I am a firm believer in "The Law of Attraction". If we put the teachings of the book "The Secret by Rhonda Bryne" in one statement, it says "What you think, you will attract." I have been practicing this for the last eight years. I may attest that it works in my life positively because I am always mindful of what I think about and it is equated with more opportunities and blessings. 

"Happiness is a choice. Never forget to chase your dreams and do something to achieve them." We always hear these words a couple of times to be motivated. But sometimes, I know that you may agree with me, we need a little push to go back on the right track or stay focused on our goals due to so many pressing issues that we encounter especially now that we are in the state of a pandemic. Those pressing issues may take a toll on our mental health, physical well-being, financial status, and even the way we prioritize things. We may tend to shift our focus away from what we think that truly matters or put our ongoing projects on the shelf at the moment. Even though that we are always optimistic and happy with our lives, we have the tendency to forget "that happy feeling" because our current situation may give us the feeling of uncertainty. That is the reason why on my end, I don't watch the news anymore to shield myself from negativity. 

To alleviate my stress, I read quotes or inspirational verses in the Bible. I also watch so many videos of life coaches on Facebook or Youtube. But what I find helpful in keeping me on my toes again are words of encouragement coming from a friend. In line with this, last Saturday, I attended an event where I felt that my perspectives/perceptions on achieving my goals and how to be happy as always were validated. I am really so glad that I have spent an hour and a half of my time hearing things that I always need to hear. That workshop-type webinar has become a sort of "refresher course" at the same time "another learning experience" because I have gained something that I don't know that might help me as I continuously work on my personal and family dreams.

Ito and Araw Mo: Build Bright Habits to Reach Your Goals by Sun Life Philippines is the event that I am talking about. It is a "learning by doing" webinar that has helped me validate my practices on how to reach my goals or fulfill my dreams and has given me a little push to never give up. Dr. Christine Carter and Mr. TJ Agulto, the two keynote speakers of the event, have served as "friends" whom I like to listen to when I need to be motivated. Here are my "takeaways":

To build bright habits to reach our goals, author, TED speaker, and life coach, Dr. Christine Carder, said...

Meanwhile, Mr. TJ Agulto of the Hapinoy Program said...

In line with this, the #ItoAngArawMo Community by Sun Life Philippines will help us how to build our habits consistently. 

We may get TIPS as we access exclusively on topics about finance, relationships, nutrition, wellness, etc. 

We may be helped by a COACH by our chance to join the straight-to-the-point and personalized coaching through the "Simple Tiny Habits Coaching Program".

We may meet EXPERTS and be supported by a COMMUNITY by providing community support and free classes on a whole range of topics that we may want to create a habit for. 

As actress  Lupita Nyong’o said, “No matter where you’re from, your dreams are valid.” So let's be part of the #ItoAngArawMo Community on Facebook! #ItoAngArawMo is about making every day count with the help of a community that may give us a little push to be always consistent with our habits to fulfill our goals and dreams. 

Paps and I have two boys, 10 and 16. For 16 years, we are bombarded with so many parenting challenges. Our home is always noisy, messy, and busy. Whenever we feel tired, we say to ourselves that a quiet home has no children in it. It is much better to have a "chaotic home" caused by our kids rather than having a spic and span abode with defeating silence.

Therefore, children are definitely the best teachers around. They are the reflection of who we are in the past. If we try to see how beautiful they are, they help us become better parents. They also remind us of the things that our parents have gone through when we were young and those memories teach us to become more empathic and appreciative.

In line with this, I have read the book Car Key Gnomes... and other household pests (Poems by Miciah Dodge and Artwork by Danie Plott) with Paps. We had so much fun! The contents of the book are poems about mischievous gnomes who are joyfully making mischief around the house, perfectly paired with gorgeous artwork. They may be hiding away the car keys, borrowing the socks or shoes, or knotting someone's hair while he sleeps. They don't mean any harm. They are just having fun. Somehow we can relate to the reason why the author has been inspired to write this book. It is his way of reminiscing his boys' mischiefs in the past while those boys were denying what they did. But in case that they were telling the truth that time, then someone else might have been to blame, and perhaps those might be the Car Key Gnomes and other household pests!

