Image credits: Your Ledger / Shuffles
Resilient, reflective, adaptive, and transformative story
At the Core of Basic
I was born in Manila in the late ’60s, a time when life was simple, and people were strong and hopeful. Back then, our country was going through big changes under martial law. Those of us born during this time are sometimes labeled martial-law babies. Life wasn’t about keeping up with trends or material things. Instead, we focused on making the best of what little we had. Being born in a Third World country like ours is not that easy -- exert too much effort to survive even if you are educated with a middle-class standard of living.
I am fond of memories during childhood with small but meaningful moments that showed the kindness and unity of our culture. I remember bowing to place an elder’s hand on my forehead as a sign of respect—something that taught me the importance of family and tradition. My godmother, whose husband was a woodcarver, gifted me a Php15 note at my christening. Along with it, she gave me a handmade wooden crib and toys that were carefully crafted with love. In those days our family and community were everything to us, providing the strength we needed to face tough times. Growing up, I realized that even when life was simple, there was so much happiness in unity, modesty, and gratitude. Those were part of being a Filipino, rich in culture and tradition that make some awe in admiration and others perplexed. Truly Filipinos are unique in many ways.
●●●
Inside the Social and Cultural Divides
Studying at Centro Escolar de Señoritas( later on introduced into university status in 1932), a non-sectarian women's educational institution branching into arts and sciences. It was a period of the city’s emerging fast-food scene, with places like McDonald's, Jollibee, Wendy’s, and Shakey’s Pizza as popular hangouts. Fashion trends were evolving, too, with brands like Cardams and Rusty Lopez, and disco bars and hotel parties became the backdrop for our school events. College brought a mix of excitement and modernity, a huge step up from my simpler life before.
Mendiola, the area around our school, was a busy hub for students, with strict pedestrian lanes near Malacañang Palace. From 1983 to 1987, college life meant more than just academics—it was also a time of political unrest. Classes were often canceled due to rallies and protests against the Marcos government. Exploring students succumbed to flirt with activism, inexperienced mindset corrupted by political manipulation amidst the tear gas and the sounds of marching crowds. Yet, even amid the tension, we still found ways to enjoy our youth—punk, and pop music filled the airwaves, bold fashion like leather mini-skirts was in, and disco bars became our escape.
Education in the 80s wasn’t just a place for academics; it was a time of self-discovery, rebellion, and living through one of the most pivotal eras in Philippine history. It was a blend of youthful energy, social divides, and political change—a time that shaped who we were and who we would become.
●●●
The Rise of Fintech
After graduation, I faced the reality of the working world. My first job was in a small business where I experienced a hard lesson; my employer hadn’t remitted my SSS premiums for two years, a common issue in small businesses run by Chinese businessmen. In 1993, however, I was fortunate to begin a corporate career that provided better security, opportunities for growth, and a supportive environment—a career that spanned 15 years. But as economic changes brought about retrenchments, I took a leap into freelancing. As a freelancer, I met diverse clients and embraced the flexibility of being my own boss. I learned to set my discipline with deadlines, compliance, and client communication. It was challenging but rewarding, shaping me both professionally and personally.
Then came an opportunity in a corporate job, and I was eager to prove myself. No longer a timid student, I stepped into the fast-paced world of a "yuppie" (young urban professional). Work, networking, and career growth became my focus, replacing the simpler joys of student life. My shopping habits evolved, too; now, I buy clothes for work, tech gadgets to stay on top of my job, and tools to help advance my career.
Then came fintech. Mobile wallets, online payments, and apps transformed how I managed money—no more carrying cash like I used to with my Seiko wallet--Ang Wallet na Maswerte--- or waiting in line at the bank. Fintech made life easier, both at work and at home.
Looking back, I see how much fintech has changed my life. From a student counting pennies to a professional building my career, technology has been a constant companion. As my journey continues, I'm excited to see how fintech will keep shaping the way I work, live, and spend.
●●●
Window to Fintech Transformation
As the world evolved, so did my life. I watched as digital technology transformed the routines and systems I once knew. I once cherished the feel of a leather wallet—my old Seiko, Ang Wallet na Maswerte—as a trusted companion, holding coins, bills, and even a few lucky charms. Today, that wallet is a relic, tucked away in a drawer, replaced by a digital counterpart that lives in my pocket but rarely needs to see daylight. My journey from cash to code has been nothing short of a revelation, and it all began with the rise of fintech.
The way I interact with money has undergone an extraordinary transformation. What was once tangible, from paper bills to metal coins, is now digitized, simplified, and brought to my fingertips. Transactions that used to require multiple traditional steps are now completed with a tap, whether it’s a shopping spree, paying for Starbucks coffee, transferring funds, withdrawing from the bank to pay for my credit card, or investing on the go. Fintech was far from my imagination, as turned what was once a dream into my daily reality, seamlessly merging technology and finance in ways that seemed unthinkable.
Fintech isn’t just a trend; it’s a force in our lives, empowering people and industries. Are we ready to embrace this leap? As fintech advances and Elon Musk's SpaceX rocketship prepares to launch, the journey ahead feels exhilarating, with endless possibilities unfolding in both our wallets and among the stars. The age of invention is just beginning, and the human race is destined for extraordinary groundbreaking advances.
This journey isn’t just about convenience; it’s about breaking down limits and reaching for the impossible. Just as Elon Musk is building a path to Mars with SpaceX, fintech is unlocking new frontiers in finance here on Earth. These bold visions share a common goal: to push humanity further, to revolutionize how we live, and to redefine what technology can make possible. Elon Musk dreams of humans as interplanetary explorers, while fintech dreams of a world where financial freedom and access transcend borders and barriers, uplifting billions.
Today, my story is one of transformation—my life reflects a journey of adaptation, resilience, and embracing change. This evolution has ignited my passion for writing about Fintech investment, So, what is your Slam Book story?
●●●
