Interview # 14: Junette Laxamana, Manila

What’s your occupation?

Fulltime mom; part time anything.

What takes up your day?

Most of my time is spent with Dylan my 4-year old. During down time I go up our attic to “organize” my wardrobe and look for things that I’ve misplaced over time.

What’s the nicest thing about your day?

Corny pero it’s those tight hugs and wet kisses from my son.

How’s your year so far?

Way better than last year. It’s the rainbow after a heavy downpour.

If you’re living your dream life, how will you spend your day?

In bed with my son and hubby. Watching Spongebob from am til pm, munching on Planters Cheese Curls and Toblerone, gulping coke without getting fat.

If you are given 10 million pesos right now and asked to spend it within the next 24 hours, where will you spend it?

Pay off my credit card debts (maliit lang,swear!). Insure everything/ everyone. Place 2M on asset management. Spend the rest shopping for shiny new things! If Jigs is good to me on that day, I might buy him a new car.

Why will you buy these things?

Balanced shopping kumbaga. I’ll do some mature purchases first para wala mag comment sa irresponsible shopping ko. 

How do you think the purchases above will make you feel?

HAPPY enough to forget my worries in life.

Back to reality, what was your most memorable recent purchase?

2 pairs of shoes that I don’t really need.

When was that?

Last weekend from Megamall

Why did you buy it?

Looks good on me. Plus I can’t get them out of my head after trying them on.           

What led you to the store?

I was on duty as a shopper that day.

Do you think anything influenced you to make that purchase?

I’m my own bad influence.

How did you feel after the purchase?

Happy. In Love.

Would you spend money on the same thing again?

YES YES YES!  I’m a shopping fool.

What do you think will you next spend money on?

Shoes, bags, clothes. Oh… groceries pala. 


*Follow Junette's shopaholic escapades at http://treasurehuntress.wordpress.com/

Interview # 13: Nickee de Leon-Huld, Los Angeles

How do you want to be called?

Nikanora. (Seriously???? - ed)

What takes up your day?

Work, chores and the dawg.

What’s your occupation?

Professional beyaach.

What’s the nicest thing about your day?

Leaving the office. 

How’s your year so far?

Uneventful.

If you’re living your dream life, how will you spend your day?

Working from home – for my own endeavors!

If you are given 10 million pesos right now and asked to spend it within the next 24 hours, where will you spend it? 

Book a trip to Pinas, replete with all the trimmings of an engrande vacay!

How do you think the purchases above will make you feel?

Relaxed, fat and sunburned.

What was your most memorable recent purchase?

Dining chairs, a month ago.

From what store?

Big! Lots! Hehehe.

Why did you buy it?

Kailangan eh. And they’re cheaper because of  the Memorial Day sale.

What led you to the store?

Nice buys for cheap.

How did you feel after the purchase?

Happy kasi the chairs are more comfy.

Would you spend money on the same thing again?

Probably not anytime soon.  Hintayin ko munang masira. Hehehe.

What do you think will you next spend money on? 

Getting a dang leak fixed. Plus,  changing the now-decrepit dry wall. Tsk.

Interview # 12: Lyneil Miranda, Toronto

What’s your occupation?

Passenger Service Agent.

What takes up your day?

Work and kids.

What’s the nicest thing about your day?

Hugs and kisses from my kids.

How’s your year so far?

Pretty crazy… moving to Toronto from Sydney is the highlight of my year so far.

If you’re living your dream life, how will you spend your day?

Go shopping and play with my kids.

If you are given 10 million pesos right now and asked to spend it within the next 24 hours, where will you spend it?

I’d go back to Sydney and bring my whole family with me.  I miss living in Sydney.

(Going back) will make me feel happy.

What was your most memorable recent purchase?

A four-door hatchback Lexus, just the other day.

Why did you buy it?

We are new in Canada and we need transportation.

What led you to the store?

Suggested by a friend.

Do you think anything influenced you to make that purchase?

Friends and family.

How did you feel after the purchase?

It was expensive… but I was contented and happy.

Would you spend money on the same thing again?

Yes.  It’s a good quality car.

What do you think will you next spend money on?

Holiday with the family to Sydney or Manila.

Interview # 11: Melissa Orozco, New York

How do you want to be called?

Mel/Menggay

What takes up your day?

Exploring the city, classes, finding inspiration for future work/projects...

What’s your occupation?

Student and tourist.

What’s the nicest thing about your day? 

