung so-called “network war” ay pagalingan sa pagbibigay ng serbisyo, okay ‘yun. Pero kung ang ibig sabihin ay gagawa ka ng kung anu-ano para lang mapansin ka, manalo ka, or mag-rate ka, hindi tayo ganun sa GMA. At saka, lahat ng ginagawa natin dito ay nakatuon sa isang bagay lamang, serbisyong totoo. Hindi natin iniisip ‘yung kakumpitensiya o ‘yung ginagawa ng ibang network, naka-focus tayo dito sa ating values, sa ating vision and mission.

 How would you describe yourself off cam?

Off cam, I read a lot. I’m not only a voracious reader, I don’t know what you call me, basta I read. I also listen to music, watch movies, and I spend time with my wife and our poodle. And most importantly, I sleep.

  What is your guiding principle professionally and personally?

Just stick to the truth and just stick to the fact that you are here to serve people. Not to get rich or famous, but to serve people. This is what this job is all about. This is about being of service to others, giving genuine service. Kapag may tinutulungan tayo, hindi naman tayo nagpapabayad, hindi naman tayo umaasa ng regalo. Talagang serbisyong totoo lang, serbisyong puro.

 Where will you be at ano po ang iyong gagawin by the time na kayo’y wala na sa GMA Network?

Mike: I’m not thinking of mawala sa GMA Network. Kapipirma ko lang din ng contract and I am very happy.

 At what age po sa palagay ninyo dapat nang iwan ang media?

Mike: No age. Hangga’t kaya ng katawan mo. Hangga’t kaya ng body and spirit mo, sige lang. Di ba ang turo sa atin, hanggang sa huling hininga mo? That’s very Franciscan.

Quick and Fast

  Coffee or tea? Coffee

   UAAP or NCAA? UAAP

  TV or Radio? Radio

  Basketball or boxing? Basketball

   Beach or mountain resort? Beach resort

   Rice or cereal? Cereal

  Black or white? White

  Horror or Romcom? Romcom

   Running or swimming? Running

Tomorrow Today with QFCC

I prepare for tomorrow today. I do that by doing my best to be very faithful to God by not disappointing him in my words, thoughts, and actions. I fail every now and then, but I strive never to commit the same mistake again. It’s not easy, but it’s really possible. I should do that because you will never know what happens later or tomorrow. You will never know when will be your time to go.

Speaking of not knowing what will happen to us later or tomorrow, it’s a must that we should be ready all the time. Things are so unpredictable these days. So let’s say my soul is ready, what about my body? What about the people I’ll left behind? Or if God will allow me to live for additional 50 years, how will I survive financially, so that I will not be a burden to my family?

Physically, I exercise. I jog almost every day and I watch what I eat. I don’t smoke, and I’ve said goodbye to drinking since October. Yeah, call me OA, but I don’t drink even wine during social functions. It has something to do with my newfound faith actually being a member of Oasis of Love. It’s okay to drink wine because it’s a social beverage, but mine is a personal decision or stand. I don’t want to drink anything that has alcohol because I easily get drunk. And when you are drunk you will never know anymore what you will do. Better be safe than sorry then.

Financially, I recently started preparing for it. Bro. Bo Sanchez once said, “When the soul is ready, blessings pour in.” I can only agree because I have been so blessed to meet the people behind Quick and Fast Credit Cooperative (QFCC) last January. It was a meeting that was directed by faith and outpouring of the Holy Spirit, I would say. QFCC chairperson Mel Tadeo and vice chairperson Mary Ann Gonzales who are Manila based came to Cebu to promote their advocacy and they were brought to my radio program by publicist Richard Hinolan then. We instantly clicked as if we have been friends for a long time already. The next thing I knew, I was on a plane to Manila to meet my soon to be “QFCC family.”  In just an hour, I was sold out by the QFCC advocacy. When you are a prayerful person and you meet people who have the same faith as yours you instantly connect and you feel right away that you are in good hands and has found a new reliable family.

