Thursday, January 25, 2024

Jollibee introduces the new Crunchy Chicken Sandwich

Jollibee, the country’s number one fast-food chain, known for its ‘Langhap Sarap’ favorites, is thrilled to introduce its latest blockbuster offering that will surely excite taste buds and leave people wanting more with every bite – the All-New Jollibee Crunchy Chicken Sandwich!

This new chicken sandwich was created mainly with the consumers in mind. With a chicken patty, that’s crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, complemented by a generous amount of creamy dressing, and sandwiched between everyone’s favorite Yum Buns – this will surely be a delicious new staple of customers in the Jollibee menu. And because all the tasty ingredients are present from the first to the last, it makes for a ‘sarap in every bite’ experience!

"We are very excited to finally launch this offering so that people can enjoy a tasty and crunchy chicken sandwich that will satisfy their cravings at a budget-friendly price,” said Pam Reyes, Assistant Vice President of Jollibee.

"With the All-New Jollibee Crunchy Chicken Sandwich, we're raising the bar and setting a new standard for what a chicken sandwich should be regarding taste and value. We've carefully crafted every element to ensure that every bite delivers that irresistible 'sarap' our customers will love," she concluded.

Jollibee's Crunchy Chicken Sandwich is not just a sandwich; it's an experience. The new campaign invites customers to dive into the world of ‘sarap’ with every bite. With the All-New Jollibee Crunchy Chicken Sandwich, you'll savor all the components coming together in every bite. Check out the latest Jollibee commercial featuring the All-New Crunchy Chicken Sandwich! 

Friday, January 19, 2024

Manila Prince Hotel's Marcelino Café: Buffet Feast Fit for the Family

I recently visited Marcelino Café at Manila Prince Hotel to try their dinner buffet. A friend of mine told me that the buffet was worth the price and since I had time to kill, I decided to go ahead and give it a try. 

Starting with the dinner experience, Marcelino Café continued to uphold its reputation for excellence during the evening hours. The buffet spread featured diverse global cuisines, including American, Korean, Japanese, Indian, Filipino, and Vietnamese delights. This culinary tapestry transformed the dining space into a haven for food enthusiasts, promising a delightful fusion of tastes and textures.

One particular highlight of the dinner buffet was the sashimi selection, showcasing lapulapu and tanigue. This departure from the usual sashimi choices brought a unique and exciting twist to the dining experience. These less common fish varieties added a layer of sophistication and adventure to the buffet, and was definitely a surprise to me. 

They also offer breakfast and lunch buffet. The breakfast spread, available from 6:00 am to 10:00 am, promised a sumptuous start to the day. With a rotating selection that included classics like corned beef and hotdogs, as well as more exotic options like Spanish sardines and danggit, guests were treated to a diverse range of breakfast delights. The addition of pancake and waffle stations, along with bread, cereal, salad, and a hot cup of coffee, ensured a well-rounded and satisfying morning meal.

For those looking to indulge in a heartier feast, the lunch buffet, served from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, offered an array of options. Priced at Php 899 net per person during the promotional period (the regular rate at Php 1,500 net), the lunch buffet featured an international culinary journey. Pasta with a selection of sauces, a salad station with various dressings, sushi, sashimi, and a carving station presenting a rotation of succulent roasted meats created a gastronomic adventure that catered to diverse palates.

Apart from the impressive variety and quality of dishes, one aspect that stood out was the affordability of Marcelino Café's buffet offerings. With the promotional rate of Php 899 net for both lunch and dinner, diners could savor many global cuisines without straining their budget. This affordability, combined with the exceptional quality of the food, makes Marcelino Café a compelling choice for those seeking a memorable dining experience without breaking the bank. 




Marcelino Café at Manila Prince Hotel is definitely a hidden gem that will surely become a haven for food enthusiasts. With a budget that won't hurt your wallet, families can come here to celebrate and enjoy the many different choices they have. 

For inquiries and reservations:

+632 53282222 loc.1231

fnb@manilaprince.com 

5 Signs It's Time to Quit Your Job to Start Your Dream SME Venture

For most aspiring business owners, taking that incredible leap from employment to entrepreneurship takes courage and hard work. This is especially true if you have a family to support. However, there comes a moment when you just know that it’s time to make that transition from rank-and-file worker to small- or medium-sized enterprise (SME) or startup business owner.

