Monte de Piedad

Monte de Piedad at Plaza de Sta. Cruz

Monte de Piedad and Savings Bank was founded by Fr. Felix Huertas (de Huerta) of the Franciscan Order with the funds of the Obras Pias.

Inaugurated on August 2, 1882, it was originally located at the ground floor of Santa Isabel College, corner of Arzobispo and Anda Streets in Intramuros. In 1894, it was transferred to the Roman Santos Building at Plaza Goiti where President Manuel L. Quezon was at one time employed as clerk.

It was then moved to this landmark building in 1938 (now owned by the GE Money Bank) located on the corner of Plaza de Santa Cruz and Ongpin Street. The building was destroyed during the Battle of Manila in 1945. It was rebuilt in 1946 and resumed operation in 1947. It was administered by Archbishop of Manila until 1949 when it was incorporated.

Before the 1800s, without any banks in the Philippine archipelago, anyone with a sizeable venture that needed funding would have to obtain a loan from the obras pias.

The obras pias were pious foundations in which two-thirds of their holdings were allocated for the furtherance of commercial maritime ventures at interest — a voyage to Mexico was 50 percent, to China 25, and to India 35 — substantially increasing the foundation’s original coffer. Earnings from such interest rates were then assigned to other pious and benevolent purposes. A third was generally kept as a reserve fund to cover possible losses. Among the biggest obras pias was the Hermanidad de la Miscericordia, established in the late 16th century.

The opening of the Suez Canal largely contributed to a global economic growth during the decades from 1820 to 1870, and thereby producing similar significant changes in the economy of the Philippines as well. With the Spanish government granting shipping subsidies, local commodities such as sugar, fibers, coffee, and many others were briskly exported. A dramatic spike in foreign trade in the Philippines emerged as a result of such bustling commerce.

The British and Americans dominated the foreign trade in Manila while the local Chinese traders acted as primary intermediaries between them and the domestic market.

But access to the funds of the obras pias was absolutely forbidden to the Chinese. Therefore, before 1850, there wasn’t much capital available for the Chinese communities who were, ironically, Manila’s astute merchants.

Nonetheless, a number of Chinese enterprises struggled to remain lucrative. One could borrow at six percent interest from the Chinese community chests or caja, but the funds were never large. Outside of the community, individual Spaniards were a source of venture capital to individual Chinese entrepreneurs during the middle and late eighteenth century. But everything was more of personal level, nothing organized and of larger scale. Although there were a few private banking efforts initiated in Manila during the second quarter of the nineteenth century, it is not known whether they opened their doors to the Chinese.

However, banking was a key function of American and European businessmen in Manila. Funds were entrusted with them by rich families, the Church, Manila entrepreneurs, and even by the native banks that have slowly sprung up. These funds were then loaned out in the form of crop advances. But advances were also made to the Chinese wholesalers to help them dispose of European imports and to buy up produce for export.

Soon thereafter, another source of funds became available to the Chinese. In 1851, the Banco Espanol Filipino de Isabel II (later renamed BPI - Bank of Philippine Islands) was founded to promote the use of savings for commercial investments. Most of the funds from obras pias were transferred to it and the government added other funds of its own, turning it into a government-regulated, quasi-official institution. Although the bank’s first transaction was the discounting of a promissory note for a Chinese, regular transactions with Chinese merchants were facilitated by non-Chinese guarantors for a fee.

When Banco Espanol Filipino de Isabel II would ask the European merchant firms for the names of Chinese businessmen who were good risks, sensing opportunity, they did not provide the names of the Chinese jobbers and purchasing agents they did business with. Instead, these European firms became guarantors for Chinese borrowers from the bank, including forwarding their payments to the bank, and assuming responsibility for settlement with the bank in case the Chinese defaulted.

For the Chinese focused on wholesaling or retailing ventures, obtaining goods on credit was more important than access to cash loans. Hence, the European and American firms advanced their imported goods to the Chinese dealers while these dealers, in turn, made their profits without having to raise the capital to procure the products.

 Roman Santos Building at Plaza Goiti where President Manuel L. Quezon 

was at one time employed as clerk.