"Car Key Gnomes ...and other household pests" teaches the family about growing up and the fascination of appreciating good memories instead of wallowing in misery. Kids teach us to see the world with unblemished innocence, the essence of a simple life, and genuine happiness.

Instagram 

A few years ago, I attended a workshop of an award-winning writer about "How to Write a Children's Storybook." I dreamt of writing a series of storybooks for children that would tackle Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC). I thought that those reading materials would help parents and teachers teach children manners and character-building because, for quite some time, GMRC was not included in the DepEd curriculum. Due to this, kids and the younger generation nowadays tend to forget what is essential and that is to live mindfully and intentionally without sacrificing being a good person. Furthermore, I thought of writing stories that would enrich values formation because it would be one of the easiest and best ways to tap the intellect and emotions of the kids starting at a very young age so that the lessons that they would learn would be innate in their character. Unfortunately, that dream of mine was put on the shelf due to a lack of time or confidence perhaps because I thought I was not credible yet. 

In line with this, I always believe that what you think, you will attract. God has His way of connecting you to the right people who share the same passion and belief as yours. I feel truly blessed and honored because Dr. Shubhra Sharma, lecturer, anthropologist, and children's book author, shared with me her passion project, Manners Matter: A Children’s Self-Guide to Social and Personal Conduct, which coincides with what I want with a "manners book for children" to be written. It’s a children’s etiquette book, a self-guide, that breaks down common social interactions - and how one should behave in them - into bite-sized pieces of information along with colorful images/graphics that even the youngest readers can understand and appreciate. I got a digital copy and it was awesome! For sure, it would look awesome in paperback too! Then I realized that I should not feel regretful for not pursuing my postponed plan because this book gave justice to it. This book perhaps is what should parents and teachers include in their children's reading list.

What amazes me more is that it is made possible by an aunt and niece tandem. Dr. Shubhra asked her 10-year old niece, Zoya, to draw the illustrations of the book. I love the way she has expressed how excited she is for the opportunity. She also loves the idea of an etiquette self-guidebook for children. She has mentioned that this book has the answer to the following questions that she has never thought about, "What is etiquette, how do we learn it, who teaches us, why is it important?" I also like the idea that the book teaches children how to behave properly. Parents letting them learn through "Self-direction" is a form of positive discipline. Positive discipline gives children a feeling of empowerment to solve their own problems. This becomes a learning opportunity to learn acceptable behavior in different circumstances which helps them become confident, independent, and self-directed (Eaton, 1997). When a person becomes good to his peers, it builds relationships, and it brings a feeling of fulfillment.

This book is made of 24 etiquette lessons in a detailed manner that revolve around gratefulness, mindfulness, accountability, respect, appreciation, hospitality, politeness, kindness, empathy, evolving learning, happiness, thoughtfulness, responsibility, leadership, patience, resilience, attentiveness, and more. There is also a part where the reader may write his thoughts about a specific virtue. This book is not only perfect for children 5 to 13 years old but for adults as well who need to be reminded of how they should express and act with prudence and in conformity with societal standards. I am already in midlife but still, I've learned so much from this book. 

I invite you to get your own copy of this book. All the things your children need to learn about manners may be included in this book. This is probably an "all for one book of manners" that we have in the market today. You may purchase it from Amazon. 

Reference:

Chef Kirk Ngo of Fet Boys is indeed a trailblazer.  He is now launching his newest creation, the Prettier than Pink Cookies after making the first ever Coffee Butterscotch Cookies. 

The Prettier than Pink Cookie is derived from Ruby Chocolate, the first of its kind. Ruby Chocolate is the fourth type of Chocolate that is accepted as "real chocolate." Ruby Cacao Beans are the sources of Ruby Chocolate which give it its natural pink color.

