Black and Gold Vol. 4 Issue No. 1

THE OFFICIAL ONLINE PUBLICATION OF MANAGEMENT OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

BLACK & GOLD Volume 4 Issue 1

August 11, 2022

Table of Contents 2 3 5 7 9 10

Hello from MaFIA Officers of the 44th What MaFIA can do for you

Our Committees Message from the Faculty Trading in the Age of Social Media

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Flagship Event: One MaFIAmily Flagship Event: National Finance Congress ING at a Glance

Word Search

Word Cloud Tips for Hybrid Class

BLACK & GOLD

Hello from MaFIA BLACK & GOLD

EDITORIAL BOARD Ada Bernaldo Vice President for Publicity Kate Cheng, Rowealth Gaw, Charles Ong, Andrea Tan, Stacey Yap Associate Vice President for Publicity Hannah Velez, Tricia Almandres, Abijah Golez, Jed Velarde (COL Financial), ING Bank Writers Janelle Balmaceda, Julia Diongzon, Michelle Kohzai, Atty. Rene Betita, Dr. Junette Perez, Regina Dela Cruz, Yung Ching Shi, Audrey Reyes, Charles Ong, Celine Bartolome, Ghielen Zenarosa, Veronica Delmo Contributors

Hi Members and Readers!

On behalf of the Management of Financial Institutions Association (MaFIA), I would like to welcome you to a new issue of MaFIA’s renowned publication, Black and Gold! It has been more than two years since all of us entered into an unfamiliar set-up where everything is primarily done online and through virtual meetings.

During this period, many of us faced struggles joined together with the difficulty caused by the pandemic. Now that things are starting to return back to what we once had, indeed a new normal is approaching us. I’m more than happy and excited to transition back to a physical setting as I’m pretty sure many of us definitely missed it.

Indeed, exciting times await us, hopefully!

Despite these challenges, MaFIA remained consistent with its goal for the past 2 years - to provide a valuable experience to its members.

We wanted to challenge ourselves by stepping out of our comfort zone, being able to add value to our members’ lives, and ensuring that this is aligned with the current times. Moreover, even though we are physically apart, we wanted to give a sense of camaraderie and belongingness to one another. This was attained through the various activities offered by the organization such as game nights, webinars, and flagship events. We continuously remain grateful to the officers, members, and the Department of Financial Management who all made this possible.

MaFIA has always been solid with its motto of being driven by passion and fueled by dreams. Even though the challenge of uncertain times is ahead of us, it will not serve as a hindrance but rather a motivation to continue the craft that the organization has started. We promise to give everyone a fulfilling experience and a reason to be proud of being called a member of MaFIA. Looking forward to a fruitful year with everyone!

Driven by passion and fueled by dreams. One MaFIA!

Ada Bernaldo, Rowealth Gaw, Charles Ong

Graphic/Layout Artists

Janelle Fatima Balmaceda President MaFIA 2021-2022 2

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What MaFIA Can Do For You For 44 years, MaFIA has served the people of its organization with several timely learnings about the field of finance. It does not stop there as the organization believes in developing its members holistically, including the honing of academic excellence, social awareness and leadership.

Our activities include seminars about finance, resume writing, and investment but are not limited to these. The General Assembly and the Membership Appreciation Week are some of the yearly activities that members can look forward to that are catered specifically for them.

Our flagship events, the Global Finance Convention and the National Finance Congress, invite esteemed speakers from the fields of finance to talk about their learnings and advice to the youth of today. One MaFIAmily is our fundraising event that began last year which aims to help a marginalized sector in society.

Lastly, the organization takes pride in our MaFIAmily, although we are a group of people who work towards greater goals, we are a family, first and foremost. The struggles and hard work may come and go, but the experiences and memories that we share with each other will always remain.

Julia Diongzon EVP - Externals 5

In my 3 years of being in MaFIA, one can tell how committed I am to this organization as I spent nearly all my college years being a part of it (I’m a 3rd-year student by the way). However, commitment wasn’t the only factor here nor was it being my degree’s home organization. I stayed because of the people here and I wanted to help the organization as much. This is the wonder of being in MaFIA. You are not limited to your tasks, rather you are given this space to implement changes as we strive to make this organization the best it can be- and you have the people here supporting you for it as well.