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Additional source:

The Chinese in Philippine Life 1850-1898

By Edgar Wickberg

Ateneo de Manila University Press

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Suggested read:

Philippine Daily Inquirer:  Metrobank built by a Chinese immigrant

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The Philanthropic General and the Indefatigable Friar

The Carriedo Water Fountain

Our misanthropic sentiments against Spain's colonial rule in general, and the friars and lame Spanish officials in particular, may be justified, but there were notable ones worth our praise.  Two of them were General Francisco Carriedo y Peredo and Father Felix Huertas (Fr. Huerta).

More than two hundred years ago, General Francisco Carriedo y Peredo — the Spaniard in which the popular street was named after (where the original ShoeMart Store once stood) and the water fountain that adorns Plaza de Sta. Cruz — bequeathed P10,000 in 1743 as an initial endowment for the creation of the first water system in Manila.  The intention was to provide free water supply in perpetuity for the poor of Manila.

Entrusted to the Obras Pias, this sum of money was to accumulate in the Galleon Trade until it should grow by way of profits and interest into a sufficient fund to build a water system.

Unfortunately, in 1762, an iron chest with P250,000 and labeled Fondo de Carriedo was among the spoils carted off by the invading British forces when it looted the city. Consequently, buried under tons of governmental archival documents, General Carriedo’s will was forgotten until a Franciscan friar, Fr. Felix Huerta began the search, found the documents and calculated that by 1878, the sum had grown to P177,853.44. Fr. Huerta spearheaded the efforts in actualizing the wish of General Carriedo, and within four years the water system was completed at a total cost of P742,509. With 153 hydrants, the system was inaugurated on August 23, 1882.

Incidentally, with the reputation and integrity of the friars in the 19th century Philippines suffering a severe blow from the outright scandalous wrongdoings by some members of the frock, almost buried under such heap were the valuable contributions of Fr. Felix Huerta. He was close to being forgotten despite the honor he brought to both his order and to the priesthood.

Fr. Huerta, as administrator of San Lazaro Hospital in 1859, worked tirelessly to have this charitable institution for lepers reconstructed when it was threatened with closure. It was also during this time that Fr. Huerta was said to have searched 300 government records (government archives existed since the beginning of the Spanish regime, for which we owe the existence of the 11 million documents in the National Archives) and discovered the Carriedo fund for the construction of a water system to provide free water for the poor of Manila.

It was also Fr. Huerta who managed to convince the Archbishop of Manila and the government to establish Monte de Piedad. The friar’s intention was to provide a savings bank for the city’s poor that would charge moderate interest rates.

A street in Sta. Cruz, Manila, was named in honor of this indefatigable Franciscan friar whose integrity was unblemished and beyond reproach.

The Carriedo Fountain in Plaza de Sta. Cruz

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Converting sewage into potable water

The idea of drinking water recycled from sewage or wastewater is indeed unsettling if not outright revolting to most folks.  However, in the States, some communities have no other recourse but to resort to recycled wastewater – El Paso, Texas and some parts of Los Angeles County and Orange County, California.

Moreover, according to a Wall Street Journal article by Paul Kix, Orange County's Groundwater Replenishment System, which opened in 2008, produces over 70,000 gallons of water every day. It is modeled to a degree on NASA's space station breakthrough: The wastewater goes through a micro-filtration process and then reverse osmosis (in which chemicals, viruses and pharmaceuticals are removed) before being exposed to high-intensity ultraviolet light to destroy any lingering compounds. Over two-thirds of the county has been served by the recycled water system since it went online four years ago, says Michael Markus, the general manager of the Orange County Water District.

Meanwhile, here in Panglao Island, with its salty water supply, many residents and business establishments have to buy mineral or purified bottled water for drinking and cooking purposes.

From what I was told, every local barangay must have its own water purification system, or get its supply of fresh water from Tagbilaran City.  Supposedly, this issue triggers intense political debates; hence, many barangays, to this day, are still without a steady supply of fresh water.  However, there are residents who are fortunate enough to have a deep well of fresh water within their property.

Even the prominent resort hotels and various dining establishments in Panglao are coping with this issue.  Most have no alternative but absorb the additional overhead expense of hiring tankers to deliver fresh water to fill their water tanks.  As for the employees of the island’s hospitality industry – who rent bed spaces to be near where they work – a higher fee they must shell out if the boarding house provides fresh water.  But such boarding houses are a rare find.  Salty water is all they can offer.

