FLOI WYCOCO a.k.a. "MR. INVESTOR"

Personal reader for Edward Lee,
CEO and Founder of COLFinancial, Philippines.
It's the best online financial aid for Filipinos wanting to invest on stocks, most especially ofw's
who rarely go home to keep abreast with the Philippine Stock Exchange Index.

A year ago, I had vowed to myself that I would be able to invest regardless if it's a big or small deal. I was fearful of stocks then but I've always been interested. I was contributing to a retirement scheme just because it was one of the company's policies but I have zero knowledge regarding what the allocation of the percentages are for. Moreover, emergency fund, life insurance and compounding interest weren't in my vocabulary. My android phone is more insured than I am because I am more scared with the agent's explanation that went, "If your phone gets damaged, what are you going to do? Buy a new one?". And I feel like I am not bound to breakage at all. My savings were minimal, I relied greatly in the bank for my money's growth and I relied on my company for health care benefits. I had outstanding loans and I always feel drained of my money right before the salary comes in. In short, I was being more than irresponsible in handling my finances for the whole 8 years that I am an overseas foreign worker here in Hong Kong.

with JP Adena, the Founder of the Spearhead Mission
and Josh Antolin, my co-pathfinder at the
Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO)
supporting them as they conduct
free financial education sessions.

A year after, I am participating in Spearhead Mission as a pathfinder to fulfill an advocacy for financial literacy. My stock portfolio are all in its gaining year (my money is earning 30% while I sleep). I have allocated percentages accordingly for a good rate of return for my retirement scheme as it gets saved. I have a life savings plan for my daughter that earns a compounding interest of 6-9% monthly. I have a basic life insurance that can provide assistance if I develop a critical illness and that can cover my family's expenses if I (knock on wood) die suddenly. On top of it all, I am aware of the importance of having an emergency fund, passive income and the one that schools don't teach, FINANCIAL EDUCATION.

All of these changes happened within a year. And now, I am compelled to share this with you because nobody cared to do so during my time. Nobody actually had told me that there is something that you call 'financial literacy'. If only I had been approached of a basic information about it, maybe, I could have done something with my finances earlier than last year.

The shift in my perspective happened when I attended a free seminar about Rich Dad, Poor Dad Realty Investments. From then on, I got awakened from the foolishness I had succumbed myself into thinking I 'can' work forever. Turning it into a desire that I would want to be financially free someday, (meaning, I don't need to comply to an 8-hour job, which I could spend with my family instead, because I would be having passive income by then working for me) I seeked and seeked more, the knowledge I would be needing to go further to fulfilling this dream. I was telling myself, if I need to work, it must be for something that I don't see as work. It should be something that I would do for myself because I love doing it, I am passionate about it that NOT doing it would make me rot inside.

A free financial education seminar that was conducted by Mr. Edward Lee himself with a committed
team who never gives up in empowering Filipino overseas workers all over the world.
By encouraging them to invest in the Philippines, most especially,
thru COLFinancial's Easy Investment Program.

I have met people who thought alike as I pursued financial literacy. Mr. Edward Lee even took a bunch of us to dinner at the Pacific Place for him to personally encourage each to be financially educated all the way thru. He explained to us how volatile stocks may be that night and that we might give in to our emotions if it doesn't favour us in the end. But, he assured us of a safe platform where a minimal amount of money can work greatly for us only if we would follow the peso cost averaging system that the Easy Investment Program of COLFinancial had set. This on top of a learned and disciplined mind could get all of us rich. Enlightened with its program that assures you of a well guided website in handling your stocks, the idea was sold to me right away. With the books, blogs and webinars about handling money, I've learned that big companies like this may be too big for the government to lose just in case everything doesn't work as expected, right? So, I was thinking, what do I have to lose?

Featuring Floi Wycoco, "Mr. Investor",
the CEO and Founder of The Global Filipino Investors
taking his time during a holiday trip to meet us
to fulfill an advocacy for a #financiallyliteratePH.

Last August, the CEO and Founder of The Global Filipino Investors, graced the happiest place on earth of his presence. When a colleague, who had been an avid follower of his teachings and appearances on monetary shows in the Philippines called "ANC on the Money" and "Pesos and Sense" knew of it, she had asked him to meet up. And humbly, he had given me and my colleagues a spare of his time to emphasise on the steps to follow in attaining financial freedom.

So, as for my Jollibee stocks' first anniversary, I would like to feature the person who had literally handled and personally submitted my COLFinancial application. If not for him, it wouldn't be possible.

