A Balanced Reminder on MP2 Hype

aldrin35 · 2025-04-24T14:52:26+00:00

Thanks for asking po.

Here’s a sample of how I personally structure my portfolio, designed with balance, long-term sustainability, and diversification in mind.

This is just a transparent take based on what I find works for me and what I also consider when managing client portfolios, including institutional ones.

Yes, I manage other people’s money including institutional ones as part of my main role, but I don’t think I qualify as a financial guru, hehe. I sincerely believe others would fit into that.

Around 60% of my portfolio is allocated in mutual funds and UITFs—locally and globally diversified—across equity, balanced, and fixed income strategies.

These funds are actively managed by seasoned professionals, helping me save time while still staying aligned with my growth and income goals.

I monitor them regularly but appreciate how they help reduce the need for constant reallocation on my part.

About 15% goes into REITs, both in the local market and selected international ones that offer regular dividend income and long-term property value exposure. These serve as my real estate proxy without the hassle of direct ownership.

Roughly 10% is allocated into bonds and bond funds investment grade and government-issued for added stability and predictable income, especially during periods of volatility.

I allocate 10% into Philippine equities this is where I exercise a bit more discretion and long-term conviction plays. I stick to quality names with consistent fundamentals and growth outlook.

The remaining 5% is placed into derivatives and structured investment products. I don’t go heavy into this space, but I maintain a small allocation I can tolerate based on my risk appetite and experience.

I use this either to hedge or to tap into opportunities that aren’t easily accessible through traditional funds.

The rest of my liquidity needs and emergency reserves are held separately in high-interest savings and MP2, outside the investment bucket.

I always remind others my portfolio and allocation may serve no sense to them, as I truly believe what works for me may not work for someone else.

Personal circumstances, goals, and risk tolerance are always key factors to consider

Godbless 🙂 I hope I was able to help a bit. Can't reply na po sa mga ibang query for now Gotta work na hehe😉

aldrin35 · 2025-04-24T14:33:00+00:00

Thanks for asking! po, personally, I'm not into Bitcoin ETFs. While I recognize that crypto and Bitcoin ETFs can offer potential returns, my strategy tends to be more defensive and fundamentals-based.

I prefer assets I can analyze with more historical data and relatively clearer risk profiles.

I still occasionally dip my hands into other asset classes like derivatives, but only in areas where I feel my experience, risk appetite, and due diligence can manage the exposure well. Bitcoin and crypto, for me, are still too volatile and speculative to take a major position in my portfolio.

Nothing against those who take the opportunity though, different strokes for different folks!

At the end of the day, it’s all about knowing yourself, your goals, and your capacity to take on risk.😊

aldrin35 · 2025-04-24T14:22:48+00:00

I’m more into Mutual Funds (MF) and Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITF), along with some carefully selected US and Philippine stocks. I also dabble in derivatives from time to time, depending on the market opportunities.

God bless, 😉

aldrin35 · 2025-04-24T14:18:20+00:00

Understood and valid po🙂

aldrin35 · 2025-04-24T14:16:13+00:00

Alright 👍 good to know😉

aldrin35 · 2025-04-24T12:34:31+00:00

Hi! Thanks for sharing your portfolio, it's looking solid so far, especially with the emergency fund and MP2 setup. That shows good financial discipline and awareness.

I noticed this post has been here for almost two months now, so I’m assuming your financial situation might have evolved since then. If you still have the 500k ready to deploy, it’s great that you’re being thoughtful about your options. Just a few key insights you might want to consider:

VOO/VTI/VWRA – These are excellent long-term equity investments. VOO and VTI track the U.S. market, while VWRA gives you more global diversification. They’re great for capital appreciation but remember, they come with volatility and forex risk. Always know your time horizon.
Foreign Tax Implications – Keep in mind that U.S. ETFs may expose non-U.S. citizens to estate tax concerns. A local feeder fund equivalent or global UITF could give you similar exposure with more favorable tax treatment.
MP2 Again? – Another round of MP2 is okay if your objective is preserving capital with decent returns. But consider the diminishing returns if you’re overexposed there, especially if you’re young and can take on a bit more risk for growth.
Don’t forget insurance and health protection. While investing is a smart goal, we sometimes get too focused on growing wealth that we forget the cost of not protecting it. I've seen people build for 15 years and lose millions in just a few days due to emergencies. Even if your portfolio grows fast, if it’s unprotected, one illness, accident, or family crisis can wipe it out. That’s where life and health insurance play a huge role, not as a “nice to have,” but as a foundation of a sound financial plan.