Desalination – turning seawater into drinking water – seems the potential solution, but estimated costs can run one-half to two-thirds more than for a recycled wastewater facility. That is largely due to the amount of filtration required: Wastewater has roughly 1,000 parts per million of salt, but seawater has roughly 35,000 parts per million. Desalination is also, of course, limited to areas near seawater.  Hence, Panglao Island is suitable for such.

The WSJ article further points point out that where the programs of recycled wastewater exist, they are born out of desperation -- which is precisely how the idea got its start:

Quote

It began in the tiny capsule of the Mercury rocket, on May 5, 1961, with Alan Shepard looking out his periscope viewer at the morning clouds. It was 15 minutes before his launch, before he was to become the first American sent into space, and he was nervous, according to "Moon Shot," the book that he later co-wrote. The launch director came on and told Mr. Shepard that there was an electrical glitch; the flight would have to wait.”

Another problem emerged during the nearly 90-minute delay: "Man, I got to pee," Mr. Shepard told astronaut Gordon Cooper, who was in ground control. The flight was only supposed to last 15 minutes, and the rocket wasn't equipped with a toilet. Mr. Shepard was told to hold it.

"Gordo, I've got to relieve myself," Mr. Shepard said, getting angrier. "Tell 'em I'm going to let it go in my suit." But Mr. Shepard had electronic biosensors up and down his legs. Mr. Cooper said, "The medics say you'll short-circuit all their medical leads."

"Tell 'em to turn the power off," Mr. Shepard said.

And so the medical team did. A short while later, Mr. Shepard was launched into his suborbital flight, a brave, relieved man.

As space flights became longer, the problem of discarding waste persisted. Neil Armstrong walked the moon in diapers. It wasn't until the era of the International Space Station, with astronauts on six-month missions, that NASA engineers began to think creatively about waste. "We didn't think that we could resupply [the astronauts] with water up there," says Monsi Roman, a microbiologist at the Marshall Space Station, who has worked at NASA for 25 years. "And that's when we began to think about recycling urine for drinking purposes."

Another problem emerged during the nearly 90-minute delay: "Man, I got to pee," Mr. Shepard told astronaut Gordon Cooper, who was in ground control. The flight was only supposed to last 15 minutes, and the rocket wasn't equipped with a toilet. Mr. Shepard was told to hold it.

"Gordo, I've got to relieve myself," Mr. Shepard said, getting angrier. "Tell 'em I'm going to let it go in my suit." But Mr. Shepard had electronic biosensors up and down his legs. Mr. Cooper said, "The medics say you'll short-circuit all their medical leads."

"Tell 'em to turn the power off," Mr. Shepard said.

And so the medical team did. A short while later, Mr. Shepard was launched into his suborbital flight, a brave, relieved man.

As space flights became longer, the problem of discarding waste persisted. Neil Armstrong walked the moon in diapers. It wasn't until the era of the International Space Station, with astronauts on six-month missions, that NASA engineers began to think creatively about waste. "We didn't think that we could resupply [the astronauts] with water up there," says Monsi Roman, a microbiologist at the Marshall Space Station, who has worked at NASA for 25 years. "And that's when we began to think about recycling urine for drinking purposes."

Urine consists of salt, water and contaminants, and on the space station today, the salt and contaminants are distilled and thrown away. The remaining water goes into a processor that burns away any lingering bacteria, and then iodine further cleans it. "It's a closed loop," Mr. Roman says—and an inspiration for wastewater treatment plants back on Earth.

Unquote

Incidentally, about a week ago I posted a blog article on the success of a team of engineers at Oregon State University  in their study of microbial fuel cells that generate electricity from wastewater.  They have developed a technology that uses bacteria to harvest energy from the biodegradable components of sewage at a rate that is 10 to 50 times more efficient than previous methods.

In essence, they are harnessing biodegradable material in wastewater to feed aerobic bacteria, which digest the substances with the use of oxygen. When the microbes oxidize these components of sewage – and, in turn, clean the water -- they produce a steady stream of electrons.

As the electrons flow from the anode to the cathode within a fuel cell, they produce an electrical current, which can be directly used as a power source. Additionally, this process cleans the water more effectively than anaerobic digestion and doesn’t produce unwanted byproducts.

