My former student is now a Real Estate Investor

By: Evelyn L. Aguinaldo

As a founding parent/teacher at the Philippine School Doha, I am blessed to see my former students succeed in their chosen careers. The solid foundation through education that we teachers have imparted gives a lot of meaning when we see our students become accomplished. Though some are already married and have their own families, some still choose to invest in order to secure a good life ahead of them.

After my joyous stay at the Philippine School Doha, I opted to venture out in the Real Estate industry and became an investor, eventually I also became a full-time representative to major real estate developers in the Philippines. I highly encourage parents and my co-teachers to invest in the real estate industry particularly in condominium acquisitions – in fact, one particular condominium situated in Manila’s University belt is being referred to as “the Philippine School Doha condo” because of twenty-one (21) Qatar-based parents opted to buy the unit(s) from me one-after-the-other. Many of my clients use their condominium unit(s) as a transit home while vacationing in The Philippines but primarily occupied by their children while studying in different universities. Some clients opt to rent-out their acquired units in order to generate passive income for their family whilst keeping their day job abroad.

To date, a lot of my former students has already finished their studies in the Philippines and has begun to come back to Qatar in order to secure better employment opportunities.

This week there is something that truly makes me happy. One of my former students, Mikki Morales, whom I still have contact through social networking decided to once again listen to my teachings. Now that she and her older sister is working and eager to have a clearer direction in life they wanted to control their finances and  I encouraged them to invest “sa isang investment vehicle na may basehan” which is of course, through real estate investing.

Why real estate? “Sa Pilipinas, ang pinaka-magandang negosyo ay ‘yung kumikita ka na mayroong asset na base sa real estate”.

With the help of my colleague Abe Malicdem of Vistaland International group, we were able to showcase a variety of presentations to the Morales siblings. Today, the Morales’ eldest, Karen, decided to acquire a condominium unit at the Vista Residences Taft (near De La Salle University) while her younger sister Mikki choose a condominium unit at the newly-launched Vista GL Taft (across UP-PGH campus).

Young & beauteous entrepreneur - the Morales sibling

If my former student is already taking control of their financial life through various investment vehicles at such a young age, particularly in the Real Estate investing, there’s no reason why you can’t.

The signing of reservation agreement (November 07, 2014)

This article is intended to inspire budding entrepreneurs especially those in the real estate industry. I believe that the best way to acquire skills in this field is to learn to get the right information. You are encouraged to share this article with everyone in your circle or share a quote or your views by simply participating in the forum. Let us join hands in promoting real estate investing as a major source of passive income for everyone.

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My wife’s dream wedding becomes a reality: A tribute to our 25th year’s married life.

By: Fredolin Pagdilao Aguinaldo – Doha, Qatar

Because of my wife Evelyn’s dream to be blessed in a church wedding ceremony, my eldest daughter Rea Lynne together with my son Fredolin II and youngest daughter Anna Mae planned six (6) month ago supposedly surprise wedding and celebration to our 25th year of married life.

However, our plan wasn't the surprise we hoped it would be because we had to reveal it a few weeks earlier for some Roman Catholic Church requirements that need the bride’s personal appearance. Nevertheless, we still managed to prepare all the necessary arrangements without her knowing. We managed to ask her to dress-up for a supposed photo shot for Fredolin II school project but ended up bringing her to the Basilica De San Sebastian in Quiapo, Manila for a needed pre-wedding seminar and other paper requirements.

A twist of event nearly ruined all our efforts and plans when I had a misunderstanding with our only son Fredolin II the night of Pagdilao’s clan yearly reunion on the 30th of December 2012. Thank God we were able to sort out our differences before the year ended despite missing out on the opportunity to be with my extended family and friends.

Two (2) weeks ago, Evelyn and I finally shared our vows in a church wedding together with our family, old and new friends minus a very important figure – my father Anton who passed-away early last year. The effort of our event coordinator daughter Rea Lynne to bring the best for our wedding anniversary celebrations paid-off when she saw that everyone was having fun. Every detail was masterminded by her up to the tiniest detail.

