No matter how to age your kids will be, nothing beats the feeling of a Power Parent when they witness their baby in their most active state. I remember my own Edmund when I saw his first likot, kembot, and galaw. It gives me a sense of rush, happiness most especially during those times when everything around me seems out of control.

When active play and learning are encouraged, it stimulates the baby for their next level of development. Babies also have a natural way of expressing their needs. Emotions and thoughts are voiced through movement. Similarly, babies are also always curious. When they see adults dance and sing to music, their natural reaction is to move to the beat. Dancing promotes body coordination, motor skills, and strength. It stimulates almost every area of a baby’s brain, encouraging cognitive development growth.

An active baby is a happy, and comfortable baby. When the baby isn’t as active, it might be caused by uncomfortable triggers like rashes. That’s why Power Parents choose the NEW Pampers Pants with Rash Shield! The NEW Pampers Rash Shield protection is now powered by Lotion with ALOE! This helps babies have good skin and overall health, so they can be active and comfortable to kembot, any time of the day.

Only Pampers Pants can keep babies all-around protected from rashes because of the elevated skin health proposition, Rash Shield with ALOE ingredient, improved leak, skin protection cues, and wider diaper perception, and new fresh aloe scent. Now, the baby can dance freely and explore with Pampers’ improved protection from rashes and leaks.

Kembot The Rashes Away with the Kembot Nation!

Babies can’t help but to kembot to Pampers newest Kembot Nation jingle. Here’s a look at some of the exciting moves of the Kembot Nation and why you and your baby should join in the fun too.

Look at Mithi’s kembot moves! “Mithi can easily do the #PampersKembotNation challenge without that itchy feeling dahil sa bagong #PampersRashShield with Lotion with Aloe that's good for her skin.” Power Parent Carlo Aquino shared on Instagram.

Even Power Parent Trina Candaza approves of the kembot effect the new Pampers Pants with Rash Shield with Aloe has. “Talagang napapa Kembot ang Mithi namin tuwing naririnig ang mga paborito niyang kanta habang suot ang Pampers Rash Shield with Lotion with Aloe!”

Being a dancer really runs in the blood according to Power Parent Dianne Medina, “Just like his Daddy @rodjuncruz, mahilig talagang sumayaw si Baby Joaquin! Go anak! He can do this because of his strong #PampersRashShield!”

Hopeful Power Parent Dani Baretto-Panlillio looks forward to the many dance moves that her baby Mill will show. “At least we have a potential dancer in the family! Hehe. Love dancing and just being silly with you, Mill. She can do this because of her strong #PampersRashShield!”

Nothing is stopping these babies with their kembot moves with the added improved leak & skin protection cues of Pampers. Now, Power Parents like you can also join the Kembot Nation and maki-kembot!

Kembot your way to Lazada and Shopee now and try the NEW Pampers Pants with Rash Shield and Lotion with Aloe!

 Hello mommies! We are finally in Kindergarten.

I thought that having a 5-year-old in Kindergarten is easy-peasy because I can see so many blogger moms who seem like got it all together. Unfortunately, not all moms are on the same pace when it comes to teaching their kids.

So here's my story.

Edmund is already 5 and we're left with no choice but to enroll him in Kindergarten. We opted not to enroll him last year due to the pandemic.

Initially, we enrolled him in a private school nearby. I was very firm about enrolling him there because of several factors:

Location

I wanted to enroll Edmund in a school that is easily accessible. I am thinking that if face-to-face happened anytime soon, it'll be easier for us to go back and forth to the school.

Support

As a first-time mom, I wanted to grow in a community that provides endless support to the parents and the kids. But let's be real, it's hard to be the teacher and mother at the same time. So we need constant support not only from our hubbies but most importantly to the school administration where we will be enrolling our kids.

Price

I never thought paying for one's tuition fee would cost me much. If you will enroll your kids in kindergarten you do have various options. With our family, we opted to enroll Edmund in our Private School.

At the moment, the range of private school tuition fees is about 40 to 45K in private schools. Some of my mommy friends who opted to let their kids enroll in homeschool providers, I believe their tuition fee ranges from 18 to 20k (books are not yet provided)

Now that we surpassed the first month in Kindergarten, I couldn't think of a better takeaway but all career-driven moms like me who are still hands-on with their toddlers.

It's really a hard responsibility yet really worth it.

Our kids need 100% attention more than ever. It's really different now because, in the past, teachers spend more time with our kids and give utmost support but now, we are spending so much more than the teachers.

It's also nice to invest in beneficial gadgets that can make your life even more convenient. I found out that Edmund is a very visual person so I invested in a printer to print out all his modules and other worksheets and activity that we could work with.

Here's the thing mommies, we tend to be intimidated by moms who we think we got it all together. They have a complete gadget to support their family's needs but know that we shouldn't be intimidated by them. We can start by saving enough money to buy the money that we really need until we complete all our dream gadgets for our kids- we'll get there.

Routine is EVERYTHING. Routine for us is very necessary to be more familiar with what should be done in a day.

