“DITO FLEX AND ALIW 23”

I CONTINUE to grieve for the five people who perished from that submersible that imploded on its way to visit the ill-fated Titanic. As the world watched the unfolding story, there were a lot of commentaries, especially online, while rescue operations were being undertaken as well as the sad aftermath. 

Some comments were downright unnecessary and totally unkind. Of course, I am not acquainted with any of the victims, but this human tragedy diminishes us all.

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Dito Telecommunity Corporation has begun offering postpaid packages to subscribers. The FLEXPlans comes after its quite impressive prepaid plans launched more than 3 years ago.

The original package provided needed cash flow when the company started to roll out and compete with pioneers Globe and Smart.

An acquaintance in the Telecommunity intimated that the firm has about 7 million prepaid subscribers now. When more options are made available to end users, customers benefit. I expect an uptick in the churn out rate.

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In broadcasting, I am thrilled no end with the launching of Aliw Broadcasting Channel 23! The learning curve of the broadcasting arm of ALC Media Group (AMC) has been honed for many years with the operation and management of a good number of AM and FM radio stations, and VHF TV, in many parts of the country. This is complemented with the Group’s current professional media managers; they are certifiably adept to produce and air competitive program content. I guess this is where the network’s neighbor ALLTV’s efforts have been stymied. Experience has its many benefits, and the lack of it has dire consequences – for both operator and audience.

I look forward to the program line up of Aliw Channel 23. Coming from AMC, I am more than sure it’s going to be a Totally Vibrant Jig!

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A smarter name-sake, Luis Buenaventura II, shared his amazement online about the humongous jump in the price of BTC “at the blink of an eye”: from about US$25,000 to US$31,000 as of this writing. Pundits and other experts would point to the Federal Reserve Bank and US SEC approval of a Bitcoin Crypto Exchange (First Leveraged Bitcoin Futures). Yes, and a whole lot of other reasons, like holders of significant amounts of “coins” waiting for another volatile moment.

There is no doubt that cryptocurrency is here to stay. Our own “Maya” and “Gcash” enable wallet holders/owners to buy and sell BTC and other cryptos (like Ethereum and Polygon) online.

Here’s something very interesting. While conducting research on a Rider’s Game App, I ran a random, convenience sampling survey to determine whether riders would be interested in the game. Among others, I found out that at least 2 out of 7 riders knew what cryptocurrency was. Some had even tried buying and selling their cryptos; and, yes, some had very sad tales about Axie Infinity. At the time of the survey, when the “crypto winter” was ravaging and wreaking havoc, at least 5 riders vowed to hold on to their BTCs (between PHP1,000.00 and PHP1,700.00) because “… it will go up again. Gano’n yon.”

How’s that for a Financial Advisor on a 2-wheeler?

So, what are we ordinary mortals to do? Well, first things first: never invest more than 5% of your monthly income.

This goes against the groove of “saving 20% of your income and spending the rest for essentials.” I don’t go for that. Don’t let others use your money while you deprive yourself and your loved ones of basic necessities: food, education, shelter, healthcare, and the like.

Meron ka ngang pera sa bangko ngunit gutom ka naman!

Next, never buy/invest in crypto while it’s moving up (going “north”, the wordsmiths say). My late Central Banker of a father strongly recommends a simple strategy: “buy low, sell high.” Didn’t you know that Bitcoin went as low as US$17,000.00 a piece? That was the time to buy, NOT NOW. And when do you sell? When you make at least 50% profit. Don’t wait until you hit 100% – it ain’t gonna’ happen! Yes, although it might even go higher than 50%, but as sure as the sun sets, it’s going to nose dive sooner than you think!

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Something New for An Old Dog: At my age, when you’re offered a bedroom to stay, remember the 10-8-6 rule: the bed should be not more than10 paces from the bathroom, not more than 8 paces from the work table, and 6 feet away max from the window.

Cheers!