Save and Earn

So what’s the advocacy of QFCC? To “Help People Help Themselves.” How? First you put your money in the cooperative, to be able to earn from it too. Just like in a bank. The difference is that at QFCC you get 3% annual interest, while at the bank you only receive less than 1% interest per year. At QFCC you immediately become a co-owner, while at the bank you are just a client. Because QFCC operates like a bank, you can withdraw from your savings anytime, provided that you do not go below your maintaining balance of P500. Just like in the bank you can also borrow money from QFCC or avail of the “back-to-back loan,” meaning you can borrow your savings.

Just like in the bank again, QFCC will invest our money so that it will grow higher and we can have a bigger dividend too. Tadeo finished accountancy as cum laude back then and is a CPA, so she really knows what’s needed to be done, where to put the money and how to gain a bigger return. Tadeo’s intellect became her weapon in owning 10 companies in a span of decade. Among these companies are Quick and Fast Logistics International Inc., Carmella Home Properties, Aqua Serve, UV Express, Kinula Laundry Shop and Carry All Mobile and Catering. She is now at the point of her life that she very well can afford to stop working and enjoy her wealth by traveling abroad and partying too. But because of her rags- to-riches story back in Bulacan where they had nothing but strong faith, she decided to help people become wealthy just like her through QFCC. Tadeo knows it is payback time for all the blessings God has bestowed on her since she was 12 years old when she decided to reach for her dreams armed only with determination and faith.

Mel Tadeo

Gonzales on the other hand left a very promising career as a bank director to be able to help Tadeo in this advocacy. So imagine a former bank director and a CPA and cum laude who do not only have the experience but also very strong faith in God, working together for the success of QFCC.  This made me say, I’m in good hands and I’m blessed as well. Tadeo and Gonzales have journeyed to Rome to further strengthen their faith and their spiritual adviser is sought-after catholic preacher Bo. Sanchez, so they are present every Sunday during his The Feast. They both fear and love God and these are characteristics that convinced me all the more.

Members grow in number every day.

Share

At QFCC, you do not only earn from your savings, you will also be able to share something to the needy. That is because when you become a member, you will be made to put P100 in the “Helping Hand Savings” which will be the source for medical and burial assistance of every member in times of need. Moreover, a percentage of QFCC’s monthly income shall go to the Carmela Tadeo Foundation Inc., which sends poor but deserving students to college. And the foundation has recently included Bantayan Island as beneficiary too, so that it can be of help in the rehabilitation very soon. QFCC follows Bro. Bo’s “The Abundance Formula” of 10-20-70: 10% tithing (for the Lord), 20% investment, 70% expenses. Remember, when you give to the Lord and to charity, you will be rewarded in multiple. At QFCC, you don’t have to do it on your own, because it automatically happens the moment you become a member.

QFCC is duly registered and has the necessary permit. 

Summer Quenchers By Chef Marc

Strawberry Banana Milkshake 

Summer is so here. It’s so hot outside leaving your thirsty and irritable. Chillax and indulge!  Enjoy these quick and healthy milkshakes that can be done in just 10

minutes. Can fill six glasses

Ingredients

 Fresh strawberries or powdered, or a mixture of both

Three ripe bananas any (staging will do)

A liter of milk (condensed milk or fresh milk)

Yogurt or probiotic yakult

Procedure

Cut the stalks off if you are using fresh strawberries,(this called hulling).Cut any big strawberries into two.

 Peel the bananas' break into pieces and put in a food processor or blender.

 Add milk, powdered or fresh strawberries and yogurt. Wait until smooth. If you’re using a jug, use a stick blender and pass it around so everyone can have a go at turning the milk pink.

Serve cold.

Note: Kids love watching the milk turn pink. Bonding time!

Mango, Pineapple,Ginger and Lime 

This exotic fruit shake is easy to make, and tastes better than anything you'll find in the supermarket.  Can fill six glasses and can be done in 10 minutes. Quick and healthy!

Ingredients

Large, ripe mango

Pineapple

1cm fresh root ginger (luy-a native will do)

Lime or Kalamansi juice

Procedure

1.     Cut to two thin wedges from the mango for decoration later.

2.     .Peel the what’s left of the mango, cut as much flesh from around the stone and juice.