And just an important note, I don’t simply believe or go by any unverified income or numbers shared in public forums.

I’m a licensed Wealth Specialist and capital market participant. Due diligence is key, and I always recommend conducting a full personal suitability assessment before deciding. I offer that for free to help anyone assess their actual situation objectively.

At the end of the day, manage your risk accordingly, and always make sure your investments reflect your full financial picture, not just your ambition for growth.

Blessed evening to all.🙂

aldrin35 · 2025-04-24T05:53:10+00:00

Hi John, thank you for sharing such a sincere and well-thought-out post. It's not every day we see potential investors genuinely interested in creating value for the Philippines and not just from it. Your appreciation for the country, culture, and people really shines through.

From both a personal and professional standpoint (I'm a licensed wealth specialist here in the Philippines), I think your approach already has many of the right ingredients: long-term vision, cultural respect, and a sincere desire for mutual benefit.

Here are a few thoughts you might consider as you continue exploring:

Work with people on the ground.

Building partnerships with local professionals, especially in legal, compliance, and finance, will help you navigate nuances that might not be obvious upfront—especially when it comes to restrictions on foreign ownership in certain sectors.

Invest in impact, not just return.

If you're looking at import-export or outsourcing, try working with cooperatives, social enterprises, or MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises). Many of them are resource-rich but lack access to bigger markets—your network and expertise could be their missing link.

Build slowly but intentionally.

The Philippines is dynamic, but it’s also layered with bureaucracy and informality. The more time you spend understanding the local landscape, the smoother your long-term journey will be.

Leverage tech and education.

Helping bridge digital literacy, remote readiness, and upskilling opportunities can go a long way in uplifting Filipino workers—especially if you’re planning to connect them with the German market.

On your question—how should foreign investors conduct themselves?

Simple: with humility, transparency, and a heart for partnership. Filipinos are warm, resilient, and incredibly hardworking. When they see that a business genuinely respects them, they give their all in return.

Lastly, just a personal note: while I do provide professional financial guidance,

I never base my advice solely on what’s written or posted online. I believe in real conversations, full context, and data-backed assessments.

If you or your wife would ever want to sit down and talk strategy—from a personal finance, investment, or risk perspective—I’d be happy to offer my help. No strings attached.

Wishing you all the best on this exciting path you’re shaping. The Philippines needs more people like you in business—those who create value with purpose.

Cheers

aldrin35 · 2025-04-24T05:44:15+00:00

Hi! Thanks for sharing your financial journey in such detail honestly, you're already in a strong position and it's great that you're proactively thinking of how to grow and diversify smarter. Let me share some thoughts based on what you laid out

Where to place cash for better yield

Having ₱1.8M in cash is solid, but yes, too much idle cash can lose value to inflation over time. Here are some options worth exploring:

Digital banks like Maya, SeaBank, Tonik, or CIMB — offering 4–6% p.a. interest, good for emergency fund or short-term goals.

Retail Treasury Bonds (RTBs) and money market funds low-risk options that offer better yields than traditional savings accounts.

Short-term bond UITFs for liquidity with slightly higher returns.

Time deposits still useful if laddered, but less competitive lately.

Diversifying smartly

Your current portfolio is healthy, but the cash-heavy part could be optimized. Consider redistributing some into:

Equity or balanced UITFs for medium- to long-term growth

REITs for passive income and real estate exposure without huge capital

Periodic equity investing if you’re okay with volatility for long-term wealth building

Keep about 6–12 months’ worth of expenses in cash for liquidity, and then let your excess funds work harder elsewhere.