In our household, we normally wake up at 7 AM and then prepare for school that will be finishing at 12 PM. In the middle of the day, we take short naps, before we study in the late afternoon and then I start working at around 2 PM in the afternoon.

How about you mommies, what is your biggest takeaway in the first months of August? Let me know and let's stay connected.

Spa and wellness treatments might not be a part of your necessities at the moment, but we could all use a relaxing escape from the stress of pandemic. Now, more than ever, it is essential for us to indulge in pampering ourselves on a regular basis. Not only it is pleasurable, but it is also extremely beneficial to your well-being especially now that we spend most of our time indoors. 

It may be an impression that spa is a type of luxury and that it may be expensive to squeeze in your weekly budget, but trust us, you don’t need to splash out a large amount of cash to treat yourself into a fancy self-care time—and you can totally DIY within the comforts of your own home! 

As a skincare brand that makes every user experience the power of healthy and flawless skin, Speaks G is the perfect partner to recreate an at-home spa day session you long deserve to have. 

Here’s how you can have a simple, stress-relieving spa day at home with Speaks G:

Jump in the shower and give yourself a good rejuvenating scrub 

Dead cells can sometimes accumulate on the surface of your skin and lead to dull and dry skin. That’s why regular exfoliation is important to nourish the skin. Speaks G’s Whipp Relief Soap helps in eliminating dead cells and deeply cleanses the skin. You will feel instantly refreshed and lighter after scrubbing away those skin impurities.

Remove breakouts with a face peel 

Acnes can be caused by many factors including stress, lifestyle, the food you eat and having dry skin. Treat breakouts with facial peels that slough off the top layers of your skin, leaving the surface smooth and clear. Speaks G’s Ultra Peel Soap revives your skin’s elasticity and can take off dark spots, whiteheads, blackheads, and other facial blemishes. Face peels will surely tighten your pores while keeping them soft and supple.

Let your nails breathe with moisturizing gel 

Manicure is not the only spa treatment you can have for your nails, give them extra TLC by keeping your cuticles healthy and hydrated for good nail growth. Speaks G’s Aloe Vera Gel is a versatile product that can be used not only on your hair, face, and body; it also has moisturizing and nourishing properties to strengthen your nails, prevent brittleness, and helps in the regeneration of damaged nails. Just apply a proper amount of gel to your hands, gently massaging your fingers and nails until the gel is completely absorbed.

Level up your skincare routine with a gentle cream 

Keep dry skin and acne growth at bay by applying lotion or cream right after your shower routine. Speaks G’s Opulent Tawas Cream is an all-in-one cream that whitens dark spots, eliminates body odor, and minimizes pores—great with quick body massage and an easy way to add gentle care to your skin. Aside from its beneficial nutrients, it is also an antioxidant that protects your skin and calms skin inflammations. Creams can condition your skin and will surely give you a moist and bouncy look.

Try new beauty products and find the best one for your skin. 

There are so many products available in the market and often times we lean on products that are popular or those that you already tried. But as the world around us keeps on changing, so our skincare should, too. Speaks G’s newly launched product, the Sunflower Beauty Oil, can be considered as a beauty breakthrough and a holy grail for skincare that you deserve to try. This beauty oil can intensely moisturize your skin and address every skin problem with a single drop. With a gentle application of Speaks G Sunflower Beauty Oil, it can soften and soothe dry and irritated skin. Include it in your routine and experience youthful and glowing skin!

And there you have it, an easy spa day at home tips we hope you’d try! Give yourself some ‘me’ time to be refreshed, recharged, and revitalized. To order Speaks G products, send them a message through their Facebook page www.facebook.com/speaksg.main or you may reach them at 0917 118 5363. 

About Speaks G 

Speaks G Skin Essential Products Enterprise was established in 2013, a skincare company that aims to provide excellent and affordable products by using top-of-the-line materials and innovation that will change the customers’ perspective in beauty and wellness. Speaks G is a brand of all skin types, bringing products that renew, restore, and heal—keeping the skin young and healthy. 

For more information, please follow Speaks G on their social media accounts: www.facebook.com/speaksg.main on Facebook, www.instagram.com/speaksg.main on Instagram, and official website at www.speaksg.ph.

 If you have been my reader for quite some time, you would definitely know my downfalls, my darkest time, and how I recovered from it. 

You know what, I'm so lucky to experience all of those because now, I'm enjoying the fruits of all my tears, stress, anxiety, and troubles. I'M GETTING MARRIED! 

You know what I needed more than ever during my busy day? Coffee. 

I'm sure all freelancers and moms will agree with me! We all need coffee to boost our energy and for me, it maintains my sanity. 

I consume at least 2 to 3 big mugs of coffee and because of this, I develop gastroenteritis. My doctor requires me a complete STOP to caffeine but since I need a daily dose of my coffee. I already found my perfect partner- Glorious Blend. 

