Investing in jewelry pays dividends

Precious stones, gemstones, and jewelry have always been connected to human culture since time immemorial. These beautiful adornments continue to hold real meaning and value. Throughout the course of history, jewelry has been offered as a trophy, an amulet, and sometimes, even art. It perfectly symbolizes love, a celebration of milestones, and of course, the ultimate representation of wealth.

The line between jewelry and money has always been intertwined with each other.  To this day, jewelry continues to be used as currency, inheritance, and investment. But investing in jewelry requires the right knowledge and responsibility. It is a wise and valuable asset to have as it continues to grow in value every year. In fact, many investors prefer investing in jewelry more because it is less risky than other markets.

Interestingly enough, while the value of the world’s currencies constantly fluctuates, gold, diamonds, and other precious metals and stones, on the other hand, has remained stable. Despite the many global economic downturns, including the current pandemic that has severely affected the world’s economies, the value of jewelry has held strong.

Though the price of gold, gold jewelry, diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, and other gemstones and precious stones also fluctuates, its value however has never truly depreciated significantly. Their value continues to steadily appreciate over time. 

“What’s beautiful about investing in jewelry is that it is timeless and its value does not diminish. Real jewelry becomes more valuable over time and it is a great investment asset to have as it pays dividends in the future,” said Tyzianna Teves of Just Jewels.  

From November 23 to 29, 2020, Just Jewels, one of the country’s highly respected stores of real and authentic jewelry, will be holding their Bright Beginnings Black Friday Grand Sale on Facebook, www.justjewels.com.ph, and at all the Just Jewels branches nationwide. The Grand All Out Sale will likewise guest Sofia Andres in the Facebook Live selling event on November 23, November 27, and November 29. There will also be raffle prizes, games, and many more exciting activities for the attendees.

For more information on the Just Jewels Bright Beginnings Black Friday Grand Sale, visit www.justjewels.com.ph.

BPI offers enhanced financial program for Overseas Filipinos

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is augmenting its program for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) with BPI Pinoy Abroad, a complete financial program for OFWs that addresses their varying needs based on their career stages. 

BPI Pinoy Abroad introduces a package of solutions for OFWs who may be in the recruitment stage, wealth building stage, or retirement stage. 

“Through this program, OFWs and their families can reap the benefits of overseas employment through our package of solutions based on their career stages. Throughout their journey, BPI Pinoy Abroad helps them achieve their financial goals,” said BPI Head of Retail Segments Aileen Lamasuta.

For newly acquired OFW clients who are about to be deployed or newly deployed, BPI offers the “Baon Pack: Gabay sa Pag-alis” which covers services such as entry-level protection through BPI-Philam, Automatic Savings, Remittance, Online and Mobile banking, and Allotment Account.  

For established, wealth-building OFWs and their families, the bank provides those with four to 10 years of job tenure with the “Pundar Pack: Gabay sa Pagpundar.” The products and services included are Build-up Deposit (Maxi Saver and Pamana Savings), Wallet Extension (Credit Cards), Car and Housing Loan, Income protection thru BPI-Philam, and Asset protection. 

BPI also offers wise investment options for retiring and high-value OFWs and their families. The bank has its “Invest Pack: Gabay sa Pagbalik”, which includes Preferred Banking account, Investments: AMTC/BIMI/Capital, and Business Loans. 

“We recognize the fact that overseas employment is a unique opportunity for many Filipinos. With our offerings, we help our OFs and their families work together to reap the benefits of overseas employment,” Ms. Lamasuta added.   

The BPI Pinoy Abroad program is part of BPI’s aim to become a trusted source of financial advice for Overseas Filipinos can benefit from a holistic program that addresses their needs as they journey towards a better life.

Desavros Classic Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Pan - Set of 3 from BERI

So I indulged my self buying some cast iron pans online! At first I was hesitant, knowing for a fact that I've been scammed a few times when buying from some Facebook Ads. But the urge of wanting to have one won.. 

 

It actually took almost a month before it arrived after ordering. Originally sold for Php2,450 but the ads was on sale, bought it for only Php1,899 for free shipping!

 

 

Another good point for this seller/company (Beri Company) is that they kept you informed of the updates regarding the shipment of your ordered items. Although it took more than two weeks waiting, nothing to worry for it is COD..

 

 

That kind of feeling when you get to received the item you've been long waiting for! It's all worth the money paid for! ;)

 

 I tried using it by cooking sizzling hotdogs. I just love the idea having this cast iron, I felt like I am a PRO chef!  hahahaha

 

Oh by the way, here are some few tips on how to take care of your Cast Iron Pans..

 

1. Rinse with warm water and use a brush or scraper to remove stuck-on bits.
2. For really stuck-on food, scrub with salt and oil, rinse and wipe clean. 
3. Dry the pan and coat with a thin layer of oil. 
4. Store until ready to use.
   

Cast Iron Upkeep

Once you’ve washed, seasoned, and properly stored your cast iron, you’ll probably want to cook with it. May we suggest eggs? More on that below, but it is helpful as a newbie to know how you’ll clean and maintain your skillet on a daily basis. For starters, it is easiest to clean your pan while it is still warm. Read on for what basic cleanup of a cast iron pan looks like.

• Rinse with warm water and use a brush or scraper to remove stuck-on bits. If you used enough fat for cooking, you might not need more than a quick rinse with warm — but not soapy — water and a gentle scrub. You can also use a gentle brush or plastic pan scraper to remove stuck-on food.
• For really stuck-on food, scrub with salt and oil, rinse and wipe clean. If rinsing and scrubbing aren’t enough, pour a few tablespoons of canola oil and a few tablespoons of kosher salt into the pan and use a paper towel to scrub the pan with this mixture until it comes clean, then rinse.
• Dry the pan and coat with a thin layer of oil. Dry the cast iron with a clean towel and then place over low heat. Add a thin coat of more oil, but make sure the oil doesn’t pool anywhere — one teaspoon wiped across the entire cooking surface is just right for most pans.
• Store until ready to use. Cool the pan and store until ready to cook again.

Quick Dos & Don’ts of Cooking in Cast Iron

• Don’t be afraid of eggs, tomatoes, or fish in cast iron. Some of these recipes take practice, but don’t be afraid of trying them.
• Do be mindful about what you first make in your skillet.
• Do use gentle utensils like wood, silicone, and rubber. The occasional metal fish spatula or pancake turner is okay, but try to avoid lots of metal utensils in your pan – especially while building up the seasoning.
• Don’t store food in cast iron. It is bad for the pan and bad for the food.
• Do clean the pan right away. And avoid soaking it.