RAFFLES SCHOOL OF DESIGN

Last February, I was blessed to come across an open invitation to anybody who's willing to participate in an intimate evening with a designer. 

As I signed up and was representing my own blog site, I found myself having an opportunity to know how Hong Kong owns a great deal of commitment to the art of design.

Raffles School of Continuing Education offers three paths to success:
1) Raffles International College
2) Raffles Business Institute
3) Raffles Design Institute.

working stations

And I was able to see what Raffles Design Institute has to offer.

Being an early bird to the event, I was given a personal tour by one of their staff, Kelvin Yeung, of the entire workplace since they were still waiting for the other guests to come. I was explained of how each room was set to cater to a student designer's demand. As for a fashion designer specifically, there's a room for cutting textiles and they are spacious and complete with whatever tool you need. Sewing is next so there's another room for that sufficed with mannequins and complete with a line of machines. If you want to test your product's commercial edge, there's a photography room to experiment with different backdrops to know what's best in highlighting the design and style. I must say, in terms of facilitative learning, they are pretty much efficient. Of course, Raffles Design Institute not only holds that much learning facilities but also, a superb faculty.

Proof of this greatness is a designer named, Grace C.Y. Lam, who was mentored in Raffles. She is going to showcase her evening wear collection in Vancouver Fashion Week this March 14 until the 20th. She will be representing Hong Kong in the said event. And as a newly emerging designer, this is quite a leap to take.

Grace C.Y. Lam is an alumna of Raffles Design Institute. Because of her unique taste and style, the institute decided to feature her works to inspire designer students. She was a graduate of law that turned fashion designer, a walking epitome of an empowered woman of this era. She is a mother of one and she had found the sense of achievement she'd been longing for in pursuing a career in design with the aid of Raffles Design Institute.

with Grace CY Lam, the designer herself

Guided all the way by her mentor, Mr. Stefan Orschel-Read, the institute's Fashion Design and Fashion Marketing Programme Director, and her dad for a sole investor, Grace had achieved putting up a collection for the whole world to see. Her designs focused on detail and rich fabrics that aim to bring out the beauty of each piece. All of her clothes are made up of small pieces of handcrafted art. And her collection somewhat represent the modern goth. There are people who might find her sense of style too deep or where a designer's inspiration comes from but I admired it. In fact, I am in awe with her creativity. 

with Mr. Stefan Orschel-Read,
Fashion Design and Fashion Marketing Programme Director,
Raffles Design Institute

Grace's workbook consisted of footnotes,
drawings, cut outs and swatches.

Her collection, called, Marie Van Goethem, was inspired by her trip in Paris. She got hold of the sacred heart that speaks of a human's inner connectivity to God and she combined it with the sensuality in every ballet dancer's gracious movements. Such Parisian concepts fed her imagination and from there, she translated everything into her workbook. This very workbook was shared during the session and it was a busy one. It's amazing to have a glimpse of how she had worked with each design. Swatches of each textile and fabric were very distinct to each design. She played with various materials and mismatched with what perfectly goes with what. Her choices were extraordinary and she hailed a lot of layers because one thing that she noticed with evening gowns is that, it's too limiting and straining. For her own designs, she infused flow and it has got to breath on its own. 

Consulting Stefan with every idea she has in mind, Stefan warned her of the complexity of putting together an evening gown collection. He didn't miss a thing in warning her that there are certain expectations. Him, for one, thought that it's got to be a whole new collection and that the least that he wanted was to look at yet, another typical line up. Secondly it's got to be wearable. But Grace conformed to these expectations and more that's why she made it in Vancouver.

Truly, creating something is hard. Putting up a collection was another story. She emphasised on how challenging it had been for her being a mom and juggling things from meeting the deadlines, handcrafting almost everything, having rained on during the photoshoot and in the end, finding models, partners and investors to showcase it; each had shared their own load on making it happen. Nevertheless, it was a success. The hard work paid off. She was able to make her long time dream come true. She was proud to say that she may not be that young like the other designers but it's never too late to achieve what you've been longing to do. It's just important to stay focused and determined. And she was proud to say that it was hers and literally, she made it with her bare hands.

I have been exposed to the fashion industry thru my sister since I was in college. She is an alumna of John Robert Powers and she had joined the Search for Supermodel Philippines. With that little of an understanding, I appreciate this event that Raffles Design Institute had opened to people. It gives expectators a different level of appreciation to a designer's craft. Fashion is a way to express for many people. We always find an excuse to dress up thru gatherings and events. And yet, we are limited to a superficial understanding of how something was created.

this was my sister, Khrista Dalino during her modelling days
Fashion Week, Makati

On top of all these good news, Raffles Design Institute extends its 3-year degree bachelor courses to Interior Design, Graphic Design, Fashion Design, Fashion Marketing and Multimedia Design. Short courses are offered too with Fashion Design, Creative Classics, Interior Design, Media and Communication, Apps and Mobile Design, Entrepreneurship and Development. This information was mind blowing to me because I'm always amazed with the people behind "any" design. To those of you who have an inclination to designing anything, perhaps, this is the place for you. Raffles also offer workshops to let you become aware of your inclination. So, it's good to check their website every now and then for updated events, requirements for admission and necessary application forms to aid you with your utmost interest.