Being new here, you always discover something like a new landmark or just simply learning. There’s always something happening in this city and I’m not yet even done.

How’s your year so far?

G-R-E-A-T!!!

If you’re living your dream life, how will you spend your day?

TRAVELLING.

If you are given 10 million pesos right now and asked to spend it within the next 24 hours, where will you spend it?

Buy property and have it rented. If I had extra, I’d go to South Africa.

Why will you buy these things?

I think real estate is a good investment and travelling is good for the soul. CHEESY!!!

How do you think the purchases above will make you feel?

Good.

Back to reality, what was your most recent purchase?

American Vogue Magazine.

When was that?

4 hours ago.

From what store?

Convenience store by the subway.

Why did you buy it?

Something to read while in the train. I also need to find inspiration for classes.

What led you to the store?

I was waiting for the subway and it was right in front of me.

Do you think anything influenced you to make that purchase?

Well, I had class earlier and I just had to keep myself up to date with colors and different styles.

How did you feel after the purchase?

So-so. I was kinda disappointed cause the content wasn’t much.

Would you spend money on the same thing again?

No.  I like reading materials with better content. British magazines are more aesthetically pleasing and fun to read!

What do you think will you next spend money on?

FOOD!

Interview #10: Francis Chua, Manila

What takes up your day?

Three things make up my day part:

1. Day Dreaming – this is the biggest part of my morning. My mind drifts off to different places as I dream of what can be done for my work.

2. Working – putting those dreams into reality is the hard part. This is where I get to share my ideas with others and have them like it.

3. Mill around – it is important for me to brew a little. I spend a considerable amount of time talking to other people to get insights and observe. I also use this to make relationships more useful and fruitful.

What’s your occupation?

I’m currently the Head for Innovations and Digital Initiatives for Starcom MediaVest Group. 

(I think this needs an update - ed)

What’s the nicest thing about your day?

Lunch time, perhaps. It is during lunch that I get to feel that I am still human and that my needs are nothing sort of digital or virtual.

How’s your year so far?

So far, it’s been great. Most of my dreams are coming true, while some of them are still evolving. The greatest part of it though is being able to meet new friends from other agencies and traveling.

If you’re living your dream life, how will you spend your day?

I’d spend my day waking up around 10AM. Do charity work by after lunch. And do superhero stuff by night. I want to be like Bruce Wayne.

If you are given 10 million pesos right now and asked to spend it within the next 24 hours, where will you spend it?

I’d split the money into three:

1/3: T-Bills.

1/3: Small house

1/3: Food for the needy

Why will you buy these things?

T-Bills will allow me to invest my money. Technically you buy these bills; and not invest so that is still within your framework.

Small House will be for my own retirement. I want to put up a small house in a province.

Food for the needy for obvious reasons.

How do you think the purchases above will make you feel?

GOOOOOOD. I think more than anything: security.

What was your most recent purchase?

I bought a chicken sandwich for breakfast.

When was that?

This morning: June 13, 2011.

From what store?

Oliver’s Super Sandwich.

Why did you buy it?

It’s my breakfast routine. I usually have it in the office.

What led you to the store?

I saw the food display. The chicken with mayonnaise glistened as I walked past the stall. I actually went past it already when the visual occurred to me five seconds later.

How did you feel after the purchase?

Hungry. But overall since this is routine spend, it was okay.

Would you spend money on the same thing again?

I am not sure.  My usual breakfast normally costs me around 50-80 only. This one cost me 140, so twice the price.

What do you think will you next spend money on?

For now, lunch. Well, I am thinking of having salad with mangoes for lunch. Something like that.

Interview #9: Shali Salomon, Melbourne

How do you want to be called?

Shali. Pwede ring ‘babes’ or ‘your highness’.

What takes up your day?

Right now? Taking care of my cutie pie niece...

What’s your occupation?

Overseas BUM.

What’s the nicest thing about your day?

Playing with my niece.

How’s your year so far?

Full of surprises…and changes.

If you’re living your dream life, how will you spend your day?

Traveling. Travel all the days of my life worry- free.

If you are given 10 million pesos right now and asked to spend it within the next 24 hours, where will you spend it?

Half of it will go to profitable investments, the rest on food and travel.

Why will you buy these things?

Because I love food and travel, and I want to make sure that the money doesn’t run out for me to do that.

How do you think the purchases above will make you feel?

Liberated and very happy. If it fuels your passion, you can never go wrong.

