So here I am.
47 years old.
That’s… wow.
I won’t lie, when I was young I didn’t really think much about what turning 47 would feel like. I thought I’d have more figured out by now. I mean, I have some things figured out. But not everything.
Birthdays, right?
I guess birthdays do matter.
They are a moment to stop and reflect.
To think about what you want, what you need, and sometimes… what you wish for.
So, allow me to share my 47th birthday wishlist. Some of these are practical, some are aspirational, and at least one of them is basically what dreams are made of.
At 47. You stop wanting things that just look good.
You start wanting things that actually work, that solve real problems in your life, that make you better at something you care about, or that move you closer to where you want to be.
When I was in my 20s, I just wanted guitars and stuff that impressed people.
Now I want stuff that impresses me. Practical things. Things with purpose. Things that earn their spot in my life because they actually do something useful.
And yes… guitars are still included in the list… but that’s for my MusikaWabad site.
That’s what this list is.
A wishlist, yes.
But a practical one.
Mostly.
Ok fine.
Some of it is still a bit of a dream.
But hey, it’s my birthday. I’m allowed.
1. A Prefab Home on the Beach Lot or the Farm
One of the earliest things I wrote about on this website were prefab homes. As a long time fan of tiny houses, a prefab home is kind of the ultimate tiny house for someone like me.
I’ve read and written about tiny houses, container houses, and other small or modular houses way back when I was starting out as a professional copywriter and I guess that left a mark on my mind.
But back then it was still unreachable.
It’s still unreachable now but hey… this is a birthday wish and it’s eventually coming true right? All I really have to do is focus and put in the work needed to buy a prefab house from Prefab Davao.
Soon, soon.
So what is a prefab home exactly?
A prefabricated home is built in a factory and then assembled on site.
Unlike traditional construction which can take months and cause all manner of disruption to your neighbors and your wallet, prefab homes can be assembled in just a few hours.
That means less noise, less dust, and significantly less labor cost racking up every day.
Why a Prefab Home Makes Sense for Me
I have two sites in mind. One is on a beach property near Lanang and the other is on the farm.
Both are owned by my wife. (I married up. I’ll admit that.)
For the beach property, the plan is to stack two units on top of each other because of limited space. For the farm, we can spread things out as much as we want.
And yeah, there’s another reason this is on my list.
After our home in Manila was burned, I began seeing things differently.
All I really needed was a room to rest and store important stuff in. I didn’t need extra rooms for extra stuff. Of course, that thinking won’t fly when you have a wife and child. But the principle still stands.
Here’s what prefab homes offer that traditional construction just can’t match…
- Prices can start as low as Php 135,000.00 (subject to change depending on provider)
- Can be assembled in just a few hours
- Comes with basics like lighting and electrical outlets
- Fire-resistant construction
- Can be relocated from one site to another without breaking it down
- Lower maintenance costs over time
- Eco-friendly, with minimal material waste during construction
- Customizable designs available from providers like Prefab Davao
- Designed to withstand Philippine weather conditions including heavy rain and strong winds
Prefab Home Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable entry price starting at Php 135,000 | Not yet classified as housing loan collateral by most banks |
| Quick assembly (hours, not months) | Resale value is still uncertain |
| Eco-friendly and sustainable | Site preparation (foundation, septic tank) needed beforehand |
| Relocatable if your plans change | Limited to personal loan financing for most buyers |
| Modern, customizable designs available | May not suit large families without buying multiple units |
I would recommend:
Checking out Prefab Davao for designs and pricing. They have so many options its sometimes hard to choose. Which is a good problem… if you come to think of it…
- https://biyernes.com/the-recent-quakes-just-made-buying-a-prefab-home-more-sensible/
- https://biyernes.com/prefab-homes-practical-solutions/
- https://biyernes.com/prefab-home/
2. BYD Shark 6 DMO (in Deep Sea Blue, for My Wife)
This wish is more for my wife than for me, honestly. But I’d be lying if I said I wouldn’t want to drive it too. We need to get one and my wife says Deep Sea Blue is more elegant than my choice which is Aurora White.
Either way, we need one of these.
I first saw the BYD Shark at SM Lanang and all I could think was: Pu+$@ @nG G@nd@ pare! hehehe.
The proportions, the stance, the lights.
It looked like a toy vehicle I always wanted as a kid, but grown-up-sized and fully functional.
What makes the BYD Shark different from every other pickup truck in Davao? A lot of things, actually.
What’s Under the Hood
The BYD Shark 6 DMO isn’t a pure electric vehicle. It’s a plug-in hybrid that runs on a 1.5L turbocharged gasoline engine plus dual electric motors.
