Welcoming 2020 with Fresh Start and Full of Positivity

Another chapter in our lives unfolds at the beginning of each year. 2020 is extra special since it is also the start of a new decade.

We all await exciting opportunities for a fresh start and new beginnings in our personal lives and of course in our blogging community. No matter what your goals are in 2020 or how many new year’s resolutions you plan on making this year, we should always find time to celebrate and reminisce all of your experiences from 2019, whether good or bad; and welcome the new year ahead with hope and positivity.

For eight consecutive years, the Filipino Bloggers Network (FBN) hold its annual get together and this year it will be a fun pan pizza party in Quezon City.

It will surely be an afternoon of great fun, awesome giveaways, delicious food and a great opportunity to make new friends and catch up with old friends they have not seen for a while. Representatives of different sponsors, PR groups and brands are also expected to grace the event and personally thank bloggers and social media influencers who have supported them in the past years, or should we say at least in the last decade.

FBN currently has a membership of more than 2,000 and continues to expand as it provides a venue for Filipino bloggers, vloggers, and online writers and influencers to interact with other members and partner brands from different parts of the Philippines. Moderating the discussions and posting opportunities from different sponsors for the group are co-admins Divine RC, Richard Mamuyac and Lariza Garcia, the annual event has become even bigger on its 8th run.

This year’s celebration would not have been possible without the support of the following generous sponsors and partners:

Century Park Hotel Manila

Situated in the heart of Manila’s business, cultural, shopping and the entertainment district is one of the most renowned and finest hotels in the metropolis. A mere seven (7) kilometers away from the Ninoy International Airport, Century Park Hotel - the premier hotel in Manila, is also an ideal airport hotel for busy executives. Follow Century Park Hotel Manila on Facebook for news and updates.

FuentesManila

FuentesManila is one of the few full-service PR agencies in the Philippines. While publicity remains its core service, FuentesManila provides the following services to its clients: Publicity; Special Events;  Online Publicity; Advertising; Media Monitoring; Creatives & Graphic Design; and Digital PR. Follow Fuentes Manila on Facebook for news and updates 

www.wnot.com.ph (What’s New Out There)

www.wnot.com.ph (What’s New Out There) is an online guide of all new items and products that are introduced in the market or even a product that is to be launched in the industry. WNOT was established in August 2011 to give our consumers an idea of every new product to be purchased. WNOT provides a user-friendly search engine that allows keyword searching, company promotion, and Search Engine Optimization (SEO). This site also acts as a directory for article submission which offers more exposure across the net. Follow www.wnot.com.ph (What’s New Out There) on Facebook for news and updates.  

Cebuana Lhuillier

The P.J. Lhuillier, Inc. (PJLI) is the proud parent company of the Cebuana Lhuillier Pawnshop, one of the leading and largest non-bank financial services provider in the Philippines with 2,500 branches nationwide. PJLI attributes its dominance in the industry to integrity and heartfelt service, robust network of local and international industry partners, and steadfast commitment to nurture market-leading businesses for its growing clientele. Visit Cebuana Lhuillier website for news and updates

DZBB’s Dobol B Bantay Balita  

Dobol B Bantay Balita sa Kamara is a radio-television program aired simultaneously in Super Radyo DZBB 594 khz and GMA News TV Channel 27 every Sunday, 10am to 11am. Hosted by DZBB’s House of Representatives reporter, Divine Reyes, the program discusses current events, news and issues in the country. Follow Dobol B Bantay Balita on Facebook for news and updates

CID Communication

CID is a pioneering, full-service corporate communication agency in the Philippines. CID's dedicated professionals' craft and engineer communication programs and campaigns to bring out and project the essence of organizations, individuals or products. Follow CID Communication on Facebook for news and updates

Havas Media Ortega

Havas Media Ortega is the first full-service media agency providing end-to-end solutions in the Philippines. It does not only offer the most complete and cohesive set of media services in the Philippines, but it also aspires to provide clients work that is best in class in all the media channels on offer. Follow Havas Media Ortega on Facebook for news and updates

Perceptions, Inc.