3.     Peel and core the pineapple, cut into chunks and add to juicer.

4.      Peel the ginger, chop and juice with the pineapple.

5.      Stir juices and add lime to taste.

6.     Chill.

7.     Pour into glasses and add a mango wedge. (glass decoration)

A lovely summer treat coolers. Wibbly-wobbly, Timey-wimey stuff!

Find him on Facebook: Chef Marc. Aside from creating yummy treats he also travels every now and then, and holds charitable activities in far-flung places, from time to time.

Real Battle Begins Now

Sheena 

Jodilly

Katarina
Photos from http://asntm2.starworldasia.tv/

So Sheena Liam of Malaysia won Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 2 in Kuala Lumpur during the finals on Wednesday night. The two Pinays--Jodilly Pendre and Katarina Rodriguez—settled for a runner finish. I’m not an avid fan of this show on TV5. In fact I have only watched a single or two episodes. But judging from the comments in various forums it seems that Pendre has stronger performance over Liam, since she won best photo twice and was runner up five times. Liam on the other hand became a winner and a runner-up respectively, just once.

With this, I really can’t blame netizens who feel that Pendre was robbed of the title in favor of the host country. Something is really wrong if you compare the final result to the mother show which is America’s Next Top Model (ANTM), hosted and produced by supermodel Tyra Banks. It’s a very successful show that it has completed 20 seasons already and the franchise has been sold to various countries since many years back. In ANTM, Tyra and the rest of the members of the panel of judges will always base their final decision based from the performance of the finalist from day one. There are times though that a less favorite will win when the judges feel that such finalist is more commercial or marketable than the frontrunner. By marketable, it means the one who will most likely be booked by casting agencies. But such case or situation seldom happens in ANTM because it’s always the finalist with the strongest and most solid portfolio who will come out a winner.

  The regular judges in the second cycle of the Asian edition were host and supermodel-actress Nadya Hutagalung, celebrity photographer Mike Rosenthal, celebrated choreographer Adam Williams, Filipina supermodel and TV presenter Joey Mead King, with guest judge, Marina Fairfax from Storm Models Management. In the finals they were joined by Natasha Kraal, editor-in-chief of Harper’s Bazaar Malaysia, Kenneth Goh, fashion director of Harper’s Bazaar Malaysia, and Singapore and Malaysian model Ling Tan. During the deliberation, the judges were convinced that Sheena is the “face of modern Asia,” thus her victory.

Now, the judges’ justification remains to be seen and it would take years to prove that, because in every contest, victory does not guarantee success at all. Winning the title is just the beginning of the real battle.

In Philippine reality shows, the winner is often outlasted by the runner up in the long run. Let’s take the case of ABS-CBN’s Star Circle Quest 1. Hero Angeles won the title and Sandara Park was a runner-up. But where are they now? Hero is somewhere, outside showbizness. You see him every now and then in TV shows, but it’s very safe to say that he is no longer a regular resident of showbizlandia. Sandara on the hand is a big star in Korea now. Joross Gamboa and Michelle Madrigal who were also from that batch are still very visible until now.

 In ABS-CBN’s Star in a Million with Erik Santos as the winner, it can never be denied that the runners up Sheryn Regis and Christian Bautista hit it big way ahead of him in terms of bookings and selling records. Sheryn migrated to Texas so she was not visible for a time here, but she is making a comeback and her solid fans happily embraced her.  Christian made it really big in Asia particularly in Indonesia as a singer and in Singapore as an actor when he did Kitchen Musical.   