It defaults to EV mode when there’s still charge in the battery.
When that runs out, the engine kicks in smoothly to generate more power.
No clutch.
No rev hang.
No diesel clatter.
You might even double check if the thing turned on because it starts up that quietly.
And then there’s the V2L feature, which stands for Vehicle-to-Load. You can literally plug your aircooler, rice cooker, or even your Starlink Wi-Fi kit into the cargo bed. Imagine camping off-grid with full appliances.
Or surviving a brownout in Davao without sweating it out.
BYD Shark 6 DMO Key Specs
| Specification | Details |
| Engine Type | 1.5L Turbocharged Gasoline + Dual Electric Motors |
| Battery Capacity | 29.6 kWh BYD Blade Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery |
| Total Power Output | 435 hp |
| Torque | 650 Nm |
| Drivetrain | Electric All-Wheel Drive (e-AWD) |
| Range (Combined) | 800 km |
| EV Mode Range | Approx. 100 km (full charge) |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h | 5.7 seconds |
| Towing Capacity | 2,500 kg |
| Payload | 835 kg |
| Ground Clearance | 230 mm (unladen) |
| Price (Philippines) | Php 2.3 Million (fully equipped) |
| ANCAP Safety Rating | 5 stars |
BYD Shark 6 DMO Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| 800 km combined range means fewer fuel stops | Php 2.3M price tag is a significant investment |
| EV mode makes city driving quieter and cheaper | Parts and service centers still limited in Davao |
| V2L lets you power appliances from the cargo bed | Diesel fans may take time trusting a hybrid truck |
| 5-star ANCAP safety rating | No manual transfer case for hardcore off-roaders |
| Cabin feels like a luxury SUV, not a pickup | Requires charging infrastructure for full EV benefits |
I would recommend:
Thinking of getting one? Bring your wife when you visit the dealership. Let her pick the color. Trust me on this one.
3. NWOW ERV2
I still want to get one of these things. I’ve been thinking about it since I visited the NWOW store earlier this year and… yeah. It got me.
And not in the way I expected.
See, I originally went to check out the basic ERV. That was supposed to be my target. But then I saw the ERV2 and everything changed. It was just so cute. Yes, I said cute. I’m 47 years old and I called an electric tricycle cute.
And I stand by it.
The NWOW ERV2 is designed for daily commuting in urban areas like Davao City. Compact, eco-friendly, practical, and easy to park.
Given how gas prices have been going lately, and given that I’ve been thinking more and more about going green… this little trike makes a lot of sense.
NWOW ERV2 Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Dimensions | 1655 mm (L) x 605 mm (W) x 1720 mm (H) |
| Battery | Lead-Acid Battery, 48V/20Ah |
| Motor Power | 350W Differential Motor |
| Maximum Speed | 24-30 km/h |
| Range per Charge | 60-70 km |
| Charging Time | 6-8 hours |
| Load Capacity | 200 kg |
| Total Unit Weight | 132 kg |
| Available Colors | White, Light Blue, Maroon, Pink |
| Cash Price | Php 44,800.00 |
| Installment | Php 10,000 DP; 6, 12, or 18 months |
The nearest NWOW dealership to me is at Door 4 and 5 KLAM Bldg., R. Castillo St., Agdao, Davao City. Convenient enough for servicing when needed.
The range of 60-70 km per charge is more than enough for most daily errands around Davao. And at Php 44,800 cash (or Php 10,000 downpayment for installment), it’s honestly one of the most affordable EVs on the market right now.
If you’re asking which color I’d pick… the pink one. Just embrace the cuteness and go for the pink one.
NWOW ERV2 Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Zero emissions, good for the environment | Maximum speed of 24-30 km/h (not for highway use) |
| Very affordable at Php 44,800 cash | Lead-acid battery requires longer charge time (6-8 hrs) |
| 60-70 km range is enough for daily Davao errands | 200 kg load capacity may limit heavy cargo use |
| Easy to park and maneuver in city traffic | Still relatively new brand for some buyers |
| Local dealership in Davao for easy service | Not suited for long-distance travel outside the city |
I would recommend:
Visiting the NWOW dealership in Agdao and requesting a test drive. I did, and the little machine is actually zippy enough. Great for the daily Davao grind.
4. Honor Pad 10 Tablet
Because the Davao Bloggers Society is an Honor partner, I definitely had to go check the brand out. And honestly? I was not disappointed. Not even close.
The Honor Pad 10 is a 12.1-inch tablet with a display that they call the HONOR Eye Comfort Display… and eye comfort is something I genuinely need to think about these days.