For decades, coffee had received a bad reputation. Besides allegedly triggering high blood pressure, insomnia, and hyperacidity, the Filipino habit of adding lots of sugar and cream to one’s cup has been said to aggravate diabetes.

While there’s no denying the Pinoy coffee fan his morning cup, there is concern over the amount of sugar present in commercial 3-in-1 coffee mixes. The leading brand has 14.6 grams of sugar in one 20-gram sachet alone. Imagine how much sugar you’re taking in if you drink an average of three cups of coffee a day.

What About Sugar-Free Coffee?

For health-conscious individuals, especially diabetics, turning to sugar-free coffee mixes seems to be the only option. This meant enduring tasteless cups of coffee just to satisfy their caffeine fix —until Stevia came along.

Stevia is a low-calorie, zero-sugar sweetener that tastes so much better than artificial sweeteners. 

Stevia is an herb with a sweet-tasting extract that comes from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. It has been enjoyed since pre-Columbian South America where indigenous people used the herb to sweeten their tea and other drinks. 

The plant's taste stems from steviol glycosides, molecules that are 250–300 times sweeter than regular sugar.  

It became popular among health-conscious individuals because stevia has a very low caloric content. This makes it perfect for dieters and people who are trying to lose weight. 

Moreover, Stevia makes coffee and tea taste so much better without adding any calories. 

Aside from beverages, Stevia is also used as an alternative sweetener when cooking or baking.

The Health Advantages of Stevia

Stevia is a safe, healthy sugar substitute that can sweeten up food without the negative health effects of refined sugar. It’s also associated with several impressive benefits such as reduced calorie intake, managed blood sugar levels, and minimized risk of cavities.

Additionally, while other sugar substitutes like Aspartame have been linked with cancer, there's no evidence linking stevia to cancer since it is a natural ingredient.

This means you can add stevia to dishes and drinks without fear that you’re taking too much sugar, or that you’ll get sick a few years down the road.

For coffee lovers, it’s also good to note that locally-made Glorious Blend coffees and instant beverages have Stevia as its natural sweetener. The blend of natural and healthful ingredients makes the drink not only refreshing and safe but also good for one’s overall health.

The Glorious Blend boasts a full line of healthy drinks, including a 7-in-1 healthy coffee mix. This special blend is made with proven medicinal ingredients like Malunggay, Mangosteen, Calcium, Gotu Kola, and sweetened with Sweet & Fit Stevia. What’s even better is that the Glorious Blend 7in1 Coffee is non-acidic and promotes regular bowel movement. 

The Glorious line-up also includes the 3-in-1 coffee mix with Stevia; 7-in-1 choco mix; 4-in-1 coffee with Malunggay; 5-in-1 coffee mix with Brown Rice; and the MaxiTrim coffee. 

All Glorious Blend beverages use Stevia which has no calories, no carbohydrates, and zero glycemic indexes. All of their instant drinks will keep you alert and energized throughout the day. 

Also, Glorious Blend products are locally sourced and manufactured. Their company supports local farmers, stevia growers, and other agricultural communities.

So if you’ve been cutting back on drinking coffee because of health problems like diabetes or hyperacidity, Glorious Blend coffee mixes are here to help. You can enjoy all the aroma and flavor of freshly made coffee all day —without the guilt!

Now, you can drink coffee for better health! Glorious, isn’t it?

For more information about Glorious Blend coffee mixes, check out https://www.facebook.com/gloriousblend.

 Hi, loves! 

Let me be honest with you- I DO NOT HAVE THE LUXURY OF TIME! I hate it because I want to accomplish more every single day- call me a goal digger. 

As you all know, I'm a parent, entrepreneur, social media manager, and virtual assistant. I honestly feel that I have so much going on my plate that sometimes makes me feel exhausted and overwhelmed. I know this is normal, but I can't give up. I know how time is significant in my industry and how much I value every penny that comes into my bank. 

So I made these simple steps for people who are just like me- aiming to do many things in a day and maximize their time. 

1. Start early 

Okay, I have to be honest, I wake up very late, but because I sleep early (does that make any sense?) to give you a context. Here's my sample day-to-day schedule:

10 AM: Wake up
10:30 AM: Work (doing morning VA tasks)
1:00 PM: Lunch
1:30 PM: Social Media Management tasks
2:30 PM: Take a bath
2:45 PM: Back to work
5:00 PM: Rest (while I do entrepreneurial tasks)
6:30 PM: Go back to work
7:30 PM: Dinner
rest of the night until 2 AM: Work

But if I can wake up earlier, I can finish and sleep early, right? The same goes for you, my dear friend. If you wake up earlier, you can accomplish more tasks ahead of time. Plus, you can also insert some leisure tasks in between. I for myself, if I feel exhausted from work, I take an hour, maybe two, to watch Netflix and ease my mind from my work. 

2. Stick with your routine

The key to maximizing your time is to have a proper routine; you should know when to start working, when to rest, and when to call it a day. Don't you feel irritated when you're not doing things on your own schedule? 

