Ivy Bermejo

How my May went:

Conquered my fear of childbirth after 31 yrs on earth lol.

For the longest time, childbirth was one of the reasons I was scared to get pregnant.

I was anxious about the pain, the unknown, whether we’ll (baby and I) make it out alive and whether I was even capable of becoming a mom.

But I always knew I wanted to be a mom someday. So eventually, I just had to bite the bullet and trust that I’d figure it out when the time came.

And honestly, motherhood did not come naturally to me.

Never held a newborn before.
Never volunteered to carry babies, not even my pamangkins.
No maternal instinct. No nothing.

Everything I’m doing now, I’m learning for the first time.

How to hold a baby.
How to change diapers.
How to keep a tiny human alive.

It’s been almost a month and I’m happy to report we’re making massive progress.

So if you’re like me whose personality revolved around work, career goals, deadlines, business plans, tiwala lang.

You don’t need to know everything before becoming a mom. You grow into the role one day at a time.

SCAMMER ALERT ‼️

Someone is using my name, copying my posts and pretending to be me to encourage people to invest in trading/crypto.

For everyone’s awareness:

✅I do NOT promote forex or crypto investing now.
✅I do NOT ask anyone for money for their investments.
✅I only have THIS page/account.

Nakakaalarma because marami na ring engagements and I’m worried may mabiktima.

Please stay vigilant and double check the accounts you interact with online.

Kindly help me report this fake profile. Thank you and ingat tayong lahat.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1CKvoxezHF/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Two more annual payments and my retirement fund plan will be fully paid. 🙌

As a freelancer, walang company retirement plan na naghihintay for me. Ako talaga ang magpapa-retire sa sarili ko.

That’s why I decided to start early para maaga rin matapos.

Glad I did cos hindi ako aabot sa point na malapit na matapos kung hindi ako nagsimula.

At age 65, this fund is projected to grow at around 12M at 10% projected rate, on top of the 5M life insurance coverage.

Twelve million is probably not enough by the time I retire but iba pa rin yung may natapos at napaghandaan, diba?

Atleast I have something specifically earmarked for retirement, on top of other investments and SSS contributions. Plano ko pa rin magdagdag ng iba after matapos nito.

After all, in a world na laging nagbabago bago, a diversified portfolio talaga ang best kasangga.

If you’re like me, a freelancer, business owner, or employee na gusto rin mag build ng sariling retirement on top of company benefits, message me. 💌

The most expensive real estate mistake most Filipinos make is not buying the wrong property. It is buying the right property in the wrong sequence. A primary residence purchased before any income generating asset is not a wealth building strategy. It is consumption with a long amortization period attached. It feels like investing because the numbers are large and the asset is tangible. But a house you live in does not pay you. It costs you. Every month. In amortization, association dues, maintenance, property tax, utilities, and the opportunity cost of the capital that could have been compounding elsewhere.

The Philippine banking system has conditioned an entire generation to treat the home purchase as the first and primary financial goal. Get the job. Build the credit history. Buy the house. That sequence feels responsible because it is socially validated at every level from family dinners to bank marketing campaigns.

But here is what the data on wealth accumulation actually shows.

The wealthy do not buy their primary residence first. They buy income generating assets first. Rental properties that pay them monthly. Equities that compound annually. Businesses that generate cash flow. They build a base of assets that produce income before they allocate capital to an asset that consumes it. By the time they buy their primary residence it represents a small percentage of their total net worth rather than the entirety of it.

The sequence is the strategy.

A 5,000,000 peso down payment deployed into an income generating property at a 6% net rental yield produces 300,000 pesos annually in passive income that partially or fully funds the amortization of a separate primary residence. The same 5,000,000 pesos deployed as a down payment on a primary residence produces zero. It produces shelter, which has genuine value, but it produces no cash flow, no compounding, and no financial leverage whatsoever.

The house is not the problem. The timing of the house is the problem. And most people never question the sequence because everyone around them followed the same one.

Two families. Both with two manager-level parents in their forties. Two school-age children. Same career ambition. Same desire to live well, eat out, travel, and build something real before they retire.

One family lives in Metro Manila. The other lives in Bangkok.