Perceptions is a public relations company that provides PR counseling and various corporate and marketing communications services to business and industrial organizations, government institutions as well as trade and professional associations. Follow Perceptions, Inc. on Facebook for news and updates.

FleishmanHillard

FleishmanHillard specializes in public relations, reputation management, public affairs, brand marketing, digital strategy, social engagement, and content strategy. Visit their website for news and updates.

  

Salgado Public Relations

Salgado PR specializes in PR, Event Execution, Creative Design, Digital Marketing and Influencer Management. Follow Salgado Public Relations on Facebook for news and updates

LeapOut Digital

LeapOut Digital is a leading digital marketing agency based in Manila offering digital marketing services for brands, SMEs, and agencies. They started as a search engine optimization (SEO) company in 2008 in Manila, helping raise the awareness of SMEs in the Philippines and other countries through their expertise of digital technologies. Visit their website for news and updates.

Ripple8

Ripple8 is the full-service PR arm of DDB Group Philippines. With a clientele comprising top brands in diverse fields, they provide expert traditional and digital PR services, combining creativity and effective communication to create ripples of positive change. Follow Ripple8 on Facebook for news and updates. 

Strategic Works, Inc.

Strategic Works, Inc. live for the possibility of making an idea come to life as they align their passion with the client’s needs. They spot the hot buttons that unlock consumers’ hearts and brand success. Stratworks do Public Relations; Creative Services; Activations; Events Management; Digital Marketing; Advocacy and Social Marketing. Follow Strategic Works, Inc. on Facebook for news and updates. 

Lorem Ipsum Communications

Lorem Ipsum Communications is a marketing communications agency offering the following services: Digital & Traditional Public Relations; Event Management; Social Media Management; Creative Design and Human Resources Consultation. Follow Loremipsum on Facebook for news and updates. 

Greenbulb Communications

Greenbulb Communications is an integrated communications solution firm specializing in Digital PR and Communications strategies that work. Follow Greenbulb on Facebook for news and updates. 

Full Circle Communications, Inc.

Full Circle Communications, Inc. is a full-service public relations firm established in 2000. They work with clients to create proactive, ongoing public relations campaigns that generate positive press coverage. Follow Full Circle Communications on Facebook for news and updates. 

M2Comms

M2Social is a team of young, creative, and passionate social media advocates. They believe that social media is not just about pushing out content – it’s about reaching out and telling your brand story to a well-targeted audience using content that's timely, relevant, and strategic. Visit M2Comms’ website for news and updates.

Buensalido Public Relations

Buensalido and Associates Public Relations is a leading and independent full-service public relations agency based in Manila, Philippines. Established in 1983 by renowned PR practitioner Joy Buensalido, the agency has since grown into a close-knit group of young, creative, and motivated individuals, who are always teeming with fresh and original concepts. Follow Buensalido Public Relations on Facebook for news and updates. 

Dominguez Marketing Communications Inc.

Dominguez Marketing Communications Inc. is a top-notch Philippines-based integrated marketing communications and public relations company trusted by global companies and SMEs serving major industries such as Information Technology (IT), telecommunications, banks, health and wellness, pharmaceuticals, travel, logistics, consumer and household products. Visit Dominguez Marketing Communications’ website for news and updates.

Browne Communications

An agency of global tech, pharma & lifestyle brands where bright minds, inventive thinkers, ingenious beings and imaginative humans thrive. Follow Browne Communications on Facebook for news and updates

i55 Talent House

Named after a bible verse, the brains of i55 Talent House responded to what’s needed to be done to create and inspire people with messages. Their talents work with clients to nurture ideas, practice creativity, curate, so we can all live in a world of inspiring messages. Follow i55 Talent House on Facebook for news and updates.

EON Group

Delivering insightful communication solutions that enable trust-based relationships. Follow EON Group on Facebook for news and updates.

Aldenver Events

A team of dedicated and passionate individuals who are mastering their craft in creating and organizing different kinds of events. Follow Aldenver Events on Facebook for news and updates.

Trendspotting

Trendspotting is a Brand & Advertising Consultancy company which targets great result. Follow Trendspotting on Facebook for news and updates. 