I spend a lot of time staring at screens for work.
So having a display that’s actually designed with eye health in mind is not a luxury, it’s kind of a necessity at 47.
The display runs at 2.5K resolution with a 120Hz refresh rate, over a billion colors, and DCI-P3 cinema-level color gamut. All of that in a tablet that weighs just 525 grams and is only 6.29mm thick. It’s incredibly light for what it offers.
Honor Pad 10 Key Features
- 12.1-inch 2.5K HONOR Eye Comfort Display, 120Hz refresh rate
- 88% screen-to-body ratio with over 1.07 billion colors
- Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset (20% improved CPU, 100% improved GPU vs Honor Pad 9)
- 10,100mAh battery with 35W SuperCharge
- Six speakers with HONOR Spatial Audio
- MagicOS 9.0 with built-in AI tools for notes, writing, and productivity
- AI Voice-note Sync for simultaneous recording and note-taking
- Crescent Structure design: ultra-light, ultra-strong corundum aluminum
- Available in Gray color variant with precision-engraved starlight ring detail
The AI features alone make this compelling for a blogger and content creator like me. The AI Voice-note Sync can convert recordings to text instantly, and the AI Notes Assistant creates summaries of meetings or discussions with one tap.
Imagine taking this to an event and having your notes automatically generated while you focus on the actual conversation.
That… would be life-changing. Honestly.
Honor Pad 10 Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| 2.5K display with eye comfort features is excellent for long sessions | Stylus sold separately (not included in the box) |
| Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 is a capable chipset for productivity and content | MagicOS may take some getting used to for Android users |
| 10,100mAh battery handles a full day easily | 6 speakers and AI features may be overkill for light users |
| AI tools genuinely useful for bloggers and content creators | Higher price point vs other tablets in the same size range |
| At 525g it’s light enough to hold for extended reading | No cellular variant for use without Wi-Fi |
I would recommend:
Checking out the Honor Pad 10 at honor.com/ph or at your nearest Honor store. If you’re a content creator, blogger, student, or basically anyone who spends a lot of time reading or taking notes, this tablet is built for you.
5. Kymco Dollar 150 Scooter
The moment I saw this scooter, the first thing that popped into my head was: it looks like the Yamaha Zuma. And then I thought: it also looks like the Honda Zoomer. And then… honestly it looks like the Zuma and the Zoomer did the deed and had an offspring.
A very stylish offspring.
The Kymco Dollar 150 is a 150cc scooter that has no business looking this cool. It’s got dual LED headlights, a digital instrument panel, full LED lighting, a USB charging port, and generous under-seat storage.
And it’s priced at Php 127,800.
If I get this, I’d use it mainly to transport myself from point A to point B around Davao. And probably to carry my amp and other musical gear around.
The wide footboard (which reminds me of the TVS XL’s gulay board) makes it practical for that kind of daily use.
And the fuel efficiency? 45 kilometers to the liter with an 8 liter tank. That’s… yeah. That’s very practical for Davao roads.
Kymco Dollar 150 Tech Specs
| Specification | Details |
| Engine | 150.1 cc, SOHC, 4-stroke, single-cylinder |
| Fuel System | Fuel Injection (FI) |
| Transmission | CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) |
| Starting System | Electric Start |
| Brakes Front/Rear | Disc (front) / Drum (rear) |
| Suspension Front | Telescopic Fork |
| Suspension Rear | Twin Shock, double swing-arm |
| Lighting | Full LED including dual LED headlights |
| Dashboard | Digital Instrument Panel |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 8 liters |
| Estimated Fuel Economy | 45 km/L |
| Top Speed (Estimated) | Around 100 km/h (based on user reviews) |
| Dry Weight | Around 126 kg |
| Price | Php 127,800.00 |
| Color Variants | Stucco Lake Green, Pearly White, Flat Black |
My personal choice would be the Flat Black. It hides scratches well (important for someone like me who isn’t exactly meticulous about keeping his ride clean), and it looks classy with its bronze and gold highlights.
Kymco Dollar 150 Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| 150cc FI engine is capable for city and rural Davao roads | At 126 kg it’s heavier than smaller scooters |
| Fuel injection gives better efficiency (approx. 45 km/L) | Not as compact as smaller urban scooters |
| CVT transmission is easy for all rider levels | Quirky design may not appeal to everyone |
| Full LED lighting and digital dash feel premium | Parts availability in Davao may vary |
| USB charging port and under-seat storage are practical wins | Rear drum brake less powerful than full disc setup |
I would recommend:
Visiting your nearest Kymco dealership for a test ride. If you’re into retro scooter aesthetics with modern specs and you need something practical enough for daily Davao use, this one’s worth the look.