The same goes for me; I really hate it when I haven't bathed at around 3 PM; I feel tired, exhausted, and sticky, so I make sure to really stick with my time. I pause everything and go to bathe at exactly 2 PM because if not, everything will fail. 

Here's an exercise:

Start with a work routine and then slowly transition with your body clock; thus, your body and brain won't feel too overwhelmed with your changes. Slowly but surely, they say, but this definitely works. 

3. Hierarchy of tasks

I don't know for some, but I stick with the easiest tasks because they are the easiest to accomplish. Plus, a little check on your to-do list is such a great encouragement that you are doing something productive. 

Learning how to prioritize your tasks plays an essential role in your daily life. Whether you like it or not, it will become an excellent habit to adopt. 

If you want to finish harder jobs first to accomplish things faster, then do it- whatever works for you is definitely the best. 

4. Find your peak hours

They say our mind works better at a specific time; I call it "Peak Hours" that's when our minds are really pumped up to solve critical challenges such as decision making, conceptualizing, etc. 

My peak hours are always in the evening after 6 pm, so I do most of my conceptualizing and analysis because my mind works faster during this time. I also would love to work do my meetings in the evening because I feel more relaxed when the weather is cooled down, and my mind is already at ease. 

However, this doesn't work for everyone. Just like what I have said, find your peak hours. 

5. Invest in multitasking

Okay, I know this may sound a little daunting but believe me, it's always worth it! In the past, I'm working with my 4-year-old laptop, but as the years went by, I realized that my laptop is already tired and sooo worn out. The performance is prolonged, and even though I can accomplish tasks, I know I can do more if I invest in a new gadget. 

Now, I own two laptops, and it has been a lifesaver. 

One laptop is basically used for heavy duties like in-depth photo editing and video editing. The other one is for some administrative tasks like email marketing, scheduling social media posts for clients, and this- blogging. 

But mind you, if you can't afford to purchase one yet, don't worry, you'll eventually save up and buy a new investment real soon. 

We all know how crucial our situation is because we are in the middle of pandemics; I can say we cannot afford any emergency situation, whether it's related to household or finances. We should be proactive in securing our assets, for instance, having them insured because we never know when unforeseen circumstances will happen. 

Cebuana Lhuillier has been a partner for my family's remittances all over the Philippines. Their branch near my area is very accessible; I also visit them for my Lazada orders, but little did I know that apart from remittances, pawning, and other assistance related to monetary, Cebuana also offers amazing insurance Filipinos will benefit from. 

Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance arm strengthens Fire Prevention call, mounts webinar with BFP

The damage of getting your house razed by fire is insurmountable; fires at home can break out anytime and anywhere and can damage livelihood, household appliances, and more. In 2018, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) recorded 14,316 incidents of fire from January until December. 

This is why every March is Fire Prevention Month in the Philippines, and BFP’s campaign for this month is safety consciousness among our people every day of the year as a positive preventive approach to a problem that can be solved by more caution, vigilance, sobriety, the exercise of common sense and respect for the law.” It is a campaign that focuses on exercising vigilance at home and keeping oneself knowledgeable on the best way to protect your home and family from destruction brought about by fire. 

“Cebuana Lhuillier has always committed to being of help to the Filipinos at all times, and our call for Fire Prevention is a reflection of that, our insurance products that aim to keep our clients protected at all times is a complementary effort to our advocacy for this month,” said Jean Henri Lhuillier, President, and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier.

PJ Lhuillier’s insurance arm, the Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Brokers, Inc (CLIB), has also expressed its support for BFP’s campaign through the years. It has been a staunch advocate of having Filipinos insured, posting almost a 35% contribution to the total number of insured Filipinos through microinsurance. CLIB has also worked together closely with the Insurance Commission in promoting microinsurance in the country; they have settled over more than 5,300 million claims worth over Php 500 million they have serviced over 16,500 claimants. Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Brokers’, Inc. is also the first and only ISO-certified insurance broker in the Philippines.

Also launched this month in conjunction with the Fire Prevention Month celebration is a promo dubbed “Panalo ka sa ProtectMax” where clients of the ProtectMax product of CLIB get a chance to win Php 25,000. The promo is open to all clients who will purchase 5 ProtectMax COCs; these 5 COCs are equal to the e-raffle entry. For the promo, 20 lucky raffle winners will be selected and will win Php 25,000. 

“This Fire Prevention month, it is essential to drumbeat awareness on fire safety and prevention and the importance of being protected. CLIB believes that an information and education drive is essential to ensure that everyone is well-informed against conflagration,” said Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Brokers’ Inc., Jonathan Batangan.

For clients who are interested in keeping themselves protected without having to go to Cebuana Lhuillier’s more than 2,500 branches, they may purchase Home Insurance via the ProtectNow app or website; just log on to protectnow.com to see CLIB’s full range of products online.

They’ve also mounted the #SunogFreeWorryFree: ProtectMax Kontra Sunog webinar, which aims to emphasize the importance of being ready for untoward situations, especially fire, and the importance of having protection whenever there are threats of the conflagration.