In aiming for success, you have to make a line up of mentors to follow, stick with and look up to. For me, Floi was a great influence to how I value my capacity as a person.  Because altogether, juggling finances as a wife, mom, a  daughter, a worker and as an advocate is a huge challenge. I learned a lot from him. One greatest lesson, is he remained humble, approachable and driven. Amidst his busy schedule, of flying from Philippines to Singapore to conduct yet another session for TGFI, he found time to give me an online interview for further dissemination of an important money handling lesson. I didn't know it could be possible.

HOW HE GOT CALLED TO SERVE

"There are moments in life that you will fail on the things that you have planned to happen. It's ok to fail. The important thing is, you have to know how to stand up again and again.", this is the #hugot  (6 feet down under) response of Floi Wycoco as he emphasises on how our mistakes could serve as a trampoline for a meaningful comeback to living fully.

He was an overseas worker in Singapore himself, earning 4x of what he could earn in the Philippines. For 2 years, he had YOLO-ed himself, to living gallantly and spending lavishly. It came without any trace of guilt until his debt summed up to 7 figures in pesos. He had no savings to back it up. Right on his breaking point, he was advised by a friend to attend a financial seminar and that boosted his confidence into acting on the situation right away putting aside, 30% for his savings and the rest into paying the loans he had garnered. Hence, The 5-Step Ladder System for Investing was born.

I am personally following this pyramid.

Floi, as how he prefers to be called, had explained the importance of fulfilling each step before going to the other, to me and my colleagues when we had a brief meeting with him at Hong Kong Disneyland. It is emphasised in Step 5, steps 1 to 4 should be religiously followed before investing.

In fulfilling the first step, Floi encourages everybody to establish a smart goal first and foremost. Its importance sustains the discipline you would need as you improve your cashflow. Investments should never be done out of whim nor peer pressure as every investor should never enter anything without having a sturdy background about where they are going to put their money into.

Also, any business venture should at least start from a burning passion within the proprietor himself. This could give justice to him saying, "I won't give up!" when doubts and frustrating emotions creep in because his idea or efforts gets challenged along the way.

DID YOU KNOW?

___________________________________________________________________________

"By right, you need to have at least 3-6 months equivalent of your monthly expenses as the equivalent amount of your emergency fund. But did you know that 3-6 months rule only apply in the US workforce? Average Americans once, they become unemployed, it will take them at least 3 months to look for a new job. That will take the 3 months of savings then the other 3 months would be their average savings upon loosing work to be able to start all over again which may be used for a 2 months deposit, one month advance for house rental. That works for the US but in the Philippines, at least in a month you can have a new job already. Since we're very family oriented, the National Statistics Office had tallied a remarkable percentage of a working population still staying in their parents' house. It becomes easier because no funds are needed to be allotted for house rental advance. That being said, if you're having a hard time keeping up with 3-6 months of an emergency fund, it's better to take baby steps as putting together 1 month of an emergency fund at least to make room for funds to be saved for your investment and other business ventures."

-FLOI WYCOCO

CEO and Founder

The Global Filipino Investors

____________________________________________________________________________ 

AN ADVOCACY FOR A #FINANCIALLYLITERATEPH

From his unfortunate financial setback in Singapore, Floi's personal experience served him right. He went home to the Philippines, established himself as "Mr. Investor" by putting up The Global Filipino Investors Group. With an ultimate mission of helping other people understand how important of a tool money is in our everyday lives and that it's ultimate purpose is to help other people, he had found out that experiencing these misfortunes was necessary for him to find his purpose. And that is to be an instrument himself to fulfilling an advocacy of a financially literate Philippines.

There was an instance that as he went about making a huge change in his lifestyle, he was continuously seeing other people being irresponsible with money thru their posts in the social network. He didn't want other people to turn out like him and he realised that starting early is of most essence. Floi, being a graduate of the University of Santo Tomas, is aware that the Filipino culture makes money a sensitive topic to be casually talked about. Because of that, he aspired to have a safe platform where Filipinos would feel safe and open in raising up issues about entrepreneurship, what are the dos and don'ts of putting up a business and anything and everything about money matters.

While his intentions are true, his advocacy had expanded like wildfire. Up to this date, The Global Filipino Investors has at least 80,000 Facebook group members and 45,000 fan page followers and still counting. 