6. A New Phone: The Tecno Spark Slim
Last but not the least, a cellphone replacement. It doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, I think I’ve already found the one I like in the Tecno Spark Slim.
I fell in love with it, honestly. My son Lyle and I were at the Tecno store choosing a phone for his mom last December. We ended up getting the Spark Go 2 for her. But while we were there, I saw the Spark Slim and… I just kept going back to look at it.
At 5.9mm thick and 156 grams, this thing looks like it escaped from a concept render and accidentally got made into a real phone. It’s that slim. For comparison, the iPhone 16 Pro is 8.25mm thick. The Samsung Galaxy S24 is 7.6mm. The Tecno Spark Slim is thinner than both of those… and costs a fraction of the price.
At approximately Php 9,999 to Php 12,400, it’s priced perfectly for people like me who are on a tight budget but still want something that looks good and works well. Primarily, I need a phone to take calls, receive texts, use for Facebook Messenger, and do some Instagram things. The Spark Slim can do all of that and a whole lot more.
Tecno Spark Slim Key Specs
| Category | Specification |
| Display | 6.78-inch AMOLED, 144Hz, 1224x2720px (440 ppi) |
| Brightness | 1600 nits (HBM), 4500 nits (peak) |
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 7i |
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 75.9 x 5.9 mm |
| Weight | 156g |
| Build | Glass front, fiber-reinforced plastic back |
| Durability | IP64, MIL-STD-810H compliant |
| Chipset | MediaTek Helio G200 (6nm) |
| RAM / Storage | 8GB RAM / 256GB (no card slot) |
| Main Camera | 50MP with PDAF, dual-LED flash |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP |
| Speakers | Dual speakers with Dolby Atmos |
| Battery | 5160mAh |
| Charging | 45W wired (full charge in 57 min), 10W reverse |
| Extras | NFC, Infrared port, FM radio, in-display fingerprint |
| OS | Android 15, HIOS 15 |
| Colors | Slim White, Cool Black |
| Price | Approx. Php 9,999 to Php 12,400 |
The 5160mAh battery is actually bigger than my Samsung A73 5G’s 5000mAh battery. And the 45W fast charging means you can go from zero to full in under an hour. For a blogger who’s always out somewhere in Davao covering events or doing errands, battery life and fast charging aren’t luxuries. They’re necessities.
And because it’s only 156 grams and 5.9mm thin, it won’t weigh your pockets down. It won’t strain your wrist during photo shoots. It’s just… easy to carry and easy to use.
Tecno Spark Slim Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Incredibly thin (5.9mm) and light (156g) | No microSD card slot for storage expansion |
| 6.78-inch AMOLED with 144Hz is flagship-tier display at budget price | No 3.5mm headphone jack |
| 8GB RAM ensures smooth multitasking | LTE only, no 5G support |
| 5160mAh battery with 45W fast charging | Single rear camera (no ultra-wide or telephoto) |
| Looks far more premium than its Php 9,999 price suggests | No wireless charging support |
| NFC, FM radio, Infrared port all included | HIOS may include some bloatware |
I would recommend:
Keeping an eye on the Tecno Spark Slim if you’re in the market for a new phone. At Php 9,999, it is punching way above its weight class. Check out the Tecno store in your nearest mall in Davao and see it in person. You’ll understand why I keep thinking about it.
So there you have it. Six things I wish to have on my 47th birthday.
A prefab home.
A BYD Shark (ok fine, mostly for my wife).
An NWOW ERV2.
An Honor Pad 10.
A Kymco Dollar 150.
And a Tecno Spark Slim.
Some of these are big dreams. Some are small. All of them are practical in their own way. Because that’s what 47 feels like. You don’t want things just for the sake of having things anymore.
You want things that work.
Things that solve problems.
Things that make your life in Davao easier, or greener, or just… better.
Every single item on this list has a purpose. Every one of them would make my life more functional and more enjoyable. And isn’t that really what the best birthday gifts are supposed to do?
If you’re reading this and you’re wondering what to get someone who’s turning a similar age, forget the fancy wrapping and the surprise factor.
Get them something useful.
Get them something they actually need.
Get them something that says: I paid attention to your life and I got you something that fits into it.
That’s the real gift at 47.
Thank you for reading.
And if any of you want to chip in for the prefab home fund… I accept GCash.
Ha!
Note: Some links in this article are affiliate links. It won’t cost you extra to buy through them and I get a nice little commission which helps me keep this website going. Thank you!