At the very beginning, you’ll start as a Junior Officer. Here, you are exposed to the tasks and responsibilities of a typical officer. However, despite starting from the very bottom, this is a crucial and fun part of the process as you’ll develop along with your peers when you start joining event committees and you get hands-on experience in creating content or organizing activities.

From an associate asking for your team leader’s help, you’ll soon become the one who will handle and guide your own associates. This might sound overwhelming now but it'll come naturally, given that you do the job right.

What makes MaFIA different is its purpose to bring forth financial literacy while nurturing officers to become better leaders. Our activities and flagship events are geared towards educating young individuals on the financial trends, different financial instruments, and how to take advantage of these.

The activities also tackle the basics such as savings, budgeting, and securing finances. We partner with key financial institutions and professionals to speak in our events which you’ll also gain exposure to. Throughout the course of the pandemic, we have also started building an initiative to help and support foundations and/or organizations through our flagship donation drive, One MaFIAmily. Unlike our other flagship events, this is still in its early stage, supporting one partner beneficiary. I look forward to it growing as our future and potential officers grow in numbers in the coming years. If you share the same vision, you are more than welcome to be a part of these initiatives.

There are times it may be challenging to go out of your comfort zone, but this is an integral part of being in an organization. It is an opportunity for you to enhance your skills, to become a better leader, and for you to witness the fruits of you and your team’s hard work which will prepare you for your future endeavors. This is at least what we want to impart to you as you become a part of our growing MaFIAmily.

Michelle Kohzai EVP - Operations 6

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ACADEMICS Spearhead activities to promote academic excellence among the members

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MEMBERSHIP Recruit, monitor, and encourage members to participate in the activities

STUDENT & SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

Initiate socio civic, spiritual, special interest / special nonacademic related activities of the organization

Conduct training programs to develop the leadership skills of officers and members

DOCUMENTATIONS Process pre-activity and post-activity documents of the activities of the organization

FINANCE Monitor and transact all the inflow and outflow of the organization

PUBLICITY

CORPORATE RELATIONS

Improve the visibility and uphold the reputation and branding of the organization

Establish and maintain linkages with companies

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MESSAGE FROM THE FACULTY

Atty. Rene Betita

As a long time adviser of MaFIA, I have seen the organization develop into one of the top student organizations in DLSU. This is due to the consistent excellent quality of the leadership and active participation of its officers and members.throughout the years. Being an officer and a member does contribute to a student's character development and soft skills, qualities that will serve them well in their life. I always look forward to working with MaFia as I always have good experiences and memorable takeaways from its activities.

MaFIA is one of the best organizations in the DLSU, and it has been a blessing to be part of MaFIA and witness the excellence of its leaders in serving its members and making a difference in their lives.

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Dr. Junette Perez

TRADING IN THE AGE OF SOCIAL MEDIA insights from an article by Jed Velarde, COL Investing Advocate

The internet has become an avenue for our various activities including buying, communicating, and even learning. When everyone has a say, it could both be a blessing and a curse. Mistakes can be costly, especially with sensitive matters such as trading advice. Even students who are only beginning to get involved in trading must be wary of these mishaps. To combat this, there are questions we can ask to protect ourselves and our money:

Who is your source?

The information revolving trading advice must come from a reputable source.

It is important to remember that the number of following an individual has does not necessarily equate to credibility. Data is still the most reliable source, especially in terms of trading.

Why do you believe it?

Biases are inevitable but we must be aware of it. We must ask ourselves why we are inclined to believe certain information. Whether it be because of our peers believing the same thing, the entrancing way it was delivered, or because of the track record of the source, it is important to question ourselves as well.

How does this advance your goals?

Trading advice is never one-size-fits-all. Everyone’s financial situation is different as there are various factors in their lives that affect it. If you are a student who is just getting involved in trading, your situation will be very different from the professional traders that are giving out the advice. Take everything with a grain of salt.