 Hi loves, 

I know not everyone loves Mondays. Mondays are a great signal that we need to pick up our lazy ass and start working again for the entire week- gahd! While most of you hate Monday, let me tell you a secret. 

I love Mondays! 

Because I can start working guilt-free again. Yes, you heard it right. Guilt-free! I often work on weekends because I feel bored, and I feel like the time is just a waste if I just lay down and watch TV. I know, I know it's such a bad habit, but I just love to work. 

So let me give you my 3 things to make my Mondays better:

1. Start with clearing out your computer and work station

Okay, I am such a sucker for this. I don't clean my computer and workstation at the end of every workday. I just don't feel like it, but you know what? I discovered that you are giving yourself a break from the chaotic world you will be facing whenever you start working in a clean environment. 

2. Make a to-do list

This step sounds cliche, right? But for me, it works, and I know this will work for you too. Having a to-do list can give you a clear vision of what your day is going to be. Plus, you will not forget anything; this is absolutely UH-MAZING! I really hate whenever I miss a task and the deadline. I know you do too. 

3. Be grateful

This part is the most often forgotten step. As we tend to survive in this pandemic, we sometimes forget the little blessings that come in our life, like waking up in the morning or having a nice yummy meal or having a roof over your head. 

Remember, many people lost their job during this pandemic. You are beyond lucky to work! That job is the wish of every jobless right now- do not take it for granted. 

This is just what I have for you right now; I'm ready to start my day with a cup of coffee and good music. What about you? What excites you every day?

Hi Loves,

I know this is not my usual time of posting, but I just can't help but show my gratitude for all the things I had experienced before I became a Freelancer. So I was just cleaning my bedroom (as my normal weekly routine). I have to change the bedsheets and pillowcases and re-arrange them because tomorrow, it's going to be a mess. AGAIN! Haha, mommy things. 

But today is very different. 

Every year we have new year's resolutions and goals, right? My new year's resolution is always to provide a stable life for Edmund- nothing for myself materially but to just have a peaceful and healthier state of mind. But this year, I decided to make a goal for myself. 

I want to buy a new laptop. 

You see, my current laptop is really an old one, it's actually 4 years old, and it was already well used. Now, although I can still use it, its performance is not the best anymore. But being the practical single momma, I shrug off the idea of purchasing a new laptop; instead, I will be allocating my budget to what's more important, like Edmund's schooling- he's an upcoming Kindergarten student, by the way. 

However, there's just a part of me that always says, "Come on, it's time to invest in a new gadget; it will generate income anyways." So here's the big boom- I purchased a laptop using my own salary from my Freelancing. 

I know it's nothing fancy or surprised,, but I would just like to share this experience with you. My heart is overwhelmed with joy and satisfaction that finally, I am slowly making goals and putting action into them. 

The first big achievement was to enroll Edmund in a private school, and now, this and not to mention this happened in a span of just 3 weeks. 

Going back to Day 1

As I am cleaning my room, I noticed how much my room changed. In the past, Edmund and I sleep in a double-sized bed with lots of beddings, and I work just on my bed because I have no office space- but look how much I grew. 

I have a decent computer chair, storage for my product shoot items, and a big ass Orocan box for all my stocks to sell. 

Grabe, ang laki na pala ng pinagbago. 

I remember when I decided to go all-in with freelancing, I converted my old drawing board into an office table- it's very spacious but not sturdy; more so, it's not convenient to use. I also remember using our dining chair as my office chair. After all, I can't buy the office chair once because I was literally broke and unemployed. 

I also remember not having a second monitor and work with my old Acer laptop that has been with me for 6 years (way back in high school) before I switched to my laspag Asus laptop. 

I also remember how hard it is to manage my time because I'm trying to earn my degree, be a mom and a provider all at the same time. 

Looking back before I started freelancing, I was depressed, broke, and very angry with everything and anything that has been happening in my life before. But now, I can provide for Edmund and can finally stand on my own two feet little by little; baby steps. 

Faith can definitely move mountains

I have been bruised, depressed, and was knocked down. I even questioned the Lord "Why me" but God really moves in his mysterious ways. He knows the perfect timing, when, and where he will give the blessings. 

All good things in life, require hard work, faith, and time. Nothing comes very easy. I have always been the person who wants to happen things when I said so but the good Lord, Jerico, Edmund, and my parents taught me to be patient to wait for things at the right time. 

To all single parents, women who are in a middle of a challenging situation, and to all who are asking so many WHYs, 

Always remember, you may not understand everything now but remember, all your questions will be answered in God's perfect time. All your hard work will be repaid with the sweetest victory and success.

Aim high, never fear because we are resillient! 

Hi Loves, 

As we all know, Lenten season will be next week. We are all aware that most Catholics won't be eating meat and will practice abstinence during this time until Easter. For me, I would like to refrain from eating meat and monitor my working hours to pray, repent and reconcile with our good Lord. 

But of course, we don't want to stress ourselves with eating 'boring' meals. I want to make sure that every meal that I eat and prepare for my son, Edmund is fun, interactive, and definitely tasty. 