Don't be afraid to pursue your dreams. With facilitative institutions like Raffles Design Institute, you're just one click away in making things happen.

Related posts:
1. LIVING THE DREAM - check out how these entrepreneurs had gone up to making it happen in the limelight.
2. 2015 BEST PHOTOS - this is a line up of photos that remind me of how good and fruitful my 2015 was in terms of career, family and investments.
3. ON-THE-GO IN WINTER - Check out my polyvore for an upbeat woman of 2016!

2015 BEST PHOTOS

Every year, I see to it that I post a share of my yearly favourite photos. Be it because of art, experience or milestone. Last year, I had dedicated the entire line up to motherhood. Such milestone is a tick in my bucket list and I thought the delight would stop there.

This year, I had pondered on the greatest influence that happened to my life. When you have a budding family, you become protective and ambitious. And for 2015, I embraced financial freedom. 

Halfway thru the year of 2015, we had studied, researched, gotten involved in an advocacy that had built up beyond expectation. Because of my family, who is my life and my BIGGEST WHY, I got driven and I felt empowered in serving others like never before.

With that being said, I had a paradigm shift in understanding TIME. So many people had just let it pass not knowing that it is the most essential commodity known to work "for" mankind if you discover the skill of handling it well. Time is a huge factor in just about anything, and I mean ANYTHING! Relationships, investments, growth. We always think that we don't have enough of it but actually, we are given that much time that we need and we don't have to be burdened with what has to be finished up. We just need to be at the moment. We just need to live it. And that gives way to these wondrous array of "moments".

JANUARY

"DEVELOPMENT"

This was taken during Brave's first time

to hold her milk bottle. It was before I left for work.

Any form of reward doesn't come as more importantly

as compared to seeing your child's development.

The time that I get to spend with my family, most especially,

my daughter, is more precious above any precious stone,

expensive travel package or an entertainment showcase.

Seeing how she grows up and develops is surprisingly amusing.
And knowing that you are the reason behind it all?
My hands are up, it makes my heart fat.

I actually had a hard time before,
keeping up with my friends who talk about babies nonstop.

Now that I am a mom, I kind of understand why.

It's just surreal that something that came from you, that you had

created is moving, talking, bouncing and giggling!

It's addicting.

I thank God for the time I get to see her grow.

FEBRUARY

"SELFIE"

This is yet again, another moment that cracks me up every time I come across it.

My baby had been fond of seeing herself in the camera since the beginning.

And by 6 months, she expresses herself like no other.

MARCH

"VACATION"

Whenever time permits, take a vacation to replenish your soul.

Another plus to this is when your family is with you along with a good bunch of friends.

Last year, it was a first time for my little one to experience traveling with us.

Destination: MACAU

It doesn't matter where but knowing that they are with me

experiencing a memorable time is something that I'd go back to in a heartbeat if I could.

It was one of the best experiences because I

expected that it would be hard having a 6 month old baby on board.

But she was so cool and from that moment on,

my husband and I knew that she is the same with us

as far as being outgoing is concerned.

APRIL

"CELEBRATION"

This is my husband's birth month. When I asked him of what he wants

for his birthday, he had pointed to our daughter and said, "I got it already."

There was no fancy celebration but we dined out to celebrate my husband

and my daughter's christening over a dim sum breakfast.

With a Catholic name, "Gabrielle", Brave was baptised and was welcomed to the Christian world.

Besides the fact that I am fulfilling God's purpose of having our baby blessed,

as parents, we treasure this time of being able to celebrate with our good and long time friends.

Surprisingly, Brave didn't give us a hard time preparing as early as 7am

and didn't cry as she got startled upon the pouring of the holy water because it was cold.

As the priest had agreed to a last minute scheduling, some godparents weren't able to come.

We needed them to be there for the baptism to happen.

Also, it was a requirement that they are Catholics as well with a purpose

of having enough knowledge to impart if time would ever need them to.

Strict requirements were imposed, it almost didn't happen.

But it was good to be reminded to submit to God's will

and He will make it happen for you. With Him knowing the purest desires of your heart,

He will defy all odds that inhibit you from coming to Him.

As promised, He is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

April last year, God paved the way for Brave,
in God's perfect timing.

MAY

"BACK TO THE FUTURE"

It was a challenge for me to go back to my original size pre-Brave since I gained

50lbs then (ideal is 25-35 lbs. Yes! Condemn me.)

