PILOT

This is more of an introductory post about myself and what I believe in. I am Charles Anson Renz Cambaling, CPA. I am a Filipino. I decided to create this blog to spark a change - a delta.

As you know, the Philippine economy is changing. Many of Filipinos are already diving into the world of investing and trading. Many are setting up accounts in COLFinancial, First Metro Sec, BDO Nomura - in hopes of a better future. Some even dive into insurance investments. Many financial advisors are selling insurance online through different social media platforms, offering a future-intended product. This is to think that the pandemic has already struck the country. Many Filipinos are jobless. A lot of them are now just striving to get by. We can also think that due to the pandemic and loss of jobs, many thought of having a second income. Some already put up online stores where they can sell their goods. Thanks to the online platforms like Facebook, Shoppee and Lazada, by just one click of the item or direct message (DM) to the seller, we have a sale. Indeed, this is what you call "madiskarteng Pilipino".

Another point, a lot of us (to include myself) are "uninvested" before, or it they are "invested", they are invested in the wrong way. Most Filipinos are what you call "isang kahig, isang tuka". What they earn in a month, are spent entirely on needs (exluding the need for savings and investments) and wants. We are fond of buying stuff more than what our means can permit us to do so. Some may even buy something on credit - not knowing the dangers of joblessness in the future. Credit is good as long as it is "good debt" - something that provides you income in the future, such as investing using debt or margin trading. Instead, a lot of us Filipinos are fond of "bad debts" such as buying the latest model of iPhone on credit for 12, 24, or even 36 months installment. This is a common problem of the Filipino - being stuck on today not knowing what tomorrow could bring. Another factor is that Filipinos are risk-averse. You will find that many Filipinos will put their money on savings where they can always see them, rather than placing it in the stock market because they view it as gambling. Yes its true - Filipinos view the stock market as some form of a scam or a gambling where you bet and there is a likelihood of a loss. This is a common mentality.

I did not create post this to hate Filipinos for being overly extravagant or overly risk-averse. The Philippine Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has been reliant on the large chunk of Consumption this has contributed to our economy but take note that this isn't the only component of GDP.  However, it is slowly changing thanks to the use of smartphones, access has never been this easy. In one article published by the Entrepreneur (https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/350452), more Filipinos are getting into the world of investing to point some are already investing internationally like using eToro.

What's in it for us? This changing mindset is vital to the economic growth of the Philippines. The more Filipinos are invested, the more we are getting engaged in talks about the government, economy and international state of affairs. It's like you get to be informed of what's out there, when you have your one foot in the waters. This is an important move for the Filipinos. This is the purpose of this website: For Filipinos to be alert of things going on in the stock market, not just here in the Philippines but also Globally. I am sharing here my investment strategies in eToro and COLFinancial. This is one of the ways I know that can help my fellow Filipinos build a better and wealthier life.

Thanks for reading this post! We are headed to a brighter and wealthier Philippines!

- C. Cambaling