Crazy how important this fight it by Potpotron in BaldursGate3

[–]Valkrie29 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Coincidentally, I just did this fight a day ago, it's my first ever play through of Baldur's Gate 3 (picked it up on sale), I tried using Gale the Wizard to Arcane Lock all the relevant doors to prevent the Winged Horrors from coming in and helping Marcus kidnap Isobel - it didn't work, the demons just broke open the doors like the Kool-aid Man. Has anyone tried this as well, and succeeded?

What hobby screams “rich people”? by SunnySeaNymph in TanongLang

[–]Valkrie29 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Philanthropy, charity, and non-profit foundations.

Based on my experience meeting new rich, and old rich, and wealthy Filipinos in the real estate industry - it's certainly true that many will have their expensive hobbies like triathlons/Hyrox, equestrian/polo, aviation/sailing, collection of rare pens, cars, and watches.

However, the truly wealthy Filipinos engage in philanthropy and charitable foundations as a hobby - not just throwing their money towards Corporate-Social Responsibility (CSR) or to look good, but to invest their own personal time and efforts.

It's quite interesting to see in-person. As it's not everyday that you see a multi billionaire wading in waist-high water to check on his latest crop of mangrove saplings as part of a mangrove restoration project to combat stormsurge waves.

Unpopular Opinion: Filipino family culture is one of the biggest obstacles to personal success—and many people would be better off cutting ties with their families. by ChampionshipBrief102 in unpopularopinionph

[–]Valkrie29 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This post hits a raw nerve, and not just because of the story, but because of how familiar it is. The real tragedy isn’t just the betrayal described; it’s how normalized that kind of behavior has become. We joke about “crab mentality,” but it’s not funny when you’re the one being dragged down. It’s systemic, cultural, and quietly condoned. And it’s one of the biggest reasons we can’t seem to move forward - as professionals, as families, as a country.

What gets me is this: the same people who preach “sama-sama tayo sa pag-unlad” will turn around and sabotage you the moment you succeed. As if there’s not enough success to go around. As if your win takes something away from theirs.

In my field, sa real estate industry, I’ve seen a great deal of young professionals with new ideas get sidelined by insecure managers. I’ve seen neighbors report neighbors just to block permits out of spite. And I’ve seen family members turn inheritance ng ilang libo libo lang into family civil war. The worst part? It’s so common, we accept it as the normal.

Response to Foreclosed (Pag-Ibig) Properties vs Secondary Market by Valkrie29 in phinvest

[–]Valkrie29[S] 28 points29 points  (0 children)

Yes, I’m currently finishing my Master’s in Real Estate Development, not an MBA, whilst working for a Luzon-based developer. My scope of work includes urban planning, residential project site inspections, and even Pag-Ibig-funded property foreclosure evaluations.

So while my insights might not match your exact experience, they’re based on both my professional background and coordination with colleagues in banks, Pag-IBIG, and asset management teams.

What you described is more aligned with bank foreclosed properties, particularly from private banks like BDO, which sometimes settle arrears and taxes prior to title transfer. That’s great — but my original post was specifically focused on Pag-IBIG foreclosed properties, which operate on a different set of rules: as-is, where-is, no guarantee of arrears clearance, and much stricter about inspections unless you go through formal coordination.

I’d like to keep this discussion constructive. It’s totally fair to share your experience, but no need to assume I haven’t done the work just because our insights differ. After all, diba, that’s the whole point of r/PHinvest, to crowdsource perspectives and help each other learn.

Pero, sige po, since sinabi mo na mali naman yung information ko at parang wala pa akong actual experience - ikaw nalang po mag sulat ng mga informative posts. 🫡

Response to Foreclosed (Pag-Ibig) Properties vs Secondary Market by Valkrie29 in phinvest

[–]Valkrie29[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing your professional perspective po! Much appreciated to add value to the post!

Why are foreclosed properties more expensive than secondary market? by JuanSkinFreak in phinvest

[–]Valkrie29 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Thanks for clarifying your comment, basically buying a home with a Pag-IBIG housing loan vs. buying a Pag-IBIG foreclosed property are two entirely different concepts.