Electricity and potable water, in the near future, might become the most expensive commodities in the worlf if we do not do something about them now.

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Suggested read:

Associated Press:  New York's new environmental "hero" -- oyster 

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The sweet water of Manila Bay

Manila Yacht Club - late Sunday afternoon

During the early American colonial period, a fisherman noticed bubbles like a string of pearls on the surface of Manila Bay. His curiosity led him to get a taste of it and much to his surprise, he found it to be sweet. He returned to the spot with a priest in tow who was quick to proclaim it a miracle.

Word soon got out about this sweet water; prompting boatloads of people from the nearby Tondo district to come. Most were indeed awed by the sweet-tasting water on the spot where the bubbles were now forming the shape of a cross. They filled bottles with the sweet miraculous water to take home and share with neighbors. Two days later, a major cholera outbreak hit Tondo.

An American physician, Dr. Victor Heiser, investigated the possible cause of the epidemic which led him to the site of the bubbles on the surface of Manila Bay; discovering soon thereafter the cause and what made the surrounding water taste sweet: a busted sewage pipe.

Manila Bay - late Sunday afternoon

Story source:

The Miracle of the Water and the Cross

an essay by Ambeth Ocampo

Bonifacio's Bolo

Anvil Publishing, Inc.

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The failed Venice of the Orient

Canal de la Reina

Up to the outbreak of the Second World War, according to her short overview of Quiapo's history, Margarita de los Reyes-Cojuangco writes that the inextricably linked esteros of Manila gave the city the claim of being an "Oriental Venice."

And I am one of those who ask, "What happened?"

Supposedly, there is a diverse database from which to draw the answer to my question, according to the essay, The Changes Through Time in Quiapo's Esteros by William E. Reynolds and Evelyn J. Caballero (Quiapo: Heart of Manila, edited by Fernando Nakpil Zialcita). This is comprised of historical documents dating from the Spanish period, magazine articles and professional papers, maps from the Spanish period to the present, interviews with Quiapo residents, and data on the pollution of esteros.  Whew!

Anyway, esteros are the broadened seaward end or extension of a river. They contain a mixture of fresh water from the river and salt water from the sea, and their water levels rise and fall with the tide. Throughout Manila's history, some thirty-five esteros totalling about twenty-one kilometers have been flowing into or have been associated with the Pasig River.

Produce from the farms of the suburbs accessible via the waterways was brought to Divisoria on boats, such as bancas and cascos that plied the esteros, which are now replaced by pedicabs and kuligligs that compete with other motor vehicles on the city's already congested streets.

In Noli Me Tangere, Jose Rizal wrote that the esteros served as bath, sewer, means of transportation, as well as for laundry and fishing -- "and even drinking water, if the Chinese water carrier found it convenient."

Historical records support Rizal's observations. They indicate that, indeed, during the Spanish era, practically all human refuse, garbage, and manufacturing wastes generated in the area found their way into the esteros. Obviously, the Spanish government was already burdened by this problem.

Spanish doctors, on the other hand, correlated many diseases with the amount of garbage and refuse being dumped into the esteros. Reports of epidemic had taken place, especially during the dry season when the water level was very low, exposing the bottom of the esteros. Medical authorities attributed the raging smallpox epidemic in Manila to the miasmas released by the water and mud in the esteros that were in the state of putrefaction.

The Spanish government developed a public sewer system, though limited in scope, that crisscrossed some of the more densely populated areas. However, liquid easily escaped through the loose slabs of stone that made up the drains. Also, a large number of drains from private houses emptied directly into the esteros. These rendered the esteros a serious health hazard.

Many programs were created by the Spanish government to improve the estero system, but insufficient funding prevented the construction of an underground sewer system. Unfortunately, the esteros were the only way to keep the city of Mania clean. After the Philippine Revolution, the American colonial government did what it could to correct this growing problem.

The esteros are a natural component of Manila. Before the area was heavily populated, the tides and seasonal changes refreshed the natural environment. When Manila became a major city, esteros acquired new uses. They became a means of transportation, communication, and regrettably, waste disposal.

Hence the people of Manila killed the city's estero system.

To date, the problem goes unresolved. As a Manila Times editorial had pointed out last September:

What little remains of canals or esteros will soon fade into memory. Eighty percent of esteros in Metro Manila, all bearing historic names, have drowned in human and commercial waste or taken over by squatters or small businesses.