Are you ready to finally quit your day job and pursue your dream business?  Entrepreneurs-in-the-making, take note of these five compelling indicators that could signify your readiness to take the plunge:

1) You Have a Clear Plan to Achieve Success

One of the first signs that you're ready to transition from a job to your dream small business is that you’ve readily come up with a well-defined plan. Your business plan serves as a roadmap for your new venture, outlining your goals, strategies, and milestones. If you’ve put together the major pieces by yourself, that means that you have a good grasp of how tangible your aspirations are and what you’re willing to do to put your dream in motion. 

Sharpen your business plan draft by setting SMART goals—or goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—so that you have a clear framework for success. Remember, a clear plan will not only chart your course, but also instill confidence in your potential investors and stakeholders.

2) You Are Prepared to Learn the Tools and Skills of the Trade

Entrepreneurship demands continuous learning and adaptability. Being prepared to learn the tools of the business is a crucial sign that you're ready to launch your small business. Start by identifying the specific skills and knowledge required for success in your industry, and draw up a rough budget for procuring the proper tools to practice them.

Take, for example, a payroll management system for properly compensating your future employees. Unless you have a background in accounting, it may take a while to learn how to navigate this complex process. Fortunately, if you’re based in that part of Southeast Asia, you can take advantage of an easy-to-use payroll system Philippines-based businesses also use. For payroll system software designed to fit the needs of SMEs and startups specifically, you can explore solutions like Maya Business’s Maya Disbursements. 

A payroll system is just one example among the many tools you need to learn about to steer your business to success. But remember that as an entrepreneur starting from scratch, you’ll also have to learn different roles and skills in the beginning. You’ll likely have to take care of operations, marketing, office admin, and more. Only if youhave the drive to continue learning will you be able to accomplish all these processes and put your new business on the path towards success.

3) You Have Multiple Products or Services to Offer

Diversification is a key strategy for ensuring the sustainability of your business. If you find yourself with multiple products or services in the pipeline, it could be a sign that you're ready to transition from the life of a regular employee to the life of a serious entrepreneur. 

Offering a range of products or services not only caters to a broader audience, but also provides a buffer against market fluctuations. Thanks to a well-thought-out business model with multiple revenue streams, you’ll be able to bolster your business's resilience from the get-go and set your own stage for long-term success.

Imagine, for example, starting your dream bakery business. Instead of simply selling ordinary bread products, you can prepare to diversify and capture the vegan market by offering vegan options. Another example is a nail salon that also offers foot spa services. If you have the initial knowledge and resources to branch out into several products and services at a time, you’ll be in a good position to start a profitable business. 

4) You Have Identified Your Market

An understanding of your target audience is a fundamental aspect of entrepreneurial success. Are you appealing to the eco-conscious Gen Z market? Then, your brand has to have sustainability built into its DNA. In addition, you have to establish a strong online presence and meet your market where they spend the most time—social media platforms. On the other hand, if your product is meant for older audiences, you may have to establish a physical store for your business. These demographics prefer to shop in person rather than online.

If you have a pretty clear idea of who you’ll want to reach out to—and if you already have an “in” with that particular demographic, for example as someone known in your field—then you may be ready to leave the working world for the entrepreneurial life. Just remember to do thorough market research to identify the demand for your products or services, and ensure that there’s a viable market for your venture. 

5) Your Initial Business Dealings Is Already Generating Income

What if you’re working and testing your business out on the side? While the journey to profitability may take time, you should notice if your sideline or “hustle” is already generating income. This early validation is a significant sign that you may be ready to pursue your SME venture full-time. 

Celebrate these initial successes as crucial milestones on your path to sustained growth, and develop strategies to scale and expand your income streams further. As a business owner, you can’t ever be complacent about how much money your business is going to make. Markets can easily shift at the drop of a hat, so you have to be ready for your next move, even while your present setup is already bringing in the profits.

So, do you have what it takes to become a small business owner? The answer may be yes. But as you take these indicators into account, remember that the path to success is unique for every entrepreneur. Take your initial readiness for what it is, and commit to further strengthening your abilities and your resilience as your dream to found a business becomes a reality.  

