When a Single Source Income is No Longer Enough: We Find Ways

"Juan is a loyal employee and he lost his job during the pandemic."

"Anna is a businesswoman and her business closed permanently because of the lockdowns."

"Carlos is an investor and the value of his investments dropped significantly."

"Jeremy is a rental property owner and many of his tenants left because they can now work from home."

"Emily is a supplier for the airline industry and many of her clients stopped ordering because they are temporarily non-operational." 

The sad part -- they are all breadwinners and their entire family is dependent on them. 

Sounds familiar? 

These are some of the common stories that you'll hear in the past 2 years during the pandemic and it has been an eye-opener for many of us. Personally, I realized that there is no security in being employed or simply having a business. There are a lot of things that could happen and having a single source of income is a risky way to live.  Now, I understand why financial gurus have been telling us that it is important to have multiple income streams.

Because it is important to have a BACKUP, BACKUP, BACKUP source of income in case one of them fails. 

However, the biggest question is... Is having multiple income streams possible for ordinary Filipinos? What if you are not from a rich family? 

The answer is YES! Even if we are not born with a silver spoon, Filipinos are "madiskarte" and WE ALWAYS FIND WAYS. Thus, having multiple income streams is still possible. 

Sharing with you three (3) ways how you add another income stream.

1. START A BUSINESS 

Starting a business is easier said than done. First, you need to come up with a business idea. If you still don't have one, start with what are you passionate about and see if can potentially solve a problem/ gap. 

Once you have that business idea. Determine if it is feasible by creating a business plan. This is also the best time to check if have available suppliers (in case you go into retail or manufacturing) and if you have a market for it. 

If you find your business idea feasible then you'll need the capital to get started. 

So, what if you don't have the money? Well, that shouldn't stop you from pursuing this endeavor. Here are some ways how you can generate capital for your business.

• Launch a crowdfunding campaign. There have been a lot of crowdfunding success stories and you can be one of them too. You just need to have a good product and the right pitch. 
• Raise capital from family and friends who would be interested to invest in your business. Make sure to determine exactly how much funds you need and the equity that you are willing to give away. 
• Apply for a loan. There are a lot of SME Loans available in the market. Banco de Oro (BDO) for instance offers funding options tailored for SMEs ranging from 1-50 million. They even have the SME Ready Check which works like a revolving fund that is ideal for buying inventory or supplies to address seasonal or bulk orders. You can also use it as a working capital to address operational requirements. 

The best part? You can even apply for a loan online: https://www.bdo.com.ph/personal/loans/sme-loan 

2. START INVESTING

Did you know that for as low as Php 10,000 you can invest in Bonds, Money Market Funds, or even the Stock Market? 

Well, I am also surprised to find out that you don't really need a huge amount to start investing. Different trust and investment products suited to your different needs and risk appetite are readily available. The opportunity to invest is now possible even for ordinary Filipinos. It's easy and accessible. 

One of my favorite investment products is the Peso Money Market Fund of BDO, it earns relatively higher than your savings and time deposit accounts yet it doesn't even have a minimum holding period. This means that you have full access and control over your funds in case of emergencies. (Please note though that experts advise staying invested for at least 6 months to maximize earning potential.) 

3. START AN ONLINE GIG

Upwork, Freeup, and Fiverr are just one of the many freelancing marketplaces available today and it wouldn't hurt to have an online side gig that we can offer to international clients. 

If you have skills in content writing, graphic design, or video editing, then you can work on fixed projects during your free time. I have been doing this for years already and there is really no competition here. Your target clientele is global and there are so many foreign clients who are eager to hire Filipinos for their talent, hard work, and skills. 

Receiving payments is not even a concern because our trusted banks accept international remittances so, your clients can pay you directly through bank deposits. You can even open a US Dollar Savings Account for as low as a $200 initial deposit in BDO. 

Indeed, through innovation and technology, we can definitely make things happen for us where having multiple income streams is no longer just wishful thinking but a reality for ordinary Filipino families. Thanks to our partners like BDO who have been there making ways for every Filipino family since 1968. 