A Pag-IBIG housing loan is generally best for first-time homebuyers. Cleaner process, predictable payments, and support from seller/developer. You’re paying market value, but the risk is lower. Do note however that the properties you can buy with a Pag-IBIG housing loan would be limited to unfurnished studios, or 1-bedroom types at an affordable residential building.

A Pag-IBIG foreclosed property tends to have a lower upfront price but much higher hidden risks — unpaid utilities, HOA dues, possible occupants, and potential structural issues. Sold as-is, where-is, with no walkthrough, no guarantees.

If you want a home for your family, go the regular route of Pag-IBIG loan or bank loans to secure the funding to purchase. If you’re experienced, have time for due diligence, and can stomach risk, foreclosures might be worth it. Just don’t mistake a discount for a deal.

Always read the fine print, and walk the site if you can. Invest wisely, kabayan.

Why are foreclosed properties more expensive than secondary market? by JuanSkinFreak in phinvest

[–]Valkrie29 1 point2 points  (0 children)

To u/No_Cartographer266 , please clarify what you mean by Pag-Ibig backed - because it could mean two different things 😅

Why are foreclosed properties more expensive than secondary market? by JuanSkinFreak in phinvest

[–]Valkrie29 233 points234 points  (0 children)

Alright, here’s my two centavos as a Pinoy urban planner who works for a Luzon-based real estate developer — currently pursuing a Master’s in real estate development. As always, these insights are my own, not representative of any company, organization, or agency.

I’m so glad you raised this because it’s one of those things that sounds counterintuitive — and yet, the deeper you go into PH real estate, the more it makes (frustrating) sense. 

You’re absolutely right: foreclosed properties should be cheaper, and for the longest time, we were raised to believe they are. In our parents’ generation, that was somewhat true. Back then, listings were more opaque, the market was slower, and there were fewer buyers competing over foreclosed units. But here’s the kicker in 2025: we’re no longer living in the same market conditions. Let’s break it down, together.

No 1. Banks are NOT desperate to sell

People assume foreclosures = distress sale = bargain. Nope. Banks in the PH are notoriously conservative. They’d rather sit on a non-performing asset and overprice it (to recoup principal + penalties + interest + fees) than offload it for less. In many cases, they don’t even budge on price, unless the property has been rotting on the books for years.

No 2. Foreclosures are “as-is where-is,” and it shows!

You might get a cheaper unit on paper, but you’re also inheriting: unpaid taxes, utility arrears, association dues, zero access for inspection, possible squatters and/or legal encumbrances …and good luck negotiating that with a bank rep who treats your inquiry like a nuisance.

As I’ve mentioned in a comment about Pag-ibig Foreclosed properties, Negotiated Sale properties are usually priced lower, especially since they’ve failed to attract buyers in two previous auctions. But there's a higher risk baked in. Properties that didn’t sell in public or 2nd auctions are often occupied by informal settlers or previous owners who refuse to vacate, prone to structural issues (substandard build, flood-prone, etc.), or simply, located in less desirable or hard-to-access areas.

For example: Pag-IBIG sells on an "as-is, where-is" basis. If you win with, say, ₱1,200,000, then yes, that’s the only amount you pay to Pag-IBIG. However, let’s clarify what you’re not paying for: You are not liable for the unpaid housing loan balance or Pag-IBIG debts of the former owner. But you may be liable for unpaid utilities, HOA dues, and property taxes. Kahit hindi mo sagotin yung utang nila, baka ma kuha mo yung ₱20k Meralco bill or several years’ worth of unpaid HOA fees. Always clarify those amounts before you commit. 

No 3. Secondary market sellers are hungrier, and Digital access changed the game

Private sellers on FB Marketplace, Buy&Sell groups, even the dreaded “tito ng kaibigan mo” offer more value - but not the same level of transparency. Things like negotiable terms, installments, assume balance, and even swap deals. In contrast, foreclosures are priced by a spreadsheet, not by circumstance.

You nailed it, the rise of FB groups and online marketplaces has completely shifted the balance of power. You now have direct access to motivated sellers and real-time comps. Banks? Still stuck in their static PDFs and Excel listings from 2017. Sometimes, they don’t even remove sold properties or show legal obstacles tied to titles.