I felt like a stranger when we had our civil wedding rites twenty-five (25) years ago (because I went to General Santos City all alone) – but the adrenalin that ran through my whole body during that time still lingers as of today. Evelyn is still gorgeous as she used to be despite having three (3) kids taking a toll on her once slim body. I, on the other hand, survived four (4) chemotherapy sessions due to cancer which made my body really frail. Twenty-five (25) years have passed and after treatment, a brand-new and better me is all I can offer and share with my wife.

Celebrating our love along with our two lovely girls Rea Lynne and Anna Mae including our only son Fredolin II made it a memorable occasion. I always tell my siblings that this might be my last “hurrah” but they always ignore my jokes and say: “masamang damo-mahirap ma-matay” – how I wish it is true.

After so many disagreements in life throughout that twenty-five (25) years of living together, I think we are still in love. No - we are still in love. My siblings, close friends, and family members think that NGO’s and Women’s advocates should give my wife “matiisin or martyrdom” award because of my temperamental attitude. I still remember when I was bedridden for 6-months I would say “wiwi” (I want to pee) and my wife was always there to assist me. I fully agree that the “matiisin” award is best fitted for her; no one can surpass my wife Evelyn - because of that, I love her more than my life.

Marriages are not an easy journey, but with our faith to each other were able to weather it all. We have each other to cling on and those three (3) beautiful children; they are the reason for living. Every negative incident we encounter should be forgotten and replaced with love and affection.

I have found happiness with Eve and never have I planned to let her go. I know I have shortcomings but I will always try to find ways to make up for them. I always treasure her love and as a result, hope to be together with her until the very end.

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PSD Unveils Qr 180M school project during their 20th Foundation Day Ceremony

By: Fredolin P. Aguinaldo - Doha, State of Qatar

The unveiling of the New School Project of the Philippine School Doha was held yesterday at 8:00 A.M. inside the current school gymnasium at the Saad Bin Surara, Al Messilah area in Doha, Qatar. In order to boost-start the activity - attendees assembled at gate 6 of the school where enthusiastic student and teacher usherettes guided participants to their designated place. Everyone was impressed by the agility and beauty of majorettes who swayed like swans with the accompaniment of the lively PSD school roving band.

To give a little twist on the occasion - a lion dance was performed by the PSD student body with the help of their monitor teachers who painstakingly guided performers navigate the tight corridors of the school. Both amateur and professional photographers were delighted with the sight that they couldn't stop clicking their cameras to take mementos. The ceremonial releasing of balloons by the PSD Board of Directors, PSD Parents Teacher Association team, founding parents and other community organizations was also a highlight event along with the well executed field demonstrations. After all the outdoor festivities everyone was directed inside the brightly lit and fully air-conditioned school gym. 

The invocation/Doxology was performed by Yara Leanne Fabricante and Dominique Vicencio whilst the singing of the “Prayer” was done by students that will most likely hit the You Tube screen soon and become the next singing sensation next to Charice & Jessica (who both lost their respective singing contest but became household names internationally). I would like to ask all voice coaches within the PSD school campus and even those from outside to please help these students hone their talent so that maybe-just maybe one of this days PSD can produce one professional singer.

Of my 20 years attending PSD's Foundation Day ceremonies – I have seen so many good memories of the school that is already etched in my heart forever, however I have not seen any speaker nor school official who breaks down during a very crucial speech but Dr. Alexander S. Acosta – the best speaker in town that I have known do just that. I had the chance to browse the audience's reaction but everyone was also in a state of shock - everyone was eagerly waiting for the good principal’s next set of word to be uttered. At that particular time: the school gym was at its full capacity- in-fact, excess attendees had to content themselves with exploring the different kiosks at the school ground which included those that offered various snacks and PSD memento by the student body. The Pag-Ibig Fund, a government program was also present. Back inside, the presence of the not-so-young former parents and new-current parents of the school, old friends and acquaintances was remarkable – the overwhelming support of everyone for the school was probably the reason that triggered such a raw emotion from the principal. 

The Chairman’s message by Mr. Gerardo P. Macasa Jr. highlighted their plan to put-up a world class educational institution in Doha. They are planning to have the first accredited Philippine Science School in the Middle East (Qatar) and around the world outside of the Philippines. The proposed school would not only compete to be the one of the best in academic excellence but in sports as well.