Have you done your own research?

In school, students are constantly asked to do academic papers that involve fact checking. Applying the same principle when it comes to trading would come in handy, most especially because there is now a risk. COL has various tools to help traders like the Tech Spotlight, Quick Tech Guide, Technical Guide, and Investment Guide. However, doing your own research is still recommended.

Visit COL Advantage to access COL research reports, investing materials, and innovative tools Velarde, J. (2022).

Trading in the https://mycoladvantage.com/yourinvestingjourney/2417

age

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media.

COL

Advantage.

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FLAGSHIP EVENTS by: Hannah Velez and Tricia Almandres One MaFIAmily took the initiative once again on its second installment in inspiring other organizations by providing a helping hand for the needs of the community. For this academic year, they have partnered with Handicapped Center Lourdes, Inc. - an organization focused on recognizing the rights of multiple-handicapped individuals.

An online fundraising activity with the theme of Hand in Hand with YOUth was carried out from December of 2021 until May of 2022. The funds raised from the activity was attributed to its partner community as a way of giving assistance to the mission of their partner beneficiary: to bring the multiple handicapped the personal love of Jesus Christ, the opportunity to have a minimum standard of living, a caring family, and an appropriate education by providing them with basic needs, sharing and helping them realize their skills and talents, and most importantly, by making them feel loved and accepted.

In addition to this, a webinar, One MaFIAmily: Towards an Inclusive Future with YOUth, was conducted last April 30, 2022, in support of the online donation drive to further promote our cause. Renowned and inspiring speakers, Ms. Ma. Criselda Bisda and Mr. Allan Mesoga, were invited to speak on behalf of the PWD community with respect to their sentiments and to the proper approach in creating a more inclusive world.

The project heads hope that through these activities, they are somehow able to amplify the voices of our friends from the PWD community, and further the journey of a more nurturing and inclusive future! With high hopes, they believe that you can help them continue this path.

Hand in hand, let us continue the ride towards an inclusive future with YOUth! 11

FLAGSHIP EVENTS Strengthening Financial Stability in the Present, for the Future by: Abijah J. Golez The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant hardships in the Filipino community, highlighting the importance of effective personal financial management. There are a lot of rapid shifts and developments in the finance industry that either make people prosper or suffer. With that, the Management of Financial Institutions Association, together with the project heads - Ysobel Guzman, Michelle Lin, Stacey Yap, and I, would like to continue delivering change that would make an impact not only on the organization itself, but to the whole community. Hence, carrying on National Finance Congress 2022 is a big movement to conquer the new and enhanced world.

National Finance Congress (NFC) 2022 with a theme of ‘Strengthening Financial Stability in the Present, for the Future’ was carried out on May 28 and June 11, 2022, aiming to serve as a platform wherein Filipinos, especially the youth, can impart significant knowledge on various topics such as financial technology, wealth management, investments, as well as insurance.

These are the areas that the organizers have thought of having, as it plays a crucial role in the current times. NFC 2022 would like to not only allow people to recognize the sudden changes further, but also take active and immediate actions to resolve the dilemmas. Moreover, the said two-day webinar was in collaboration with distinguished speakers from the different financial fields - Mr. Neil Trinidad that mainly discussed the arising financial technology in the Philippines, and Ms. Rowena Marie A. Lubaton for the importance of wealth management, especially in adulthood. On the other hand, Ms. Bea Paulene Pelayo Laderas shared her expertise in insurance and Ms. Tehilah Maluntad for investments.

Thus, the project heads strongly believe that we, as people who are capable of giving help, must be held accountable for taking the initiative; after all, at the end of the day, who else would act? The future of our nation depends on us, the youth, so we should give our best and do our part.

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ING at a glance

by ING

ING is a global bank with a strong European base. Our more than 57,000 employees serve around 38 million customers, corporate clients, and financial institutions in over 40 countries. Our purpose is to empower people to stay a step ahead in life and in business.