Tuesday, January 9, 2024

Ready, Set, Biyahe: Lalamove Philippines opens 2024 with Partner Driver Health Fair series in Luzon, Cebu

With the commitment to holistically support its partner drivers, leading on-demand delivery platform Lalamove Philippines welcomes 2024 with a reward to thousands of delivery drivers for their hard work over the holidays through the “Ready, Set, Biyahe: Partner Driver Health Fair Series” in Luzon and Cebu. 

Existing and aspiring partner drivers of Lalamove in Mega Manila are free to join in the Ready, Set, Biyahe Partner Driver Health Fair series, with the first stop to be held on January 20, 2024 at the Lalamove QC Hub in 518-C, A. Bonifacio Avenue, San Jose, Quezon City. The next leg will be on January 27, 2024 at the Lalamove Hub in Pampanga at Gruppo del Diamante Magalang, Ave., Angeles, Pampanga, while the final event will be on February 4, 2024 in Cebu. Activities in the three locations start at 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

“We want to kickstart the year by rewarding our dedicated partner drivers with our first-ever Partner Driver Health Fair. All year round, Lalamove partner drivers enjoy health benefits from our Panalomove program, but through the Health Fair, we’re bringing this on-ground with more health and wellness treats for them,” said Djon Nacario, Managing Director of Lalamove Philippines. 

Ready, Set, Biyahe Partner Driver Health Fair Benefits

For a “biyahe-ready” 2024, all active Lalamove delivery drivers will get access to free health consultations in partnership with Doctor Anywhere, which include blood pressure and blood sugar check-ups. Partner drivers can also get free eye check-ups, thanks to Executive Optical partnership with the on-demand delivery app. 

Lalamove has also teamed up with InvestED, a leading student loan provider in the Philippines, to offer free well-being workshops about stress management and budgeting.

Pag-IBIG will also be readily available on the ground to give partner drivers a more convenient way to access the government agency’s perks such as a fast collection of the Pag-IBIG Loyalty Card and easily assist them with their Pag-IBIG multipurpose loan applications.

Early bird attendees can also expect tons of freebies from Petron, GCash, Prestone, Organique, and so much more.

How to Join the 2024 Partner Driver Health Fair

Lalamove partner drivers may register via bit.ly/LalamovePartnerDriverHealthFair2024    to enjoy the perks of the Health Fair and will only need to present a Viber confirmation upon entering the venue.

Walk-in Lalamove partner drivers are also free to participate in the events series. Lalamove will also be ready to onboard interested individuals to apply as a Lalamove partner driver at the event with a 50 percent deposit fee discount. They can quickly participate in the programs, provided they bring the following requirements:

  • Professional Driver’s License
  • Valid NBI Clearance
  • Vehicle Official receipt (OR) and Certificate of Registration (CR)
  • Deed of Sale
  • Letter of Authorization (LOA) if the vehicle is owned by someone else

New and existing Lalamove partner drivers also get to purchase a Lalabag (a thermal bag) on-site for PHP 999, which is available for a limited time only.

The Health Fair series is a continuous commitment of the country’s leading on-demand delivery platform to holistically support its partner driver community as they enter this year with a healthy lifestyle and renewed enthusiasm. 

“Our partner drivers worked extremely hard during the holiday season to cater to the peak demand in delivery orders. As we open the New Year, we want to give back to our partner drivers because they deserve the best,” remarked Nacario. 

Embrace a Fresh Start in 2024, Have a Long-lasting Fresh Year with Tide

As homemakers set their New Year's resolutions for 2024, Tide, the leading laundry detergent brand from Procter & Gamble (P&G) Philippines, continues its commitment to helping them achieve enduring freshness. Going beyond its typical role as a detergent, Tide is dedicated to assisting discerning Moms in keeping their family’s clothes impeccably fresh this 2024. 

As we embrace the New Year, P&G Philippines, the force behind Tide, reaffirms its commitment to providing every mom and housewife with a brand that listens to their needs. Tide is your partner in making 2024 effortless, ensuring your family's clothes are fresh and ready for whatever life brings.

As you set your New Year's resolutions for 2024, consider keeping your family's clothes fresh  all-day a top priority, and Tide is here to support you in achieving that goal. Let Tide be the fresh start your clothes and your family deserve in the year ahead.