Residents and transients have transformed our rivers, lakes, bays and canals into their personal toilet or kitchen sink. Squatters living on the riverbanks, coastal walls and lakeshores have no qualms throwing personal and family trash into waterways.

Most factories, plants, industrial and commercial establishments treat our rivers and lakes as an extension of their business activity.

The government, for decades, has talked a lot about rescuing the Pasig River and Manila Bay—to name two bodies of waters—and has rehabilitated them in fits and starts, with negligible results.

Nonetheless, despite the great damage we had created to our canal system, I am also one of those who ask, "Can we still fully rehabilitate our esteros and perhaps, make Manila the Oriental Venice as it once was?"

Suggested reads:

Manila Bulletin:  New Life for Manila Estero

Manila Standard: Clearing of squatters that clog Manila's waterways

Philippine Star: Where do we go from here

GMA: 'Adaptive architecture' as a means to cope with flooding

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Praying in solitude

 And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

                                                         Matthew 6:5-6

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Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love.

Where there is injury, pardon.

Where there is doubt, faith.

Where there is despair, hope.

Where there is darkness, light.

Where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,

grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;

to be understood, as to understand;

to be loved, as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive.

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.

Amen.

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Briskwalking

Here's an exercise I enjoy immensely -- briskwalking!  It’s simple and it’s cheap.  You can actually do it anywhere as long as it’s on an even paved pathway devoid of loose rabid dogs along the way.

Furthermore, according to HEALTHbeat, a Harvard Medical School newsletter I subscribe to via email, which I highly recommend, walking improves one’s balance.  

Check out the following tips from their recent newsletter:

Improve your balance by walking

The sense of balance typically worsens with age. It can be further compromised by certain medical conditions and medications; uncorrected vision problems; or a lack of flexibility. Poor balance often leads to falls, which can cause head and other disabling injuries. Hip fractures, in particular, can lead to serious health complications and threaten independence. A combination of activities such as walking, strength training, and specific workouts can improve balance and prevent falls, especially in older adults.

Walking helps build lower-body strength, an important element of good balance. Walking is safe exercise for most people and, in addition to improving balance, counts toward your aerobic activity goals. If health problems make walking especially difficult for you, a physiatrist or physical therapist can suggest other options.

A good walking plan should be designed to safely boost physical activity whether you're sedentary or fairly active. The minutes count, not the miles. 

Here's how to tailor a walking plan to your needs:

If you aren't in the habit of exercising, start at the beginning. If you normally use a cane or walker, be sure to do so. As you feel stronger and more comfortable, gradually add more minutes to your walks.

If you already exercise start with a walking plan that best matches your current routine and build from there. If the plan seems too easy, add time, distance, or hills. Aim for at least 150 minutes of walking per week, but don't hesitate to add more.

For more information on improving balance and preventing falls, along with detailed exercise plans and routines, purchase Better Balance from Harvard Medical School.

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Photo Essay: Weekend workout

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Art, meditation, and reverence

Malacanang Palace Museum

Resting the mind can be accomplished by meditation, and also by artwork, 
which allows the intuition to flow: the conscious mind recedes. 
Meditation and artwork at their best complement each other, 
and true things emerge. 

                                                                                Candace Loheed

Pinto Gallery, Antipolo City

In art museums and galleries, expect to see more slow looking and meditating. 

When I see it I plan to respectfully stay quiet and let it happen: I may try it myself. 

After all, for many of us, art galleries and museums are as close to church as we 

ever get. "With the eclipse of religion in the West," says David Greusel, an 

architect who specializes in the design of places where people come together, 

"the art museum has replaced the cathedral as the building type with the 

greatest architectural, social, and spiritual significance in a community."

                                      John Seed
                                                                             Professor of Art and Art History, 
                                                               Mt. San Jacinto College

Molave Abstract and Tiffany-style desk lamp

The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things,

but their inward significance. 

                                                Aristotle

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Energy Vampires: How to protect yourself

This kind of vampires most definitely exists.  They’re everywhere.  There may be one or two in your family or circle of friends and co-workers.  They zap your energy without you being aware of it until they leave you once again on your own.  You then suddenly feel physically weak, intellectually fatigued, and spiritually drained.