Prosolutions Management Corp 

A dynamic player in the PR industry for the past 15 years that handled and developed communications and media strategies for corporate and government Clients.

We develop sound strategies that achieve maximum exposure and optimal returns for our Client's unique identity and specific needs, that focuses on strategic and effective PR. Follow  on Facebook for news and updates. 

Fujidenzo Appliances

Fujidenzo Home and Commercial Appliances combine style and performance to meet the high demands of fast-paced living. Taking into account the high cost of living and non-stop surge of prices of commodities, Fujidenzo Appliances are designed to give quality performance at the most consumer-friendly prices. With Fujidenzo, you get the latest features and technologies all within the budget of the average Filipino household. Follow Fujidenzo on Facebook for news and updates. 

doTERRA Essential Oils Philippines

dōTERRA® produces and distributes exceptionally high quality CPTG® essential oils through more than three million independent distributors, also known as Wellness Advocates, around the world. In addition to a premium line of essential oils used by individuals and health-care professionals alike, dōTERRA® also offers products that are naturally safe, purely effective, and infused with CPTG® essential oils, including personal care and spa products, nutritional supplements, and healthy living products. Follow doTERRA Essential Oils Philippines on Facebook for news and updates. 

Novelina

An industry leader in the production of powder and cream hair color. At the same time, it also carries its professional line of hair care products which includes cream hair color, shampoo, conditioner, and rebonding formulas. Novelina is also the OEM manufacturer of hair-color for two of the world’s largest and most prestigious hair-dye brands being marketed in countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, China, North and South America, as well as the Middle East. Follow Novelina on Facebook for news and updates

Sinalco Philippines

Sinalco is a German brand of non-alcoholic drinks that has been refreshing the European market since the early 1900’s.  It stands by the German quality standard which only means that the highest grade of ingredients and manufacturing is applied to the production and flavor of the beverages. Follow Sinalco Philippines on Facebook for news and updates.

Barlico Philippines

Barlico may have been popularly known as a coffee substitute, but this healthy drink is more than just that. It is made of barley grass from barley plant, which is among the earliest grown sweetgrass in the world that traces its history even before 5000 BC, popular among ancient Greeks and Romans. It’s been dubbed as “nature’s best fast food” attributing to its multidimensional health benefits. Follow Barlico Philippines on Facebook for news and updates. 

Bubble Man

Bubble Man is a highly effici12ent, economical, environment-friendly, & Philippine-made Dishwashing Liquid that promises to make cleaning easier and more fun for the entire family. Follow Bubble Man on Facebook for news and updates. 

BLOG SPONSORS

One Proud Momma - https://www.oneproudmomma.com/

Digital Circles Asia - http://digitalcircles.asia/

Good News Manila - https://goodnewsmanila.com/

The News Makers – http://www.thenewsmakers.info

LarizaGarcia.com – http://www.larizagarcia.com

DivineReyes.info – http://www.divinereyes.info 

IAmLeirs.com - http://iamleirs.com/

Everybody Loves Munchers Cafe

Many café shops have been sprouting like mushrooms in my local community. In our main street alone, you can see around 7 small spots naming themselves as a café. Because of this trend, some small restaurants or "turo-turo" style of ordering food (pre-cooked food for sale displayed in a transparent cabinet, wherein a customer needs to point the dish or viand he/she wishes to order) or even small stores selling delicacies and food have the word "café" attached to their names. 

But what really is a café or café shop? According to Wikipedia, café is a type of restaurant that typically serves coffee and tea as well as light refreshments such as baked goods or snacks. It is a place where you can find people reading newspapers or magazines, studying or chatting with others about current events. 

With the rise of social media, mobile phones, and lifestyle changes, a café is also now used as a venue for small meetings and gatherings or just a place to chill out to stay online. By this definition, we can only count a handful number of "legitimate" cafes in Talisay City, Negros Occidental.

Munchers Café is one of the few café shops that fit the definition to a "T". Aside from hot coffee, it also serves cold drinks such as milkshake and milk tea. They also offer our all-time favorite comfort food such as nachos, fries, sandwiches and rice meals. 

