Our younger son, Bunso, was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder when he was three years old. He could not express himself effectively through words but he was capable of telling us what he wanted through actions. Our only dream for him was to be able to communicate with us. After three months of attending occupational therapy sessions, he started talking and the rest was history!

Since he was doing his best to express himself through words, we decided to experiment on him regarding the activities that he would like to do so that he could become self-directed and independent. He showed interest in art most especially cooking and baking. 

Hubby and I are both educators and Bunso's passion for cooking gave us an opportunity to teach him a lot of concepts, both in academics and social aspects. Cooking served as the basis for us to gauge his learning outcomes. 

Cooking is not just a means of building self-confidence but it is a way to build trust and confidence in other people. It is an activity where Bunso and the entire family bond. It is an effective means to go to his world because for a kid with autism, it is not easy for him to understand how things work in our world but he starts understanding it when we first enter his world then he does the same with ours.  Cooking indeed creates lasting bonds. The end product nourishes the body while the process nourishes the heart.

It's been almost two years since the world is under the Covid-19 pandemic. This phenomenon has made both negative and positive impacts in the lives of people especially in the family mechanics. Despite the chaos and negativity, there are adults especially parents who belong to the working class, may find it advantageous because of being given the privilege to work in the comfort of their own homes. This means that they can stay with their loved-ones around the clock. This gives them more time to strengthen their relationships with their spouses and kids and watch everyone achieve one milestone after another which they haven't experienced before due to hustling in their respective jobs. Appreciating the importance of time, families become more health conscious by prioritizing sleep, getting ample rest, and being mindful with their choices when it comes to food, mode of exercise, and products that may help them save time and effort while promoting a healthy lifestyle because of their eagerness to live longer. 

Aside from putting health, family, and time as top priorities, families also become wiser in their spending habits. Slowing down has made them see the value of money and maximizing resources at home to save more. One of the simple things that has been neglected is food wastage but is now being avoided because life is tougher at this point. This may be minimized or totally eradicated when families purchase what they really need at a given time. But the challenge is storing of perishables longer, maintaining their freshness and nutrients. There are tips in the internet that work but may require more resources to use that defeats the purpose of saving and healthy living. But then again, slowing down further makes families think of permanent solutions.

In consonance with permanent solutions, one of the products that may help families avoid food waste thus maximizing the health benefits of the food that they eat is investing on a fridge that would keep perishables like fruits and vegetables fresh for up to 30 days while preserving their vitamins and minerals. Beko Fridge Freezers have this capability due to their EverFresh+ technology that controls the compartment humidity and HARVESTFresh that simulates the sun's cycle to preserve vitamins for longer. Indeed, it is inspired by nature and powered by light. Beko Fridge Freezers are nutrient-saving, energy-efficient, and feature-packed making families save more money. In line with this, Beko's website also showcases food tweaks and healthy recipes for all ages especially kids who have the tendency to be picky eaters. Beko is not only concerned about how families store their food but how to cook healthier meals to maximize the feature of the product and the food items that are stored in it.

Blogging has been my source of refuge whenever I feel tired or burned-out. I am an educator and being verbal in expressing myself is expected of me but with all honesty, I can express myself comfortably more through writing. Who would have thought that I am still doing this after all these years? How time flies! I've been blogging for nine years and counting! 

Blogging was once my diversionary activity to keep myself sane while wearing different hats. In 2012, I started writing my thoughts without any niche in mind. I just wrote for the sake of releasing my stress. After some time, I placed it on the shelf due to the demands of being a mompreneur and full-time mom. In December 2013 to be exact, I was invited to become a member of Mommy Bloggers Philippines and the rest was history. That was the only time that I realized that blogging was more than just sharing my thoughts and feelings but might open doors for opportunities that were imaginable. Moreover, alongside the opportunities that go with blogging are downs too. Thinking about all the things that I experienced as a blogger, I was inspired to write about the things that I learned.

Why do you want to be a blogger in the first place? What is your purpose? What is your drive? Why do you like to start? These are the questions that I would like to ask you and I would like you to ask yourself before you start opening a blogging account. Be honest with yourself when you answer because your answers will give you the right mindset, direction, drive to start, and eventually, you will ask yourself again when you feel like giving up. 