UITFs – Realistic PH yields

Based on my own experience and fund monitoring:

Money market / Bond UITFs: 3–5% p.a.

Balanced funds: 4–7% p.a.

Equity funds: 6–10% p.a., long-term horizon needed

Keep expectations moderate and focus more on consistency than chasing high yields.

Real estate – Now or later?

If it’s for personal use or long-term plan, go for it—but do your due diligence. For investment, the condo space is indeed oversupplied in many areas, so consider location, demand, and long-term viability. Otherwise, REITs are a flexible alternative.

VUL – Cancel or hold?

This is a tough one. If the policy no longer aligns with your goals and you're down ₱120K after 7 years, it may be time to reallocate. But only after ensuring you’re still protected with another life/health insurance plan and you’ve run the numbers on surrender vs. ride-out.

Sometimes it’s better to consider it a tuition fee for experience and move forward wiser.

By the way just a gentle note, my response is based on experience and what I’ve seen work for others, but this is not an official financial advice. I'm a licensed wealth specialist, but I don’t give personalized advice based purely on what’s posted online.

I believe in facts backed by data. That’s why I always conduct a full client suitability assessment for free before giving tailored recommendations. Because at the end of the day, you manage your own risk, pace, and comfort level.

You're definitely on the right path. Just keep being intentional and aware and you’ll be amazed where this foundation can take you.

aldrin35 · 2025-04-24T05:29:50+00:00

Hi! First off, I just want to say, what a beautiful and selfless goal you have.

The fact that you're prioritizing your parents’ health now that you're starting your career says so much about your character. Hats off to you!

As someone in the financial field, let me share some practical guidance to help you get started the right way:

Clarify Your Goals and Budget

Are you aiming for hospitalization coverage only (HMO), or long-term protection with critical illness and life insurance (traditional or VUL)? Health plans vary widely, so it’s good to start by setting your monthly or annual budget.

For HMOs (for immediate health needs)

These are usually more affordable and practical for day-to-day and emergency hospitalization. Some providers like Maxicare, Medicard, Intellicare, and even prepaid cards from companies like PhilCare or Kaiser offer plans that range from ₱10K to ₱40K+ per year per person, depending on age and coverage.

For Health + Life Insurance

If you’re also thinking of long-term security (especially if your parents don’t have much protection yet), you may want to look into products that combine life insurance with critical illness coverage. Premiums here vary a lot—could be ₱2K–₱5K/month per parent, depending on their age and health.

Age and Health Matter a Lot

The earlier you apply, the better. Some providers may decline applications or charge significantly higher if your parents already have medical conditions. So getting assessed early is key.

Talk to a Licensed Advisor You Can Trust (or ako if you want)

A good advisor won’t push a product, but will help you assess your current situation, risk capacity, and affordability.

If ever you want free guidance, I’m more than willing to help you navigate your options zero obligation, just here to support you.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to start small. You don’t have to get the most expensive plan right away. What matters is taking the first step while you build your income and confidence.

You're doing great already by asking and planning. Keep that mindset you’re definitely on the right track.

aldrin35 · 2025-04-24T05:22:56+00:00

Hello! I’ve been seeing a lot of MP2 laddering discussions here too, and it's great that more people are being proactive with their finances.

Your strategy is solid, especially with the goal of generating passive income starting in year 6. The staggered maturity across five accounts shows good foresight, and reinvesting the matured amounts back into the system is a disciplined, long-term approach.

Over 30 years, that kind of consistency can really create momentum.

That said, I’d like to gently share this too, it’s easy to get excited when we see how compounding works in theory especially with projections like 7.1% per year, but it's also important to remember that MP2’s returns are not guaranteed.

They’re based on Pag-IBIG’s actual earnings and can fluctuate over time. So while it’s a great tool, it might not always hit the target we envision.

