Para-Paraan with Salmon

MK Bertulfo, Joric and Salmon

In Para-Paraan, we talk money the Filipino way—through stories, strategies, and smart diskarte. Whether you're saving for your goals, managing debt, or investing for the first time, this podcast helps you navigate your finances with practical tips, real-life experiences, and expert advice. Hosted by voices who get the Pinoy hustle, powered by Salmon, your future-ready financial partner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 12/01/2025

    Ep 11 Finance Lessons Through Homeownership w/ She's That Broker

    In this episode of Para Paraan with Salmon, M.K. and Joric sit down with Maiko, known as “She's That Broker”, a licensed real estate broker on a mission to elevate the Philippine real estate industry. Maiko shares her journey from switching careers in her mid-20s to becoming one of the most trusted voices in property investment. We cover the rent vs. buy debate, financing options (bank loans vs. Pag-IBIG), hidden costs of home ownership, and practical tips for first-time buyers navigating condos, houses, and pre-selling properties. Topics Covered: 00:02:46 Why Maiko became a broker and her mission to professionalize real estate in PH 00:08:17 The journey to becoming a licensed broker – 3-year degree, board exam, and career shift 00:11:25 Rent vs. Buy debate – Why renting isn't "sayang" and strategic property timing 00:18:37 Financing 101 – Bank loans, Pag-IBIG contributions, and options for freelancers 00:25:20 Condo vs. House – Which investment makes sense for your lifestyle? 00:29:43 Hidden costs of home ownership – Association dues, property tax, maintenance surprises 00:32:34 Maiko's property regrets – Lessons from buying pre-selling vs. RFO units 00:36:15 Financial discipline before, during, and after buying property 00:40:41 How to spot serious buyers and build genuine client relationships 00:45:01 Mindset check – You don't need all the money now, but discipline is key Resources & Links: Follow Maiko "She's That Broker": Instagram/TikTok/YouTube/Facebook: @shesthatbroker #ParaParaanWithSalmon #MCMaiko #ShesThatBroker #RealEstatePH #InvestmentTips #PodcastPH #Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    52 min
  2. 11/24/2025

    Ep 10 How Passion can Lead to Stability with Muriel Vega Perez

    In this episode of “Para-Paraan with Salmon,” celebrity makeup artist, hairstylist, entrepreneur, and former nurse Muriel Vega Perez joins us to share her wild, honest, and inspiring journey—from hospital night shifts to becoming one of the most in-demand glam artists today. We dive into her humble beginnings, the realities of freelancing, money mistakes, financial tools, and how she built a 40-member glam team from scratch. We cover starting from zero, surviving scams, and building financial freedom as a Filipino creative, revealing exactly what it takes to turn passion into profit. 🔑 Topics Covered: 00:02:10 Guest intro – Muriel’s journey from registered nurse to full-time makeup artist 00:09:34 First paid makeup gig – Getting paid a month’s nursing salary for one shoot 00:14:22 Working with celebrities – First celebrity clients and the turning point for her career 00:23:40 Building her portfolio – Why editorial shoots are “paid practice” 00:29:14 Diversifying skills – Adding hair, styling, content creation & brand partnerships 00:33:15 Handling criticism – Staying grounded despite industry competition and social media 00:36:18 Financial tools – Apps, banking, admin systems & outsourcing financial tracking 00:43:14 Balancing passion and stability – Making art sustainable without financial burnout 00:47:20 Scaling responsibly – Giving team benefits, travel incentives & shared opportunities #ParaParaanWithSalmon #MurielVegaPerez #MakeupArtistPH #HairstylistPH #EntrepreneurPH #NurseToMUA #PodcastPH #FilipinoPodcast #CreativeJourney #PassionToProfit #FreelanceLifePH #CreativeBusinessPH #MoneyMistakes #FinancialFreedomPH #TeamBuildingPH #BeautyIndustryPH #BehindTheScenes #FilipinoCreators #GlowUpJourney #LevelUpYourCareer #FilipinoSuccessStory Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    56 min
  3. 11/17/2025