As a global bank, ING believes all sustainable progress is driven by people and businesses with the imagination and determination to improve the future for themselves and those around them. Our purpose is to empower them to realize these dreams – however modest or grand.

We have been in the Philippines since 1990, providing wholesale banking services to international and local corporations, through ING Bank Manila Branch (ING Philippines); shared services through ING Business Shared Services B.V. Branch Office (IBSS Manila); and corporate social responsibility through ING Philippines Foundation. ING Philippines is the first foreign bank to become a universal bank.

Our People Offer We are a multi-talented group of over 2,700 people, with a global reach that works with nearly all of the countries in which ING operates. From our offices in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, the work that we do resonates across the world.

Do your thing is ING’s global expression for our brand identity and company culture. This means that we put our trust in our people, give them opportunities to grow in their own way, and we have faith in the potential that they can unleash. In return we expect our people to do great things for our customers, our stakeholders, and for ING.

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At ING, we’re each other’s biggest supporters. You can expect challenging and valuable work; you will be called to expand your skills and knowledge through continuous learning to keep you at the cutting-edge of your chosen path, because the work that you do makes a difference to millions of customers worldwide.

You can count on having a collaborative and dynamic environment, with people who are as talented and driven as you are coming together to build an engaging, diverse, and inclusive workplace where great things can happen. We reward performance, and you have every opportunity to carve your own path and grow in the way you are most passionate about.

We are a proudly diverse community, and we believe that people are most motivated when they can be their true selves. We celebrate inclusion and value the benefits of a diverse workforce. Diversity is not just a box to be ticked. It’s fundamental to our future success. Whoever you are, and wherever you come from, you are welcome and valued.

Find out what makes ING and IBSS Manila a great place to work at, and build your career by visiting our Careers Page at: https://www.ing.jobs/philippines/home.htm

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WORD SEARCH The First Word You See Describes MaFIA!

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WORD CLOUD Expectations for Face to Face Classes

FUN

CAMPUS EXPERIENCE

NEW FRIENDS

INTERACTION FOOD TRIP ENGAGEMENT

LIVE EVENTS

OUTING WORK TOGETHER

CHIT CHAT HANGOUT

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TIPS TIPS FOR FOR HYBRID HYBRID CLASS CLASS As the world gradually opens up after two years since the pandemic, universities around the country have been planning on going back to face-to-face classes. Let's see what tips our officers have in store.

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REGINA DELA CRUZ AVP - Corporate Relations As we remained restricted to our houses due to the pandemic's limitations, I found myself signing up freelancing left and right, all while juggling errands and an org role on top of my academic obligations.

It’s all too easy to get caught up in the "grind culture" and its frenzy.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that being busy equals being productive, but this isn’t the case. We usually work to have a good career, have a comfortable future, and basically just have a great life.

But what is success if you lose yourself in the process? A great, healthy life is a mix of work and leisure, and if one area of your life dominates the others, you’ll quickly burn out and find less joy in your passion. It will be simpler to make decisions when it comes to establishing commitments once you recognize that work is only a part of your life.

Recognize your limits and only take on what you can handle!

YUNG CHING SHI AVP - Finance You may have a feeling of panic if the environment isn't what you expect. If you don't establish objectives for the future, you'll never achieve them, so don't be a coward. As a freshman or sophomore, it won't affect you, but as a junior or senior, you'll feel the effects since you lack objectives and don't know what to do next. Anxiety has always been a part of my life. I've had a really rewarding life so far, thanks to the hard work I've put in after going through a lot of hardship to find my purpose.

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AUDREY T. REYES AVP - Academics During the flex week last term, the students were allowed to conduct hybrid classes within the campus, but because of the pandemic, most of these students were not able to step on campus. Because of this, some of them might get confused about what to do or where to go when they enter the campus for their hybrid classes. As such here are some tips for students who are going to have their hybrid classes.