But I was able to at least, fit in the jungle costume by 9 months.

This photo above was taken on May 12, 2015.

(Proof is on FB in case you doubt my calculations.)

The times that I worked out had paid off.

Automatically, a sudden boost of self esteem and that sense of achievement

showered upon me. I am thankful for those efficient times in the gym.

It also made sense to me that as a woman, and as a mom,

if it took you 9 months to gain that much in taking care of a human

being inside of you, it usually takes 9 months to recover too.

So to those who are dealing with stressful weight gain because of pregnancy,

allow your body some time to get used to it and I promise you, once you've attained your goal,

your physical body will cry for that lifestyle of exercise and good diet.

It won't be a bitch anymore 'til then.
Just breath and keep moving forward.
Use your time well.

JUNE

"PARADIGM SHIFT"

This is the picture that started it all.
Together with the founder of COL Financial, Mr. Edward Lee,
we were blessed to have a portal to reaching to those who are in need.

Spearhead mission was given birth right at this very moment.

Spearhead mission aims to lead people into financial freedom out of an advocacy to serve.

This picture was taken when I took a free seminar tackling about investing on stocks.

at the Philippine consulate.

Before that, I had attended the Rich Dad, Poor Dad talk

which was the backbone of my pursuit to making investments.

This was the moment I decided that I want the BEST for my family

in terms of a good life.
Good life meaning, not depending on other people or any form of loan

for whatever emergencies may arise. I heeded becoming financially free.

JULY

"JOLLIBEE"

It was my dream when I was young to own a franchise of Jollibee.

But I've discovered a more affordable way to start owning it.

By being a stockholder, I take advantage of time to earn money from it.

July last year, I started with a little share.

Hopefully, it'd grow fast and strong.

AUGUST

"BRAVE AT 1"

By this time around, Brave is 11KG, can walk independently on her own,

can chew most of the solid foods I know (except peanuts),

loves to sing and was giving out preferences.

I can perceive her mood swings, excitement and longing as she turned one.

It truly was so fast that by this time, I vaguely remember

how I survived sleeping with the "fragile" Brave.

The next time after I was complaining about how demanding it was for my back as I carry her,

as I teach her how to walk up to lifting her up from every bath,

I am upfront a baby saying "no" all of a sudden,

a baby demanding a biscuit in the morning and a singer in the making.

She had grown so fast that she suddenly became not so baby anymore.

That time had passed and I'm blessed with its memories, experience and great stories

to black mail her with. Hahaha!!!!

SEPTEMBER

"CASHFLOW"

There's some letters of appreciation and acknowledgement from establishments
that I wrote about and it was beyond rewarding.
Free movie tickets came in too as an invitation as a critic.
All because of my writing, which had grown from a hobby way back 2006.
But this was the best that came in the mailbox because beyond the fact
that it's unexpected, I didn't know I could work for or even get linked to Google this way.
This saying, "What you do most of your time while procrastinating
should be the exact thing you should be actually doing."
makes sense after all.
I entitled this as "cashflow" to remind people out there
who thought there's no money behind doing your favourite thing.
Well, there is. Just be creative and use your time wisely.

OCTOBER
"BLESSED"

Now that I am rearing my baby, seeing illustrations like this make me cringe.
I am constantly thankful that we eat three times a day but I constantly ask God too.
How come there are people who are in this kind of lifestyle if we are all children of God?
I am not sure what is the exact answer to that. I don't believe in luck.
But being born out of the countries who are involved constantly in war,
or being born from parents who would never make me hold a gun,
or being born in a free country can already be considered lucky.
It is unfair to say I'm blessed and they're not.

This picture is actually one of the main reasons why I am sticking to our advocacy.
It is imperial to learning about financial freedom that we are taught of the ways
on how to fend for ourselves. This is one way to empower a person to be creative
with the tools God had given us. For us to be resourceful because nothing in this
world will be handed to you in a silver spoon.
We need to know how to THRIVE. And that's LIFE.
So if you can extend a helping hand during your free time, why not?

NOVEMBER

I have a tie for this month as God had blessed me in abundance during my birthmonth of November.

"GOOD TIMES"

My beautiful mom surprised me a week before my birthday that she'd be
flying over from America and it was truly an exciting time for me
because it will be her first time to meet my family.
FaceTime had always been there but meeting person to person is a different story.

My husband had gifted me leisure time by booking us Venetian Hotel
so that we ladies, can splurge on its exquisiteness and luxury for a weekend.
I maybe exaggerating because we were just blessed with good timing
since they have the best last minute deals.
(Otherwise, a fortune may have been spent)
but to stress out importance of time, I got to talk and spend time with my mom,
say I love you to her in person, because of the distance between us,
more than I have for the past years (3 to be exact).
She was my birthday package this year.
We had a great time.