When you have decided to start blogging, think of a blog name that best represents your blog content. Most of the bloggers I know opt to use their full names as their blog names, thinking they are more appropriate and versatile. Then they could always rebrand anytime the situation calls for it without affecting their blog names. Next, you may open social media accounts like Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook Page, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube for your blog. Make sure that your social media handles are consistent with your blog name. Preparing a media kit or rate card is also very helpful because you may use any of those when brands collaborate with you. 

Blogging is a personal thing. There are times that you may be overwhelmed with too many collaboration opportunities that you would like to accommodate all. That's a good problem actually, but always make sure to stick with your niche for consistency and not to cause confusion on your readers. It should boil down to what best represents you as a person and not just what is trendy. Also, be observant. You have to be aware of what posts your readers like and amplify their curiosity by posting the same tone of posts so that they may stay but never forget to put variety on your content. It helps when you calendar your posts. 

The rule of thumb for me as a blogger is never to fool your readers. Post recommendations and product reviews after you truly tried and tested those brands or products. Share your musings that may empower or inspire others. Share contents that represent who you are as a person. By doing so, content creation will flow naturally and you will never get tired of what you are doing because what you post or write about comes from the heart. 

Blogging nowadays is one of the best platforms for endorsements and product reviews in exchange for money, gift certificates, and products or "ex-deals". Brands and companies tap bloggers for collaborations through PR practitioners. The feeling of being asked for collaborations is flattering but always make sure that when you say yes, it is worth your time and effort. What makes it worth your time depends on your purpose of collaborating. It is on a case-to-case basis. It depends on what you think would be valuable for you so we have no right to judge you if you accept a collaboration offer for exposure and there is no payment involved. But to tell you the truth, that becomes an avenue for abuse especially if you are a newbie who is just starting to gain readers and followers. When you set a low benchmark, it affects the whole blogging industry negatively as well. As a blogger, it is best to choose wisely whom to collaborate with, someone who will respect your time and effort, who is willing to compensate you fairly, and who is sincere in building a good relationship with you and not just use you adamantly. 

Change in any aspect of this world is inevitable and it includes blogging as well. When I started, people still read blog posts and now they read social media posts or watch YouTube or Tiktok videos. Bloggers need to adapt in order to stay relevant so they go with the flow. Bloggers or "influencers" are becoming more and more aggressive and adventurous literally and figuratively. There are thousands of bloggers out there who are sharing their passion and voices. The more the merrier, right? It is definitely fun and okay. Being adventurous is fine. Moving with the flow or posting what is trendy is okay but in my opinion, always stick with what you believe in and never lose your self-respect. Never forget your values and principles. Please do not post or do something that is against your principles or will just for the sake of money, likes, and follows. Always think of the consequences of your actions. What you post or write about is a reflection of who you are as a person. Be responsible in making choices because what you do or speak online is not always about you. You also have family members to protect. Any wrong move can put your and your loved ones' reputation at stake so make the right choices. 

Your readers and followers are part of your success as a blogger that's why it is best to give back to them through giveaways but never use this as a means of bribery. It feels good when you know that your readers stay because they like your content more than the products that you give or offer. Giving good content that may help change their lives for the better is the best way to give back. 

There are many blogger success stories that may truly inspire others to start their own blogging path. There are also stories that we hear that for some, fame and fortune go to some bloggers' heads. For me, blogging is like show business and politics. If you do not constantly check your "self-awareness meter", you may forget to be humble, prudent, honest, and loyal due to so many opportunities and competition right in front of you. Always remember that in any endeavor, you compete with yourself alone and not with others. Focus on yourself, stick with your values, and never compare yourself with others. These will keep you "grounded". 

When you have the love for this craft, there is the truth in the saying, "Love what you do, then money will follow." But I would like to add to this, "If you do what you love, happiness shall follow and so does money." Blogging is always good but expect also the bad side. If you are a person who sees something good in any bad situation, your bad experiences may be your means to learn and be better. Be a blogger or an "influencer" that changes lives for the better and makes other people as happy as you are. 

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. 

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.

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