What was your most memorable recent purchase?

Dinkum Pies (Beef, tomato and cheese) and a bottle of Coke Zero.

When was that?

Thursday, June 9.

From what store?

Dinkum Pies, Melbourne.

Why did you choose Dinkum Pies among all of the pie stores?

Because they serve the best damn pies in the city.

What led you to the store?

Got lost in the alleyways of Melbourne before with the ‘rents. Went back to have another bite.

Do you think anything influenced you to make that purchase?

The first time, it was due to my parents… and the huge sign that said “THE AGE’s Best Pie Award in Melbourne”.

How did you feel after the purchase?

Busog. And “mmm…meat pie…”

Would you spend money on the same thing again?

Yes.  It’s cheap, cultural and it’s the best. Sulit.

What do you think will you next spend money on?

Probably alcohol in the next couple of days. 

Interview # 8: Celine Lopez, Manila

Your name.

Celine

What takes up your day?

Work

What’s your occupation?

Improving the lives of shoppers. Naks!

What’s the nicest thing about your day?

Jumping into bed after a hot bath.

How’s your year so far?

Crazy. Exciting.

If you’re living your dream life, how will you spend your day?

Planning trips for the year surrounded with good friends, great adventures, the best restaurants and lots of purchases.

If you are given 10 million pesos right now and asked to spend it within the next 24 hours, where will you spend it?

I’d give it to Dom to invest for me.

Why?

10M isn’t big enough to splurge and still have something significant left. I’d ask Dom to do it because I’m not good with money.

How do you think the purchases above will make you feel?

Safe.

Back to reality, what was your most memorable recent purchase?

Pasalubong from the airport.

When was that?

2 days ago.

From what store?

DUTY FREE - Toy, make-up and chocolates section.

Why did you buy it?

Needed to get pasalubong for my demanding officemates & I wanted to get rid of my leftover Singapore Dollars.

What led you to the store?

I didn’t have time to shop in Singapore so I guess it was conveniently located.

Do you think anything influenced you to make that purchase?

Yes, I scouted the joint and filtered through my choices. There were also big packs which were convenient for pasalubong.

How did you feel after the purchase?

Successful/accomplishment. Ticked something off my list

Would you spend money on the same thing again?

If I had more time on my hands, probably not.

Why?

I’d look for more personalized gifts.

What do you think will you next spend money on?

Double Tanqueray on the rocks please! 

Interview # 7: Ivy Alexander, Honolulu

Your name.

Ivy.

What takes up your day?

School, chores, mommy duties...

What’s your occupation?

Student and homemaker.

What’s the nicest thing about your day?

Tons of simple things

How’s your year so far?

Pretty productive!

If you’re living your dream life, how will you spend your day?

Right here and now with house help.

If you are given 10 million pesos right now and asked to spend it within the next 24 hours, where will you spend it?  

Various clothing, electronic shops and food stores.

Why will you buy these things?

To stock up on food, clothes, health and beauty supply and electronic luxuries.

How do you think the purchases above will make you feel?

Probably satisfied and secure (food) for the next couple of months.

Back to reality, what was your most recent purchase?

Groceries.

When was that?

Tuesday, May 31^st 2011.

From what store?

The Commissary.

Why did you buy it?

Household necessities.

What led you to the store?

Military stores charge no taxes for beneficiaries Hawaii Tax is one of the highest in the US.

Do you think anything influenced you to make that purchase?

Yes, the no taxes.

How did you feel after the purchase?

It’s too expensive.

Would you spend money on the same thing again?

Yes.

Why?

There is no way around it, household necessity for me needs to be bought once a week and no other store is cheaper.

What do you think will you next spend money on?

Hair color.

Interview # 6: Mark Telan, Manila

Your name.

Marky

What takes up your day?

Work. Love. 

What’s your occupation?

Production Traffic and all the tasks that go with it...

What’s the nicest thing about your day?

A random sweet text message from someone 

How’s your year so far?

Happy social and love life. Struggling on the career side. I can’t get it all, can I?

If you’re living your dream life, how will you spend your day?

Waking up in my own pad, eating breakfast, heading to the gym before going to work. Driving my car to go to meetings. Then capping the night by having dinner with my loved ones.

If you are given 10 million pesos right now and asked to spend it within the next 24 hours, where will you spend it?

Will franchise a nice business, will buy a house and lot, spend some pampering myself to make me look so artistahin, then will try to get a resthouse near Boracay ...