"TWICE IN A ROW"

Now this second photo is a privilege that I consider.
It's time with loved ones and friends.
Time that you were able to spend your birthday with people twice in a row.

Year after year.

Life is too short not to appreciate the company you have,
the job you got that others would kill for,
and most especially, the time and ability for you to celebrate it all.
Time, we all know, talks about your presence and all.
But ability usually is taken for granted.
It doesn't require only time for you to give ultimate happiness to your family.
Realistically, you needed money to buy even a simple cake.
Don't get me wrong, I am happy having my mom over,
having my husband and daughter to celebrate with me.
And on top of that, are friends that care and support you, what more can I ask?
You might be whispering to yourself now, that is not enough for her yet?
Well, hear me out.
With that being said, I am thankful that I am able to provide
for what may add up to that sense of being together in terms of
a simple intimate dinner and gathering in the house.
Hence, this photo needed to be included because Angela,
who got me my cake that night, got me when I said giving out a message to all who came,
"Thank you for all for being able to celebrate with me,
twice in a row."

DECEMBER
"PASKONG PINOY"
(Philippine Christmas)

For the first time in so many years, Hong Kong Disneyland
had gifted Filipino workers (with their plus ones) who continuously are
spreading their light, sharing their talents and touching lives with their passion,
with a night of amusement, surprises and Filipino food!!!!
It was an early Christmas celebration.
For most of us who are away from home just to earn a living,
this one night of making us feel at home is much much appreciated.
Filipino entertainers came over, the tables were decorated with
the traditional Christmas lanterns (parol) and Filipino games highlighted the night.

10 years of bringing magic to guests, I am glad that in my own little way
and for the time that I am strong and able, I have been a part of it
More power to you Hong Kong Disneyland!

Related posts:

1. PARADIGM SHIFT - How my concept of time had changed.

2. JOLLIBEE - the fastest growing food chain in the Philippines, can be experienced in Hong Kong!

3. GET INVESTED IN STOCKS FOR A RICHER LIFE - here's why you should invest in stocks.

HOW TO SAVE HK$5000 IN 52 WEEKS

As a blogger, I have been writing so many things to do for the New Year's. But last night, while we were waiting for the countdown, during a casual sharing with my family and friends of what's the best thing that happened to us in 2015 and what we would want to achieve in 2016, I realized one thing. 

The importance of financial awareness is actually the best thing that happened to me. 

Because of it, I had a paradigm shift and the light at the end of the tunnel was brighter than ever. I see now my purpose (my daughter) and I am blessed this year with ways on how to bring security to me and my family.

So many people say money is the source of all evil or money is not as important as happiness. Everybody is entitled to their opinion and it's interesting what makes them say so. But my opinion goes as far as: it is an essential tool to bring forth happiness. Your intentions will shape its efficiency. And your integrity can take you a long way. So this year, with my plan to carry out what I wanted to achieve, which is to add a fundamental amount in addition to my usual savings, I am planning to follow the 52 week challenge. Simple as it may seem, I'll borrow the image so that you'll have an understanding of how to earn an additional HK$5,000 in 52 weeks. For whatever reason you may have for this money, I'm sure it'll give you a sense of possibility. That if you will something, there's a way to make it happen!

This guy maybe targeting US$5,000.
But let me tell you, HK$5,000 may not buy you a house,
but it's still a big amount of money.

It is challenging because the sustainability of the act will be tested in time. But the good part in here is that it gives you something to look forward to at the end of the year. This will develop a good habit in you. This goal is a S.M.A.R.T. one too.

How?

S. SMART

It is money after all. Picture Christmas happening each year. And picture how much money you are able to produce a month before just to buy presents for your loved ones. It does give your wallet a huge hole by New Year's! Of course, you would deny that. There's just a couple of things why. It's because you used your credit card. Anyway you went for an instalment plan for most of your Christmas gifts. Or, you are too proud to admit so.

So why not reverse the idea, this HK$5,000 may be used for your Christmas shopping without getting much from your November salary. Get the picture?

M. MEASURABLE

The image is a clear table that suggests measured amount for a specific week with the total amount to expect at each week plus the total amount at the 52nd week, highlighted.

A. ATTAINABLE

Unless death comes upon inevitably (knock on wood), all of these are made attainable because the amounts each week are not too much. For a medium class worker, this is very possible. Now of course, the *poor, technically are more of expected to even make it than the middle class because they don't have as much expenses as the medium class. So don't underestimate their capacity to save as well. These are all but a challenge to anyone but the truth of the matter is, it is attainable, if you will it.

R. REALISTIC

On top of it being attainable, it becomes realistic when you see your piggy bank getting filled up and the monetary price is tangible enough for your palms and fingers to get to touch.

