The Stoic Life Chaser: Live Intentionally, Run Freely

  Last year, I stumbled upon the Bohol International Marathon on social media and was immediately intrigued by its unique concept. The idea of indulging in lechon stops during a marathon was unlike anything I had ever heard of! Coupled with the stunning beauty of Bohol, it was an irresistible opportunity. In August 2024, I embarked on my 21KM journey in Bohol, arriving a few days early to explore the picturesque Alona Beach. As a solo traveler, I was eager to discover what this island paradise had to offer. To reach Bohol, I booked a round-trip flight from Manila to Tagbilaran Airport. Upon arrival, I hailed a tricycle to the BE Grand Hotel to pick up my racing kit. Afterward, I continued my journey by tricycle to my Airbnb accommodation, Alona Vikings Lodge. While the lodge offered a peaceful retreat away from Alona's bustling nightlife, its proximity to commercial areas was a minor drawback. Renting a motorcycle would have made exploring the area much easier, but as a non-rider, ...

“I stopped liking my job but I keep working because it pays well, and that makes me feel sick but not sick enough to quit which makes me even more sick” – from the movie Good Grief (2023) After spending nearly 13 years in the BPO industry, I've held a variety of roles, from a regular agent to a managerial position. While I've achieved success and gained valuable experience in this field, I've begun to question if it truly aligns with my long-term goals and personal aspirations. Despite the security and comfort of my current position, I've been feeling a growing sense of dissatisfaction. The daily grind of meetings, KPIs, and client management has become routine, but it no longer ignites my passion. I yearn for a career that is more fulfilling and aligns with my true self. As I contemplate this career shift, I'm grappling with the fear of the unknown. Leaving a stable job and venturing into a new field is daunting, especially when it comes to providing for my f...

When I was younger, I naively believed that a stable job with a decent salary would be enough to fulfill my financial aspirations. I envisioned myself working 8-9 hours a day in an office, diligently saving up for retirement. However, as I got older, I realized that this traditional path wasn't going to cut it, especially if I wanted to achieve early financial freedom. I needed to find ways to grow my money passively, while I was sleeping. Thanks to the internet, I discovered a world of opportunities to invest and build wealth. In this blog post, I'll share a glimpse of my personal financial portfolio and explain why I chose these investments. Savings Savings has been the cornerstone of my financial journey. I've consistently set aside a portion of my income each month, and I've also been disciplined about saving a significant portion of any bonuses I receive. While I'm not primarily focused on the interest rates offered by savings accounts, they serve as a crucial ...

In our fast-paced world, characterized by constant stimulation and endless demands, the simple act of pausing often gets overlooked. Yet, it's precisely in these moments of stillness that we can rediscover our inner peace, clarity, and resilience. This blog post will explore the profound benefits of pausing and offer practical tips on how to incorporate it into your daily life. However, it's important to note that while pausing is beneficial, too much of it can also have negative consequences. The Benefits of Pausing Reduced stress and anxiety: Taking a moment to breathe and center yourself can significantly lower stress levels. Increased focus and productivity: Paradoxically, pausing can enhance your ability to concentrate and achieve your goals. Improved decision-making: Stepping back from a situation allows for clearer thinking and better choices. Enhanced creativity: When your mind is quiet, innovative ideas can emerge...

Are you tired of living paycheck to paycheck? Feeling overwhelmed by your finances? You're not alone. Taking control of your money is essential for achieving financial freedom and peace of mind. Budgeting is a powerful tool that can help you make the most of your income. In this guide, I'll share my tried-and-true budgeting method that has transformed my financial life. While everyone's financial situation is unique, the principles outlined here can be adapted to fit your specific needs. Let's embark on this journey together towards financial well-being. Budgeting Steps Categorize Your Expenses: Start by listing all your expenses for the past three months. Divide them into categories like housing, utilities, food, transportation, and entertainment. This will help you identify your spending habits and prioritize essential costs. Prioritize Savings: Dedicate a specific amount of your income to savings. Determine how much you can rea...

Thirty-five years have flown by, and while I can't claim to have life figured out, I’ve certainly had my share of adventures. It’s been a journey filled with ups and downs, each experience shaping the person I am today. In this post, I’ll share three invaluable lessons I’ve learned along the way that continue to guide me as I navigate this next chapter of life. Overcoming Overthinking “We suffer more in imagination than in reality.” Seneca’s words have been a constant reminder for me. I’ve always been someone who struggles to express emotions, and when I can’t articulate my feelings, my mind races, creating countless worst-case scenarios. These imagined catastrophes often caused unnecessary anxiety and prevented me from fully enjoying the present moment. To combat this, I’ve started practicing mindfulness and meditation through running. These techniques have helped me become more aware of my thoughts and learn to let go of those that don’t serve me. Additionally, I’ve made a consci...

Introduction Turning 35, I found myself lost in a social media maze. A podcast about beating money worries sparked a lightbulb moment: I needed to share my story. Inspired by financial experts, philosophy gurus, and the freedom of running, I decided to start this blog. It's a place to talk about money, life lessons, and finding my pace. Overcoming Debt I was buried under almost 100K pesos in credit card debt. The weight of it felt crushing. Every payday was a battle, with most of my income swallowed by interest payments. The constant anxiety of falling deeper into debt was a heavy burden. It was a wake-up call. I realized I couldn't continue living paycheck to paycheck, trapped in a cycle of endless consumption. The decision to break free was difficult, but necessary. My first goal was simple: eliminate the debt. I created a strict budget, cut back on unnecessary expenses, and allocated as much as possible towards debt repayment. It was a grueling process, filled with temptat...