The Stoic Life Chaser: Live Intentionally, Run Freely

For quite some time now, the idea of resigning has lingered in my mind. This feeling intensified last year when the account I oversaw closed, followed by some unsettling internal team movements. I chose to stay, believing that something positive would emerge from the uncertainty.   Indeed, a redirection did happen. I was assigned to a new group where I lacked familiar support, relying solely on my past experience. I stepped into a situation where I constantly had to extinguish fires, a burden that eventually became overwhelming. Despite this, I dedicated myself to navigating these challenges and managing my internal struggles. As months passed, I hoped to gain control of the situation and my emotions. I believed that simply showing up and navigating each day would eventually lead to a resolution. However, life presented unforeseen challenges, one after another, leaving me feeling suffocated. This was compounded by the difficulty of leading a team without clear direction amidst ...

The first quarter of 2025 culminated fittingly: on the familiar paths of the UP Academic Oval, tackling my first-ever Great UP Run in the 10km category. As a newcomer to this specific event, I approached the start line with measured expectations. What unfolded, however, was a powerful testament to the vibrant and rapidly growing running culture here in the Philippines. Sharing the road with over 4,000 participants in just the 10km race alone was a sight to behold – a river of determined individuals filling the Oval. The 4:30 AM gun start plunged us into the pre-dawn darkness, reinforcing the wisdom of the organizers' advice to bring headlights. Navigating the early stages was a lesson in managing chaos. The sheer density of runners made finding a consistent pace challenging. Observing several stumbles nearby served as a stark reminder of the need for mindful footing and pacing, especially when visibility is low – a reminder that haste often undermines progress. My initial strate...

Turning 35 was a sobering moment. As I reflected on my life, I couldn't help but acknowledge some significant financial missteps. Like many others, I succumbed to the allure of instant gratification, peer pressure, and impulsive spending.   The Cost of Procrastination One of my biggest regrets is not prioritizing saving early on. I could have significantly accelerated my financial progress through the power of compound interest. By delaying my savings journey, I missed out on valuable opportunities to build an emergency fund, invest in the stock market, and secure my financial future. The High Price of Impulsive Decisions Another regret is my impulsive decision to purchase a house and a car. While these assets can be valuable, they also come with significant financial burdens. The monthly mortgage and car payments have drained my resources, hindering my ability to save and invest. I should have carefully weighed the pros and cons of these purchases and considered the long-t...

Last February 9, 2025, history was made in Filinvest, Alabang, with the inaugural Army Navy Run for the Bunker. The day before, the Metro was drenched in scattered rain, and I braced myself for a soggy 12km run. But the universe had other plans! We arrived to find clear skies – a perfect start. My sibling and I fueled up with a quick Jollibee breakfast before heading to the race kit pickup. The event had a distinct, intimate feel. The sponsor tents, while fewer than at larger races, added to the burgeoning excitement. This was a first, and you could feel the energy in the air. The pre-race buzz was infectious. A lively Zumba session got everyone warmed up and stretched, ready to tackle the course. As we gathered at the starting line, the countdown began, and at zero, we surged forward, each driven by our own personal motivations. The route was well-organized, with marshals guiding us along the way. Photographers captured the moments, allowing us to strike a pose and preserve the ...

  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 ...