T. TIME BOUNDED

The chart specifically designates each amount with the corresponding week. So, knowing that 5,000 can be attained before the year ends, it can actually be adjusted. You can add more to it by extending your time frame. Or shorten it by increasing the amount as you lessen the number of weeks. Knowing that there are 4 weeks in a month gives you a perfect sense of how much to expect at a certain specific time.

So, support the idea by achieving the goal with me or by sharing it to someone who needs a template sample just like the one above. Happy New Year's and may you be financially free as soon as you will.

*POOR - The terms was aimed to be used to specify classes of people depending on their financial resources. Nothing else.

Related posts:

1. HOW FINANCIALLY FIT ARE YOU? - You want to know if you are financially stable right now? Take this simple test to find out.

2. MY ADVOCACY FOR A FINANCIALLY FIT SOCIETY - How I was called to educate and serve.

3. RICH DAD, POOR DAD - A post about how this book inspired me to choose financial freedom over fast riches. 

11 THINGS YOU SHOULD LET GO OF TO START ANEW

One of the many skills

each of us ought to develop

is the art of letting go.

Even Queen Elsa had to. 

Being too attached to something or someone explains that difficult bearings may arise once that something or someone becomes absent. But here is a list this new year's, on top of the other ones, that may help you in achieving the rest of your lists because this offers a clean slate. As a repost, here is a superb list of what you should physically let go.

1. OLD MAGAZINES

Get rid of old magazines you have lying around because chances are, you aren't going to read them again. Nowadays, the smart phones are readily available with the information you will get from them. For the record, I am attached to them because they are my favourite. But I must be honest to myself, I would rather bring my phone to a coffee shop, check out Pinterest than carry nearly a kilo of that very thick mag.

2. RECEIPTS, BILLS AND DOCUMENTS

Throw away receipts for items that you aren't planning on returning and ones that you won't need to use come tax time. Most of the banks offer an option of consolidated bank statements that can be sent straight to your email. Besides the fact that you can save the trees every month, you are liberated from the space issues of where to stack it.

3. CLOTHES

Use the two-year rule for clothes - get rid of apparel that you haven't worn in two years. Pregnancy clothes (most especially trousers) are rare finds. Those you can keep if you are planning to have a second baby but the rest, please do free yourself from a cluttered closet.

4. BOOKS

Go through your bookshelf and gather together books you haven't touched in months and ones that you aren't planning on rereading. Giving it away is a good way of getting rid of them.

5. MEDICINE AND VITAMINS

Take a look at your medicine closet and clear out drugs that have expired, medicine that has sat on your shelf for too long, or anything you no longer use. This is a very crucial chore not to miss. Expiration dates are quite important.

6. MAKEUP AND PERFUME

Go through your beauty cabinet and get rid of make up that's too old or that you don't use. Every make up item has a shell life. Once it's opened up and got exposed to the air, start counting.

"Unopened, well-formulated cosmetics can remain stable for a couple of years at room temperature," says Ni'Kita Wilson, a cosmetic chemist at Cosmetech Laboratories in Fairfield, NJ. "But the clock starts once you bring a product home and open it. When air hits the formula, certain ingredients start to oxidize and degrade."

7. JEWELRY

Go through your jewellery and dispose of the broken costume jewellery and make plans to sell anything you don't wear. Pre-loved items are a hit nowadays online. Repackage it after tidying it up, take a photo of it then find a platform or a social network that may aid you in selling it.

8. FOOD

Go through your pantry and fridge and clear out items that need to be thrown out - the old, unused and rotting. Ex. cheese, mayonnaise, mustard

9. SOME MEMORABILIA

Many organising experts advise to ruthless and throw away memorabilia like cards and gifts you don't use. If this is truly hard for you, at least compile it, or search on any DIY project that you could use these for your next art project.

10. NOTEBOOKS

If you have a ton of notebooks lying around, take a look at them and throw out the ones you no longer need. For those who aren't nearly finished off its pages, tear them out and compile them to create a new notebook. At least, instead of having 3 notebooks lying around, you'd be down to one.

11. OLD OR UNUSED ELECTRONICS

Sell your electronics on Gazelle.com or Nextworth.com. Or again, your inventive friend may just have a use for it.

There you go folks. Doing this could help you start off the new year with a clearer view of your surroundings, helping you stay focused on what should be prioritised with your "personal" life. Doing this may seem hard but it's the same with some issues that you may have lingering in your thoughts. As for your training, let these go first and maybe you'd have the guts to do it with the harder ones. Remember, another's man's trash could be another man's gold. 

Related posts:
1. BUCKET LIST - Having to check each is a great feeling. Read this then have one!
2. HAPPINESS PROJECT - The first way to happiness is DECLUTTERING according to Gretchen Rubin.
3. HOW FINANCIALLY FIT ARE YOU? - You want to know if you're financially stable? Take this quiz to find out.