I really love eating salads- it's my go-to snack in between stressful times. I incorporate chicken with it, sometimes port but because it's the Lenten Season, I found this great recipe that can help you abstain from eating pork, beef, and chicken. 

Tuna Salad Nicoise

Here's what you will be needing: 

• 2 (185 g) cans SAN MIGUEL DEL MAR TUNA CHUNKS IN WATER, drained
• 1 (230 g) pack lettuce, pre-washed
• 3 pc MAGNOLIA BROWN EGGS, boiled, peeled, sliced into quarters
• 1/4 kg marble potatoes, boiled
• 1/4 cup French beans, blanched
• 3 pc tomatoes, sliced
• 1/4 cup pitted whole black olives
• 1/4 cup store-bought Italian or French dressing

 My father is an OFW. Growing up, I never spend so much time with him because pretty much he's always on board. Growing up, I always wondered why he chose to be away from us when in fact, he can just work here; but now, I have a child on my own. I realized the reason why- he wants us to have a better life. 

Even before COVID-19 arises, we always hear bittersweet stories of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW). They work abroad for higher-pay so they can provide better opportunities for their families they left behind in our country. Most often than not, this doesn't guarantee a happy ending, sometimes, they are often sent home with little to no savings. 

"Dahil and pagkakaalala ko ay ang pagiging OFW ang sagot sa lahat ng naging problemang financial namin, at gusto kong maiahon ang making pamilya at mapagtapos ang making anak," said Marites Coronado, a returning OFW. 

However, providing a better life hasn't been simple. 

Alma Palafox, a former OFW recalled her unfortunate events when she decided to be an OFW: "Hindi po ako sini-suwerte sa napupuntahan na bansa. Laging may masamang nangyayari po sa akin. At minsan na rin muntik na akong hindi nakabalik ng Pinas ng buhay. Kaya hindi ko po natatapos kontrata ko."

"Hindi man po ako naging maswete sa ibang bansa, pero nagpapasalamat po ako sa Panginoong Diyos at ako ay nakauwi ng buhay," Gerlie Austria, OFW, shared the same experience. 

Just like Murna Peñosa Corporal, she too decided to go back to her family due to unforeseen circumstances she encountered abroad. 

"Noong nagsabi ako sa amo ko na ibalik na ako sa agency, dinala po nila ako sa Labor. Ang unang pumasok sa isip ko at naiyak ako, 'Paano na ang pamilya ko? Uuwi ako na walang pera at naipon'," Corporal said. 

Coronado, Palafox, Austria, and Corporal are just a few among the OFWs who returned home even if they haven't achieved their goals for themselves and their families. 

The Balikbayanihan Campaign

The Balikbayanihan Campaign is a program supported by the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) that helps OFWs whose dreams were interrupted for various reasons. 

Spearheaded by NEDEA-Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency and Atikha- a non-government organization working with OFWs and their families to maximize the gains of working abroad, Balikbayanihan calls on the spirit of volunteerism of Filipinos to help returning OFWs.

It is a call for partnership by the Overseas Filipino organizations with government agencies, local government units, and the private sector to help OFWs by providing the needed resources such as manpower, funds, or mobilizing their volunteer network to serve as mentors to OFWs. 

Melanie Labera, a returning OFW whose plan to resume her work abroad was put on hold because of the COVID-19 pandemic, benefited from the program. 

"Nang umuwi ako ng Pilipinas, nagkataon naman na pademic. Gusto ko sana bumalik [abroad], pero di na ko makabalik. Kaya malaki ang pasasalamat ko sa programan ito, pati sa BPI. May konting puhunan naman ako sa aking tindahan, pero konti lang. Kaya nagapasalamatako na nadagdagan dahil sa inyo."

Austria too, also a program beneficiary, said, "Nang makabalik po ako sa Pilipinas, is a po ako sa maswerteng napili ng Atikha na mabigyan ng tulong upang ako'y makapagsimula ulit sa aking buhay. Naging masaya po ako at nagkaroon ng pag-asa sa buhay. Ngayon po ay natupad ang is a kong pangarap na makabili ng makina."

Financial Empowerment

As one of the program supporters, BPI aims to empower repatriated OFWs by helping them manage their finances through learning webinars, and by mobilizing volunteers and sponsors. BPI implements its program through its business units BPI Foundation, BPI-Philam, and Remittance and Fund Transfers. 

"This pandemic has been hard on everyone, but repatriated OFWs and their families have been particularly affected. OFWs have done so much to uplift our entire nation's economy over the decades. It's only right that we stand by them now, and help them get back on their feet and establish a financially secure life for themselves and their families," BPI Head of Corporate Banking Strategy, Products, and Support, Reggie Cariaso said. 