Achieve Enduring Laundry Freshness

This year, choose a laundry companion that makes your family's clothes not only brilliantly clean but also infused with a delightful, long-lasting fragrance. Unlike fleeting scents that vanish quickly, Tide's unique formula gives you the best of both worlds– ensuring that your clothes remain infused with a delightful fragrance that lingers, and a cleaning agent that lets you feel fresh all day long, creating a lasting impression.

As you dress your loved ones for the year, you'll notice that invigorating scent that makes everyone feel ready to conquer the world. No more compromising on freshness or enduring bad odors that resurface by the day's end. Tide's cleaning power ensures that the pleasant scent becomes an enduring part of your family's clothing experience, making each day a fragrant and confident journey.

Conquer "Kulob" with Tide's Power

In the battle against “kulob”, Tide emerges as your unwavering ally, particularly in the humid climates of the Philippines. Its powerful cleaning action not only eliminates dirt and stains but also tackles the dreaded musty odors head-on.

Imagine the disappointment when your family members encounter clothes that emit that dreadful "kulob" smell. With Tide, you can avoid such unpleasant experiences, ensuring your family always enjoys fresh, odor-free clothing. Its advanced formula penetrates deep into the fibers, not just eradicating dirt but also ensuring a crisp, revitalized scent that defies the challenges of humid climates. 

Restore Brilliance to your Family’s Wardrobe

We understand the importance of vibrant and fresh attire, which not only boosts confidence but also reflects our commitment to our loved ones. As Moms, we always strive to take the best care of our family's clothes, ensuring they not only look their brightest and newest but also feel their best. 

Tide's advanced technology goes beyond just scent and freshness; it delivers superior cleaning capabilities that can rejuvenate even the dullest of garments, restoring them to their original, vivid whiteness. With Tide, you no longer need to fret about lackluster, lifeless clothing. Your family's clothes will not only look like new but also feel refreshingly crisp, supporting your dedication to keeping your loved ones looking and feeling their best.

Make your daily routine this 2024 effortless and revel in the comfort of knowing your family's clothes are cared for by the best. From morning to midnight, Tide is your partner in keeping your family's clothes fresh and ready for whatever life brings.

Stay at the top of your homemaking game and feel the brilliance of a fresh wardrobe every day with Tide. Embark on a long-lasting fresh year by embracing confidence and ease in every aspect of your daily life – one laundry at a time. 

Check out Tide’s Facebook and Instagram to know more!  

Friday, January 5, 2024

Toblerone Spreads Holiday Cheer as the Ultimate Thoughtful Gift, Unveils New Limited Edition Cards

In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, discovering a gift that speaks volumes becomes a treasured quest. From braving the Christmas traffic to sorting through countless options, searching for the perfect, most thoughtful gift can be daunting.

The good news is that you no longer have to endure the hassle of finding the perfect present because the limited-edition Toblerone Christmas Card is here!

During this festive season, Toblerone continues its thrust for thoughtful gift-giving with the #TobleroneTheThoughtfulGift Christmas Celebration last December 14, 2023, at the Altro Mondo Creative Space in Makati. A stroll around the area immersed everyone in the holiday spirit, offering a variety of gift choices that suit everyone on your Christmas list. 

One of the event's highlights was the introduction of the new limited-edition Toblerone Christmas Cards, now adorned with sleeves featuring unique artworks depicting Christmas traditions. The season becomes even more joyful as each pack’s blank panel invites you to write a personal message, transforming a simple gift into a sweet expression of your love and appreciation. Whether you choose to doodle, dedicate a poem, or write a heartfelt love note, you can personalize each Toblerone, so your gift stands out from the traditional holiday presents.

You can also tailor the gift to the flavor they love. You can’t go wrong with the classic Milk Chocolate or White Chocolate, or indulge in the richness of Dark Chocolate, Crunchy Almond, or the festive Fruit & Nut—whatever your choice, there's a perfect match for every taste, creating a uniquely delicious experience.

This holiday season, embrace the art of thoughtful gifting with Toblerone. Elevate your presents from mere items to cherished memories, wrapped in the warmth of Christmas traditions and the deliciousness of Toblerone chocolate. Make every gift a statement of love and every moment shared a celebration of the joyous season. #TobleroneTheThoughtfulGift #TobleroneChristmasCards 

Thursday, January 4, 2024

Finding My Person

They say you must keep the flame alive, inside and outside the bedroom when married. This 14th, I will be 3 years married to my husband and I'm happy that we have managed to do this together. It's not just a one-sided thing too. My husband makes an equal effort to spend time with me and date me, even if it's just around our village. 