BOX OFFICE CHRISTMAS LIST

Believe it or not, your couch has a potential of giving you the most awesome time during the holidays. Besides the usual hot chocolate shared with unending guests coming over, your body somehow shouts for a "me" time that could relax on a movie or two. But of course, we don't want to take away the feeling of Christmas so let's get into a winter journey with this list of my personal favourites:

1. THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS

Tim Burton truly is weird with all of his directions but that's what made this movie tick. Probably because he did create the story and produced the idea but it was actually passed to a trusted colleague, Henry Salick, for the entire direction. Tim Burton was busy back then with Batman Returns, hence, he had to let it go.

It truly is one-of-a-kind of animation that one minute of the movie had to be shot for a week. The set are made up of miniature mock ups and Disney had to fight for Jack Skellington to have eyes. The contrast between the joy CHRISTMAS brings versus the fear that Halloween surfaces were an interesting combination. If you haven't watched this movie, it is worth your time so do see it.

2. HOME ALONE

One of them classics that is truly enjoyable for the whole family. Though I'm still bothered of how Macaulay had turned out now, he was still so cute back then.

3. SERENDIPITY

In 2001, this word didn't have that much impact even though it denotes highly of how chances and fate could stir it up for you. Now, it had given fame to restaurants located in New York and Las Vegas (I had to eat in there). So the movie is about John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale met at Bloomingdale's to start off picking up a Christmas gift. Of course I won't spoil the whole story for you but what I'm trying to get at is, a gift, no matter how small or big has a purpose. Give it wholeheartedly, give it fully. You don't have an idea what comes back to you just for the universe to reciprocate that gesture.

Here's one of the many songs the movie had made popular.

4. CASTAWAY

It's not entirely about Christmas but the breaking point was during the holidays. A FEDEX Executive had been assigned to deliver in Malaysia during a storm. His plane crashes over the Pacific Ocean and was washed ashore a deserted island. A desperate attempt to get united with his loved ones made this movie a memorable one.

A message to all, time is important.

Tell that person you love her, grab that opportunity, help when you can. Never hold back because you don't know that it could be the last chance you may have.

Watch how Tom Hanks had shrunk from being huge at the beginning. He didn't have much to say in the entire film but he had lost 55lbs with a strict diet and a regular exercise regime in 4 months to resume shooting as he impersonates the real castaway. This film was based on a true story.

5. THE HOLIDAY

This is such a cool story in terms of the character's jobs, their houses and it is a star-studded film. Each and everyone of us longs for a good holiday and believe me, you deserve it. So check out how these two, a workaholic and a hopeless romantic, had switched lives to plan theirs.

6. THE FAMILY MAN

I never get tired of watching this movie. Besides the fact that Nicolas Cage is a natural, this movie sends out a very meaningful question, "What If?" See how the very rich Jack Campbell had a glimpse of the real gems in life.

7. LOVE ACTUALLY

This story is about 6 ordinary couples that mirror ordinary lives where we are most likely in. Amazingly, when I watched this, it made me aware of how we unexpectedly affect somebody. And what's more intimidating to know is that how "greatly" we affect them. We touch lives of people unexpectedly but sometimes, we create such huge ripple, we actually makes a change happen. And may I remind you that one of the strongest forces is love. You're lucky to be able to give it and to receive it.

Related posts:

1. FOR OUR OWN GOOD - If you don't like anything FICTION, this is about a 2-hour documentary busting some controversies in the Western countries.

2. 15 CELEBRITIES WHO ARE SMART WITH THEIR MONEY - You'll be surprised how the most dorky looking ones are actually the smartest.

3. 10 CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS - This may be written last 2014 but the list may still serve you well to avoid desperate times of not knowing what to give that special someone.

ARISING ENTREPRENEURS

From the research I made about entrepreneurship, so many have participated as they know what I'm writing for is to inspire and educate people in terms of their own testimonials in living "the" dream. I feel abundantly blessed as I thought I would have a hard time gathering people. But with a strong and honest pursuit of encouraging business owner wanna-be's to make it happen, it all came to me making another post.

Here are the fearless purposeful people who, now stands, as CEO's of their own offices. Maybe some of them here may give something to the "idea" that you have in making it big. After all, theirs was just an idea before too.

1. DANCE FOR JOY HK LIMITED

I am taking advantage of the fact that I am in the entertainment business and that many of my friends had expanded their creativity into owning a fitness company. I am surrounded by many a number of talented people and it is a privilege to know some of them personally. Moreover, I have worked alongside these people.

Some of the best times of my life
was sharing the stage and "the weather" with these two.