What makes Ruby Chocolate unique is its taste and color. It is characterized by fruity notes and an all-natural pink color. After Dark, Milk, and White Chocolate, Ruby is considered to be the newest chocolate in the market and it is about to become the next big thing.

In 2020, Chef Kirk of Fet Boys launched his Too Much Chocolate Chip Cookie that was as big as a regular guy’s palm. In the last quarter of 2020 alone, he made over 5000 pieces of this giant creation. It was a hit!

He also invented the Coffee Butterscotch Cookie and became popular to all coffee lovers because it could be best paired with their favorite cup of joe. However, what truly sets apart the Fet Boys cookie is that it is best eaten chilled. Unlike other cookies that are tastier when heated, the Fet Boys cookies taste even better after being chilled in the fridge.

Grab a box of the Fet Boys Cookies and find out why this brand is considered the best-kept secret of the North and South! To order, send a message on its official Facebook Page.

Can you feel the heat? Yes, I know you can! It is sizzling HOT, isn't it?

Summer is here. In the middle of the hot and humid season, Salmon HQ has the perfect summer food for you, it's famous Salmon Sashimi Cake and Tuna Sashimi Cake. Not only is salmon good for the heart but it is good for the entire body as well since it is considered a healthy food.

The biggest and most talk of the town recognition event from the previous year even during the pandemic is Asia Leaders Awards that was held at Inagiku, Makati Shangrila Hotel and attended by leaders who are making a difference even in this crisis we all are experiencing with an objective to acknowledge these leaders and to be emulated that in spite of this Pandemic are still and able to reach out those in need even outside their community. 

The young CEO of KMV Asia Development Corporation, Arch. Kaydee Marie Velasco is the recipient of “Young CEO of the Year: Real Estate” for her success in developing multiple real estate properties and by reaching out to the Frontliners and indigents. 

The winner of this award proves that being young is not a limitation to succeed in the field of business. This award recognizes those 40s and under who play an important role in developing and improving their community, business industry, and professional arenas.

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought a lot of changes in our lifestyle. For almost a year, we are not able to do what we "normally" do like commuting, dining-in, traveling, working out in a gym, malling, visiting our friends and loved ones, and more without being extra careful in following very strict health and safety protocols. Living in fear is inevitable due to the perils of the virus. It shatters freedom that we usually enjoy and worse, lives. Every day, we are bombarded with news about it and they cause so much stress on us. 

But how can we move on if we live in fear? How can we be truly happy if we focus on the negative effects of the pandemic? I believe that we can still enjoy our lives and live to the fullest "responsibly" at this point by being meticulous in choosing our activities and the venues that we will do such while practicing social distancing, doing proper handwashing or hand hygiene, wearing our face masks and face shields "properly", and of course by being mindful in our surroundings and the people that we are with. We may go out while doing errands or grocery shopping and it is not bad to go somewhere after as long as the place is safe, not crowded, and most especially if it is outdoors. According to Eykelbosh (2020), dining out heightens the transmission risk of Covid-19 because it requires unmasked, face-to-face-interaction, and the risk may exist both indoors and outdoors. So what she suggests is that when visiting a public place, we should restrict dining with our own household members only and it should be done "outdoors" with no enclosure so that short-ranged aerosol transmission among people is effectively nullified by natural dilution ventilation. There is also an article written by Ryanne Co on Tatler Philippines entitled "Tips For Eating Out Safely: How To Minimise Risk Amidst The COVID-19 Pandemic" that may help us reduce the risk of contracting Covid-19 virus. She said that eating Al Fresco, following social distancing, not sharing your own food, bringing your own utensils, avoiding high-touch surfaces, making reservations ahead of time, observing proper mask etiquette (Keeping them on as long as you can--- when the food gets on the table and as soon the meal is over according to her but in my case, if I may say this, eat quickly without talking and put the mask on immediately after, then that's the time you may converse with your companion.). 