The financial architecture underneath each family’s life produces numbers that every serious professional needs to examine with complete honesty.

Let us run the full comparison using verified 2026 data. All figures converted to Philippine pesos at the current exchange rate of approximately 1.76 pesos per Thai baht for direct comparison.

Starting with gross household income.
The average manager salary in Bangkok based on Glassdoor May 2026 data sits between THB 71,250 and THB 145,000 per month. For two managers in their forties at mid to senior level, a realistic combined household gross income is approximately THB 180,000 to THB 220,000 monthly, equivalent to approximately 316,800 to 387,200 pesos per month.

A manager in Metro Manila typically earns around 864,700 pesos per year according to WorldSalaries 2026. Two managerial incomes combined produce approximately 120,000 to 160,000 pesos monthly gross for a Metro Manila household at comparable seniority levels.

The gross income gap favors Bangkok at approximately 2 to 2.5 times higher for equivalent managerial roles. This is the first structural divergence and it compounds everything that follows.

Now taxes and net take-home.

Thailand’s personal income tax system is progressive from 0 to 35% but with generous deductions. A Bangkok manager household earning THB 200,000 monthly gross faces an effective tax rate of approximately 15 to 18% after standard allowances, spouse deductions, and child deductions for two school-age children. Net take-home for the Bangkok household: approximately THB 164,000 to THB 172,000 monthly, equivalent to approximately 288,640 to 302,720 pesos monthly.

The Metro Manila managerial household earning 140,000 pesos monthly gross faces Philippine income tax, SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG deductions totaling approximately 25 to 28% of gross. Net take-home: approximately 100,800 to 106,400 pesos monthly.

Net income gap after all mandatory deductions: Bangkok household takes home approximately 288,640 to 302,720 pesos equivalent monthly versus the Metro Manila household at 100,800 to 106,400 pesos.

The Bangkok family takes home approximately 2.8 to 3 times more after tax for equivalent managerial seniority.

Now the detailed expense breakdown for a family of four living an upper middle class lifestyle in each city.

Housing. A premium three bedroom condominium in a good Bangkok neighborhood near BTS or MRT lines runs approximately THB 35,000 to THB 55,000 monthly, equivalent to approximately 61,600 to 96,800 pesos.

A comparable three bedroom unit in a good Metro Manila area, BGC, Makati, or Ortigas, runs approximately 60,000 to 90,000 pesos monthly. Housing costs are broadly comparable between the two cities at the upper middle class level, with Bangkok slightly more variable depending on the corridor.

Schooling. This is where Bangkok presents a significant challenge for families seeking international education. International school tuition in Bangkok ranges from THB 150,000 to THB 700,000 or more per year per child depending on curriculum and school prestige.

For two children at a mid-tier international school averaging THB 400,000 annually per child, that is THB 800,000 per year or approximately 66,667 pesos monthly in school fees alone, equivalent to approximately 1,408,000 pesos annually.

A comparable above-average private school in Metro Manila for two children at a reputable institution runs approximately 15,000 to 35,000 pesos per child monthly, or 30,000 to 70,000 pesos combined. School fees represent a significantly heavier burden in Bangkok for families choosing international curricula, though local Thai schools are dramatically cheaper at THB 30,000 to THB 80,000 annually.

Groceries. Bangkok wins decisively on grocery costs. A week of basic but good quality groceries for a family in Bangkok runs approximately THB 4,000, equivalent to approximately 7,040 pesos weekly or 28,160 pesos monthly. A comparable weekly grocery run for a family of four in Metro Manila at a quality supermarket runs approximately 8,000 to 12,000 pesos weekly or 32,000 to 48,000 pesos monthly. Bangkok groceries cost approximately 40 to 50% less than Metro Manila for equivalent quality. Local market produce, meat, and fresh ingredients in Bangkok are among the most competitively priced in all of Southeast Asia.

Dining out. A mid-range restaurant meal for two in Bangkok costs approximately THB 1,200 to THB 2,000. For a family of four dining out twice weekly at mid-range Bangkok restaurants, the monthly cost is approximately THB 12,000 to THB 16,000, equivalent to approximately 21,120 to 28,160 pesos monthly. Office lunch in Bangkok at food courts or mid-range eateries averages THB 100 to THB 200 per meal, equivalent to approximately 176 to 352 pesos. Metro Manila dining out for a family of four twice weekly at comparable restaurants runs approximately 20,000 to 35,000 pesos monthly. Bangkok wins on dining cost at roughly 30 to 40% less for equivalent quality and frequency.