Book Feature: Dive the Depths: Condensed Life Lessons of a Mother to her Son + Exclusive Interview with Author Jenny Mae Albinio

"The mother is the first teacher of the child. The message she gives that child, that child gives to the world.”— Malcolm X

Many of the most important life lessons we have, we learned from our mother. She has been our first teacher and as we grow older, she continues to give us pieces of wisdom as we navigate through life. How lucky we are if they can stay with us forever... 

However, in reality, it is not always the case for everyone. Some grow up without having a mom while others lose them at a very young age. 

Knowing how unpredictable life is, this is the reason the author wrote a letter to her son, condensing every life lesson learned in her lifetime just in case she won't have the chance to share it with her child later in life.

Dive the Depths: Condensed Life Lessons of a Mother to Her Son is an inspirational nonfiction for Teens/Teens-at-Heart. 

The book was written by Author Jenny Mae P. Albinio, a Pediatric Junior Consultant in Iloilo City, and a Fellow of the Philippine Academy of Aesthetic and Age Management Medicine, Inc. 

She is an aspiring writer/poet and the author of the book entitled, "Tales of Soliloquy at mga Tula ni Tamaraw: A Collection of Poems and Torrents of Thoughts” under 8letters Publication.

She is also a blue belt jiujitsu practitioner under DEFTAC-Ribeiro Jiujitsu, advocates women empowerment, and abhors any kind of abuse and injustice. She remains a diverse reader, full of joie de vivre, and loves traveling, hiking, living in the moment, food, nature, cats, and martial arts. Her best asset is her brain saturated with wit and humor, which has always been one of her saving graces.

Today, we are lucky to have the opportunity to have this exclusive interview with her. 

1. Can you share with us something about the book that isn't in the blurb?

This essay turned into a book, is a gift for my son's 16th birthday in May 9. By the way, we actually share the same birthday. This essay was originally published in Circles Volume 2 (2023, 8lettersPublication), as part of an Anthology.

2. What inspired the idea for your latest book?

This was inspired by my mom's words in Hiligaynon: "Biskan ano matabo, salumon ta ka." (No matter what, I'll dive the depths for you.) Also, the poem "Desiderata" by Max Ehrman inspired me to write nugget-size reminders for my son that he can easily browse when times are overwhelming, and I'm not there to comfort and guide him.

3. How long did it take you to complete the book?

This is just an essay turned into a book, so the essay itself took a few minutes. It's the editing and revising that took quite a while. Also, the time looking for a local artist that will create the cover took some time.

4. What part of the book was most challenging to write and why?

I find the last part the most challenging. When you're trying to compress everything you've learned in a book, you'll feel you're going to miss a lot. So in the letter to my son, I've mentioned that there's still a lot to learn, and most lessons he'll learn along the way.

5. What do you hope your readers take away from this book?

I hope the readers will be reminded how precious their mothers are, and the importance of showing how much they love their mothers while they still can. I also pray that the parents will learn to respect their children as an individual and give them the freedom to explore their own identity, reminding them that as parents we are for them, no matter what.

6. If you’re planning a sequel or writing the next book, can you share a tiny bit about your plans for it?

This crossed my mind. A sequel is a big probability. Maybe just to fill in the lessons I missed writing in the first installment. We'll see.

7. Where can they buy your books or find out more about you?

This book will be released soon by my publisher at 8lettersbooks.com. (Stay tuned for announcements) 

In the meantime, they can also follow me on my social media pages:

Facebook: Dive the Depths Inspirational

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dive_the_depths_inspirational

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Thank you, Author Jenny for writing this beautiful and inspirational book. Your son is so lucky to have you as a mom and we look forward to learning to the life lessons you imparted. Also, we are grateful to have this opportunity to have this exclusive interview with you.

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Here's how: https://www.mymetrolifestyle.com/p/do-you-want-to-promote-your-book.html

RHEA Generics Shares Practical Tips to Avoid Silent Heart Risks

In a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) – or diseases of the heart and blood vessels – are responsible for more than 30% of deaths in the Philippines in 2021. Often referred to as ‘silent killer’, these are diseases that cause minimal or no symptoms and are capable of causing death if not treated, such as heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes. Most people are not even aware that they have it consequently, and do not know how to protect themselves against it.