Moreover, Filipino overseas workers, who compose a great percentage of the Philippines' Gross National Product (GNP), are encouraged to invest in their own country. They also get enlightened of the great opportunities that await in the Philippines for them. They are now slowly trusting the Philippine government as Duterte sits as the 16th president. It is such a great timing that Floi, together with so many alliances (with the same mission), are becoming active because the Philippine Stock Exchange Index are skyrocketing. It is pretty attractive to foreign investors. If this would be the case that bridges are rebuilt by regaining these investors' trust as far as business is concerned, this will help greatly in stabling the Philippine economy.

THE BEST WAY TO START

Floi Wycoco, the former Mr. Spendor now Mr. Investor encourages us all not to listen to the noise and to stay focused with our goals. Awareness is key and the best way to be aware is to get educated.

The Global Filipino Investors had established the TGFI Web Academy where members are encouraged to enroll.  Experts and mentors were put together to facilitate and satisfy every Filipino's query: "Gusto Kong Matuto Kung Paano Ko Mapapalago ang Pera Ko". (I wanted to learn how to handle my finances well to attain riches.)

The Web Academy, also known as 'WeCad' covers matters regarding entrepreneurship, money management, real estate, investing, putting up an online business and the most recent is agripreneur. There are free online classes that you may want to go for a trial and if you think it serves you well, you can choose a package to move further.

Most of successful investors had emphasised on the importance of education. See for yourself what Warren Buffet, Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King, Jr. If you find it expensive, you may want to know that ignorance is far more expensive than paying for your own learning. This I promise you.

Floi also suggests the following for your own personal advancement:

1. Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki - the book that had motivated him greatly and to which he shares his great big start with.

2. No Nonsense Personal Finance by Randell Tiongson - good guide as for personal finance

3. Pooled Funds by Rex Holgado - a free ebook that will guide you to learning about how mutual funds work. These are for the starting investors that have a limited background about what to do and how to do it.

Education could also help you distinguish the "wannabes" and the "scammers" from the dedicated ones. Apart from surrounding yourself with warriors that will encourage you to keep going, it's important to be cautious of who to trust with your hard-earned money. So many people also want instant richness but it doesn't work that way. Investing in yourself is the best investment you could ever make. From there, you would know which next step you should take. So trust the ones who had been there more above all else. Yes, even if it's your friend.

WHAT IS THE RIGHT PERSPECTIVE

In everything that you need to establish, your credit score, your emergency fund, your reputation, you should have the right perspective. The best example is how we see money. Being driven to doing something about it, doesn't mean you are obsessed by its power. Understand that the difference between studying about it and hailing it are totally different things. Some people may need time to understand the concept of how money could work for them so, don't judge them that they are so "into" money. Money is nothing but a tool. But it is that important of a tool that we would be needing to help us stay alive. Also, understanding its ultimate purpose is important. And that is to help others with its abundance.

Next example would be how you see saving up for your emergency fund. Establishing a secure net for whatever the future might bring is smart. So stay focused and don't be misled by peers who tease you of not living the life. It's hard to live when you wake up the next day and all you own are debts and credit card loans. Trust me, you don't want to be there.

______________________________________________________________________________

"Just like in investing, establishing your emergency fund is a must for you as you prepare for your future but there will come a time that it may get to be a burden already. If you have the right perspective, it would not be too hard for you to understand that this is put together to secure your investments. Having the right perspective would help you get back on track once you fall to this pit of questioning yourself why saving for your emergency fund is a must have." 

_______________________________________________________________________________

There's also but one remaining perspective that you should never neglect. The right perspective towards your own family. Every change starts with a small step but the ripple that it makes towards a community is unimaginably massive. So, envision yourself far away further into the horizon as Floi encourages each Filipino to start within their families in propagating financial education. Since it is the most intimate circle we are in, having the right perspective of starting small but thinking big is the idea.

Floi's wife and father had been the pillars of his success.
They always remind him of the capabilities he possesses
in serving and that pushes himself to be at his best every time.

FLOI'S ULTIMATE GOAL

It was truly a dagger to Floi's heart when one celebrity back, when he was starting in 2000, had discouraged him by saying, "There's no such thing as an advocacy for financial literacy." But as a financial literacy warrior, he remained steadfast with his mission. And this is to create more Filipino investors and entrepreneurs and to convert at least 50% of our population to taking actions to achieve financial freedom.

Individually, establishing an emergency fund alone could be a struggle. Imagine what Floi Wycoco is facing as per challenges that could arise with his vision. But as to that challenging remark that celebrity had given Floi, later on, TGFI's accomplishments had astounded him. The celebrity was surprised that it had gained popularity in the end. This is due to the reason that there is an undeniable heed for this kind of education. Globally, the TGFI CEO and founder, aims to push financial literacy to millions of people most especially to OFW's to guide them into coming home to their families.