Transportation. Both cities have traffic challenges but Bangkok’s BTS Skytrain and MRT system provides a meaningfully better alternative to Manila’s absence of equivalent infrastructure.

A monthly BTS transport pass in Bangkok costs approximately THB 1,300 to THB 1,500, equivalent to approximately 2,288 to 2,640 pesos. Car ownership in Bangkok is expensive due to high import duties on vehicles, running approximately THB 15,000 to THB 20,000 monthly including fuel, insurance, and depreciation, equivalent to approximately 26,400 to 35,200 pesos. Metro Manila transportation for two professionals commuting by car runs approximately 20,000 to 35,000 pesos monthly in fuel, tolls, and maintenance, without a viable mass transit alternative for most residential corridors.

Healthcare. Bangkok’s private hospital system is world class and competitively priced.

Comprehensive expat health insurance in Bangkok costs approximately THB 70,000 annually, equivalent to approximately 123,200 pesos per year or approximately 10,267 pesos monthly for the family. Bangkok’s Bumrungrad International and Samitivej hospitals are consistently ranked among the best in Asia and attract medical tourists from over 190 countries.

A comparable family HMO in Metro Manila covering four people at an adequate coverage level runs approximately 15,000 to 25,000 pesos monthly. Healthcare costs are broadly similar but Bangkok’s hospital quality at equivalent or lower price points is a meaningful structural advantage.

Emergency loans and credit. Bangkok managers accessing personal or emergency loans face Thai interest rates of approximately 5 to 7% per annum for secured personal loans at major Thai banks including Kasikorn and Bangkok Bank.

Philippine banks charge approximately 12 to 20% per annum for personal loans. Access to emergency capital is significantly more affordable in Thailand.

Now the complete monthly budget comparison for a family of four living upper middle class in each city.

Bangkok family of four monthly budget: Housing THB 45,000 equivalent to 79,200 pesos.

International school fees THB 66,667 equivalent to 117,333 pesos. Groceries THB 28,000 equivalent to 49,280 pesos. Dining out twice weekly THB 14,000 equivalent to 24,640 pesos.

Transportation THB 18,000 equivalent to 31,680 pesos. Healthcare insurance THB 5,833 equivalent to 10,266 pesos. Utilities THB 8,000 equivalent to 14,080 pesos. Entertainment and personal care THB 15,000 equivalent to 26,400 pesos. Travel fund THB 15,000 equivalent to 26,400 pesos. Total monthly expenses: approximately THB 214,500 equivalent to approximately 378,000 pesos.

Metro Manila family of four monthly budget:

Housing 75,000 pesos. Private school fees for two children 50,000 pesos. Groceries 40,000 pesos. Dining out twice weekly 27,500 pesos. Transportation 27,500 pesos. Healthcare HMO 20,000 pesos. Utilities 18,000 pesos.

Entertainment and personal care 15,000 pesos. Travel fund 12,000 pesos. Total monthly expenses: approximately 285,000 pesos.

Now the critical comparison. Bangkok net household income after tax: approximately 295,680 pesos equivalent monthly. Bangkok total monthly expenses: approximately 378,000 pesos equivalent. Monthly surplus or deficit: approximately negative 82,320 pesos equivalent if international school fees are included at full rate.

This is the pivotal analytical finding. At international school costs, the Bangkok family on equivalent managerial salaries runs a monthly deficit unless one parent earns above the median managerial level or both are at senior rather than mid-level management.

The Metro Manila family net income of approximately 103,600 pesos against expenses of 285,000 pesos also runs a significant monthly deficit of approximately 181,400 pesos, meaning neither family at pure median managerial income can comfortably fund this lifestyle without either higher income, investment income, or supplementary sources.

