Gian Faustine V.

Viray
3-FM6 FM11-4 M/W 2:30-4:00pm

January 26, 2015

Sir Cruel

NFS 2015
Ground Zero for Global Competitiveness
Last Saturday's event was a blast! It was my first time to attend the Annual
Finance Summit held by the Junior Confederation of Finance Associations at SMX
Convention Center and it was a great and enlightening experience. I am very excited to
hear all the things, knowledge and wisdom from this event. The accommodation was
great because problems are handled easily. I also brought my updated resume because
companies may open up their arms for those who are willing to apply. The venue was
great, the speakers were excellent and informative, the topics were educational and the
food was good yet it was also cold (not what I expected). The discussions were
separated into two, the Morning and Afternoon. We started off by praying then the
singing of the national anthem. And after a few more minutes, JCFAP advisers delivered
their opening speech. Afterwards, the program has finally kicked off. So here is my
reaction about the topics they discussed and the things I observed during the event.

The first speaker was Wilhelmina C. Manalac, a Managing Director of the

International Sub-Sector of the BSP and her topic was about ASEAN Integration. She
tackled about the update of the Philippine Economy which is good because it gives me
the idea on what is the status of the Philippine economy has become. I already heard
what ASEAN Integration was and what the ASEAN were planning. One of the main
objectives of an AEC is to create a single market and production base by ensuring a
free flow of goods, services, investment, capital and skilled labor which is an excellent
idea! Come to think of it, if there's a free flow of goods, we can actually buy things

through import from another country easily! Though there are risks in creating the
ASEAN Economic Community, the benefits outweigh it all. The AEC will be established
by December 2015, and that's just 11 months away!

The second speaker was Jeng Pascual. He is a Finance Director at Shell

Philippines Exploration. His was topic was all about How to drive better performance.
He said that 'Organization is always a pyramid, there's a lot in the bottom and few in the
top.' The idea that the company must handle their employees properly and to give
rewards every time they achieve something is great. He explained that companies must
create value and protect reputation. I haven't heard his entire lecture but I think that he's
a great speaker.

The speaker was Edmund Lee, President of Caylum Trading Institute. He

lectured about Investment Fundamentals. There are three things that a person must
remember when he will invest: (1) long-term; (2) great company; and (3) accumulate
over time. He also quoted that "You don't have to be brilliant, only a little wiser that the
other guys, on average for a long, long time." He also pointed out that you have to
invest in knowledge. I really think that I should invest. Making money is easier than what
I expected.

The fourth speaker was the President of GDS Link Asia (Philippines) Inc. He is
Brian Hachez. The topic was Financial Innovation. He first discussed how Target
innovates financially and so on and so forth. He discussed the different answers when it

comes to speed and accuracy. How can I even react to his speech and lecture if he
continuously speaks in English? I really need to hone my skills in English speaking to
cope up with this lecturer.

Then after the Morning Session, we had our one hour lunch to eat and to take
pictures with the first 4 speakers. As I said a while ago, the food was good but its little
bit cold. And yes, it matches the venue. Maybe the air conditioner was from Antarctica.
Coldstone was also there to take advantage the crowd. I'd love to buy their ice cream, if
the room was hot (obviously). We had our time to chit chat with our fellow JCFAP
members and we also visited the booths outside the hall. I

The fifth speaker was the best speaker last Saturday. She is Salve Duplito, the
residential financial analyst of ABS-CBN News Channel's "On the Money". She tackled
about Changing your Financial Mindset. She said that a person must have 80% mindset
and 20% knowledge to be successful. Here are the quotes she delivered last Saturday:

Regret the scarcity mindset. CAN'T is just one letter longer than CAN.
There is no substitute for hard work.
Let the numbers do the talking.
Celebrate small wins.
Think long-term.
You're not animals in the wild. Don't live from day by day.
Reject the language of fear in investing. Hate loss of money; don't fear it. There's

a world of difference.
Stuck, just keep swimming.
Fall seven times, stand up eight,
Take responsibility. Choosing to be a victim is not cool.

And the last quote she said is the most amazing one. You define who you are. She
really knows how to handle her audience and that was impressive. I really wish I could
be successful like her someday.

Unfortunately, the sixth speaker, Japhet Kariuki, was not present. So let's jump to
Ed Valencia's lecture. He is the CEO at Deutsche Knowledge Services, Deutsche Bank.
His topic was all about Career options for Young Finance Professionals. He said that
world economy is money at different worlds which is correct. He said that this year's
globalization was about ASEAN Integration, demanding growth, market dynamics and
regulatory environment. He highlighted that the Filipino talent is world class. He also
told that the competitive advantages of DB are strong client opportunities and broad
global perspectives of strong company. He also welcomed the entire people who are
interested to enter DB and said that DB presents an exciting platform which you can
build your career. He said that finance students must embrace constant learning. To be
honest, I slightly enjoyed his lecture.

The last speaker was Edric Mendoza. He's the Lead Anchor of ANC's "On the
Money". His topic was Money Stewardship. He's one of the best speakers last
Saturday. I really enjoyed listening to his lecture especially the 10 FAQs. Here are the
questions he presented:

1.
2.
3.
4.

How can I save more? (What behaviors can I change?)

Where is the best place to invest?
Are there any guarantees in investments?
Do I need a lot f money to invest?

5. Where can I learn more about money and investments?

6. Should I invest in business?
7. Who should manage finances at home?
8. Are all debts bad?
9. Any practical budgeting tips?
10. Can I really do it?
He also shared his personal experiences. It is a great pleasure to hear that someone
like him who experienced downs and challenges became a successful person. He is a
great presenter, which is pretty obvious. He knows how to handle his audience and his
very informative. It was also brought his eldest son, Elijah, to share his experiences and
knowledge to us.

After the speakers delivered the lectures and speeches, the JCFAP presented its
TOP 10 Finance students. These students are from different provinces and different
schools. I am so amazed that these students are very smart and very competitive. I
really wished that I can be one of them. I obviously need to study hard and reach my
dreams and goals harder to be a part of the Top 10. They also had a raffle draw, and out
of 4,540 students inside the SMX Convention Center, I wasn't picked. How miserable!
Thought there will be iPhone 6 and Laptops to be given as a prize. After the closing
ceremonies, certificates were given and we went home. I wish next year's Finance
Summit will be more intense, exciting and informative. 'Till next time then!