    Ep 9 Profitable Purpose Through Metal Straws w/ Nadine Ablaza

    In this episode of “Para-Paraan with Salmon,” we sit down with Nadine Ablaza, founder of Metal Straw PH, a social enterprise that began with just 15 metal straws and grew into a nationwide sustainable corporate gifting brand. Nadine shares how a viral photo sparked her advocacy, how she scaled with zero capital, and how she balances impact, profitability, and women empowerment. We cover sustainable product innovation, scaling a small business organically, and turning advocacy into income, diving deep into what it truly takes to build a profitable and purpose-led brand in the Philippines. Topics Covered: 00:00:00 Introduction – Welcome to Para-Paraan with Salmon 00:05:47 The viral turtle photo – How environmental advocacy became a business idea 00:11:38 Organic social media growth – Reaching customers without paid ads 00:17:15 Product innovation – Expanding beyond metal straws to stay profitable 00:22:02 Women empowerment – Building an all-women team and supporting communities 00:27:01 From home to warehouse – Running operations from a renovated basement 00:32:47 Laser engraving machines – Adding service-based revenue to product sales 00:38:21 Sustainability in schools – Encouraging the next generation to go green 00:43:45 Balancing income and impact – Why both matter in social entrepreneurship 00:49:45 Where to follow – Connect with Metal Straw PH on social media 📌 Resources & Links:  👉 Follow Nadine Ablaza / Metal Straw PH: @metalstrawph on IG, FB & TikTok  👉 Listen on Youtube: Para-Paraan with Salmon #ParaParaanWithSalmon #MetalStrawPH #NadineAblaza #SustainablePH #SustainableLivingPH #EcoFriendlyPH #SustainabilityAdvocacy #SocialEnterprisePH #SupportLocalPH #WomenEmpowermentPH #FilipinaEntrepreneur #PurposeDrivenBusiness #SustainableBusinessPH #CorporateGiftingPH #EcoFriendlyProductsPH #GreenInnovation #SmallBusinessPH #StartupPH #AdvocacyToIncome #PurposeLedBrand #EntrepreneurLifePH #EcoMovementPH #ViralAdvocacy #BuildPurposefully Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    52 min
  4. 11/10/2025

    Ep 8 Growing Your Network w/ IC Mendoza

    Ep 8 Growing Your Network w/ IC Mendoza In this episode of “Para-Paraan with Salmon,” former TV host and Incircle Inc. co-founder IC Mendoza joins MK and Joric to unpack the power of social capital in business and the digital space. From her showbiz roots to building one of the country’s top influencer marketing agencies, IC shares how legacy, networking, and data-driven strategies shaped her entrepreneurial journey. We dive into her lessons on cultivating influence, leveraging connections with integrity, and keeping up with the fast-paced world of digital PR. Topics Covered: 00:02:19 Guest intro – From showbiz to PR and digital marketing 00:05:47 Early hustles – How IC started working at age 3 and built her network 00:08:40 Founding Incircle – Turning social capital into a full-blown agency 00:10:58 Building genuine connections – Networking with purpose and strategy 00:17:21 Data-driven influencer marketing – “You can’t manage what you can’t measure” 00:20:23 Choosing creators wisely – Brand fit, resonance, and authenticity 00:27:04 Debunking myths – Influencer marketing vs. UGC 00:34:06 Smart investments – “Invest in good people and aligned culture” 00:43:45 Advice for Gen Z creators – From solo freelancer to business owner Resources & Links: 👉 Follow IC Mendoza: https://instagram.com/ic.mendoza 👉 Socials: https://linktr.ee/ParaParaanwithSalmon 👉 Watch on YouTube: @Para-ParaanwithSalmon #ParaParaanWithSalmon #ICMendoza #BusinessTipsPH #PodcastPH #Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    49 min
  5. 11/03/2025

    Ep 7 Nicole Alba on Mastering Money, Mindset, and Self-Love in Your 20s

    Ep 7 Nicole Alba on Mastering Money, Mindset, and Self-Love in Your 20s In this episode of “Para-paraan with Salmon,” financial content creator Nicole Alba joins hosts Joric and M.K. to talk about building financial independence with balance and intention. Nicole, known for her relatable and approachable finance videos, opens up about her creative journey, her practical “money railroad system,” and why managing money is an act of self-love. We cover content creation and burnout, budgeting for young professionals, and financial independence at your own pace—showing that personal finance isn’t just about saving, it’s about self-mastery and sustainability. Topics Covered 00:02:10 Guest intro – How Nicole found her passion for finance at 18 00:06:45 Starting her YouTube channel during the pandemic 00:10:40 Burnout, balance, and rediscovering creativity 00:17:00 Family background and lessons on hard work 00:24:20 Defining financial independence realistically 00:27:30 “Your race, your pace” — Nicole’s mindset on comparison and growth 00:33:00 Managing money as self-love and preparation for the future 00:46:30 Lifestyle check: Living alone, budgeting, and spending intentionally 00:53:20 The “Money Railroad System” — save, invest, then spend 00:57:00 Lessons on financial maturity and living with purpose Resources & Links: 👉 Follow Nicole Alba: @NicoleAlbaYT 👉 Socials: https://linktr.ee/ParaParaanwithSalmon 👉 Watch on YouTube: @Para-ParaanwithSalmon #ParaParaanWithSalmon #NicoleAlba #GenZFinance #FinancialLiteracyPH #MoneyHabits #PersonalFinancePH #BudgetTipsPH #FinancialFreedomPH #MoneyManagementPH #FinanceForBeginners #InvestingForGenZ #SmartMoneyMoves #PinoyFinancePodcast #FilipinoContentCreator #FinancialAdvicePH #SaveAndInvest #PodcastNetworkAsia #MoneyTalkPH #FinanceGoals #FinancialEducationPH Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 1m
  6. 10/27/2025