Here are some of the projects The Global Filipino Investors had gained acknowledgements from besides magazines, TV shows and live forums on the radio.

Being interviewed by
CNN Philippines.

One of the greatest inspiration of the Spearhead Mission
is MR. Floi Wycoco who had helped me personally
in submitting my COLFianncial application and
my colleague's JP Adena, Founder of the Spearhead Mission.
He helped me attain my dream of becoming a Jollibee
owner by being a stockholder!

One of the millions that had been touched and influenced greatly, was me. For a tribute, I would like to personally thank this humble superstar, an explosive ball of motivation, who not only believes in the Philippines success but he knows, we are all capable of being rich. Mr. Floi Wycoco, this marks the first year of my pursuit for an earlier retirement, a.k.a., financial freedom. I would like to show my appreciation with a hope that the whole world would know how you had helped me and millions out there. Bless you and your family for the wonderment of your heart. 

As you extend a helping hand to Spearhead Mission, we will forever be indebted to your expertise, experience and efforts. Thank you again and again. 

Spearhead Mission and TGFI tie up for a free financial education seminar
held at the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), Admiralty
last March, 2016.

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3. HOW TO SAVE HK$5,000 IN 52 WEEKS - this maybe too easy for some but it's your call to put another 0 to that figure. Just adjust the necessary payments for each week. This practice is to test you if you could sustain a certain amount of money within reach and not spending it for a year.

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7 PILLARS OF BUILDING AN EMERGENCY FUND

Do you consider losing your phone an emergency situation? How about finding a one-peso deal online from CEBU PACIFIC? OR maybe, a friend is asking you to hang out over happy hour? It sounds so irresistible, you conform even if it means spending the last food money you have for the week. More likely, if you would answer yes to these, a reassessment of your understanding of an emergent situation is needed.

The big question now is, what should be treated as an “emergency”? Let's consider only three:

1. A life threatening situation for you and your family

Example: sudden hospitalisation, dealing with complications of chronic illness; force majeure; war

2. If you are cut off of your main source of income

Example: you got laid off that resulted being jobless, most especially if you're the family's sole bread winner; force majeure

3. Death

Death of the bread winner in the house may leave a family in an emergency because there's no source of income. Funeral services had to be done and, most of the time, it's the least included in one's personal budget. Death is inevitable, yes, but it comes with an unexpected cost of funerals.

So, anything that doesn't fall under these categories, more or less, is NOT an emergency. Although, any situation which could lead to it may be reconsidered. Say, if your car is your only means of income like UBER, car rental services or you are a transporter by the day, obviously, it's your main source of income. Therefore, this falls under the second category.

According to Floi Wycoco, founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of The Global Filipino Investors, a person’s emergency fund is ideally a total of 3 to 6 months’ salary. The basis of this would be the number of months you can be covered without compromise to your usual lifestyle even if you don’t have a job before you land the next one. This is also put together to cover up for any expenses after whichever emergent situation may lead to. Depending on the number of months you’re going to decide on, it still takes a lot of effort to build that safety net that will catch you.      

Here are the 7 pillars that could help you build a sturdy emergency fund:

1.   DISCIPLINE

Recognizing emergency situations need a great amount of discipline. We have defined what it is earlier. Simply put, establish your definition by remembering the three things that should be present: the sick, the dying and the dead. So that you won’t be misled with what you'll consider a priority.

Since emergency fund is for emergency purposes, it should be liquid. Meaning, it should be available and accessible at all times. Wherever and however you keep it safe, you should have a full access to it anytime. And here’s how it becomes difficult. You may always be tempted to dig into it.

Don’t underestimate the struggle behind resisting most especially when you become emotional on something like the need to reward yourself every payday. When you go over your budget to buy what you think you deserve, then your emergency fund may suffer.

A friendly advice from Edward Lee, CEO of COL Financial goes, “Develop the habit of saving up a portion of your salary with the aid of a budget formula, then find the discipline to stick to it. Ideally, it’s 10-20% of your income”.

A sample budget plan, by JP Adena of Spearhead Mission, called “IsaveIspend” encouraged a lot of Filipino overseas workers in Hong Kong not to fall in debt. With an advocacy for a financially literate community, he allots ‘Happy Fund’ as the the number one need to be met. And this should never be reprimanded in any way. Why? To keep you motivated to follow this budget plan the next month, and the next month, and the next month. Reminder: The funds from the right column may fill up percentages on the left but strictly, the funds from the left should never be used to pay the ones on the right. Also, the funds on the left side should be kept as is except if the emergency fund had been filled up already.