Since it started its operation last November 15, 2019, this neighborhood café has slowly gained popularity among its local clientele. Most of them are students from Notre Dame Talisay, Technological University of the Philippines and Carlos Hilado Memorial State College and the residents and professionals living within the vicinity of Carmela Valley Homes. 

And here are some the things that they love about Munchers Café: 

Airconditioned Interior 

Everybody loves to eat comfortably in an airconditioned room. The café shop has 2HP aircon and a sleek electric fan that can make the area cool, especially during lunchtime, which understandably, is jampacked with students. 

Though it's certainly jampacked during lunchtime. Regular customers can definitely enjoy a visit during non-peak hours and on Saturdays, one can leisurely sip his/her freshly-brewed coffee or munch their best-seller nacho fries served with special garlic dip. 

Instagrammable Walls 

When you enter the place, you are greeted with minimal decorations and basic and neutral color palettes, making it more relaxing and cooler to the eyes. It also gives an illusion of space making the area look a lot bigger. 

No wonder a lot of customers enjoy taking a selfie or a groupie with the wall decorations as a backdrop. They also installed a life-sized mirror where you can fix yourself before snapping a photo. 

Budget-Friendly Meals 

We are all budget-hunters. It is always our practice to haggle for a bargain whenever we buy something. Luckily, no special skills or charm is needed at Munchers Café just to get a good deal. The rates as adjusted in such a way that it is reasonable and affordable for the average "Juan". Can you imagine getting a Grilled Sandwich for P30.00? or a Nacho-Fries Combo, overflowing with Garlic Sauce for a measly price of P60.00? 

See menu for complete product offering and prices: 

Strategic Location 

This cozy place is located in front of Notre Dame, so that when you have kids studying there, you may drop by this place, order some snacks while waiting for your child's dismissal. If you are the religious type, you may pass by the Carmela Valley Chapel, situated at the adjacent part of the school to say a prayer or spend some quiet time with God. 

Going to the Talisay Public Market is not a problem. Probably, after finishing your Pork Belly Sisig Meal, just call a tricycle in front of the store. They are on call and the tricycle man will take you there within a few minutes. 

Hangout/Meet-up 

Looking for a place to chill out after a hectic day in school? Or you may want to meet-up with a friend? Munchers Café allows students to bond more or maybe do their assignments or projects over milk teas or milkshakes. Moreover, since the place is strategically located just before going inside the residential area of Carmela Valley Homes, it is an ideal place for a meet-up. 

Small Parties/Events 

If you are a small group of 15 to 25 persons and need a small space for your party or meeting, then you might want to consider Munchers Café.  Get to enjoy reasonably-priced food and exclusive use of the café for you and your guests. For inquiries, you may contact 0933-2117689.

Aice Ice Cream 

You may want to try this newest craze – the cheaper alternative to the bigger and established ice cream brands.  It really tastes good and super affordable. My favorite is the Chocolate Crispy sold at Php 20 though other flavors are available for as low as Php 10 only. 

Other exciting things are coming for Munchers Cafe in 2020. You visit them at Door No. 3, B Building, Cor. Capt. Sabi Santa Monica St Carmela Valley Homes, Talisay City. Make sure to follow them on FB at https://www.facebook.com/Muncherscafe for updates and upcoming events. :) 

Reasons Why You Should Start Wearing Decent Sleepwear

Sleepwear is one of the most "neglected" and taken for granted piece of clothing nowadays. We usually do not give much thought to it as long as we slip on something loose and comfortable. In most cases, it's an old unflattering shirt or shorts that may not even be in its best condition. Some may not even care if it's tattered or has a loose garter at all. 

However, the recent events made me realize how important they are and here are some reasons why you should include wearing decent sleepwear as part of your new year's resolution: 

1. Improves Sleeping Condition - The clothes we wear plays a huge factor in getting a good night's sleep. Find one that helps regulate the body temperature. Make sure that you won't feel so warm while sleeping. Doctors say that when you feel so warm or hot while sleeping, your body does not produce enough melatonin or "sleep hormone" which is important in making you sleep better. 