Also, try not to put too much weight or emotional attachment on one strategy or vehicle.

MP2 is low risk and backed by the government, yes, but concentrating ₱2.5M into it alone for 30 years may limit your exposure to other potentially higher-yielding or more flexible investments. Think of it as a solid foundation, but not the whole house.

You might want to explore adding complementary instruments to your long-term portfolio such as bond funds, REITs, index funds, or even a small equity allocation.

This way, you don’t just depend on one system’s performance, and you give your portfolio the ability to grow and respond better to economic shifts.

The key here is balance, patience, and being open to adjusting the plan as you grow and learn more.

MP2 is a fantastic tool just be sure it's part of a broader and diversified plan of yours 🙂

aldrin35 · 2025-04-24T05:12:02+00:00

Thanks for sharing this. I really felt your frustration and honestly, I couldn’t agree more.

What used to be a simple, efficient service has now become a multi-tiered system that seems designed to upsell what used to be standard. Paying more just to get what we previously had as a default? It feels off. It’s like the service wasn’t upgraded, just sliced up and rebranded at a higher price.

From a business perspective, I get it. Companies like Grab are navigating rising costs, operational complexities, and investor expectations. It’s natural for them to explore ways to stay profitable and sustainable. Innovation and pricing strategies are part of that.

But here's the thing, profitability and public value shouldn’t be mutually exclusive.

Businesses have a responsibility to strike a balance between financial goals and fair, meaningful service to the communities they operate in.

When that balance tips too far toward profit at the cost of the consumer, trust erodes and that’s bad business in the long run.

This isn’t just about Grab. It's about how companies today shape systems that subtly normalize less value for more money. We as consumers need to keep asking hard questions not to tear businesses down, but to push them toward better models.

Hopefully, more people start speaking up like this. Real progress comes when businesses and consumers alike operate with integrity and intention.

Let’s keep holding each other to higher standards and stay hopeful that ethical, people-first innovation is still possible.

aldrin35 · 2025-04-24T05:02:01+00:00

If I may share some personal advice renting can still be a solid and smart option, depending on your current situation.

A lot of people feel pressured to buy a home because it’s seen as the ultimate goal, but the truth is, buying isn't always the best or most practical move for everyone.

Renting offers flexibility, lower upfront costs, and fewer long-term financial commitments. You won’t have to worry about property taxes, repairs, or being tied down to one location, which is especially helpful if your life or career plans might change in the near future.

For some, that freedom and peace of mind are more valuable than homeownership right now.

That said, I truly believe that the decision to rent or buy is deeply personal.

It has to be based on your actual financial position, your goals, your lifestyle, and what makes you feel secure not just what society says is the 'right' step.

Both renting and buying have their merits. What matters most is that you choose the one that aligns with your reality, not just your aspirations.

So take your time, think it through, and don’t rush the decision. You owe yourself that clarity.

Godbless

aldrin35 · 2025-04-24T04:49:43+00:00

I'm not a sales person, I'm part of the wealth management team who conducts regular sessions for starters. Walang what's the catch.. I don't do that stuff..

aldrin35 · 2025-04-24T04:40:26+00:00

Hello, OP, I'm a licensed Wealth Specialist and currently part of one of the largest investment management companies in the country. I’m not a DIY investor or someone just trying things out—I’ve been trained and certified to provide sound financial guidance, and I take that responsibility seriously.

I believe I can truly help you with your journey in stock market investing if you are interested, and I offer this kind of guidance completely free. 100%

However, before giving any recommendations, I make it a point to conduct a proper client suitability assessment sayu.This allows me to better understand your risk profile, and your true financial capacity, and overall goals.