A good help to your own discipline is to allot a different percentage of your salary for your ‘happy fund’.

2. EDUCATION

“Investing in yourself is the best thing you can do.”  – Warren Buffet It is liberating when you learn about something you were curious about for a long time. It's even empowering when you know something so well that you get to teach it. It doesn't matter if you just started learning about financial education a year ago or for ten years already. The important thing is you're establishing yourself with much deeper sense for whatever may happen in the future. Security after all is the best pillow at night. It is important to know where you invest your hard earned money into.

Friendly advice: Take advantage of the platforms available online that offer and assist you to financial education. Some people have a concept that money is evil.  www.trulyrichclub.com says otherwise as the founder of this club is a pastor gone financial advisor. Check out what he has to offer for you. Start getting familiar with the 3 Basic Laws of Money by reading, “The Rich Man in Babylon”. Robert Kiyosaki’s book, “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” is a true eye opener to the concept of financial freedom. And www.investopedia.com is another good source of non-biased information when it comes to handling your finances. Motley Fool owns another website that gives education and advice in terms of stocks to put up with and lose vs. time.

3. PERSERVERANCE

Any good investment usually takes time to bring back profit. Don’t expect that

you save now and then you reap money to spend it tomorrow. It doesn’t work that way. It means you have to work doubly hard over time.

If you persevere in everything you do today, if you persevere to be the better version of you each time, you’ll be able to get rid of nasty habits and make way for good ones, you’ll be able to control your emotions and you’ll be able to focus on your goals. You may be led to endless opportunities because you will strive to learn every day.

4. COMMITMENT

Good habits emerge from how committed a person is. And a commitment’s backbone is a

person’s biggest WHY. If you can’t figure that out just yet, be reminded that your emergency fund isn’t for anybody else but you and your family. That’s enough reason to commit. If you’re single, commit to living the dream you’ve always wanted.

5. HONESTY/INTEGRITY

These two work hand-in-hand as you fill up your emergency fund. If you have a second job to have an additional income but you call in sick to keep up with it, where’s your integrity? If you collect a dollar a day from random friends, (which is an annoying attitude of some Filipinos), just so for additional change to your emergency fund, that’s being dishonest. Just say no to unnecessary spending habits.

If you would like to earn passive income, there’s a lot of ways but of course, we need to go back to educating yourself by learning about investing on assets whose return of investment (ROI) is good (e.g. businesses, properties, gold/silver coins).

INVESTOPEDIA.COM:

                 

The RETURN OF INVESTMENT (ROI) FORMULA:

                 

ROI = (Gain from investment - Cost of Investment)/Gain from investment

where:

“GAIN FROM INVESTMENT” refers to the proceeds obtained from the sale of the investment of interest. Because ROI is measured as a percentage, it can be easily compared with returns from other investments, allowing one to measure a variety of types of investments against one another.

6. DETERMINATION

As an adult, you set priorities. You weigh consequences of every decision you make. And as you become aware of what works for you or not, be determined to stand by something that will do you good in the end. Have the determination to step up and be responsible in choosing what fits your budget. Say no to unnecessary spending habits.

7. PATIENCE

Once you are able to reach the planned amount for your emergency fund, the excess funds can be invested for further growth of your capital. Let me suggest for you to invest it into something that will take advantage of the compounding interest and beat inflation. For example, investing on mutual funds, stocks and bonds that may allow your money to earn 5% beating inflation. Here in Hong Kong, the inflation rate is at 3% as of the moment. It means, your money had earned 2% overtime if you are assured of a 5% ROI thru a lifetime savings plan.

Inflation, according to www.investopedia.com, is the rate at which general prices of services and goods is rising, and consequently, the purchasing power of currency is falling. Central banks attempt to limit inflation, and avoid deflation in order to keep the economy running smoothly. This may be shocking to understand that the amount of goods your HK$500 can buy is not the same amount of goods you can buy 5 years after.

Friendly advice: Learn the beauty of delayed gratification. Be patient by sticking to your budget plan. If there’s an ongoing sale in the mall and you feel that your happy fund isn’t enough to buy everything you like, be patient. And focus on the bigger reward, a secure future.