However the Bangkok family’s deficit picture changes dramatically with three adjustments that reflect realistic senior managerial reality. First, Thai managers in multinational companies commonly receive education allowances as part of their compensation package, partially or fully covering international school fees. Second, choosing a good quality Thai private school rather than international curriculum reduces the school cost to approximately THB 80,000 to THB 150,000 annually per child, reducing the school line item to approximately THB 133,333 monthly combined, equivalent to approximately 23,467 pesos, versus THB 800,000 combined for international schools. Third, the Bangkok family’s grocery and dining cost savings versus Metro Manila compound meaningfully across the year.

With Thai private school fees rather than international school fees, the Bangkok family’s monthly expense total drops to approximately 284,134 pesos equivalent, producing a small monthly surplus against net income of approximately 295,680 pesos equivalent. The Metro Manila family at equivalent managerial level continues to run a deficit regardless of school adjustment because the income base is structurally lower.

Now retirement.

Thailand’s Provident Fund is voluntary but where established, both employer and employee contribute between 2 and 15% of monthly salary, with contributions tax-deductible up to THB 500,000 annually. A Bangkok senior manager whose employer operates a provident fund at 5% matching on each side receives THB 9,000 monthly in employer retirement contributions on a THB 90,000 salary, equivalent to approximately 15,840 pesos monthly in employer-funded retirement savings.

Additionally, Thailand’s Social Security Fund requires both employer and employee to contribute 5% of salary toward retirement and other benefits. Combined provident fund and social security contributions for a Bangkok senior manager produce a meaningful retirement accumulation that compounds across a 25-year career. The Philippine SSS equivalent for a Metro Manila manager at maximum contribution produces significantly lower retirement income at a structurally lower salary base.

The analytical conclusion across all dimensions is this.

At pure median managerial level with international school fees, neither family lives comfortably on salary alone in their respective cities. Both require either senior level income or supplementary sources. This is the honest starting point that most lifestyle comparison articles avoid stating directly.

At senior managerial level with realistic compensation packages, the Bangkok family operating at THB 250,000 to THB 300,000 monthly combined gross, which is achievable at senior management in multinational companies, produces a dramatically stronger financial outcome than the equivalent Metro Manila senior management household.

The gross income advantage of approximately 2.5 to 3 times, combined with Bangkok’s lower grocery, dining, and healthcare costs, and access to cheaper credit and a more developed provident fund culture in multinational employers, produces a structurally superior household financial position after all expenses.

The quality of life differential beyond pure financial metrics also favors Bangkok on several measurable dimensions. Bangkok’s BTS and MRT infrastructure reduces commute time and stress meaningfully compared to Metro Manila’s traffic. Thailand’s healthcare infrastructure at private hospital level is among the best in Asia.

Bangkok’s cultural diversity, food scene, international connectivity, and physical environment including proximity to beaches, mountains, and regional travel hubs produce a lifestyle quality that surveys consistently rank among the highest in Southeast Asia for expatriate and professional families.

The one dimension where Metro Manila wins unambiguously is cultural and linguistic comfort for Filipino families. Language, family proximity, cultural identity, and community belonging are not trivial factors and should not be dismissed analytically. For families deeply rooted in

Philippine social and family networks, the quality of life cost of being in Bangkok rather than Manila is real and personal and cannot be quantified in peso terms.

But for Filipino professional families with the skill level and employer relationships to access senior managerial compensation in Bangkok, the financial data presents a picture that is difficult to ignore.

Same managerial career. Significantly higher gross income. Lower grocery and dining costs. Comparable housing. World class healthcare. Better commute infrastructure. Cheaper credit. A functioning provident fund retirement system in major employers.

The data does not tell every Filipino professional family to move to Bangkok.

It tells them to look at the numbers honestly before they decide not to.

is a mama now. happy mother’s day po! 😊

april in a nutshell 🪴

- 12th yr 🫨
- try nio inasal sa patpat’s the best 20/10
- check up
- milly way, saw vincent and lucio co sana si bea alonzo din aha
- tyyyyy friends mwa
- coachella
- renewed my license lol
- main motivation sa awarding is kumain ng masarap 🤤
- found my cibo best combo
- went home at midnight to visit kim jr with friends
- palamig in our living area
- hingi cake sa bday sa kapitbahay 😏
- wow tn # # # po
- randomly crying and feeling guilty about it ehehe