Now, more than ever, actions must be taken to prevent these silent killers, and understanding how to take care of our hearts' health can be the first step. RHEA Generics, one of the Philippines’ most trusted names in the field of generic medicine, shares some healthy lifestyle changes that will improve your heart health:

Stay away from tobacco

Chemicals in cigarette smoke cause the cells that line blood vessels to swell and inflame which can narrow the blood vessels and lead to various cardiovascular conditions. One of the effective ways to live a heart disease-free and healthy lifestyle is to stop smoking or using smokeless tobacco. RHEA Generics suggests that even if you’re not a smoker, you need to veer away from secondhand smoke. After a year of quitting, the risk of heart disease is about half that of a smoker. Fifteen years after quitting, the risk of heart disease is the same as that of a non-smoker.

Prevent alcohol use

According to the WHO, alcohol consumption has been linked to more than 200 diseases and injury conditions, including cardiovascular diseases. While most Filipinos report their alcohol drinking occasionally, binge drinking is common in the country. There is no safe level for drinking alcohol, so RHEA Generics recommends that it is better to avoid drinking alcohol altogether to protect your heart.

Keep a healthy weight

The National Nutrition Council (NNC) mentioned that 28.7% of Filipino adults aged 20 to 59 years old are overweight while 9.3% are obese. Being overweight — especially around the middle of the body — increases the risk of heart disease. Excess weight can lead to conditions that increase the chances of developing heart disease — including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes. With this, RHEA Generics emphasizes stress reduction, healthy eating, exercise, and regular exercise.

Be active by increasing physical activities

Improved levels of cholesterol and other blood lipids, as well as improved blood pressure and weight management, are all benefits of physical activity. RHEA Generics recommends that even as part of their regular daily routines, inactive adults might begin with small amounts of physical activity and gradually increase its duration, frequency, and intensity. Adults are advised to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate physical exercise each week (such as brisk walking, stair climbing, dancing, gardening, or household chores that may cause a mild increase in heart rate).

Get regular health screenings

Normal blood pressure and blood sugar check by a health professional are crucial in maintaining a healthy heart. Some people do not exhibit symptoms even if they already have high blood pressure – and it can hurt your heart. RHEA Generics encourages discussing any behavioral concerns with your healthcare provider, such as an unhealthy diet, a lack of exercise, or the use of alcohol or tobacco, so they can help you plan the lifestyle changes you need to make to improve your heart health.

Eat a heart-healthy diet

One's risk of developing heart disease can be minimized by consuming a balanced diet that prioritizes fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and lean proteins while limiting saturated and trans fats, added sweets, and sodium. That said, RHEA Generics promotes eating healthy by avoiding the consumption of processed, canned, and fast food. Replace sweetened snacks such as doughnuts, cookies, and the like with fresh fruit and vegetables and if thirsty, substitute sweetened beverage sodas and sweetened juices with water.

However, access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food for an active and healthy life often comes at a high cost.

On top of this, most basic healthcare services are sometimes inaccessible and expensive. In fact, 99 percent of Filipinos are unable to buy prescription medications due to their price, according to the Ulat ng Bayan September report of Pulse Asia released by the DOH.

To help Filipinos attain affordable healthcare, RHEA Generics remains accessible and affordable without compromising its world-class quality and safe health products.

“Every Filipino has the right to accessible quality health care which is why we at RHEA Generics make sure that our products remain affordable. We continue to innovate and improve our product to reach every Filipino family,” said Philusa Corporation President and General Manager Neogin Evangelista.

RHEA Generics recently partnered with international pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer and Sanofi to ensure that Filipinos have access to medicines, especially for hypertension, heart attack, and stroke prevention assuring every Filipino that their partner in healthcare is associated with reliable medical professionals around the world.

To know more, you can drop by the nearest Mercury Drug store near you. Always make sure to only purchase medicine with a doctor’s prescription, as medicine taken without one can be harmful.