2. Boost Self-Esteem - Wearing something nice and soft makes you feel pretty and sexy. This allows you to feel more confident and therefore helps boost your self-esteem. If you're married, I am pretty sure your husband would appreciate seeing you looking more presentable in bed. 

3. Emergencies - Earthquakes, fires, and other emergencies will definitely not give you the time to change for "more presentable" clothes. Can you imagine yourself running outside your house or apartment in your bathrobe only? I guess it's self-explanatory but yes, we can never be too ready. :) 

But the more important question is --- how do you find the right sleepwear? 

First, Select the Right Fabric. Alex's Secret, my favorite place to order pajamas offers different types of sleepwear. The most popular choices are silk and cotton sleepwear. 

If you are wondering what's the difference, silk is considered a hypoallergic material and less prone to dust and dirt as it has the tendency to just slide down. It provides a smooth sensation that many prefer. Personally, I find it cooler to skin too. 

Cotton, on the other hand, is softer and can readily absorb moisture. Some consider it to be more comfortable and easier to maintain. It is less delicate compared to silk. 

Now, once you have decided on the type of fabric, Check the Cut and Silhouette of your Sleepwear.  Make sure that you get sleepwear that's loose and isn't constricting as this will help you stay comfortable for a good night's sleep. It is recommended that you opt for one size bigger than your usual size. You can also decide if you want it to be paired with shorts or pants depending on your preference. 

Lastly, have fun and Choose your Design, Alex's Secret offers a lot of different designs, patterns, and colors. You'll definitely find something that you'll love and rest assured that it's worth every penny. :) 

To check their complete collection, just visit their Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/alexssecret/ By the way, they ship nationwide so, you can simply order online. 

Bacolod's Best Food Secrets

Whenever you visit Bacolod, you are expected to enjoy its famous Chicken Inasal, Calea's Cheesecake, Lord Byron's Baby Back Ribs, Cansi (not really a fan) and fresh seafood from Pala-Pala. However, after living here for more than 4 years. We're happy to discover some of the best food secrets that the City of Smiles has to offer. Some of which may be your first time to hear but rest assured that they are really good. 

So, if you are planning to visit Bacolod soon, take time to experience more than the usual cuisines that you hear and read about and get a chance to enjoy Bacolod's Best Food Secrets. 

Here the top 6 on our list: 

1. Bar 21's Mashed Potato -- For only Php30, you can have the best Mashed Potato in town. You can pair with their fried chicken or tenderloin steak. The serving is also generous that's it is good enough for sharing. Just don't forget to ask for some extra mushroom gravy.

Bar 21/ 21 Restaurant is located at 21st Lacson Street, Bacolod City. You may also check other food recommendations, here. 

2. Ann Puen's Ube Cake - If you are craving for "real" ube cake and not just coloring, then Ann Puen's Ube Cake will definitely satisfy your cravings. Instead of the usual icing, the cake is coated with ube halaya jam that will definitely make all ube lovers satisfied. 

By the way, these cakes are not commercialized and must be pre-ordered. You may contact Ann through her facebook page or call 0922 850 0746 to order.

3. Kyle's Eatery Palabok - Cheap and delicious palabok? Yes, we have one here in Bacolod and it's available at a steal price of only Php 25 per order. No wonder we see a lot of customers driving all the way to Olympia Village in Alijis to enjoy the perfect Filipino snack. 

Here's a photo that I grabbed from their FB page to let you know what I mean. 

4. Bakerite's Pork Barbeque - If you studied in La Consolacion College or LCC, then I am pretty sure you are familiar with this establishment along Galo Street. We just love their barbeque because it's juicy and has an adequate amount of pork fat. Not to mention it's only Php 16 per stick. (Super budget-friendly!) 

FOODIE TIP: For late-night cravings or if you are near the East/ NGC area in Bacolod, you can get these delicious Pork Barbeque at the Parrillador Grill located at Hi Strip 1 along Circumferential Road. 