Celebrating PSD@20

The real highlight of the event was the unveiling of the proposed school's miniature scale model. As part of Al-Mana’s design consortium, a miniature sculpture of the building was an integral part of their services to the school. Everyone was invited to the auditorium stage in order to witness the sneak peek of the future school. I learned that the school project will be constructed to the estimate of Qr 180M - an uphill task had just begun.

After the unveiling of the New Philippine School Doha building miniature, a female Canadian national delivered a speech and shared a story. One day a curious foreigner followed a group of students during their class breaks - these students happened to be from Philippine School Doha at the then Al Saad campus. The man never hesitated and started to look for the school principal until finally he met Dr. Alexander S. Acosta and become friends with him. She then shared with us the quote: "an educator is always an educator", she was telling the story of her husband, Harry and his fondness for PSD. One can guess what the man's profession was after hearing her story.

While working at the College of North Atlantic-Qatar, Harry devoted his time and expertise by sharing his knowledge of vast services in the educational field. He also held conversations with ordinary parents as well as the students at the school campus of PSD. He was loved by his fellow educators and parents of the school until KIESWETTER, HARRY beloved husband of Sue, father of Tyler and Kirby, passed away unexpectedly in Doha, Qatar, on Sunday, October 23, 2011, at the age of 62 years. His legacy will never be forgotten in the hearts of people from all walks of life as well as his PSD family whom he shared his life and story. His loving wife SUE KIESWETTER traveled back to Doha Qatar during the 20th foundation celebration of the school to hand-over a donation of Qr 73, 624.30 for a much needed start-up as a booster fund-raising campaign to the realization of the future PSD campus. I was so touched with her story that I never really got a chance to click my ever trusted camera  - until the whole event was over.

During the same event, a Filipino group leader and former PSD Board of Director - Engr. Fidel Escurel also handed-over another donation worth Qr 50, 000.00 on behalf of his group - the PInOC 2012 who caters mostly in overseeing and running of events during Philippine Independence Day celebrations in Qatar.

Now, it is up to you my dear friends to come-forward and join the bandwagon and share your blessing to the realization of the new Philippine School Doha - a school that we can proudly call  "our own". 

For more PSD Write-ups please continue reading here: http://elabizproperties.blogspot.com/2011/08/our-own-school-abroad-philippine-school.html

Eton * First Homes Makati - Affordable CONDO home for Everyone

By: Evelyn L. Aguinaldo Investor / Cyber Real Estate Seller

First Homes, Inc. (FHI) Makati, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eton Properties Philippines, Inc., which carries its affordable line of residential housing projects.

First Homes Makati offer fully furnished units and a pricing scheme that would make it affordable even to public employees like policemen, other ordinary government and private employees as well as start-up families. This offer will help employees have their own space without worrying what furniture and fixtures would fit in their units. First Homes, Inc. will also be tying up with PAG-IBIG, a government institution that offers affordable housing loan packages for low and middle income families, to provide financing for potential buyers. Through PAG-IBIG, FHI projects can offer low monthly amortization and can provide financing for potential buyers.

Projects under FHI, given its innovative and integrated concept, will offer 2BR and 3BR units with floor areas of approximately 18 sqm and 28 sqm. 

These projects are accessible via passenger jeep to/from Makati financial district up to Glorietta super malls & MRT EDSA station trough Don Chino Roces (Formerly Pasong Tamo Avenue) and other outlaying streets or via air-conditioned bus flying Ayala / EDSA route. Mapua Institute of Technology, Makati campus is near-by via Gil Puyat Avenue and one can reach Quiapo church in Manila via air-conditioned bus traversing major school the like of De La Salle University in Taft Avenue and Manila City Hall/SM City Manila in the North. In the Southern part, LRT station is near-by, OWWA office, Baclaran church up to the Ninoy Aquino International & domestic airport can be easily reach.

It is worth mentioning that I myself did acquire a 2-bedroom unit at North Belton Communities, Geneva Building unit 2H2 with parking allocations and also the first H&L package (Block 6, lot 1) at West Wing Residences Eton City, Laguna that has been sold was bought by my family...and now, a 2-bedroom Unit at First Homes Makati. All these properties are of Eton projects.