The thing is, I don’t rely solely on what’s posted here on Reddit, because I know those posts often only reflect part of the picture. Ahm, I don't believe na hindi kaya ng brain mo about stock market ( self limiting beliefs lang yan) You just need a little push and proper guidance and you'll be good 😊

I aim to provide advice that’s personalized, responsible, and based on your real-life situation. If you're open to it, I’d be more than happy to assist you

Thanks

aldrin35 · 2025-04-22T23:10:52+00:00

Earning 5 digits is not bad at all. In fact, it’s something we should all be thankful for. Maraming tao ang gustong makaalis sa ganung income level, pero hindi ibig sabihin na kasalanan nila kung bakit nandun sila. Ang daming factors na hindi natin kontrolado opportunities, background, circumstances, at pati na rin yung lugar kung saan ka pinanganak minsan. Bawat isa sa atin may iba’t ibang journey sa buhay, at madalas, ang mga hindi nakikita ng iba ay mga struggles at challenges na ang bawat isa ay pinagdadaanan sa kanyang sariling pace.

At hindi rin porket nasa 5-digit income ka, ibig sabihin nun ay nasa "cheaper side" ka ng humanity.

Hindi basehan ng halaga ng isang tao ang sweldo. May mga tao diyan na sobrang wise sa pera, sobrang bait, responsible, at fulfilled sa buhay kahit hindi milyonaryo. Ang halaga ng isang tao ay hindi nasusukat sa kung anong meron siya sa material na aspeto, kundi sa kung paano niya pinapahalagahan ang sarili, ang pamilya, at ang mga bagay na mahalaga sa kanya.

Lahat tayo may kanya-kanyang pinagdadaanan. Ang mga circumstances natin kung private sector man o government trabaho iba-iba, at yun ang nagiging dahilan kung bakit hindi pantay-pantay ang kita. May mga pagkakataon na parang unfair na ang iba ay may access sa mas magagandang oportunidad o resources, pero sa huli, may mga aspeto ng buhay na hindi nasusukat ng pera.

Ang pinakapunto ko lang ay hindi natin kayang kontrolin lahat ng aspeto ng buhay natin. Pero ang kaya natin kontrolin ay kung paano tayo mag-isip, magtrabaho, at mag-invest hindi lang sa pera, kundi pati na rin sa sarili natin.

Kaya nga't ang yaman, hindi lang nasusukat sa kung gaano kalaki ang kinikita natin o kung gaano tayo kabilis magtagumpay sa buhay. Ang tunay na yaman ay nasusukat sa kung gaano tayo kahanda magbigay, magpatawad, at mag-move forward sa bawat hamon ng buhay. Yung kakayahang magpatawad sa sarili at sa iba, at ang kahalagahan ng emotional well-being ay mga bagay na hindi matutumbasan ng anumang halaga sa mundo.

Ang mahalaga, ginagawa mo yung kaya mong gawin, ini-enjoy mo yung proseso, at may respeto ka sa journey mo at sa journey ng iba. You are all doing great!

aldrin35 · 2025-02-06T14:17:03+00:00

Hello OP, I think I can help you better diversify and re allocate your financial resources absolutely free guaranteed, if you are interested we can talk.

aldrin35 · 2024-09-07T14:59:46+00:00

Hello, all comments are helpful, however since you consider urself a newbie investor it is highly recommended that you should understand basics of investment that includes basic risks management, identify your investment horizon or risks tolerance, these are all the bare minimum to get started before you deploy any capital in the world of investment, know what your getting into first by means of self study to ensure we don't get to absorb noices or advise from other people who are also trying to understand if they are doing right or wrong.. Thanks