5. Bacolod House of Cashews' Fresh Lumpia - The secret to a great fresh lumpia is the preparation and we just found the one that we really loved. This all-time Filipino favorite is freshly cooked in olive oil egg wrapper embedded with the deliciously mixed ubod ng niyog, sweet basic and spices served with fresh lettuce and honey sauce with garlic and cashews. 

Yup, you read that right. Instead of the usual peanut sauce, they use high-quality cashews that surely made a difference. 

Bacolod House of Cashews is located along Lacson Street, infront of Starbucks. They'll be opening soon a full-service restaurant and a glamping site soon. So, stay tuned for more details. 

6. Mushu's Baked Scallops - I super love scallops and this one is just on top of the list. It has the perfect blend of saltiness, creaminess and a hint of Garlic. Chef JP Anglo has definitely done a good job with this one. 

Source: https://www.facebook.com/mushu.bacolod.3/

Another must-try too is their sizzling cansi. You'll love this new take on the usual local favorite as you enjoy very tender meat and mouthwatering bone marrow served with a special batwan sauce. 

Bacolod is indeed a perfect place to have a food trip. The adventure to discover the best delicacies and dishes is non-stop that you'll keep coming back to this beautiful city or better you'll decide to stay for good like us. 

Do you any other food suggestions from Bacolod? Feel free to comment below. :)

TRUE STORY: Working in a Call Center Will Help You Become Successful

Working in the BPO Industry as an agent has both its advantages and disadvantages. Though some may say it is a dead-end job, I believe that my experience as a call center agent had greatly helped me become a successful freelancer. Currently, I am a Marketing Manager for a publishing and consultancy firm and my background in sales and customer service as a call center agent has equipped me with the necessary skills that made the job easier. 

In this article, we interviewed former BPO employees who are now gainfully employed in a different industry. We asked if they find their experience/ training as a call center agent relevant or helpful to their current occupation and here are some interesting answers we got.

Name:  Renee Barian
BPO Experience: More than 5 years
Current Occupation:  Offshore Consultant / Operations Manager

The BIG YES will have to go to "experience." Though the Call Center Training does a lot to improve your conversational and interpersonal skills, the best lessons and the best tool that was added to my arsenal came from the 1st hand on the job experience itself. 

Having been able to handle multiple accounts/campaigns in different BPO companies pave the way for me.  It gave me a better understanding on every objective I am setting my eyes on to land a job.  The more you are familiar with what is in front of you, the more convenient it is to come up with a plan to hit whatever you're aiming for.  This is what your Call center experience will give you.

At work, you'll learn how to handle stress in any given situation, come up with a marketing strategy of your own, and eventually add more knowledge about new and exciting things in the background. Because of this, it was just easy for me to be confident and use whatever I have gotten from my experiences to meet the desired qualifications of a job or a position that I want to get.

Name:  Andrew
BPO Experience: 1 year
Current Occupation:  Transport Service Provider based in Qatar

Yes, my experience in the BPO industry had taught me about system navigation and multi-tasking which is helpful in my current job. 

Name: Maria Jelica
BPO Experience: 3 years
Current Occupation: Virtual Assistant and Ecommerce Specialist 

Yes. There are a lot of skills I've acquired from working at a call center that I am able to use in my current job. Like customer service, multi-tasking with the tools, email and chat support and a lot more.


Name:  Abigail 
BPO Experience: More than 5 years
Current Occupation:  SunLife Financial Advisor

I believe that my advantage is that I was able to handle different types of accounts and held different positions in the call center industry. This helped me really excel in my current job. I am trained to handle difficult customers. I learned how to adjust to different types of people where my patience and critical thinking ability are tested in resolving issues and coming up with different plans on how to grow the business. These are skills that I am able to apply to my current job as financial advisor. I am persistent and trained on how to handle rejection.


Name:  Leslie
BPO Experience:  3 years
Current Occupation:  Nurse

I am now a staff nurse here in Germany and my call center experience really helped me have the necessary skills or say practice to communicate effectively with other people especially with foreigners. 