If surrounded by too many of them, better get yourself a country getaway where you can spend the weekend with your loved ones to enjoy some peace and fresh air.  You may also review the following help tips from Personal Excellence:

How To Deal With Energy Vampires

1. Ground Yourself

The first important step when facing energy vampires is to ground yourself. To ground yourself is to center yourself such that you do not get easily affected or swayed by negative energies around you. Otherwise you’ll get easily sucked into his/her vortex. Think of it as standing next to a quick sand. Be rooted in your own energy first before you engage him/her.

To ground yourself, first imagine the essence of your soul amassing in the center of your body. Next, imagine roots growing out from underneath your feet, deep into the ground. The roots are extremely sturdy and strong – they are anchoring you and your essence into the ground, such that nothing can sway them. Think of yourself as a big and strong oak tree that’s firmly rooted in the ground.

2. Shield Yourself

The next step is to shield yourself. This is your second layer of protection, after grounding. A shield is like a bubble around you that separates you and the world; it’s an energy barrier which keeps out any forms of undesirable energy from entering into your space. Like a real shield, your shield is a defense tool which protects you from aggressors or attacks from outside. It keeps your energy within you and prevents it from getting sucked by the energy vampire. Read: How to Make a Energy Shield.

A shield is not permanent. The energy of the shield wears off over time, which lowers its ability to protect you. In the face of negative people trying to leech off your energy, the shield’s defense ability can be quickly depleted. The more negative the person is, the weaker the shield becomes. When it reaches a point where the shield’s energy is fully depleted, it will cease to function. To avoid that from happening, you should constantly check to ensure your shield is present and upkeep it where needed.

3. Hang Out in Groups of 3 or More

It’s tricky to deal with a negative person on a 1-1 basis because all the negativity would be directed at you. On the other hand, if it’s in a group of 3 or more, the attention is divided between you and the other people. This way, you don’t have to bear the full brunt of the person’s pessimism.

I find that when I’m in a group with an energy vampire, I get the chance to observe how the others interact, which gives me added insights about him/her. Other people may also have their own ways of dealing with negativity, so it’s a good chance to learn from them too.

4. Provide a Listening Ear

People are usually negative because of several factors in their life or events that have taken place in the past. Sometimes their venting comes from repressing their grievances. Rather than disregard their viewpoints, provide a listening ear. Sometimes what people need aren’t solutions, but just someone to listen and empathize with them. By letting them air out their thoughts, sometimes it leads to realizations on what they should do.

5. Extend A Helping Hand

Is there anything you can help them with? Sometimes people complain as a way of crying out for help. See if there’s anything you can do to support them. Ask them “Is there anything I can do to help you?”. They may not show it, but deep down they’ll appreciate your generosity.

6. Stick to Light Topics

Some negative people are triggered by certain topics. For example, a friend of mine sinks into a self-victimizing mode whenever we talk about his work. No matter what I say (or don’t say), he’ll keep complaining once we talk about work.

In the ideal world we want to help lift the person out of his/her negativity. But in cases where the negativity is too deeply rooted to address in a one-off conversation, or the person has very staunch opinions on that topic, it might be better to switch to a different topic to lighten the mood. Simple things like new movies, daily occurrences, common friends, make for light conversation. Keep it to things that uplifts the person.

7. Reduce Contact

If none of the above works, the next step will be to reduce contact. Limit your contact as much as you can. If it’s a teammate you work with, then limit the communication to just work-related issues.

8. Cut Them Away From Your Life

I’d like to share a quote from John Assaraf with you:

“I just do not hang around anybody that I don’t want to be with. Period. For me, that’s been a blessing, and I can stay positive. I hang around people who are happy, who are growing, who want to learn, who don’t mind saying sorry or thank you… and [are] having a fun time.”

When all else fails, the last solution is to cut them away from your life. 

While this may seem drastic, bear in mind that energy vampires hold you down from reaching greater heights since they keep feeding off your energy. Ultimately, you are the average of the 5 people you are with. In spending your time around energy vampires, you’ll soon become negative too, which I’m sure isn’t what you want.

Now that you have learned how to deal with negative people via the tips above, think about the people you face daily. Are there any energy vampires? Who are they? What can you do to better deal with them in the future?

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Suggested read:

Oprah.com: Protect yourself agains tenergy vampires

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