Saturday, December 29, 2012

2013 Year of the Water Snake

2013 Year of the Water Snake


Here are some inputs that I have gathered for the coming year…
Welcome to Year of the Water Snake! Snake is the Yin to last year's Dragon Yang. With that said, Snake does not settle for mediocrity, either. We're likely to see significant developments in the area of science and technology this year. Research and development are apt to flourish. This is a Water year as well, the element most closely associated with education and research, making 2013 a very special year for scientists and scholars. Snake is a great sign, a positive one, with energy that can help us face all of the challenges ahead of us. Let's take advantage of this vibrant influence to improve our lives -- and our world!

The Chinese Year of the Snake is usually a year of significant change, and 2013 promises to bring new opportunities and challenges for many people. Enjoy the good times, which promise to be very good, but try to mitigate the bad times, which may be rather difficult to handle.

Chinese Astrology – Horoscope for 2013 Year of the Snake
 The Chinese Year of the Snake starts on February 10 2013. Discover what the Year of the Snake holds in store for each sign of the Chinese Zodiac.
Many followers of Chinese Astrology believe that two people are only compatible if the Chinese New Year of their births, and hence their character traits, are compatible. Such people often consider their compatibility with another person before starting a romantic or business relationship.
Due to the importance of the Chinese New Year to Chinese culture, its celebration is a significant event both in China and around the world.
Chinese Astrology makes forecasts, or predictions, for the new Chinese Year in general (which is The Year of the Snake in 2013), and for people who belong to each Chinese Zodiac Sign in more detail.
Those in a relationship should find 2013 a good time to try new ideas to deepen their bond, whilst the opportunities for singles to find someone special are strong, particular if they change some of the routines they might have settled into.
Horoscope for 2013: The Rat
People born in the Year of the Rat, need to be financially careful in 2013, not all attractive looking investments are as good as they seem at first sight. Hard work, particularly high quality work, should lead to career improvements.
They must pay attention to their health this year, taking time to look after their own well being.
Horoscope for 2013: The Ox
People born in the Year of the Ox will stay true to their nature in 2013 and continue to work hard, pushing to complete every task. Financial rewards can be expected to follow there efforts.
They must be aware that this behavior can be detrimental to their relationships, and they should try work as hard at their social and love lives as they do at their careers.
Horoscope for 2013: The Tiger
People born in the Year of the Tiger should be careful to ensure that their quick thinking is used carefully in 2013 as it can lead to problems if not tempered by due consideration.
By concentrating on their own affairs, they can have a good year for both their careers and their relationships.
Horoscope for 2013: The Rabbit
People born in the Year of the Rabbit , face a challenging year in 2013, with the possibility of many difficulties to be overcome. Hard work may be needed to keep their career on track.
They should resist their tendency to make fast decisions, taking time to think twice, or even three times, before making decisions. Extra diplomacy may bring good rewards in their relationships.
Horoscope for 2013: The Dragon
People born in the Year of the Dragon may find that 2013 is tumultuous. The highs might be very high, but the lows might be very low. Many might face a forced career change, they should try to be proactive and make the change on their own terms.
They should be careful that their strong personalities do not dominate their personal relationships, with some needing to consider if their partners would be better off without them.
Horoscope for 2013: The Snake
People born in the Year of the Snake, might expect 2013 to be particularly good for them. However, they should expect a year of mixed year. They may need to work very hard to keep their career on track, with some seeing progression, some just standing still.
They should fight their natural tendency to be suspicious as it may cause issues in their relationships, which should flourish if they work hard to be open and loving.
Horoscope for 2013: The Horse
People born in the Year of the Horse will have to have to deal with a series of ups and downs in 2013, it does not promise to be a quiet year. They natural ability to be adaptable will help them in what is likely to be a year of many changes at work, but career progression is not guaranteed.
They tend to flit from one relationship to another, but this year may be a good time to settle down with a compatible partner, maybe with a fellow adventurous soul.
Horoscope for 2013: The Sheep
People born in the Year of the Sheep may face career upheavals in 2013, including a change of positions. Hard work should see them through a year of ups and downs, but a positive outcome is achievable.
2013 is not likely to be good year to start a new relationship due to the pressures of their careers, and existing ones that are not very strong may fail.
Horoscope for 2013: The Monkey
People born in the Year of the Monkey should expect 2013 to be a busy year. Hard work will bring success in careers, whether in a new or existing position. Those wanting a career change should make positive moves to make it happen.
Their relationships may be lively at times this year, but those that get through the tough times will emerge stronger. Singles will meet many prospective partners this year, but they should be careful in their choice.
Horoscope for 2013: The Rooster
People born in the Year of the Rooster must expect to work hard in 2013 just to maintain their current career position. They might need to accept that they do not receive the attention and recognition that they feel they deserve. They should be careful about their finances this year, but should enjoy some luxuries at times.
They should be careful that their loyalty in their relationships do not see them stay in partnership that isn't good for them. They should ensure that their partners support them too.
Horoscope for 2013: The Dog
People born in the Year of the Dog should find that hard work will bring its rewards in 2013, but they have to make an effort to ensure that their contributions are given their due credit.
They are usually successful at maintaining a sensible work/life balance. By doing this in 2013, their relationships should flourish.
Horoscope for 2013: The Pig
People born in the Year of the Pig are strong team players, but in 2013 they should ensure that superiors in particular are aware of what they contribute and how valuable they are. They should resist the urge to carry weaker members of the team where it might be detrimental to their own work performance. They should research carefully before investing any spare money.
They should be careful that they are not doing all the work in their relationships as their openness and trusting nature can be taken advantage of.