Name:  Al 
BPO Experience: 1 year
Current Occupation:  Software Engineer

Yes. I'm currently assigned in a support role where interacting with developers is a daily task. It helped because it's easier for me communicate with them to solve whatever issue they have.
______________________________

As you can see, working in a call center is not a dead-end job. Instead, you can use this as a stepping stone towards your dream job. The experiences that you get can equip you with the necessary skills that you may need in the future. 

For fresh graduates, don't be discouraged to apply in a call center. It's a practical option given the compensation and benefits. Just make sure that you continue to grow professionally.  Robert Kiyosaki, one of my favorite authors once mentioned in his book, Rich Dad Poor Dad "Instead of simply working for money and security, which are important, take a job that will teach you a skill."

Starting the year with Gratitude

The holidays are finally over and here we are on the first working day of the year. I am both excited and overwhelmed with the things that needed to be done including the work-related concerns that piled up during the holidays. 

This is actually the longest Christmas vacation that we truly enjoyed. School was on break starting December 13. Val did not have to report anymore and I was on-call as early as December 15 and stayed offline beginning December 20. 

If you are wondering how we spent our holidays? We had two hotel staycations which I am going to blog about soon. And the rest are all chill days either spent by going to malls to do a little bit of shopping or we just stay at home to binge-watch The Big Bang Theory. 

It was very simple but we had the much need rest to recharge for the upcoming year. Binge-watching may sound lazy but I got a lot of takeaways and lessons that we can apply in our real lives. 

In Episode 9 (Season 10) - Sheldon gets extremely jealous when his rival, Bert gets a grant of over $500,000 for his geology research. He was even more jealous to learn that Bert really did a good job and his paper was remarkable. The jealousy that Sheldon was feeling has negatively affected him that he was unable to concentrate on his own work and that he even injured himself. 

However, what struck me the most is the words of Amy (Sheldon's girlfriend) - Amy told Sheldon that he should appreciate the good things in his life. He has love, his health and a roof over his head. 

This is the same thing that we need to do in our lives. We must not dwell on what we don't have. Instead, we should learn to appreciate what we have. We are loved and blessed more than we will ever realize. Let me share with you one of my favorite essays: 

So, this 2020. I decided to Start the Year with Gratitude and here are some of the things and people that I am thankful for: 

 .

I am thankful for a house full of fur. It means I have dogs who are playful, happy and love me unconditionally. 

I am thankful for the dishes that need to be washed, it means that my family and I had a good meal. 

I am thankful for a busy work schedule, it means that I have clients who trust me that I can help them with their business. 

I am thankful for the non-stop messaging notification sound, it means that there are people who values what I have to say. 

I am thankful for the delivery guy who keeps on waking me up so early in the morning, it means that I have packages from friends and family.

I am thankful for the medicines that I need to take, it means that I am alive and have the opportunity to heal and be healthier.  

I can share endless things that I am thankful for and this is the main reason why I am so positive that 2020 is going to be a great year.  How about you? What are you grateful for? Are you also willing to start the year with Gratitude? 

How to cope with loss of a loved one?

Losing a loved one is the hardest and most painful reality of life. It is something that we cannot control nor even predict. There is no cure or medication to ease the pain. For most of us, only time can heal the wounds. 

Losing your spouse, parents, children or anyone from your family may be the most challenging since aside from the emotional loss, confusion, and grief, there are a lot of practical decisions that you have to make. There is paperwork that needs to be fixed including hospital bills that need to be settled. Just imagine you have to do this in just a few hours despite the fact that you just want to lay down and cry. 

So, the big question is how can you prepare for this? How can you make it easier for you and your family? 

No one can be fully prepared about death but let me share some tips on what you can do: 

1. Talk about it - Though the topic of death may be taboo for the majority, it is just practical to discuss it with your family. The concept of "The Bucket List" is a good way to start the discussion. Talk about the things that you want to do or achieve before you pass on. Later, you can also share the things that you want in case something happens to you. 

Giving them the direction on how you want things to be done will give them comfort as they follow your lead. It is easier for the surviving family to think that they have granted your final wishes and preferences. 

2. Tax and Estate Planning - This is not just for wealthy families but also for middle-earners or investors who are very keen on planning their family's future. 