Today, we went out to watch a movie that I've wanted to watch. Normally, we watch movies he likes but not mine. I raised this with him and he promised to change this. When I asked if we could watch Rewind, he gladly said yes. 

Rewind is a family movie that every couple needs to watch. I was so glad that I wasn't able to relate to the situation because my husband and I still talk, kiss each other, make time for each other, and don't take each other for granted. 

We also seldom fight now. Occasionally, we would have a spat but most of the time, we can now talk things out. It wasn't always that way, especially at the beginning but six years down we have improved in our communication and in handling things. 


I love that our focus is making sure our marriage works so that our family works. I'm so happy that finally, I found my person and he has found me. 

Wednesday, January 3, 2024

Jollibee Mix Match Combos

While customers often seek things that offer the best value for their money, they sometimes feel that they need to settle for less.

No compromise is needed with Jollibee’s Mix Match Combos, kasi ang saya pumili! Here, each option combines value and deliciousness, making it truly sulit sarap!

These combos offer a variety of Jollibee Jollibee’s best-tasting products, promising customers an enjoyable, filling, and wallet-friendly meal. For only P75, they can select a main and a side enjoying savings of up to P45!

“Jollibee’s Mix Match Combos empower customers to craft their own sulit-sarap experience. This offering stands out for its superior blend of value, taste, substantial portions, convenience, affordability, and variety,” said Mari Aldecoa, Assistant Vice President for Jollibee Masterbrand

The experience comes in two simple steps:

Step 1: Choose 1 main - Yumburger, Jolly Spaghetti, 1 pc. Burger Steak, Tuna Pie

Step 2: Choose 1 side - Peach Mango Pie, Coke Float Jolly Crispy Fries, Choco Sundae, Pineapple Juice

Jollibee’s Mix Match Combos are available nationwide for only P75 so be sure to drop by your nearest branch and create your perfect combination via dine-in, take-out, or drive-thru.

For all the latest updates, like Jollibee on Facebook, subscribe to Jollibee Philippines on YouTube, and follow @jollibee on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok 

Embrace the Spirit of Giving with Home Credit

The season of giving is not yet over! 

The holiday season brings not just cheers but also enticing deals! And yes, if you’re looking for convenient payment options for your Christmas and New Year purchases, Home Credit, the country’s leading consumer finance company, has got you covered with its array of 0% installment offerings. 

This yuletide season, Home Credit’s The Great 0% Festival is back for a limited time only, providing Filipinos with a chance to embrace the festive spirit while achieving personal and family goals through convenient payment options. This offer allows customers to indulge in a variety of lifestyle and tech products without worrying about interest rates, making dreams more accessible during this joyful season.

The good news is that you can still enjoy these amazing deals this holiday season, exclusively for Home Credit customers availing installments on select products. This amazing promo covers an assortment of items, ranging from mobile phones and laptops to appliances and furniture, all available through Home Credit partner stores or Shoppingmall.ph

For Home Credit, ‘The Great 0% Festival’ stands as a powerful initiative, aiming to be the Filipinos partner as they resoundingly cheer ‘Laban Lang, Para sa Life Goals!’ The 0% interest rate on lifestyle and tech products is not just a financial service but also a means for Filipinos to realize their aspirations, especially during this festive season.   

Emphasizing the benefits to users, the offer also focuses on enabling individuals to pursue their dreams and create lasting memories with loved ones. So whether one needs a smartphone such as iPhone 11 or Realme 11 Pro Plus 5G to connect with their friends and families; want new laptops like Acer Nitro 5, Huawei MateBook D15, Apple MacBook Air MGND3PP/A 13" to maximize productivity, of dream of home appliances such as Panasonic 9.4 cu ft Two Door Refrigerator, LG 1.0HP Dual Inverter Split Type Air Conditioner, Devant Ultra HD Smart TV 43" to elevate their homes, Home Credit is here to give them payment options that don’t break the bank.  

So, hurry! Take advantage of these amazing deals! Make your dreams and aspirations this holiday season a reality with Home Credit’s The Great 0% Festival, available until January 30, 2024 only! 