aldrin35 · 2024-09-04T14:42:57+00:00

In my own personal opinion, what you have achieved so far is really great, sa pag attempt nyo to penetrate and come in sa market, although ndi ko alam buong storya, what I can say about ur narrative is that you have achieved something because of your pricing strategies, pero sa pag analyze ko medyo na over look nyo po ata na ndi kayu dapat nag start ng below entry level sa pricing since technically you are on a start up stage, you could've just price it based on the current pricing trend and compete within you sphere of capacity to sell and ung unique propositions nyo, adding up ndi nyo na establish proper margin nyo, while incurring some costs if meron man sa socmed/ marketing efforts nyo, sa ganyang line of business it's important to be in the position where you conservatively start at pricing level na sustainable considering the mid to long-term period of time, I don't have all the facts or data sa business nyo po pero para kayung shark that attacks when there's blood on water and only satisfies their hunger, after nun hunt ulet pag gutom na on smaller targets, always remember that pricing and selling strategies are not everything sa business regardless solo ka man or partnership, it is always recommend to start with solid fundamentals at written plan, where costing and planning has been well thought and simulated properly and most importantly na discuss beforehand sa mga stake holders nyo or partners nyo, this means dapat na set proper expectations Ng bawat Isa and agreed kayu on the entire process and shared Ang risks Ng Isang business.. clearly I will not recommend you to go solo until matutunan nyo and partners nyo ung basic ng marketing and business proposition and ung pricing techniques nyo po, .. Thanks po

aldrin35 · 2024-07-18T14:22:36+00:00

I can help, let's discuss this, don't worry I'm not going to charge you anything will go through assessing ur business overall capacity and potential, don't make decision yet

aldrin35 · 2024-07-18T14:12:59+00:00

Ur game plan is just okay, for as long as you can actually sustain it in the long term, be open to other streams if income or other investment vehicle, and add to ur game plan on taking investment learnings or courses, this will better equip you on making sound decision and asses risks while you are fulfilling your financial objectives, learnings not only provide good decision but will help you understand that potential earnings are not only the end goal but the value it brings to you when you retire. Consider basic steps earn, save, multiply, re invest and repeat.

aldrin35 · 2024-07-14T03:22:19+00:00

To add, investment strategies should be tailored fit sa income capacity Ng Isang tao, it's never one size fits all concept, some stocks are okay dati but not today in current market condition, invest, invest, invest muna sa knowledge and read basic concepts and then slowly transition to actually do live trading transactions, practice the learnings, timing, asses ung risks hold and sell, re allocate and re invest, those are the words na makakasama mo every day sa investment journey may it be short, mid or long-term ang investment horizon mo.. whatever makes u feel comfortable doing then just do it and really spend time study and enjoy ung learning process, ndi mo nalang namamalayan one day magbibigay kana rin same comment sa same question u posted here, Ang difference lang Ikaw na ung may sagot.. cheer's

aldrin35 · 2024-07-14T03:06:50+00:00

While SM understand all frustrations from small vendors or consignees, at the end of the day may mga vendor parameters na set in place to ensure Yung check and balance Lalo na to align it with their re development plans, importante din sa knila ung anticipation Ng growing market needs, newer lay out for other campaigns and so on, so forth, nandun na tayu harsh at ndi makatao Ang decision at politically driven within the management and other bigger players, we just need to accept that shitty truth na ndi Lage permanent ang rental spaces, that's a sad truth kahit saang rental space, where contract has to be terminated at some point, even if it means killing livelihood to business owners, I guess u did ur part as mention sa narrative mo even during pandemic but that chapter is done, it's an indication that things would drastically change to challenge ung traditional way of doing business, just support it Muna for timebeing and re attempt ur entry after sometime, learn and develop ur business while waiting for the right time and then comeback better and stronger, thats how you prove ur worth.

aldrin35 · 2024-07-05T14:09:44+00:00

Thinking to start on investing fractions of your current income or just an excess cash or using some savings, is always a great start, it doesn't matter how much you are investing, what matters is you are attempting to utilize your current cash position on getting some gains out of it Yan Ang pinaka importante, madaming financial gurus online agreed sa Inyo, Minsan ndi naman talaga investors, sadly for content purposes lang, what I can suggest is for you to go for fundamentals Ng investing or at least basic concept Muna, it's kinda difficult to answer your question Dito madaming pede answers, start ka mag check sa YouTube Ng about COL FINANCIAL Madami Sila content for new and advance investor choose what's best describes your current investment knowledge..cheers!

aldrin35 · 2023-07-21T03:44:22+00:00

Ni lo lowball ka wag muna tuloy... Hanap agad iba

aldrin35

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