Why will you spend on these things?

First items would make me financially secured. Others would make me feel good (and look good).

How do you think the purchases above will make you feel?

Happy and secured, basically.

Back to reality, what was your most recent purchase?

Seafood buffet in Bora

When was that?

Two days ago

From what store?

One of the beachfront restaurants… forgot the name.

Why did you buy it?

Really really really hungry, then the seafood scent just lured me.

What led you to the store?

Unlimited seafood galore sign.

Do you think anything influenced you to make that purchase?

Cost. Food choice. Free tour. The hospitable staff. Peer and tummy pressure ;)

How did you feel after the purchase?

Full and satisfied.

Would you spend money on the same thing again?

Yes!!!!!

Why?

I love food!!!

What do you think will you next spend money on? 

A tub of ice cream to de-stress!

Interview # 5: Mark de Joya, Manila

Your name. MDJ Superstar How do you want to be called? By telephone siguro… What takes up your day? Press release is that I do marketing strategies and brand management, but in reality I’m actually just on Twitter. What’s your occupation? Marketing/Advertising professional, but I would have pursued a career as a male swimsuit model except for one minor flaw – I’m both hairy and chubby. What’s the nicest thing about your day? Shaving my beard off. I now feel like a slightly plumper Mr. Clean, or a handsomer version of King Kong Bundy. How’s your year so far? Pretty good. It actually isn’t so bad being 30 years old, after all. If you’re living your dream life, how will you spend your day? Actually getting around to drawing my graphic novel about a brilliant but nerdy scientist who accidentally got pelted by gamma rays, and mutated into a strapping green hulk.. Oh wait, you mean that’s been done already? Dammit, I’ll just go download some porn. If you are given 10 million pesos right now and asked to spend it within the next 24   hours, where will you spend it? A 2-bedroom unit at The Grove by Rockwell. Why? So that people will think I’m rich, and not just incredibly handsome. How do you think the purchases above will make you feel? Like I’ve arrived. You aren’t really an adult until you’ve invested in your piece of real estate. Back to reality, what was your most recent purchase? Two shirts and a game for my PlayStation 3. When was that? Just last night, while my girlfriend was distracted by the passing male models. From what store? The shirts were from Zara. The game was from DataBlitz. Why did you buy it? I felt fat, and needed something to make me feel better. But in hindsight, it depressed me that I’m no longer a Medium. (Teka, when were you ever a medium, MDJ???) What led you to the store? It’s a reflex decision – Zara is always top-of-mind for me, but only because the real fancy-pants designer stores don’t make anything in my size – Extra Chunky. Do you think anything influenced you to make that purchase? I saw some male models wearing similar items, and thought that having the same things would make people think I was a male model too. How did you feel after the purchase? The same way I always feel every time I spend on something – regretful. Also, I felt hungry, so I went to McDonald’s and bought some French Fries. And a Coke Zero. Would you spend money on the same thing again? Yes. Why? Because if I keep getting larger at this pace, I would  look like a longganisa in my current wardrobe. What do you think will you next spend money on?  Skyway Toll. And I still have not emotionally accepted that it now costs PhP106 to get from Sucat to Makati. It’s highway robbery, and the pun is damn well intended!

Interview # 4: Dom Hernandez, Manila

Dom is one of my business partners.  He's about 10 years younger than I am but knows more about business and finances than I do.  I thought he wouldn't take my interview seriously but it seems like he did.  He is secretly hoping that I will never ever ever ever get a BBM.


Your name.

Dom

What takes up your day?

Work

What’s your occupation?

QSR operator

What’s the nicest thing about your day?

Coffee

How’s your year so far?

Great

If you’re living your dream life, how will you spend your day?

Jet setting around the world eating in the best Michelin star restos

If you are given 10 million pesos right now and asked to spend it within the next 24 hours, where will you spend it?

Buy property

Why will you buy these things?

For investment

How do you think the purchases above will make you feel?

Secure

What was your most recent purchase?

Blackberry bold 9780

When was that?

Yesterday

From what store?

Mr. dynamic in viramall greenhills

Why did you buy it?

To up my social and techy life….

What led you to the store?

My friend owns the store

Do you think anything influenced you to make that purchase?

My friends currently on bb

How did you feel after the purchase?

Great…

Would you spend money on the same thing again?

No

Why?

Unless it gets broken or lost or stolen

What do you think will you next spend money on? 

A massage!!