    Ep 6 Chris Tiu on Discipline, Business Risks, and Life Beyond Basketball

    In this episode of “Para-Paraan with Salmon,” pro-athlete turned entrepreneur Chris Tiu joins hosts MK of FHMoms and Joric, the resident hustler, to talk about his journey from the basketball court to the boardroom. Chris shares how the discipline he learned as an athlete shaped his business mindset and how he transitioned from being a national sports icon to a successful entrepreneur with ventures like Happy Lemon and Eric Kayser. They dive into what it takes to start and sustain a business, the importance of integrity and values, and why financial literacy and diversification matter—especially for young entrepreneurs navigating risk and opportunity in the Philippines. 🔑 Topics Covered: [00:02:10] Guest intro – From UAAP champion to entrepreneur [00:06:45] Balancing basketball, business, and discipline [00:14:20] The story behind bringing Happy Lemon to the Philippines [00:19:47] Choosing the right business partners and lessons from failure [00:31:20] Building integrity and reputation as a young entrepreneur [00:33:12] Diversification, investments, and long-term financial planning [00:37:10] Redefining success: impact over income 📌 Resources & Links: 👉 Full transcript & show notes: https://www.salmon.ph/paraparaan/christiu 👉 Follow Chris Tiu: Instagram 👉 Listen on Spotify | Apple Podcasts #ParaParaanWithSalmon #ChrisTiu #FHMoms #Joric #FinancialLiteracyPH #MoneyTalkPH #PersonalFinancePhilippines #Podcast #Philippines #Entrepreneurship #FinancialDiscipline Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    44 min
  7. 10/20/2025

    Ep 5 Coach Lester Reyes on Turning Paychecks into Purpose

    In this episode of Para-Paraan with Salmon, financial coach and digital creator Coach Lester Reyes joins MK of FHMoms and Joric the Side-Hustler to talk about why financial literacy is not a luxury but a necessity. With years of experience helping Filipinos make smarter money choices, Coach Lester breaks down practical ways to save with purpose, avoid scams, and build lasting financial stability. We dive into how to manage your income wisely, the difference between a financial coach and an advisor, and the importance of early money education — even for kids. Whether you’re a young professional, a side-hustler, or a parent thinking about your family’s financial future, this episode offers actionable insights to help you take control of your finances. Topics Covered: 00:02:10 Guest intro – Coach Lester shares his background as a financial advisor and content creator 00:04:05 Common money mistakes – Why saving without goals leads to frustration 00:06:11 Setting financial goals – Short-term, mid-term, and long-term plans that fit your lifestyle 00:07:30 Coach vs. Advisor – Understanding the holistic approach of a financial coach 00:09:46 Diversifying investments – Real estate, virtual banks, crypto, and risk management 00:13:51 Avoiding greed and scams – Learning to stop loss and identify red flags 00:17:56 Active vs. Passive income – How to balance multiple income streams without burnout 00:21:34 Defining financial stability – Freedom to spend without financial anxiety 00:23:13 Emergency funds and virtual banks – Building financial safety nets that earn 00:26:15 Cybersecurity and digital banking – Staying safe from phishing and online scams 00:47:01 Financial literacy for kids – Why money lessons should start early  00:53:03 Top 3 money rules – Budget, know your goals, and stay disciplined 00:56:54 Where to follow Coach Lester – TikTok: @lestermreyes, Instagram/Facebook: @lesterreyes Resources & Links: 👉 Follow Coach Lester:  @lestermreyes   👉 Socials: https://linktr.ee/ParaParaanwithSalmon 👉 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ru_1zp096LQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr

About

In Para-Paraan, we talk money the Filipino way—through stories, strategies, and smart diskarte. Whether you're saving for your goals, managing debt, or investing for the first time, this podcast helps you navigate your finances with practical tips, real-life experiences, and expert advice. Hosted by voices who get the Pinoy hustle, powered by Salmon, your future-ready financial partner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.