Having an established emergency fund is the first step into attaining financial freedom. So many how-to-budget ideas are out there, but whatever you may choose to adopt, it’s important to know how to live to it. No matter how big a goal may be, foundation is what’s given most of the effort, time and energy. With these 7 pillars, you can never go astray.

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HONG KONG HOTELS YOU NEVER KNEW WERE THERE

Staycations are becoming a hit nowadays. And let's admit it, there's nothing more convenient than being in a totally different looking view in half an hour or so with the whole family without the hassles of packing, unpacking and flying. This Summer, rediscover Hong Kong with these hotels that you never knew were there all along to give you a totally different outlook.

1. ROYAL VIEW HOTEL

The name suggests its look from the outside as it stands at the edge of a hill solo. It is the perfect getaway if you really want a different feel of Hong Kong. Overlooking Tsing Ma bridge and the harbour separating Lantau and Tsuen Wan, Royal View Hotel has 688 rooms ranging from Superior to 3-bedroom suites. With a room size selection of 385 sq.m. up to 1,428 sq.m., these serviced suites aim to provide a spacious yet efficient interior. Its outdoor lap pool is so relaxing because of the trees. Its shade give out a vibe that you're in a lagoon. The weekend buffet presents fresh sweet tasting seafood and their lamb chops and steaks are seasoned perfectly. The room provides a 3G phone for the guests to use for free. It can be used to research about upcoming sales in the city, shows that you may want to watch, events that are ongoing and it provides IDD service to call the Philippines, USA and of course, Hong Kong for free.

This makes an experience different in a way that there are no 7-11's around, no food stalls nearby, it is really secluded. So if you need a quiet time to unwind, relax and rejuvenate, this is the place to be. It is perfect to stay in for a long weekend to indulge on its Lido Beach which is just a 5 minute walk from the hotel. Walking distance to the Tsuen Wan Waterfront Promenade is fairly bearable. The multi-intelligence mall for kids, Discovery Park, is just HK$25 away. And altogether, this makes a great suggestion for both solo and family staycation.

2. HARBOUR PLAZA RESORT CITY

If you are planning to get close to nature, this by far is the cheapest, yet most worthy of your money. Start your day with a good yum cha just a stairway up the hotel's lobby. They have a massive pool kissed by the sun from early morning 'til late afternoon that is perfect for sunbathing. The kids' room is sanitised every two hours and is spacious and facilitative. Total opposite of the Royal View Hotel, it got a lot of eateries around. But, it's still is provincial in a way. The park is open for some meditation, good long walk and exercise. I have lived more than 8 years here and I can attest to how it had developed to its best to this day.

So for those who would like to stay for a week or two, try checking in here since it's just walking distance from a movie house, groceries, shopping malls, hospital, wet market, police station and many more. Also, it is 45 minutes away from the Shen Zhen border which you may want to visit for a day and then just come back home to Harbour Plaza Resort City in the evening.

A little trivia goes, Tin Shui Wai was known as the fish pond area of Hong Kong before. A New Territory taxi driver explained to us that livelihood long before was about farming and being a fisherman because some of the rice paddies were turned to pools. In the long run, aquaculture had declined that led many to abandon their fish ponds. The government tried to save it thru land reform. But there was a planned preservation of the ponds from the Tin Shui Wai New Town Development. To separate the two, an ecological mitigation area for the wetlands served as the buffer. Later on, it turned into and educational and tourism facility called, The Wetland Park, that your kids may enjoy as you visit. You can jump in the light rail transit going here. Probably around 15 minutes away from the hotel.

3. NOAH'S ARK RESORT

Surprise your children with an epic adventure at Noah's Ark. This is absolutely a perfect destination to consider during a staycation here in Hong Kong this Summer.  This season calls for a chance for kids to explore a new experience without the stress from school.

A modern type of camping maybe done by having all your friends with families check in at Noah's Ark Resort, located at Park Island. Underneath the Tsing Ma Bridge also, similar to Royal View Hotel, the resort faces a breathtaking view of the harbour and is situated to the nearby theme park, Noah's Ark.

They have a room that can hold up until 8 people that is perfect for a big family. That room has a huge table where all of you can have a quiet dinner altogether, face to face, without any disturbance of today's technology. Quality time is assured because of the activities the resort can offer. Also, their mission and vision aims to educate and encourage kids to be loving to the animals, environment, to others and to themselves with their exhibitions, displays and attractions.

4. HERITAGE HOTEL AT TAI O

If you're up for some history and serenity, experience a getaway at Heritage Hotel in Tai O. It's a hotel, museum, and historic facility all in one. And it is an award winner by Trip Advisor, Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific, Human Resource Magazine.