Thursday, December 27, 2012

New Year's Day Celebration!

Another Christmas passed and everyone is now looking forward in celebrating the noisiest time of the year. It has been a tradition for Filipinos to celebrate the New Year with a bang. I admit, I have that crazy passion for fireworks and next to food for the New Year’s Eve I usually prepare my set of fireworks as well. Last year we had a set that lasted from 11pm ‘til the change of the year. I hate to admit it but I do spend quite a significant amount just for buying stuff that booms my ears. Also, aside from celebrating this event, we are also celebrating my Dad’s 74th birthday. So I have more than one reason to celebrate (which also gives me the excuse of buying more fireworks! LOL).



The same way Americans enjoy Fourth of July fireworks, we all go out with the noise on New Year’s Eve. Pots and pans are clanged to scare away evil spirits. Cars and truck horns are honked to cause as much noise as possible. Empty cans are dragged all around using bikes and motorcycles and whistles are blown.

We also have different tradition during New Year’s Eve like all doors must be left wide open to allow good luck to enter. Some people dress in polka-dots because the roundness signifies prosperity. There are also a lot of people cooking sticky rice (malagkit/biko) so good fortune will stick around throughout the year. Pockets are filled with round coins, which are jangled to attract wealth. Coins are also left on top of tables and in drawers. Also there is a belief that when the clock strikes exactly 12am, children jump as high as they can because they believe this will make them taller. There is also this belief that the house must be tidy before the new year because this will be the case for the entire year. And lastly, don’t start the year off by spending money or else you will be spending for the entire year.

So, let's make sure to keep our pocket full of those hard earned money during the eve of the New Year so that we will have a lot to spend for the rest of the year!

Manigong Bagong Taon!
Happy New Year!

Bank Accounts for Kids in the Philippines


Another Christmas day has come to pass and most, if not all, kids are surely happy with all the gifts that they have received. Of course among the things that kids received are “Ampao” aside from the most awaited toys in their wishlist. Both my kids opened their gifts Christmas morning and believe me when I say that it took all my powers in trying to convince Kenn to wait and be patient and not to open the gifts until its Christmas. Santa Claus came, as he does every year and Kenn was so eager to sleep after we went to Nanay’s house because he was thinking that Santa Claus might not be able to deliver his gift if he finds him still wide awake on Christmas Eve. He was so happy with the gift he received for this year.

So now that we are preparing for another year, it is time again to save up. Kenn is now 8 so he can already start opening a savings account with a bank. I was searching the different options we have for an account for kids and here are the things that I have stumbled upon:

Metropolitan Bank  and Trust Company
Or widely known as Metrobank, has an exclusive savings account for kids and teens 7-18 years of age. This is a better way of teaching them on the value of saving.
 What are the requirements? See below:
·         Two (2) 1 x 1 recent ID pictures
·         School I.D (must have at least 2 photocopies)
·         Birth Certificate Xerox Copy (bring along the original for verification purposes)
·         Php500 for the initial deposit (and also the maintaining balance)
·         Php4000 balance to earn an interest

Banco De Oro (BDO)
Junior Savers Club
Is a savings account for children who are 12 years and younger.
Initial deposit requirement                          PHP 500.00
Minimum monthly ADB requirement         PHP 100.00
Minimum balance to earn interest PHP 500.00
Interest rate per annum                               0.3750%
 Service Fees and Charges
Account closure within 30 days                  Php 300.00
Below minimum balance                             Php 300.00
Withholding tax for interest earned            20.0%

Power Teens Club
Get a passbook and an ATM Debit card that can be used as a shopping card at selected establishments. Available for teens 13 to 19 years old.
Initial deposit requirement                          Php 2,000.00
Minimum monthly ADB requirement         Php 2,000.00
Minimum balance to earn interest PHP     2,000.00
Interest rate per annum                               0.3750%

Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI)
They do not offer any applicable account for kids like Kenn but just to give you giuys a heads up, here is what they have:

Initial deposit requirement                          Php100.00
Minimum monthly ADB requirement         Php1,000.00
Minimum balance to earn interest PHP 2,000.00
Interest rate per annum                               0.3750%

Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC)
 W.I.S.E. SAVINGS ACCOUNT is open to children ages 7 – 14 years old. For children below 7 years of age, account will be opened as an ITF or In-Trust-For account.

Initial deposit                                                 Php500.00
Maintaining Balance                                     Php1,000.00
Balance to earn interest                                Php5,000.00
Interest rate per annum                               0.5%
Minimum initial deposit to get a FREE Personal Accident Insurance     
Php1,000.00

EASTWEST Bank
Cool Savers Kiddie Account is a savings deposit account for children ages 0 to 18 years with a minimum required initial deposit.

Minimum Initial Deposit:                              P 2,000.00
Maintaining ADB:                                      P 2,000.00
Interest Earning Balance:                           P 2,000.00
Interest Rate:                                      .25% p.a.
Withholding tax:                                            20%
und Access:                                   Over-the-counter/Internet Banking Facility/Mobile Access
Transaction Record:                                      Passbook