"Napakaganda po ng aking karanasan dahil nagkaroon po ako ng pag-asa sa buhay at talagang ipinangako ko po sa aking sarili na pagbubutihin ko po itong tulong na ibinigay sa akin ng Atikha at BPI Pamana Padala. At ang nagustuhan ko po dito ay ang mga taong kasapi dito na maayos ang pakikitungi at napakamapagkumababa at napakababait upang matulungan kaming lahat," Coronado said. 

BPI Foundation holds mentoring sessions for OFWs with BPI Unibankers as volunteer mentors. For its part, BPI Philam provides free COVID-19 insurance coverage worth P200,000. BPI's Remittance and Fund Transfers offers financial grants and monthly mentoring sessions for chosen OFWs and instills the value of saving using their BPI Pamana Padala account. 

With opportunities such as Balikbayanihan, returning OFWs are more empowered than ever to try their luck in their home country. 

Palafox said, "Dito nalang po ako sa Pinas. Kahit mahirap po basta't sama-sama kami ng mga anak ko. Kaya nagpapasalamat kami sa Balikbayanihan at sa BPI. Ang tanging hinahangag ko po sa aking sarili ay mapaunlad ko ang munting negosyo at magkaroon pa ng maraming kaalaman."

Corporal shared another insight: "Natutunan ko po sa Balikbayanihan na kailangan po tayong magtulungan para makabangon ulit sa hamon ng buhay." 

Hi Loves, 

I heard several horror stories about their skin burning and irritated after they used a certain rejuvenating brand, or their skin worsen after using it for several months but in this video, I am not just going to share with you an update about my skincare journey with Dr. Love but I'm also going to give you my top 5 learnings in using Rejuvenating Set- who knows, it may help you improve your skin more. 

Here's the update:

• I have been using this brand for over 2 months and I must say- my skin definitely changed. My skin became lighter and my pimple marks lighten over time. 
• Although I'm still experiencing breakouts every now and then, I'm so glad that whenever I do spot treatment, the pimples are dried after 2 to 3 days. 
• My skin is lightening and I'm not experiencing any stingy or uncomfortable feeling which was a great thing. I think that the cold sensation I felt in the first month was because of too many dead skin cells; as the rejuvenating set has already been treated so there's no stingy feeling at all. 

 Hi Loves, 

I'm starting to blog again. I'm trying my very best to bring back my social media life again- it's my first love this is why even though I'm lacking time, I still try my very best to squeeze in my content. 

So how's everybody? 

This 2021, I really wanted to spice things up with my lifestyle. I have been working from home for over 6 years (if I'm not mistaken) I have been cutting slack in giving myself love- and that means putting on make-up and dressing up for work. 

This is what I have been lacking. 

I became more comfortable wearing house clothes (even the oldest clothes, the bigger holes, the better) I don't even do my skincare or put basic lipstick on. My normal routine is to wake up, do my early morning task, take a bath, then do the rest of my remaining tasks. 

I realized that for 2021 I wanted to do something different- something that would make me feel more confident, more productive, and more efficient. So I decided to give myself an hour or two to give my much-needed alone time just to pamper myself and make myself look presentable as much as I can. 

This is why I am trying my best to wear make-up every morning before starting work. 

Next on the list is the basic- face powder and eyebrows, I don't have a particular product to use but on the video, I used Ever Bilenna and the Etude House. 

The last and final product is Modern Day Beauty's Ultra Matte Lip and Cheek Tint. This product retails for only 160 pesos but it is worth more than that- it's definitely pigmented, flexible and buildable with a matte finish. 

In the video, I'm using Bonnie. I really love the brick red finish it gives to my lips- very soft yet matte. I also use it on my cheeks and lips; I use other shades on my eyes (for a different look).

What about you, what is the best way for you to spice up your morning and keep you ready?

 If going through 2020 were to be described in a nutshell, it definitely would be a rough ride – much like having to go through a bad hair day, every single day. Now that the new year is here, it’s time to turn things around for the better — here’s to 2021, a year of transformations.

2020 has been extremely hard on all of us. For sure, this 2021, many of us would be holding onto “2021, please be good to me” along with this hopeful mantra we keep every year. It’s also worth considering that 2021 is still going to be challenging.

But for me, 2021 is still going to be the year of healing from the wounds that 2020 inflicted, which is why you should also focus on discovering how to make 2021 your year of resilience.

Are you ready to take on the beginning of the new normal? 

On Business

You have probably been thinking of opening your own small business once or twice during this quarantine or maybe you have even opened one!

2021 is a fresh start, which is why it’s also a good time to start a business. This is because you have most likely seen trends come and go during the quarantine. With all that information you have, you can plan better and have a more productive 2021! 

Apart from managing Femmedia, my Digital Marketing Agency, I opened 2 more microbusinesses along the way.

1. Vanity Beauty- I decided to open a beauty online supply store that caters to various products from cosmetics, beauty-- anything beauty related

2. Spice Chili- with my loving partner, Jerico, we opened a small online store that sells various chili products. We have Spicy Chili Garlic Oil and Carolina Reaper Oil for starters. Soon we'll be selling chili pods and other spice chili related products.