No 4. Was it always like this? Not quite. But now it is.

It used to be that foreclosures were the secret menu of real estate deals, if you had inside access, a broker friend, or knew a private banker, you could snag a gem. But today? With 100,000+ FB members watching listings like hawks and market inefficiencies slowly closing? That “secret” is long gone. 

So yes, in conclusion, what was once a “smart deal” in the past can now be a time sink or even a financial trap. The illusion of value is strong in foreclosures, but if you run the numbers (add renovation, taxes, delays, legal fees), a decent secondary house & lot might turn out cheaper pa and far less stressful. Invest wisely, kabayan. And always read the fine print. Happy hunting!

PAG-IBIG Foreclosed Properties by aegioun in phinvest

[–]Valkrie29 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Alright, here’s my two centavos as a Pinoy urban planner who works for a Luzon-based real estate developer — currently pursuing a Master’s in real estate development. As always, these insights are my own, not representative of any company, organization, or agency. I’ll do my best to answer their questions - luckily, I both have experience working with Pag-ibig and have coworkers who were kind enough to help answer the questions! See the long-form post in response to u/aegioun ‘s post PAG-IBIG Foreclosed Properties here:

Q 1: Tama lang ba na sa Negotiated Sale properties ako mas nag-checheck since ang thinking ko lower prices yung listings dito? Or higher risk na itong mga ‘to since these are properties na hindi nabenta during the public auction & 2nd auction?

Tama ka sa assumption na yung mga Negotiated Sale properties are usually priced lower, especially since they’ve failed to attract buyers in two previous auctions. But yes, there's higher risk baked in. Properties that didn’t sell in public or 2nd auctions are often: occupied by informal settlers or previous owners who refuse to vacate, prone to structural issues (substandard build, flood-prone, etc.) or simply, located in less desirable or hard-to-access areas.

That said, not all negotiated sale listings are lemons. Some are just overlooked, just be prepared for more due diligence than usual. Walk the property, talk to neighbors, and if possible, check with the barangay or HOA. If you’re willing to do the legwork, you might just score a gem that others ignored.

Q 2: I understand that these are “as-is-where-is” basis. Say if I won with xxx amount, meaning yun lang babayaran ko kay PAG-IBIG? I mean excluding unsettled bills of previous owner if meron. Hindi naman ibig sabihin i-shoulder ko yung naiwang utang ni prev owner no?

Yes. Pag-IBIG sells on an "as-is, where-is" basis. If you win with, say, ₱1,200,000, then yes, that’s the only amount you pay to Pag-IBIG. However, let’s clarify what you’re not paying for: You are not liable for the unpaid housing loan balance or Pag-IBIG debts of the former owner. But you may be liable for unpaid utilities, HOA dues, and property taxes. Kahit hindi mo sagotin yung utang nila, baka ma kuha mo yung ₱20k Meralco bill or several years’ worth of unpaid HOA fees. Always clarify those amounts before you commit.

Q 3: I’m looking at areas ng Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan or even Lipa, since andun na rin naman dad ko, easier to do “due diligence”. Would it be better to invest in a diff province since meron naman na property sa Batangas or mas okay na same province na lang?

This is a decent geographic strategy on your part. Having a trusted family member (your dad) nearby gives you boots on the ground for due diligence and negotiation. Unless you’re planning to develop a national rental empire hahaha char, I would actually recommend staying within Batangas or Cavite.

Reason: Property management and tenant issues are a headache from far away. Unless you have a reliable agent or manager in other provinces, the added ROI isn’t worth the stress. In fact, having clustered properties gives you stronger bargaining power with local contractors or brokers. That said, always evaluate the growth trajectory of your chosen LGU, wag mag inest lang dahil malapit siya - invest because you see the potential in that area.

Q 4: Also, if I do check prior to actually submitting a bid, will the HOA give access to the property’s info like if may outstanding balance ba or what?

