AT 32, Enchong Dee is willing to forego owning his own house or car for the sake of growing his money. One of his goals is to have financial freedom in the future.
"The fact na tawag sila luho, okay lang sa akin kahit mag-give up," he said.
He prefers to forego today's luxuries if it means financial security in the future.
"Sabi ko nga, I don't mind not owning a house, not owning a beautiful car as long as it can grow my money. And in the future, I can have the freedom that I want."
The 32-year-old star points out that splurging on indulgences doesn't necessarily contribute to one's future.
He reasons, "Karamihan kasi sa atin ngayon minsan, especially before the pandemic, iisipin nila, 'Hmm, ano kaya mga puwede ko bagong bilhin? Ano iyong bagong trend,' di ba? And this doesn't add to your value per se."
His advice? Invest your money instead.
"Ako, doon sa mga kaedad ako, I think just look for iyong negosyo na malapit sa puso mo, especially ngayon. Marami sa atin naghahanap kung saan ilalagay sa savings nila, saan sila makakakuha ng emergency funds nila. Start as early as now para mag-grow ang pera mo."
What are things to remember when starting a business?
Enchong underlines one should "think, research, and really study the kind of business they plan to pursue, especially under these circumstances. Kasi ang hirap din na mag-risk ngayong panahon. Hindi natin alam kung kailan matatapos itong pandemya, hindi natin alam kung kalian pa tayo talaga babalik sa normal na kinasanayan natin."
Next is knowing your priorities.
"Some siguro mas conservative lang tayo on approaching our business goals and even somehow our personal goals... check natin kung ano talaga priorities natin. Ako, personally, wala naman ako masyadong luho, e. So, iyong priority ko is growing my money."
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On Thursday, December 3, 2020, Philippine bet Ro-An Tamondong wins the Best Eco Dress award at the Miss Eco Teen International 2020 pageant with her Filipiniana-inspired costume made from reusable plastic bags. The pageant is currently happening at Albatros White Beach Resort in Hurghada, Egypt.
The Miss World Philippines Organization (MWPO) appointed the 18-year-old senior high-school student from Laguna as the country's representative for the said pageant on November 18, 2020.
On Wednesday, November 25, 2020, Ro-An flew to Egypt after only a week of preparation.
So far, she has bagged three awards. She was hailed second runner-up at the pageant's talent competition and won first runner-up at the Beach Wear Prime competition. A total of 35 contestants from all over the world are participating in the competition.
The beauty queen said she was surprised when MWPO called to ask if she wanted to join the Miss Eco Teen International 2020 pageant.
She recalled, "I was really surprised kasi they called me right in the middle of me eating my dinner. Miss World Philippines Organization called me, asking if I want to be appointed Miss Eco Teen Philippines and represent the country internationally."
Ro-An continued, "I was really excited and thrilled at the same time. After that, I asked my mom if I can go to Egypt because I'm going to compete in Egypt. Sabi niya, 'Okay, basta stay safe always.' From then on, we really prepared for the pageant."
Asked if she felt worried about joining a pageant in the middle of a pandemic, Ro-An said she felt safe since Egypt had lower cases of Covid-19.
Ro-An related, "Ang sabi nila sa akin, in Egypt there are fewer cases of Covid-19. But we really have to stay alert at all times, kung puwede i-limit na lang daw ang pagwe-wear ng mask. Just put on alcohol because baka ma-shock din iyong ibang tao if I wear a mask. Pero I still have to be careful because I'm in a different country. And dito sa Philippines, very strict ang pagwe-wear ng mask so I have to adjust."