Now let’s talk about ABS-CBN’s Little Big Star. Sam Concepcion won the title in 2005 and Charice was a runner-up. Charice made it big internationally while Sam was left here still proving his worth in the industry until now. Aicelle Santos was a runner-up of Gerald Santos in the second season of GMA-7’s Pinoy Pop Superstar then. But look who is still around and who is nowhere to be found. Julie Anne San Jose was a runner-up of GMA7’s Pop Star Kids with Rita Iringan as the winner in 2005. But who has sold out platinum records now between the two? GMA-7’s heartthrob Alden Richards tried his luck in the artista search Startruck in 2009 but made it only up to top 60. Yet he is very successful now, compared to the male winner Steven Silva. From that batch also came Rocco Nacino who was second-runner up. There is no doubt Rocco is the most successful among the finalists of that batch. So you see, winning does not always guarantee success in the industry.

Netizens have all the reason to question the result of the recently concluded Asia’s Next Top Model because it’s really questionable after all. But it’s always “the decision of the judges is final and irrevocable”, so we ought to respect that. I have doubts as well because I always want a Filipino contestant to win but I won’t comment about it anymore because it’s already water under the bridge and I don’t want to be branded a sore loser. Let us just see then who shall come out the real winner in the real world in the real competition that starts now.

GT as in “Good Tidings”

Our romance started two years ago. But we have known each other for more than five years already because a friend wrote about it for a tabloid section I used to edit.  Friends received gift packs every now and then, and I got none. So it was more of acquaintance.

 Then my sister started using the bleaching and moisturizing creams respectively. I let her be. Until two weeks after I saw visible results on her. It was also during this time that a colleague shared her gift pack with me. I picked the creams and use them. It signaled the start of our getting- to- know stage. When I’ve consumed what my friend gave me, I decided to buy soaps and creams eventually.  It was then that I allowed GT Cosmetics to be part of my life.

From the feature story written by Ferliza Contratista (now with Philippine Information Agency), and which I edited for Banat News then,  I have learned that GT Cosmetics just started as pastime for Engr. Leonora Salvane, a chemical engineer by profession. She started with it in 1994, in between her chores as a mother, wife, and proprietor of their spare-parts business. Then it became a family affair as her children eventually helped her in wrapping the finished products. They gave out samples to neighbors who said nothing but good words. Through word of mouth, it attracted so much attention because of its effectiveness. The rest they say is history.

GT stands for Good Tidings and Good Talent. Salvane believes the product is a blessing from God Almighty. The outpouring of blessings on her family is for Salvane good things from God. A very religious person, Salvane never thought she would come this far in the beauty products industry as she knew then that competition was so tough in Cebu alone. Yet, as God answers her prayers, GT Cosmetics now owns two factories located in Liloan, Cebu and Marilao, Bulacan respectively. It has penetrated the European market and is now gradually making its way to American homes.

What I like about GT is it’s truly a Cebuano product. It’s manufactured in Cebu, made a name here, and is becoming our pride globally. It’s a product that has given me another reason to say, “I am proud to be Cebuano.”

 The creams (bleaching and moisturizing) are really effective. The bleaching cream is to be used at night and it takes out dead skin, living it younger and whiter looking in two weeks. The moisturizer on the other hand can be used as substitute for foundation. In fact, in my guest co-hosting stint last month, I never put on any make-up. It was all by the power of GT moisturizing cream. As for the soaps, my personal favorite is the carrot flavor. I feel so clean right after every use. I’m also a fan of the Clarifiance, which can be used a facial cleanser to remove your make-up or when you are too tired to wash your face before going to bed at night. I can’t say anything about the lotion because I’m yet to try it.

And no, I’m not writing about GT Cosmetics now because somebody asked me to. But yes, I received my supply a while ago. And my reaction upon receiving it from our receptionist was: Oh, how wrong timing because I’ve already bought creams last week.  Well, at least I have a standby supply that can last me for a month or two. Actually, I’m writing about GT now because aside from it being a Cebuano brand and pride, I really like its success story, especially the part that the owner considers this an answered prayer. I always have soft spot for prayerful people. My heart goes out to those who understand that they are nothing without God. They are people who give back by sharing what they have. For GT Cosmetics to be very successful there is no doubt, the owners please God with their “good tidings.” And because they are serving God through a beautiful product, I’m giving them tribute through this article. That’s aside from the fact that GT has become one of the few ingredients why I get reactions that I’m blooming for two years now. The rest of the ingredients to the blooming me shall be revealed in due time.