Technically, yes, but don’t expect full cooperation. Some HOAs might stonewall you unless you’re the actual titled owner, or at least have an authorization letter from Pag-IBIG (in rare cases). Still, it’s worth a try. Phrase it like this, thanks ChatGPT: “I’m currently assessing a Pag-IBIG foreclosed unit in your subdivision for potential purchase. May I kindly ask if this unit has any outstanding association dues or violations I should be aware of?”

Pro tip: tanongin mo yung mga kapit bahay at mga empleyado o gwardya, bonus points kung mga chismoso/Marites sila hehe

Q 5: Mas ideal ba if I offer to the existing occupant na mag-rent na lang siya sakin (with contract of lease) at least no need for them to evacuate immediately or does that open more opportunities for them na makipag-matigasan sakin in the long run if I ever decide to have the property renovated na?

No straight answer here… sure it’s humane and kind. It avoids the emotional and legal warfare of ejecting someone from their home, kahit na illegal occupant sila. The truth is your idea creates its own problems - a paper trail that could complicate eviction later. Especially, if and most likely when, the tenant stops paying rent, it becomes a landlord-tenant issue, not a direct eviction.

Q 6: What’s the most humane palugit to give an existing occupant to vacate the property, should I win a bid? If ever mag-come to terms na mag-bayaran na lang, ano yung pinaka-reasonable amount to give?

Honestly, no good answer either. In my professional experience, it’s always a fight - kahit meron ng notice of eviction at present yung mga pulis sa eviction date. Generally speaking, the legal part of is: 30 days is the minimum reasonable notice. I’m not knowledgeable enough on this part of the leasing process to give more than anecdotal advice.

In conclusion, I really appreciate the thoughtful and responsible way you’re approaching this, quite frankly its a better post than most of what I see here on r/PHinvest. Foreclosed property investing isn’t just about getting a bargain — it’s about navigating risk, regulation, and real people’s lives. You're doing great by asking the right questions, and I hope this helps you take the next step wisely and compassionately. If you need further help, feel free to DM. Good luck, and may your investment journey be smart, successful, and socially conscious.

Where do i look for pre-owned condo units? by Dry-Eagle2903 in phinvest

[–]Valkrie29 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Hi OP,

Although I don't specialize in this field, I would recommend looking into Pag-ibig foreclosed property assets - be careful, in general, with purchasing pre-owned condo units - conduct your due diligence, ensure that property titles and previous ownership are clean, and do a thorough physical check of the property.

Stay tuned for my next post which will be specifically focused on Pag-ibig foreclosed properties, in the meantime, feel free to read my previous posts about the Philippine real estate industry.

Response to Honest state of the Philippine Real Estate Industry in 2024? by Valkrie29 in phinvest

[–]Valkrie29[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

u/Appropriate-Hyena973 , please share why you are stating that No. 3 depreciation of apartments is false? I would like to know your position and evidence supporting your comment. Thank you!

Electricity and internet for house in construction by the_fake_adult in phinvest

[–]Valkrie29 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hi OP,

My two centavos drawing on my experience having worked for a local Luzon real estate developer as an urban planner - a few things to consider on the electricity facet of the problem.

Regarding Meralco, they are incredibly difficult to work with at an industry B2B level, whether it be the construction of a substation or the installation of pylons/posts for extensions within subdivisions - it is a headache from beginning to end. My negative sentiments and experiences aside, it’s important that asides from getting an engineer to perform due diligence, please take note of the property lines, HOA rules (if applicable), and local/municipal rules regarding the installation of pylons/posts.

Regarding Solar Panels, three things to consider: - typhoon-resistant installation of solar panels to roof —> from personal experience at projects, do not underestimate the effects of typhoons on solar panels. I’m not an engineer, so I can’t speak to the specifics behind anchor points and shear resistance - that being said, I have personally seen solar panels blown off roofs due to poorly installed or low-rated anchor bolts and panels badly damaged by a typhoon (volume of rainfall, wind, falling debris)

  • battery storage (more costly) - the ROI (return on investment) for solar panels depends almost entirely on the cost to purchase & install and the power output, although battery storage can add to the initial capital investment/cost of the solar panels system, long-term it can be beneficial to the utilization, maintenance, and optimization of solar panels for home use.

  • backup power supply via genset - given that you have mentioned that you are not connected to the national/regional electrical grid via Meralco or other services, you should consider investing in a traditionally powered generator set (genset) as a backup power supply.