In line with this, SM Center Pulilan launched last February 13 its Playventure Picnic Ground. Located right inside the Pulilan Bike Trail, this newest mall attraction provides a unique dining adventure where shoppers can breeze through and enjoy a fun picnic bonfire with relaxing music and favorite food to match. A contact-less way of booking a themed picnic spot is done thru Facebook Appointment and ordering of food from the mall's food stores via Chat to Shop. The Picnic Ground is open daily from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. 

1. Reserve a themed picnic spot, a choice of two (2) persons or four (4) persons maximum table capacity) via SM Center Pulilan's Facebook Appointment. Click the link to book an appointment: http://gosm.link/SMCenterPulilan_Book

2. Order food with a minimum purchase of Php500 for two (2) persons or Php1,000 for four (4) persons from SM Center Pulilan's food stores and restaurants via Facebook Messenger Chat to Shop. Click the link for menu guide: http://gosm.link/SMPulilanPlayventure_MenuGuide

3. Dine and enjoy the food and fun outdoor moments for two (2) hours on a designated timeslot starting 6:00 PM.

* The Sanitation Team will disinfect the picnic site before and after use.

* SM Center Pulilan is following the guidelines set by LGU. Diners from 15 to 65 yrs old are allowed to enter the site.

How about a date with your fur baby after a pet walk at the Trail? You may come and create fun moments at Pulilan Bike Trail Picnic Ground. Click the link for booking mechanics:

Enjoy, Bulakeños! Book now and make fun memories with your family under the new normal! Don't forget to stay safe and healthy while being happy!

References:

Eykelbosh, A. Outdoor Winter Dining during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Vancouver, BC: National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health. 2020 November.

In this time and age that everyone's experiencing a pandemic, technology runs the world. It makes your life safer and easier. It refrains you from going out often to transact business and purchase your needs. Payments, banking, food delivery, cab booking, and more transactions may be done online using your mobile phone. Everything can be done with just a few swipes and clicks on your gadget. Figuratively and literally, you cannot live without your mobile phone. In line with this, that reliable gadget of yours should be protected at all cost because it is not cheap. Buying a new one for a replacement when you accidentally drop or destroy it requires a huge amount of money.

To keep your precious mobile phone protected at all times you have to put a phone case on it. The following tips might help you in choosing the best phone case: 

Look for your preferred features and level of protection. Are you going to use your mobile phone for live streaming or watching videos? Is it intended for capturing selfies or just for calling or texting? Make sure to check whether the phone case that you are going to purchase has built-in features that may suit the function that you want your phone to serve you. You may also find sellers online who offer customized phone cases because your personal style should not be disregarded. You may also opt for putting a screen protector on your phone because in case you drop it, the screen which is very expensive may not be damaged and may save you from having it repaired.

Ask friends and read reviews for recommendations. Word of mouth is still the best form of marketing and advertising. The quality, accessibility, and functionality of a phone case are the most important things to consider before the price. Is it durable? Does it fit your phone well? Are there no problems in accessing the ports and buttons? Does it last long? Can it be easily bought online because going out at the moment to purchase on a mall or gadget store is the least option for safety purposes?

When you found the right phone case, compare prices. Buying a good quality phone case like a cool iPhone case, for instance, doesn't need to be expensive. But if you find a specific brand that you really like and it is quite expensive, look for reputable sellers on different online shopping platforms who offer your particular choice then compare prices for you to get the best deal. Never forget to compare shipping fees too. 

What is the importance of having the best phone case? Well, it is to protect your phone to maximize its use at the same time it should reflect your character. Choosing the best phone case is like choosing a car. It should meet your personal needs and it should speak about your lifestyle and personality.  

Does my home need to be repainted?

Does my wallpaper need to be replaced?

Does my home seem to be too plain or overly decorated?

Does the ceiling of my home too high or low?

Do the rooms of my home need more storage for toys, clothes, books, and other stuff? 

Do I have to discard, donate, or sell some things or furniture to make my home more spacious?