   

“10-20-70”

No it will not be the winning combination later. It’s actually “The Abundance Formula,” shared by “much sought-after Catholic lay preacher and bestselling author” Bo Sanchez in his latest book.  I received a copy of this book last March 22, from Quick and Fast Credit Cooperative (QFCC) chairman of the board Mel  P. Tadeo, but due to work related activities I finished reading the 132-page book only today. It’s a very powerful book. Everybody should grab a copy, (if you become a member of QFCC this will actually be given to you for free after your pre-membership seminar :)), because it’s life changing. Trust me, after reading this book you will have a different view of life and living in general.

Bro. Bo really follows what is being taught in journalism school: “Write as you talk.” Reading his book gives you a feeling that you are just talking to him face to face. If you have seen him in person, you can actually visualize his facial expression as you read the book. It’s really personalized. He writes with spontaneity and so much heart. Every word counts and each sentence leaves you nodding in agreement.  Moreover, each chapter inspires you to apply everything he shares in the book.

“10-20-70” actually refers to how you divide your monthly income upon receiving it: 10% tithing, 20% investment and 70% expenses. Tithing means giving back to the Lord who is the source of your blessings. The book specifies the between tithing and giving alms and donations to the destitute or needy. Your tithe should be brought to the ‘temple” meaning house of God. It’s the money you lift out from your pocket during offertory. So if you donate to charity that is a different story. But don’t worry because it has been proven a lot of times already how truthful and accurate the saying that goes, “The more you give the more you receive.”  The book discusses too which shall be the basis of the 10% tithe: gross or net income? Bro. Bo provides a funny story in addressing the question.

He provides tips as well as to where it is appropriate to invest the 20% of your income as he also stresses the need to live simply. I so love these lines from the book about living simply: "Don't allow material things to define who you are. Be defined by your relationship with God." In fact these lines solidify my decision not to renew my postpaid plan with my present communication network. Instead I will acquire a cheaper plan that will not only suit my need but at the same time make me save a thousand pesos. Thank you Bro. Bo!     

   And since he has actually proven the effectiveness of the “10-20-70” formula, Bro. Bo is confident that you will eventually upgrade it to “20-20-60” when blessings gradually come in and abundance is within your reach. He points out that it is not a sin to aspire to be wealthy as long as your intention of becoming rich is for the good of the greater majority. Bro. Bo points out you cannot help the needy if you yourself is financially broke.

But yes, tithing will not be an easy thing to do. In fact a year or two ago, I really had a hard time doing it. I used to give only what is left of my money, meaning after I have paid everything—house rent, electricity, water, food, and debts. Therefore, it was not actually 10% of my monthly income that I gave back to the Lord in those times. Tithing for me, takes a lot of courage to do which is possible only when your faith is very strong and mature. For faith is about believing that God will never forsake you, that He will be there for you always. It is about being convinced that He will provide for you after you have given ‘Caesar what is for Caesar.”

And polishing, strengthening once faith does not happen overnight. But actually it will duly happen as you go through life every day. The struggles, problems, disappointments, and failures are actually not stumbling blocks. They are actually the most effective ingredients for you to grow in faith. Because when you have all these challenges in your midst, there is nobody whom you can turn to and you are only left with two options: kneel down and be humbled, then raise your arms in surrender to God. Therefore, embrace your problems, be thankful when you are tested because after that storm, a rainbow shall come out and you shall become a better and a stronger child of God.

 Grab a copy of “The Abundance Formula” by Bo Sanchez then to learn more and for you to taste your first million in due time.

(For investment opportunities, keep in touch with us at QFCC because we do not only “Help People Help Themselves,” but we also teach you how you can “Save, Earn and Share,”all at the same time).

    

"CHRIST"- Centered Coop Reaches Out

Anchored on its goal of “Helping People Help Themselves”, the Quick and Fast Credit Cooperative (QFCC), finally opened its door to the public through a soft launch last February 8, in Malate, Manila.