Earth Hour 2023 unites more than 60 NGOs, NGAs and LGUs to give the biggest hour for Earth

The celebration of Earth Hour 2023 in the Philippines was a success, with iconic landmarks, local governments, and businesses across the country participating in the switch-off.

Earth Hour is an annual event organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature-Philippines (WWF-Philippines) that encourages people to turn off their lights for an hour as a symbol of their commitment to the planet. This global movement aims to raise awareness about climate change and the need for urgent action to mitigate its impacts. The event also seeks to highlight the value of nature as climate’s secret ally and the halting of biodiversity loss as one of the organization’s critical advocacies

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) measured a total nationwide drop in electricity grid load of 62.68 megawatts (MW) during Earth Hour. Luzon saw the most significant drop with 33.28 MW, while Visayas and Mindanao saw load drops of 20.5 MW and 8.9 MW, respectively. To put this into perspective, a small household can consume around 150 to 250 kilowatts in a month, making the energy saved during Earth Hour equivalent to 250 to 418 small households not consuming electricity for a whole month.

“We see how much Filipinos care about the planet because of their consistent annual participation in Earth Hour. Each person’s contribution adds up to the bigger goal of reducing the country’s reliance on fossil fuels,” Earth Hour Philippines National Director Atty. Angela Consuelo Ibay said.

“Now that Filipinos have taken the first step of switching off their lights, it’s time to keep going by going beyond the hour. We need more people to support environmental efforts whether it is in reducing plastic waste, promoting renewable energy, and eating and living sustainably,” she added.

Atty. Ibay explained that switching off the lights for one hour is just a small act for one person, but when millions of people do it, it adds up to significant savings in terms of energy usage. She said that the switch-off is simply the first step to becoming more aware of our individual roles in protecting the environment.

This year’s Earth Hour was held on March 25 at the Quezon City Memorial Circle and was attended by an estimated 1,200 people, according to the Quezon City Department of Public Order and Safety. The event was marked by a series of activities, including a sustainability fair, a symbolic run for the Earth, and musical entertainment by local artists.

"It only takes 60 minutes to do good for our future, 60 minutes to take notice and commit to saving Mother Nature, to be united and take action because together nothing is impossible,” the President said in a video statement. "Let's switch off and give Mother Nature 60 minutes to breathe," he added.

In the previous year’s Earth Hour celebration, the total load drop measured was 65.32 MW for the entire country with the largest savings of 35.26 MW from Luzon, followed by 15.3 MW for Mindanao, and 14.76 MW for Visayas.

Since the first Earth Hour in 2007 in Australia, millions of people participate every year in Earth Hour from various sectors, groups, and parts of the world, making it an authentic movement of humanity for the environment. The Philippines joined the global movement in 2008. The yearly global switching off of lights is observed from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm, where over 190 countries around the world joined in as part of this one-of-a-kind global grassroots movement for nature.

Earth Hour 2023 is co-presented by Quezon City Government, together with our Official Communications and PR Partner, COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises; media partners The Philippine Star, GMA, Radyo Veritas, and Globaltronics; promotional partners Creator and Influencer Council of the Philippines, Leo Burnett, and GCash; marketing partners Salad Stop, Coca-Cola, SSI Group, Inc., Epson Philippines, Sun Life Foundation, Booths & Partners, Ayala Malls, and Megaworld Lifestyle Malls; and community partners Save the Children, Oxfam Pilipinas, World Vision, United Nations Development Programme, International Organization for Migration, Association of Young Environmental Journalists, The Asia Foundation, De La Salle University and Philippine Scouts.

The following government offices support this event: the Department of Energy, Climate Change Commission, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, League of Cities of the Philippines, League of Provinces of the Philippines, Department of Agriculture, Court of Appeals, Department of Health, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Department of Information and Communications Technology, National Historical Commission of the Philippines, National Parks Development Committee, National Economic Development Authority, Department of Education, Department of Interior and Local Governance, Laguna Lake Development Authority.

The success of the Earth Hour event in the Philippines serves as an inspiration to other countries in the region and around the world. It shows that by working together, we can make a difference in our planet's future.