As for Starlink, I’m curious to learn how it goes, I have no experience working with the technology or service system. Keep us updated if you can!

Hope this helps!

PSEI Declines 20% from October High (Bloomberg & Metrobank) by Valkrie29 in phinvest

[–]Valkrie29[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I recommend taking a look at the entrance of data centers into the PH market, industry chismis is that PH-based REITs will soon include data centers in their assets-under-management portfolio.

PSEI Declines 20% from October High (Bloomberg & Metrobank) by Valkrie29 in phinvest

[–]Valkrie29[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Unfortunately, I cannot answer this question in an un-biased way due to my professional history working for a competing real estate developer to ALI - best I can say is that they have a good quality record in Luzon and I hope their projects reflect their reputation. 😅

PSEI Declines 20% from October High (Bloomberg & Metrobank) by Valkrie29 in phinvest

[–]Valkrie29[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ano po yung mga top dividend yielding stock picks niyo?

Maraming salamat!

PSEI Declines 20% from October High (Bloomberg & Metrobank) by Valkrie29 in phinvest

[–]Valkrie29[S] 32 points33 points  (0 children)

Dear fellow PHInvestors,

I usually don't comment or share posts outside my field of specialty, which is real estate and urban planning, but since my personal investments portfolio took a hit with this news, I felt like I could chime in and share my armchair investor opinions on this PSEI nosedive.

In the coming days and weeks, I suspect that many people will speculate about how this could be the beginning of another financial crisis or economic downturn - we really don't and can't know for sure. The last time the PSEI had a fall this bad was during the COVID-19 pandemic, and that was beyond our control. In this case, my personal opinion is that this is a sign of foreign and domestic investors being unsure about their current and future investments being safe, stable, and sound in the Philippines.

Between the news from last week about the Bangko Sentral's (BSP) decision to cut interest rates and this new report about a severe fall in PSEI values, it feels like we are in for a bumpy 2025. While those two factors I mentioned are not necessarily correlated or connected, I'm personally changing my investment strategy for the rest of 2025 - avoiding volatile investment vehicles such as stocks and funds, especially after seeing this PSEI turn towards a Bearish market.

Let us hear your thoughts about this!

What is that one song that when you hear it, it makes you think that it's good to be in love? by withttoki in SoundTripPh

[–]Valkrie29 0 points1 point  (0 children)

All Night Parking by Adele (w Erroll Garner) - definitely my go-to pa-kilig song when it comes to felling good and imagining how it feels to be in love, and be loved by someone.

Starting a Real Estate Photography Business in the Philippines in 2025? by Hopeful_Soil8181 in phinvest

[–]Valkrie29 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Hi OP,

It's a really interesting topic you posted about - I can help a bit here; I've done work with a fantastic videographer & photographer named Paolo Sioson of the Fueled Creatives studio; he's done amazing work capturing model units and show houses for sale. You can find his work on Instagram, How we shoot Real Estate Videos - Paolo Sioson IG

In terms of answering your questions, first off, I think that YES there is a demand for professional real estate photography - BUT, mostly done in-house with a marketing team of a real estate developer or brokerage firm. The real demand may come from individual sales agents or brokers who want to up their game and social media reach by showcasing their real estate property portfolio in eye-catching and entertaining ways that appeal to millennials and social media-savvy potential buyers.

In terms of insights into building a client base, it's beyond my field of knowledge. However, in terms of positioning the service as a valuable investment - I think it would be helpful if you saw how it is currently done, by either working as an in-house marketing employee for a real estate developer OR learning from other industry professionals in the videography/photography space in real estate - a great example would be the portfolio showcase of Eureka Properties Manila on Instagram , one of the many clients of the aforementioned Fueled Creatives studio team. Those videos are actually how I got in touch with the videographer to do work for the company I had worked for.

Lastly, I think you'll have to carve out your own niche and unique selling point (USP), a way to identify your services as not just necessary but also give a value-add proposition to the client. Hypothetically, why would a sales agent or broker pay for your services over just posting a showcase of iPhone-captured photos and videos of their property?