Dance for Joy Fitness brings dance lovers, passionate performers and willing talents to come together as they rediscover their drive to move. I perfectly remember how Bill is so excited with all the business ideas he has in mind when he talks about going for his aspirations in life during our break time. It's actually entertaining in a way because he has an unbreakable WILLINGNESS and HUGE ENTHUSIASM in just about everything that will make money. I remember him saying that he doesn't want to work forever and that he wants to be able to afford a lifestyle where everything that he likes to do like spending time with his family, traveling and dining with friends (to name only a few) may be sustained.

On the other hand, Faye, his wife is so supportive and is totally heads on to this aspiration alongside her husband. Faye is a living proof of the saying, "A strong woman is behind every successful man".

They are both business-minded and they have gone from one business idea to the next starting when they were still in college. From selling cd's to putting up food and fruit retail or wholesale, they have collected a sum of experience which led them to keeping Dance For Joy HK Limited up, being their first ever serious business and the one that stood the longest. It had actually made both of them quit their 8 hour jobs because of a great demand and number of people walking in.

NAME OF COMPANY: DANCE FOR JOY HK LIMITED

NATURE OF BUSINESS: Adult Dance Fitness and dance classes for children and other events

OWNERSHIP: Sole proprietors are the husband and wife, Bill and Faye

LOCATION: Tung Chung and Kowloon

NUMBER OF YEARS BEFORE IT WAS ESTABLISHED: 3 years since they started into conducting adult dance classes then they expanded from there according to customer demand.

EDGE OF THE PRODUCT (how is it different from others): Their unique service offers courses that are focused on individuals who are non-experienced dancers. Their syllabus is made simple as it starts in a simple step made easy and fun. This is empowering not only to the highly trained individuals but to those who also are seeking new ways to channel their creativity, passion and stamina.

INVESTED MONEY ON THE BUSINESS:

PRICE RANGE OF THE PRODUCT:

Private classes range - HK$90-1100

For events, price depends on the client's budget and preference.

PLANNED INVESTMENT, A HOBBY OR ULTIMATE DREAM? With their drive to succeed in life, they are able to cover their what if's and worries by taking a leap of faith. They believe that nothing will happen in your life if you're not going to do anything in life. That being said, they decided to go for this while they're young to learn and to achieve having no regrets with each passing time.

TRAINING: Their previous jobs had provided training for them as performers before.

IS THIS YOUR FIRST BUSINESS? First MAJOR business venture. 

FURTHER PLANS (expansion) ? They plan to expand their business outside HK.

LITTLE TRIVIA ABOUT THE BUSINESS: Back in 2011, it was a SPA owner that encouraged Bill to go for this business.

"Make a timetable for your dreams and don't make excuses.
LIFE is never easy but the HARD WORK is worth it."

2. LUKE BAR AND RESTAURANT

Now the next one I'm about to feature is an extraordinary entrepreneur since Chad Caluza, who was a colleague way back when he was still working at the happiest place on Earth, infused his skill and had made a business out of himself. Chad Caluza's skill and talent had made way for a new restaurant to rise up in Woodland Hills, California and that makes him "it"!

"My advice to you who is pursuing your dream is to just DO IT!
There are FAR too many people who are talking about
their dreams but there are not enough who are actually
pursuing them. There are NO EXCUSES in when it
comes to what you actually want, otherwise, you
don't want it that bad after all! So JUST DO IT!"

As a contract project manager, Chad is in demand by basically a lot of uprising buildings which include restaurants, offices and/or warehouses. Though what he can do is not limited to that, the ability to create is liberating for him to share his knowledge, expertise and skills. For this most recent project, he was assigned as the Assistant Project Manager and he is more than excited to open the doors of their creation. They had come up with a design and managed the construction of an entire space from conception to completion. Speaking in a metaphor, it's a breakthrough of a blank canvas to a masterpiece.

NAME OF COMPANY:

LUKE BAR AND RESTAURANT

OWNERSHIP: None

LOCATION: 22616 Ventura Boulevard, Woodland Hills, California

NUMBER OF YEARS BEFORE IT WAS ESTABLISHED:

Now, having a restaurant developer contract this half Filipino, half American bachelor had his turbo buttons on fire. As it took just a year for the whole dream to happen, it had to go thru a whole process such as:

1. Market analysis of the location comparing it to other restaurants, understanding the need for a project of this size and scope in relation to other like businesses

2. Developing a design concept from the interior architecture to the small details such as, tables, chairs, barstools, flatwares, plates, etc.

3. Managing demo and construction phases.

Farm-to-restaurant design of the new place, LUKE

4. Creating operational guidelines.

5. Hiring and training of staff

6. Menu Development - creating and tasting of different dishes.

EDGE OF THE PRODUCT (how is it different from others):

The edge of Chad in coming up with this restaurant is helping it achieve its ambition to come up with something stylish and elegant taking it a level up in comparison to the usual restaurants available to every Laker. Yet making it trendy enough to still be able to cater to a casual crowd, they intend to follow the trend in the culinary world.

