Back home in the Philippines, there’s a word for treating your friends, family, or colleagues when you eat out: manglibre. It’s more than just picking up the bill. It’s an act of generosity, a way of saying you care, and sometimes, it’s an unspoken expectation—especially if you’ve just returned from abroad or a big city.… Continue reading From Treating Everyone to Splitting the Bill – How Two Dining Cultures Shaped Me
Tag: financial independence
Freedom Has a Price Tag: Why Financial Independence Matters
I once heard Pastor Ed say something that stayed in my mind like a seed that refuses to stop growing. He said, “Let’s try our best to be independent because once we are hungry it’s easy to surrender our rights.” The more I thought about it, the more I realized how painfully true this is.… Continue reading Freedom Has a Price Tag: Why Financial Independence Matters
Born Poor, Die Poor: Is It Really Your Fault?
There’s a quote I’ve heard countless times, and every time I hear it, it hits differently: “If you’re born poor, it’s not your fault. But if you die poor, it is.” At first, it feels harsh. Almost cold. But when you sit with it for a while, peel it apart, and really think deeply, you… Continue reading Born Poor, Die Poor: Is It Really Your Fault?
Ten Simple Yet Effective Life Principles
Building a Home Early: A Key to Stability and Family Happiness One of the most rewarding achievements in life is owning a home, whether it’s in the rural or urban setting. But the true value of building your own house isn’t about achieving it at 50. Starting early in life, as early as possible, is… Continue reading Ten Simple Yet Effective Life Principles