Wanting to start a business? Here are few tips I can give you for starters:

1. Manage your time. 

This was the hardest for me to do; juggling work, studies, and businesses. Sure enough, sleeping for 8 hours was not on my list. This is why before you start any business, you must make sure you have enough time on your hands to get everything done. A business is really a demanding part of your life, but it’s really worth it.

2. Do your research first. 

Know what you can do that fits the people’s demand. A product may be nice, but it also has to be marketable. Doing market research is vital to determine your target audience. Starting small would be nice because you could get loyal customers. 

Take it from me: When thinking of a product/service apart from thinking about what's on-trend, make sure to provide solutions to your potential customers.

3. Keep track of your finances. 

From my own experience, one of the most confusing areas before when I started the business was handling my finances. Make sure you have an organized record of all your expenses, income, and others. There are a lot of free websites online that can help you manage your bookkeeping. 

On Making Decisions 

Since 2020 has robbed us of so many opportunities and moments in life, we are most likely channeling all our optimism in 2021. Despite this, we should remember that 2021 is still a year of healing. Along with this, it is important that all of the decisions we make are well thought of.

If we want to try doing something new, we should assess all the factors of our life that would be adjusted.

When making a decision, think it over more than twice. Would it be good for you? Would it be beneficial in the future? Is this something you’re going to be happy with? Remember, your happiness and well-being should be a priority over anything else. 2021 should be a year of resilience, not another year of pain for you. 

Every decision counts this 2021 because these are what pave the path to how our year will play out. Since we experienced the unexpected events of 2020, it’s important that we remember the future when we make decisions. This is why we should be careful in making decisions to avoid any regrets and be consistent with healing. 

On Finances

I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who’s had a hard time controlling impulse buys during the quarantine. Online shopping has become quite addicting, right? 

To help you, here’s a small guide on how I handle my finances. I part them into 4 groups: 

Major expenses 

Health

Health is wealth and I stand by that. Seeing a lot of people get sick in 2020 scared me. In fact, the coronavirus hit me and my family- yes one of my family members tested positive for the virus and god knows how much we spent on vitamins and laboratory results. Luckily, we don't need to have them hospitalized.

I truly believe that investing in our health is a top priority. Whether it be going on regular check-ups or getting insurance, we should do something to protect our welfare. This also makes sure that we are prepared in any event of illness, especially in our family. 

Education

As parents, we should always have prepared funds for our child’s education. During quarantine, some schools lowered their tuition and other fees. Until the quarantine is over, I'm sure that parents like me will still enrol their kids in homeschooling/online learning and it's not never a doubt that this will be the same learning environment for our kids for the coming academic year.

Save.Save.Save

To be honest, this is my top priority for 2021- Edmund will be starting schooling this next academic year, and mind you guys, I was surprised how much tuition fee costs nowadays for Pre-School- it such a terrible headache.

Insurance 

One of the big things I learned from a lot of research is that we always have to be insured. Whether it’s for life, property, or cars, it’s better to have insurance. This will also help us save up in the future from unexpected expenses. You would thank yourself for this.

Emergency Funds 

We never know when an emergency will happen. This is why saving up for sudden events such as sickness or accidents is important. It's important to be more proactive and keep more money for a rainy day just to make sure.

When one of my family members got covid, our emergency funds were really washed out. Imagine waiting in a hospital isolation room for 5 hours will cost us 12,000 (more or less)- this is something we should really be prepared for.

Savings 

I remember that I used to think that emergency funds and savings were the same when I was younger. Now, thankfully, I’m wiser. Your emergency funds should be different from your savings because what else would you have by the time it runs out? 

Remember that you always have to plan for the future. This is why you should allot some of your income to savings as well. This is for your future, your family’s future, or some expenses for your occasional leisure. 

Utilities and everyday expenses

Of course, as adults, we have to deal with everyday expenses and utilities. Have you received your monthly bills yet? 

As prices go up now more than ever, then it's necessary to cut down costs on unnecessary spending may it be online shopping or ordering takeaways for leisure.

On Relationships 

Ah, yes. When you think about making 2021 your year of resilience, it also may be your year for relationships. Seeing the overflow in quaranflings over the lockdown, I picked up a few learnings:

First, it’s important that you love yourself so others would love you the right way. Never seek a relationship in hopes of validation or attention. You’re a queen and you should be treated as such. Remember that. It’s 2021 already, enough with the bad boys and toxic relationships. Know your worth and invest in a relationship worthy of your time and effort. 

Second, communication is the key to any healthy relationship. This what Eco and I's relationship is all about- open communication.

Having constant and open communication won't just be helpful for your relationship but also for you. Now that more and more people are stuck in their homes, the last thing we should do is talk to them as much as you can. This will strengthen their relationship and connection.

Lastly, keep only healthy relationships in your life. This tip applies to platonic and familial relations. In order to remain resilient, cut off all the toxic parts of your life. Make sure you’re focusing on your growth and on your relationship with yourself too. 

2021 is going to be your year of healing. Claim it and work your way to it.