Services here include a tour of the former police station and that of a prisoner for illegal trespassers to Hong Kong at the earlier 1900's. It is facing the South China Sea already so this facility also aimed to patrol against pirates from neighbouring countries back then. It's just in the year 2009 that it got restored into a 9-room boutique hotel by a Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme. An added restaurant above the prison had been built, called the Tai O Lookout to be able to cater to dining guests. Don't miss ordering the one-of-a-kind Crispy Bun with Tai O shrimp paste marinated Pork Chop. And beside the look out is a well preserved booth where policemen exchanged shifts as look outs, hence, the name.

The fish that accompanies the shrimp paste marinated burger
is truly the best kicker in this dish.
I don't eat chocolate but I tried it and it was
deliciously moist and its chocolate flavour is not too
sweet and not too bitter.

5. SILVERMINE BEACH RESORT

Silvermine Beach Resort had been recognised
and had been awarded consistently.
The most recent is being the Resort Hotel of the Year
from the last June 2015, awarding ceremony.

If you want to escape the busy city life, jump in a ferry and take a trip to Mui Wo to find this gem that offers incomparable comfort with their super sized beds and semi buffet treats. By booking Silvermine Beach Resort, you get the sun, sand and the solitude. Bring your family for a series of outdoor activities that become limited while living in the metro.

Imagine my big Samoan husband,
my half Samoan, half Filipino, one year old and I on this bed.
We all have the best sleep for this is the most
comfortable bed we've ever slept in together as a family.

In terms of what's exquisite about this place, it is accessible to the city, a school, a wet market, a police station, a bus station, a taxi stand and the pier. This way, even if you choose to be in the hidden part of Lantau Island, villagers exude that energy all through out the area because they are efficient in their own ways.

Things that you shouldn't miss in staying here in Silvermine Beach Resort: The herd of carabaos resting in the evening right in front of the hotel. It's a good way to introduce what a carabao is to kids without any restraints or the idea that they are tied up because these carabaos are free to roam around. The outdoor swimming pools (one for the kids and one for the adults) are very rejuvenating because of the scenery that surrounds you, mountains and gardens. And my personal favourite, watching the sunrise by the hotel's wooden deck over coffee facing the beach horizon. The hope that it whispers is empowering.

6. GOLD COAST HOTEL

It's the kids' break from school. Why not take advantage of a HK$11,800 worth of a month's stay at Gold Coast Hotel? This 2-room apartment type is fully furnished, with a sublime sea view. Being 30 minutes away from the city, Gold Coast Hotel gives you a East-meets-West fusion of food, ambiance and service.

Its yacht and country club is such a great view from the hotel and from the Gold Coast Piazza. It provides a nice membership package including an exclusive spa service. Chilli and Spice is the most popular restaurant in the Piazza for their cooking service of the seafood that is freshly available outside the restaurant and their lamb curry is the most delicious I've had so far while staying here in Hong Kong.

Besides the Gold Coast Beach which is one of Hong Kong's longest beaches, the Piazza that holds French, Italian, Indian, Thai and Chinese restaurants and the view of the luxurious yachts, nearby attractions can also be readily accessed. Butterfly gardens serve as natural habitats for butterflies in pursuit of the tropical landscapes of the Gold Coast community to be redeveloped. There's also eco-gardens where residents can participate in organic farming with an intention of caring for the environment. Gold Coast Hotel gives its residents encouragement in doing physical exercises with its jogging routes which you may do for 10, 15 or 30 minutes. Gym facilities are also well equipped.

The minimum stay at the Gold Coast apartments is 1 month. But hotel rooms are rated per night. They have shuttle bus services to and fro Central, Olympic and Tsuen Wan stations. Airport shuttle bus service may also be availed. Some facilities include a barbecue area for your family to enjoy, there's a kids' cove, there are outdoor pools, billiard tables, tennis and squash courts and sun deck area. There's nothing more that you'd ask for except to be able to extend the kids' vacation months to stay longer I'm sure.

7. REGAL AIRPORT HOTEL

This last hotel is for those who want time on their own or with their loved one. This is the kind of hotel that would cater to somebody who wants to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. If you want to have a sleeping in time because of too much stress at work or if you want to lay low from being in all of these social networks, choose Regal Airport Hotel to lodge in.

You always neglect airport hotels because you always think they are actually unworthy of your money. But Regal Airport Hotel's buffet include, juicy, sweet tasting seafood. It brings you near the IMAX experience because it's just a 5 minute walk to the Hong Kong International Airport arrival area. That being said, it gives you a therapeutic view of the airplanes flying away and taking off.