A subsidiary of Quick and Fast Logistics International owned and operated by Carmela Tadeo, QFCC aims to provide C.H.R.I.S.T. –centered, services through its various savings packages.

CHRIST stands for Cooperation, Humility, Respect, Integrity, Sense of Community and Honesty and Transparency. It came into being after super-typhoon Yolanda devastated almost the entire Visayas that left thousands dead and millions in damaged properties and livelihood.

After Yolanda, the Carmela Tadeo Foundation Inc. which is primarily a scholarship foundation, has seen the need to help typhoon victims particularly in Bantayan Island in northern Cebu.

QFCC having been an inter-office cooperative under the Carmela Tadeo group of companies for a decade already, has given employees enough savings for them to use in case of crises.

Thus, kind-hearted employees gathered all their savings that amounted to P2 million which they used as seed money for the cooperative, part of which was donated to the foundation and was used in the relief operations in Bantayan Island.

Now the successful inter-office cooperative has opened its door to the working public with the goal of not only transforming the working class as financially literate individuals, but also to expose them to the beauty of helping the needy through the various saving packages.

QFCC chairperson Mel Tadeo and vice-chairperson Mary Ann Gonzales unveiled the coop's logo during it's soft launch last February 8, at the Ramon Magsaysay Center in Malate, Manila.

Various Savings Packages

The packages include the Regular, Educational, Share Capital, Helping Hands and Youth & Kiddie savings respectively.

Under the Regular Savings package, members will have a maintaining balance of P300, with no service charge even if the amount left is only P100 and has been dormant. It shall enjoy a 3% annual interest, provided that it is within the maintaining balance that is P500. Plus a member can withdraw from his savings anytime.

Meanwhile, the Educational Savings shall have a maintaining balance of P300, but shall not be deducted a service charge if it’s below the said amount. It will enjoy a 3% annual interest provided that it is within the maintaining balance of P500. The minimum deposit should be P20 and the savings can be withdrawn upon the enrollment of the sponsored student.

The Share Capital Savings on the other hand shall have an initial deposit of P100, cannot be withdrawn and will enjoy a dividend at the end of the year.

Helping Hands Savings shall have a maintaining balance of P300 and minimum deposit should be P20, and will get a 2% annual interest. Under this package, an automatic deduction of P20 will be implemented to serve as burial assistance in case a member dies. P5 meanwhile shall be deducted should a member be hospitalized due to accident or natural diseases.

The Youth & Kiddie Savings shall have a maintaining balance of P100 and will receive a 3% annual interest. A member can make withdrawal anytime, as long as the savings is not below the maintaining balance.

During the launch, Tadeo who owns 10 other companies, such as Quick and Fast Logistics International, Carmella Home Properties, Aqua Serve, UV Express, Kinula Laundry Shop and Carry All Mobile and Catering among others revealed that, a percentage of the cooperative’s  profit will go to the foundation to raise funds for the rehabilitation efforts of the company in Bantayan Island.

Tadeo who is from a destitute family hails from a mountain barangay in Bulacan, has successfully founded these companies through hardwork, determination and strong faith in God.

A consistent honor student from elementary to college, Tadeo finished commerce as cum laude and is a CPA.

Working as tutor to cousins during weekend in high school after graduating valedictorian in elementary, Tadeo went on to become a scholar of the Bulacan Foundation.

“Pwede na akong huminto magnegosyo, makapagrelax at magtravel abroad kahit monthly pa. Pero kawawa naman ang mga empleyado at mga kaibigan ko. Hindi naman yata makakaya ng konsensya ko  na okay ako, samantalang sila namomobrelema. So I told God, I want to serve You and give back. Tulungan mo ako. So ito na yun, tuturuan natin sila. We can be millionaires in due time. Possible yun,” Tadeo ended. 

The Diamond Tree. A red ribbon will be tied in each diamond everytime the cooperative will have a new member. This will serve as the management's motivation to reach out to more people for this tree to be fully covered with red. There are 500K pieces of diamonds in this tree. Two of these trees will be placed at the coop's lobby very soon.