Meet Nathan Maquiling, or as we fondly call him, "Maki" – our amazing paraplanner at Vista Financial Group. Nathan loves making financial stuff easier using his tech skills, especially with a tool called Xplan. But what's even cooler about him? He's a foodie! Nathan enjoys trying new recipes and cooking delicious meals for his partner and adorable one-year-old son.

What is your day-to-day role at Vista Financial Group?

As a paraplanner, my primary focus is crafting advice documents for Jason, including Record of Advice (ROAs) and Statement of Advice (SOAs). Each day brings a variety of tasks as every client has a unique situation, making my role dynamic and continuously educational. Beyond document creation, being a paraplanner demands attention to detail, a deep understanding of the advice, and analytical thinking, ensuring I'm always engaged and challenged.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

What I love most about my job is the diversity that each client brings. The constant learning curve keeps me engaged, and the analytical nature of the work ensures I'm never bored. Understanding unique financial situations and tailoring advice documents accordingly adds an exciting dimension to my day-to-day tasks.

Share a quirky or unique habit you have that helps you stay productive at work.

To stay productive, I have a desire for podcasts, particularly those that narrate Reddit posts. When not tuned in, I enjoy the rhythmic vibes of the music, lately leaning towards the Wonka soundtrack. This quirky mix keeps my mind active and creative during work hours.

When and where was your best vacation?

One of my best vacation memories was a trip to Manila with my partner, even though Justin Bieber's concert got cancelled. Despite the setback, we explored the city, indulged in food adventures, and made the most of our time. I look forward to more family vacations in the future, hoping to share these experiences with my son.

What do you do in your spare time?

During my leisure time, I'm an avid gamer and movie enthusiast, with a soft spot for Fantasy/Adventure and Rom-Com genres. Quality family time involves mall visits and exploring places with good food options, creating cherished moments with my partner and son.

If you were a character in a TV show or movie, who would you be, and why?

If I were a character, Monica Geller from FRIENDS resonates with me. Much like her, I enjoy cooking, maintaining meticulousness, and prefer a well-organized environment—though not to the extremes of being a germaphobe or a neat freak.

What is the weirdest thing you have eaten?

One of the most unique and peculiar food experiences was trying Kangaroo Jerky, shared by Emma's husband upon his return from Australia. It was undoubtedly weird but surprisingly intriguing, showcasing the diverse and unexpected culinary adventures life can offer.

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