What shall I do to make my home reflect who lives in it?

Asking yourself these kinds of questions may help you know whether you need to purchase, dispose of, or change something in your home. By doing so, you may be able to determine the design elements that you want to achieve and also the furniture, paint, wallpaper, wall art, decorations, curtains, and other home essentials that you are going to use to suit your taste. If you still have no idea how to do it, there are online interior design magazines where you can get ideas or inspirations. Pinterest is also a great resource for your home designing needs and pegs. Then when you already decide on the design and color scheme that you want, further ask yourself why you want them and why you choose them. 

If you plan to shop for new shelves, beds, chairs, side or coffee tables, or other furniture, sketching a floor plan of the room that requires any of those is highly recommended. Include in your sketch the electrical outlets, windows, doors, and other important details that may affect the traffic and placement of your furniture. It is quite challenging to go to malls or furniture shops due to the pandemic nowadays so online shopping is the best option. Never forget to measure your space when you plan to shop for furniture online to determine whether the specifications of the item that you choose fit your space or not. 

Perhaps last year, you said to yourself that you should start losing weight not just to be fit but also to be healthy. You spent your time googling about the latest trends in fitness, diet plans that worked for many and even asked your health buff friends for some tips. You were already set that you would start your fitness journey when all of a sudden you were bombarded with so many tasks and eating was your means to cope up with exhaustion and stress. Until finally, your new year’s resolution became history. 

In line with this, it is common in our society that the new year’s resolution doesn’t work at all although it is possible. I can show you how to make it work. 

Benjamin Franklin once said, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” Writing down the steps that you’re going to take to reach your goal and putting them down right on schedule are the best ways to start succeeding. Do your best to make those steps SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Timely) or else you are just putting too much stress on yourself and you’re going to end up not doing them at all. 

Goals can be achieved when they are SMART. (Courtesy: Newfound Balance) 

Stop making excuses, dear. If you don’t act on your plan, nothing is going to happen.

Act with all your might. Be patient. As you do the steps towards your goal, don’t give up easily when you don’t see immediate results. Sometimes it takes time to see positive outcomes. You just have to be patient and resilient. Always believe that you can make it! 

Keep working on it. Don’t stop when you already see positive results. Work on it until it becomes a habit so that you won’t go back to where you have started. Always keep moving forward. Journaling is one of the best ways to chronicle your achievements. When you feel like giving up, you can go back to your journal. By reading your entries, for sure you can be motivated. 

Share your story. 

Isn’t it nice to see people close to you fulfill their new year’s resolutions too? Make your social media account of good use. It can be a tool for others to see your total transformation or change, not to brag about it but to inspire them that reaching your goal is possible. You may share the details that you have done including resources that you use, and other things that you are still acting upon that they may follow too especially if your new year’s resolution is the same as theirs. If you already post it in any of your social media accounts, you can also inspire yourself to keep going. 

To sum it all up, here’s a piece of additional advice and motivation… 

“To begin, begin." - William Wordsworth 

Artists like Lea Salonga, Kuh Ledesma, world-renowned soprano Rachelle Gerodias, Korean baritone Byeong-In Park, Richard Reynoso, UP Concert Chorus, and others join The Manila Hotel in a virtual countdown event to mark the coming of the New Year. 

In keeping with the long-standing annual tradition that has been in place since pre-war times, The Manila Hotel will still hold a New Year Countdown this year albeit in a different space. Due to the restriction on gatherings, this year’s welcome to the New Year will be done virtually via a Zoom viewing with amazing raffle prizes to be given away. 

Guests and customers of The Manila Hotel can join the Zoom party on December 31 from 10:00 PM to watch artists share messages of love and hope through songs, words of encouragement from the hotel’s president Atty. Joey Lina, and a chance to win the amazing prizes at stake. To join, anyone with a purchase from the hotel is eligible for a raffle ticket for every Php3,500 in a single receipt. This includes dining bills from Café Ilang-Ilang, the Lobby Lounge, Roma Salon, and even The Manila Hotel’s signature grill restaurant Cowrie Grill in Greenhills; purchases from The Delicatessen, Lobby Shop, and Christmas corner; room bookings for FIT guests; promo purchases; and even Take Out from the regular or the festive menu. The promo period is from Dec 17 to 31, 2020, with a cut-off at 10pm on the last day. 