Some of the reasons why you should consider estate planning are the following: 

• Protection for your children. Making sure that it goes to the right person or the appropriate trustee is assigned. 
• Avoids family conflicts. Whether we admit it or not, family disputes arise when money is involved. Much more huge amounts from inheritance. 
• Minimize cost and taxes. Tax and Estate Planning helps you minimize cost and taxes when transferring the estate or property. 

3. Know where you can get support and guidance on what needs to be done - when you feel lost or overwhelmed what you do, find a service provider that can assist you in making funeral and burial arrangements. In Bacolod, there is a company that stands out among service providers because they provide excellent customer engagement whose main goal is to make things easier for their clients in their moment of grief.

Teresa Development Corporation has been in the business for more than 50 years. According to TDC's funeral director, Albert S. Montelibano they understand that their clients are anxious, worry a lot and don't know what to do. Thus, TDC will help you throughout the whole process such as processing death certificates, provide guidance on what do to before and during the wake, etc. TDC ensures detailed assistance, guidance in all the preparations and the promise to make things easier for their clients. 

4. Check your options and make practical decisions

As mentioned, one cannot be fully prepared to die but there are things that we can decide as early as now such as: 

• Should I get a memorial life plan?
• Do you consider cremation or would you like the traditional way? 
• Where would you like your final resting place to do be? (This is true for those who reside in a new city but most of their family is in the province.)

Personally, I have believed that the land is for the living and thus, I personally prefer cremation and then they, can just scatter my ashes in the forest or throw it in the sea but Val's question hit me hard. "Mommy, what if I miss you so much and want to visit you?"

To be honest, I had no answer until I learned about TDC's newest project, Christ the Redeemer Columbarium Complex. It is the perfect place where they can store the ashes of your departed loved ones. 

And this is not just your typical columbarium, it will have viewing chapels, a restaurant, beautiful lobby, high ceilings, etc. 

In this way, families can celebrate life in style. They can visit and celebrate the life of their dear loved one who passed away in style and comfort. Here's a sneak peek on what you can expect from the Christ the Redeemer Columbarium Complex.

The Amethyst features the vault where urns will be placed. 

The family suite features a family room, restroom, and kitchenette for those who want more privacy. 

For more information about Teresa Development Corporation and the Christ the Redeemer Columbarium, you may contact them at (034) 434-5555 or follow them on FB at Teresa Development Corporation Funeral Services

Win a Free Classic Donut or Cash when You Buy a Dunkin Donut Coffee

Christmas is definitely my favorite time of the year ever since I was a child. The food, time off from school and the gifts that we give and receive just make the season festive, happy and memorable. 

As children, the joy and excitement we feel during the Christmas season can be encapsulated in one word: aguinaldo. The term refers to gifts received, specifically, during the holidays.  As grown-ups, we find ourselves on the other side of giving with younger relatives now expecting their presents from us. However, no matter how old we are, there is always a child within us who is giddy with happiness when we receive an aguinaldo.  - (I am totally guilty!) 

Thus, I was very excited when I heard about the Dunkin’ Donuts Aguinaldo In Every Cup promo. This holiday season, you can have that “just got a gift” feeling every day with the Dunkin’ Donuts. Every time you purchase one 12-ounce cup of hot or iced Dunkin’ Coffee, you have a chance to instantly win a Free Classic Donut or cash  — P500, P1,000, P5,000, and for the lucky ones who will surely have a Merry Christmas, P20,000.

 To get your Aguinaldo, peel the perforated coupon found on the side of your Dunkin’ Coffee cup that says “Open your Holiday Surprise!” and “Peel Here.”  It’s best to do this after finishing your drink because the excitement might make you spill it.

Your Aguinaldo is waiting for you in any of your Dunkin’ Coffee favorites like Dunkin’ Brewed Coffee, Dunkin’ Black Iced Coffee, or Dunkin’ Iced Coffee. 

So, are you ready for some Christmas feels?  Then get your Dunkin’ Donuts Aguinaldo In Every Cup from now until December 15, 2019, only.  

Hurry and run! Promo is ending really soon.