Honeymooners and couples, get encouraged with their luxurious cabana type of a room where you and your loved one could get a couple's spa and massage. Om Spa, located at Regal Airport Hotel's 3rd floor takes you away into a Thai escape with fragrant essential oils and authentic Thai vibe because of how the rooms are decorated. My husband loved the massage service he had. And I loved the rose facial I got alongside of him. It is one of the best experiences we've done together.

This list of hotels had left me in awe for I never knew how good they were until I had the chance to actually sniff what it could offer me and my family. If you know of any more hotels that would want to be in the list, kindly suggest it in the comments below. So that #teamtoomalatai could have a new place to check out and enjoy. Thank you in advance!

Related posts:

1. ANGSANA LAGUNA, PHUKET - This is where my husband and I had stayed for our honeymoon in Phuket. Check out how it's so accommodating, you don't need to go out of the resort.
2. VENETIAN HOTEL MACAU - One of the best hotels I've been to my husband and I did a photoshoot in our room. LOL!
3. PICO DE LORO RESORT - Headed to Batangas, Philippines soon? Hamilo Coast where this exclusive country club belongs to the 3 coves that is considered Marine Protected Areas. Read about its exclusivity.

SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW CHEESE

In flight magazines work wonders. With each of their featured stories, I get hold of information from a lot of places in a jiffy without spending a penny. And as I went over Cebu Pacific's Smile Magazine today, I came across an article that featured the rainbow grilled cheese sandwich that had gone trending in instagram. And I knew I had to try it!

Slowly, I am getting fond of our new home here in Tsuen Wan. 10 minutes via shuttle bus to the train station leads to a wide array of great eateries, restaurants and noodle houses. And 5 minutes away from Exit A there's Kala situated at G/F, 4-6 Tsuen Hing Path, Tsuen Wan. 

KALA Toast is recently the most sought after foodie experience by a lot of tourists and local residents alike because of its unique presentation of their grilled cheese sandwiches. It comes in rainbow colours! How is this possible?

As I had experienced this rich grilled sandwich myself, called KALAful Toast, I have observed 4 colours blending in altogether. There's yellow, green, blue and pink/light purplish shade. So it made me curious how they are able to do this.

Four kinds of cheeses - mozzarella, cheddar, emmental and gruyere, are flavoured with basil (which makes a part green), lavender (which makes a part blue), tomato (for the pink part). When melted altogether, they make up the rainbow colours as seen below. These cheeses are directly sourced from Europe. Their toasted breads are crystallised with butter that's why most of the customers find it oily. Don't worry, there's paper to seep that oil in.

For a price of HK$42, it is worth a try. I must say the lavender flavour was really subtle considering the colour that it throws out in the sandwich. The basil was also barely there but the colour green is pretty set. The tomato neutralises everything giving it an aroma of a pizza. I suppose it's alright since I would prefer the original tasting grilled sandwich at all costs. Lavender and basil may alter it in certain ways that I may not like anyway. Besides the fact that it is delightful to the eyes, it's quite selfie worthy too. Other out-of-this world flavours are also available. Here are the recommended must-try's:

Choco-banana Snowman

Green Tea Sandwich

Fresh Durian and Cheese Sandwich

KALA Grilled Cheese Specialist is open from 12nn to 12mn. And can be contacted about its services thru 3706-5432. Sandwiches can be availed only by cash and octopus. Parking can be done at your own risk within the area. And wifi is available for customers.

I expected tables that I could dine in but they had to remove it since Tsuen Hing Path is technically owned by the government. So, it's illegal to actually consider it as a place for personal gains. I am truly hoping that they'd expand to a place where people can sit down and take time in eating their orders.

If you're around the area, pass by and give yourself the four sinful cheeses I know you crave for. Hong Kong Summer is hot and rainy but there's always a rainbow in a bursting grilled cheese sandwich here in Tsuen Wan!

Related posts:

1. JOLLIBEE - the most famous and long standing Filipino fast-food that brought its delicious flavours here in Hong Kong. Check it out!

2. FOOD TRIP - an authentic Filipino restaurant that sits in Jordan's food alleys that is worth of your money and time. Try it on your day off!

3. PIZZA EXPRESS - Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Ocean Terminal, Pizza Express gives an Italian experience to Hongkies like no other. Their home made pizza and tasty pasta dishes taste will surely make you forget your name.