The Grand Prize is an overnight stay at the world-famous MacArthur Suite, worth Php500,000 (not convertible to cash), a lavish room in historic Manila. 

The hotel where war hero General Douglas MacArthur stayed, the stately room has received many illustrious guests over the years, including kings and queens, world leaders, and heads of state. Renovated and modernized, the suite can be booked for special occasions like private dinners and parties, and a luxurious overnight dwelling. The rest of the prizes are suite room and dining vouchers, Prestige memberships, and many others. 

The Covid-19 pandemic put a halt to many events this year so an online gathering such as this also gives The Manila Hotel a platform to continue its service to Filipinos that began in March with the Mabuhay Meals Food Drive for Frontliner and its partnership with groups like the Rotary Club of Makati Central and others to donate food and PPEs to government-run hospitals like PGH and the Manila Medical Center, among others. 

With this event, the hotel is making all its valued guests partners in an endeavor that has no extra cost to them or separate purchase needed. Part of the proceeds of guest purchases eligible in the 2021 Countdown with a Cause and the raffle will be pooled together to brighten the holidays of displaced workers in the city of Manila affected by the pandemic through a partnership with Manila Bulletin’s Bag of Hope. 

For more information on The Manila Hotel’s 2021 Countdown with a Cause, you may call 85270011 or 09989501912. Info and raffle mechanics are also posted on the Manila Hotel’s Facebook and Instagram accounts (@TheManilaHotel). 

Richard and Sarah, who got married in a solemn ceremony earlier this year, celebrated their new life together in quarantine. While being stuck at home was an opportunity for them to spend more time together as a family—planting, painting and playing all sorts of games, they also needed to go through a lot of adjustments as a family. 

One adjustment that they had to do was to look for better ways to protect their family against germs, with the threat of the virus still continuing up until now. They found their newest ally in Defensil 70% Solution Isopropyl Alcohol, which promises a higher level of protection against germs and viruses. 

“We believe in innovative products. Not only does Defensil come from a company we trust, Defensil 70% Solution Isopropyl Alcohol is also recommended by experts,” said Sarah. 

“And since we use alcohol more frequently to sanitize, I also like how it not only kills germs and bacteria, but also has moisturizer to not dry our skin,” she added. 

One way to prevent the spread of germs is regular disinfection of hands and high touch surfaces using a rubbing alcohol. To provide a higher level of defense against germs in the new normal, the Philippine Society for Microbiology is recommending Defensil 70% Solution Isopropyl Alcohol.

Created by Beauty Elements Ventures Inc, Defensil 70% Solution Isopropyl Alcohol kills 99.9% of germs to give Richard and Sarah’s family the peace of mind that they are well-defended. It starts to kill germs on contact and upon constant use, provides up to 12-hour protection.

Celebrating the holidays is surely going to be different for the Gutierrez family this year. For Richard and Sarah, social distancing is something that they’re keeping in mind as they celebrate the holiday season, along with making sure that everyone sanitizes and disinfects using Defensil. 

The family wishes to go on a local holiday trip with family bringing their new ally, Defensil. With this, Sarah shares three simple tips to fellow parents on how to keep their family safe from germs during the holiday season. 

First, social distancing is a must. Second, always wear a mask. It is important for parents to teach their kids the importance of wearing masks, which help to prevent the transmission of the virus. And, lastly, always disinfect with an alcohol that makes sure you and the family are well-defended— like Defensil Isopropyl Alcohol. 

To know more about Richard and Sarah’s newest ally, Defensil 70% Solution Isopropyl Alcohol, visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/defensil.philippines. 

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