Integrity is consistency of actions, values, methods, measures, principles, expectations and outcome — Wikipedia

Like many Filipinos, I have become cynical, distrusting, disgusted and at times apathetic when it comes to our government, especially our politicians. Whatever ideals about government and politicians I had as a youth has not only been toned down by the years, it’s been practically obliterated.

I grew up in the martial law years and like majority of the Pinoys of my time, we had issues with Marcos and his cronies. I can still remember how I participated in the noise rally for Ninoy in the late 70’s honking the horn in my bicycle. By my college years, my political beliefs was awaken and held on to the belief that if we change the rulers of this nation, things will be better. I was so excited that I will be able to vote for the first time during the snap election and went all the way in campaigning for Cory Aquino (something I will always cherish). Months after, I found myself in EDSA for about 4 days full of hope to see the changing of the guards for the nation. I don’t regret my participation in all of these and I am proud I was part of pivotal events in Philippine History. But, it seems that the situation in the last 20 years has gone from bad, to worse – especially with the politicians. I sometimes wonder if we really help the country by changing tyrannical leaders not once but twice. I suppose only history can be the real judge. What is evident now is the deteriorating state of Philippine politics. It’s very hard to find real patriots amongst the people that govern us, nary a statesman in our elected officials, and we have multiple political parties without any real ideology. Ironically, the only political group that has a real ideology would be the Communist Party – wrong ideology but still an ideology nonetheless.

Time and events had made me cynical and I must admit that I am not really hopeful about our politics. Without good politicians, there will not be good politics. Without good politics, how can we run the affairs of the state properly? Sometimes I wonder… do we have the right to complain? Didn’t we elect those who govern us? By logic, the  state of our politics is a direct implication of the choices we make – a bitter pill to swallow, indeed.

Just when I thought that there is zero hope for Philippine politicians, I met a politician that disturbed by cynicism, challenging my lack of hope. Enter Congressman Ruffy Biazon…. (to be continued)

Catch part 2 of this blog.

“if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” (Romans 12:8, NIV)

You will often hear the word “diversification” when you discuss about investmetns. Diversification is important, in fact it is still considered one of the most effective risk managment tool, minimizing investment losses.

What does Investopedia say about diversification? (a favorite on-line site for invesmtment stuff)

“A risk management technique that mixes a wide variety of investments within a portfolio. The rationale behind this technique contends that a portfolio of different kinds of investments will, on average, yield higher returns and pose a lower risk than any individual investment found within the portfolio.

Diversification strives to smooth out unsystematic risk events in a portfolio so that the positive performance of some investments will neutralize the negative performance of others. Therefore, the benefits of diversification will hold only if the securities in the portfolio are not perfectly correlated.”

What does the Bible say about diversification?

“But divide your investments among many places,
for you do not know what risks might lie ahead.”

— Ecclesiastes 11:2. New Living Translation.

Both definitions are essentially the same but I like the one from the Bible better — I understand it better and I am sure it is the truth.

Many of us grew up with the notion that debt is part of our lives and will always be here to stay. I even here people say that “walang mayaman na walang utang” … obviously, that’s not really true. I know many rich people and most of them have no debts, personal or business.

Here’s what Dave Ramsey says…

“Debt is not a tool!”

Myth: Deb is a tool and should be use to create prosperity.

Truth: Debt adds considerable risk, most often doesn’t bring prosperity, and isn’t used by wealthy people nearly as much as we are led to believe.