First, take note of your class schedule and put it on your phone or somewhere that is easily accessible so that you can easily check the time and venue of your classes. Next, it is also important to research beforehand and familiarize yourself with where your hybrid classes are going to be held because you might end up being late for your class while searching for the classroom. In addition, always try to arrive at school early because some classrooms may require you to take elevators which easily get packed especially when classes are about to start. Also, if you do not know where your class is, don’t hesitate to ask the people around you. Hope these tips help you in enjoying your hybrid classes!

CHARLES ONG AVP - Publicity As we are approaching the possibility of a hybrid class setup. Make sure to have a comfortable bag that you can bring anywhere with you. Laptops are generally known to be heavy, so it is advisable for you to bring a substitute (iPad, phone, or notebook) when you have classes on campus. In your bag, make sure to bring a sanitizing kit (alcohol, face masks, and wet wipes). It is also important to have a to-do list or a reminder list that you can utilize so that you will not forget important tasks. Communication is key in group works! Do not hesitate to share your ideas to your group mates whether in classes or organizations.

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CELINE NOVIA BARTOLOME AVP - Students & Social Development They say your college life would not be complete without experiencing the campus life so here are some tips to make the most out of it! From taking classes at our own homes with our pajamas to struggling in finding our classroom and an outfit that would fit the dress code, it is truly not easy to adjust. The first thing that would help you gradually adjust is to find a study habit that would work best for you. In hybrid classes, our time is more controlled and restricted which is why we need to find a more efficient way of studying.

Finding peers you could book a discussion room with at the Learning Commons might help you be motivated in doing so.

Another tip that I could give is to treat asynchronous classes as synchronous classes. Most of the time, we tend to procrastinate and watch video lectures later since we think nobody is watching us. This would not only cause your tasks to pile up, but will also make it harder for you to adjust when the time comes for face-to-face classes. As early as now, prepare yourself for taking classes simultaneously and managing your time well. Lastly, do not forget to enjoy and explore the campus. There are so many facilities or spots where you could chill, study, or have fun so make sure to maximize it.

For instance, you could play board games with your friends on the 14th of our library after a session of studying, or you could spend your 15-minute break at Bloemen—only if you could run fast enough to make it to your next class. College might be hard but I assure you that the campus will help in making it feel easier for you. You will create lots of memories and DLSU will surely serve as your second home too. I hope these tips will help you maximize your university experience. Good luck with hybrid classes and see you soon on campus!

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GHIELEN ZENAROSA AVP - Documentations With the gradual opening of campuses, it might be overwhelming for some students who spent their primal college years through an online setup. Fortunately, DLSU constantly updates us through our school emails and AnimoSpace. I suggest students maximize that information, especially the campus access general guidelines, and continuously update their CARSys and Vaccine Recording Form. As a senior, one thing I regret is that I did not take enough pictures, so once you enter the campus, capture as many memories as possible. Familiarize yourself with the learning spaces, designated college buildings, cafeterias, routes, and areas for leisure activities. When all these get confusing, feel free to ask for assistance from your fellow Lasallians. Hybrid classes are opportunities to meet friends who were once only behind the screens.

As an engineering student, one of the buildings that gave me so many memories is the Br. Andrew Gonzales Hall, which students can utilize 24/7 a week before midterms week. It gave us a space to bond and share our learnings even after Gokongwei Hall closed for construction.

However, my favorite building will still be the library in Henry Sy Sr. Hall as it was conducive to various activities such as reading, researching, discussions, and even sleeping.

VERONICA MARIELLE DELMO AVP - Training & Development In the heart of the busy streets of Manila, I find the DLSU campus to be a safe place to be whoever you are. And actually, there goes my tip for F2F classes, do not burden yourself with the pressure to be someone you are not. Allow yourself the freedom to express who you are. After all, the campus is a safe space. Do not fret as the people around you will willingly accept you regardless of how you present yourself. The most authentic version of you is by far easier to live with and what will draw people closer to you, especially those with the same interest. Express what you ought to express, and do the things that render joy to your heart and mind. But of course, be reminded to be respectful of your surroundings and to live by the Lasallian values and principles. That is all, good luck, and live your campus life to the fullest!

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We Make Money Work.

Volume 4 Issue 1