"It is definitely a different world where I
have to market myself and to continue
to network as I move thru this industry."

INVESTED MONEY ON THE BUSINESS: Apart from the education he had to take up, traveling  had helped him to become well invested in terms of what's trending and what people look for and how to keep them coming back. So all in all, the invested money on himself was partially paid and it was in pursuit of his own advancement. Technically, it's more of the matriculation to be considered as the invested money.

PRICE RANGE OF THE PRODUCT: Chad works on contractual basis. Depending on what skill (or physical look - as a face character) is needed of him, pricing is confidential.

PLANNED INVESTMENT, A HOBBY OR ULTIMATE DREAM? For him, it is an ultimate dream to be part of something innovative. He is inspired by design and development of physical spaces and how people interact with these spaces. By being a part of this creative process, he provides a vision into making other people's dream come to life.

TRAINING: Though he got a degree in a related field, Chad admitted that he got most of his ideas and creativity from his mentor and on-site experiences.

IS THIS YOUR FIRST BUSINESS? He treats being a contract project manager for Luke as his first time to consider himself and his skills a business. 

FURTHER PLANS (expansion)? Chad plans on continuing his expertise on being a construction project manager. He doesn't want to be limited with just designing but he wants to be able to manage projects of larger scope.

CONTACT DETAILS:

Chad is contracted through two different development groups:

- The DMB Group (restaurant development)

- Smike Wallen Living (real estate and residential design/development)

Besides the email illustrated above, he can also be sent of an email thru chadcaluza@gmail.com.

3. It's truly inspiring when people that you had made connections with strive for what they're passionate about. You actually would sense who stands out and a colleague of mine, Kath, is one of them my gut considered as one a long time ago. We worked together in the happiest place on earth and she was always cooperative, caring and acknowledging when I had some issues with the costume. She communicated well in terms of English so she understood right away what needs to be adjusted.

She left and for a long time I didn't get hold of her. I found out that she had pursued her small business called K'ish Handmade. She does her personal mixture of soap and relative products. Kath never seize to amaze me of how extraordinary she is in so many ways. Her small business had led her to conducting a workshop on how to do your own lip balm which I had documented here.

NAME OF COMPANY:

K'ISH HANDMADE

NATURE OF BUSINESS: 

Handcraft Natural Soap and relative products

OWNERSHIP:

It is Kath's and she has no partners. She works solo.

LOCATION: Hong Kong

NUMBER OF YEARS BEFORE IT WAS ESTABLISHED:

3 years

EDGE OF THE PRODUCT (how is it different from others): Because this is homemade, there's no limitation as to how you could be creative with your own product. Kath handles workshops letting her clients know how to do soaps and other relative products then allowing them to choose the ingredients to use, encouraging them as to how the presentation of the product is going to be and moreover, letting them experiment on what is best to go together.

PRICE RANGE OF THE PRODUCT: HK$50-HK$80/100g

PLANNED INVESTMENT, A HOBBY OR ULTIMATE DREAM?

This had been Kath's hobby. She wanted to just share it at first but she found out that so many people loved doing it that they are willing to pay her to be able to learn from her. 

Kath's advise to those pursuing their dreams:
"Keep moving."

WHAT ENCOURAGED YOU TO TAKE THE FIRST STEP?

"I think this is good for your health since you can actually gauge how much necessary SPF should be in there for your skin, what ingredients you can use and you can make it as organic as possible. And that it could be great gifts for your friends," Kath reiterates.

IS THIS YOUR FIRST BUSINESS?

Kath like I said is extraordinary in so many ways since she also has a dog grooming business which makes it her first and bigger business. Soap making is truly just a hobby on the side. And to have that large scope of understanding when it comes to business, Kath is blessed.

FURTHER PLANS (expansion) ? For now, she has no further plans. She just want to focus fully on her budding businesses before going for an upgrade or expansion.

LITTLE TRIVIA ABOUT THE BUSINESS: Kath's beautifully handmade soaps are all made up of natural ingredients she picks herself and its simple and subtle colours are aimed for an elegant look. 

K'ish Handmade
Contact Person: Kath Tang
Contact email: Kish.handmade@gmail.com
Contact number: 62088714

There you go folks! Three people making it happen.

In this competitive world, success in your hands is just but an idea away. Pursuing something is not easy. All good companies that our world trust today needed to be established and I assure you, it took more than 10 years for them to be able to do that. The way to go is to start NOW. Stop procrastinating and start "do"ing!

Related posts:
1. ENTREPRENEURSHIP - the first series of business owners sharing their experience in coming up with one.
2. DIY LIP BALM - this is the workshop Kath had done that made us cross paths again.
3. PARADIGM SHIFT - what led me to encouraging financial literacy for an advocacy.