To know more about the latest updates from Home Credit Philippines, visit its official website, www.homecredit.ph. You may also follow its official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts. Customers are also encouraged to download the My Home Credit App on Google Play to learn more about the latest promos and see what’s new in Shopping Mall Philippines.  

Home Credit Philippines is a financing company duly licensed and supervised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).  

Tuesday, January 2, 2024

Convenient and Hassle Free Holidays with the Best Kitchen Essentials

The holiday season is not yet officially over with all the festive food flowing in from the gathering and celebrations. With the holiday and new resolution food plans, having a perfect storage is essential to save you time, energy, and money. Re-imagine your kitchen with the touch of smart and innovative refrigerator for a healthier lifestyle for your home and loved ones. 

As a Japan brand, Sharp provides a wide range of world class products that suits the needs of its customers. With the brand’s well known category line up of Refrigerators, Sharp provides Japan Technology products offering the best quality, advanced features, and smart innovation to every Filipino. Sharp’s refrigerator will surely stand out among the rest with its world-class and state-of-the-art features.

Free from Contamination and Odor

 Health is wealth for every home especially in the kitchen. It is definitely important to keep your refrigerator free from bacteria, molds, viruses, and unpleasant odors. With this, Sharp’s premium refrigerator is equipped with Plasmacluster Ion Technology (PCI) that deactivates 99.9% of viruses and bacteria, keeping fresher and healthier food. This technology reduces levels of undesirable contaminants and provides complete hygiene, providing peace of mind to every user.

Energy Saving Feature


J-Tech Inverter Technology is one of the best and unique features of Sharp’s premium refrigerator. It optimizes cooling efficiency providing maximum energy savings. It also comes with the ‘Hybrid Cooling System’ that gives you a faster cooling and chilling effect consistently without exposing the food to the direct flow of air. Moreover, this cooling system circulates the cold air evenly to prevent excessive dryness and prolongs the freshness of stored food. 

Space Saving and Big Capacity Storage

Sharp’s premium lineup of refrigerators including its 5-Door J-Tech Inverter (SJ-FTW27CVP-BK (26.8 cu. ft.), and 4-Door J-Tech Inverter (SJ-FTF525BVP-DS, 20.8 cu. ft), (SJ-FTF600BVP-SS, 23.9 cu. ft), (SJ-FLG16AVP-BK, 16.7 cu. ft) has the ultimate innovative space-saving solution that will surely be a lifestyle game changer. With its cutting-edge design, it will surely fit your needs as it has adjustable shelves that provide you a better storage solutions for bigger and wider items. Also, it offers different sized freezer compartments allowing you to store frozen items according to their sizes. You can now store food items conveniently thanks to the spacious vegetable case with the Moisture Shield feature that prolongs the freshness of fruits and vegetables. 

Innovative Features and Inner Sophistication

With Sharp refrigerator, you can always go right with its smart features such as it's in your kitchen. Enjoy the innovation of Sharp refrigerator with its hassle-free ee adjustment temperature settings, which can be switched to a different mode, and you can also now choose your desired ice size with its advanced ice-making feature. It also comes with a hidden water dispenser for the 5-Door model that can be activated using a touch sensor. The 5-door model also comes with a FREX room that has four temperature settings, adjusting to your needs. Moreover, it is also protected with Japan quality 7 shields to which it went through several tests that guarantee the quality and durability of the product. 

Sharp’s premium refrigerator will surely elevate your lifestyle with its innovative and advanced features, ensuring your food stays clean and fresh and perfect for your family’s health. Make every day feel like a holiday with the convenience provided by Sharp.

The Sharp refrigerators are now available at leading stores nationwide. For more information, please visit https://ph.sharp/.  

Disney on Ice with the Fam

It has finally happened. I got to watch Disney on Ice in person and I got to watch it with my husband and kids. This is all thanks to my mother-in-law who sent money to buy the tickets as our Christmas gift. 


Day 1 of 2024 was amazing because we spent it watching Disney on Ice. I knew that it was going to be a magical experience but I didn't realize that it would have such an impact on me. 

To say that it was magical would be an understatement. 

It was transformative. I think the only downside that I had with it was I wasn't able to bring my Mom with us because she's still recovering from her sickness and might not be able to sit through a 2.5-hour show in a cramped seat. 

Hopefully, this year, I'll be able to bring her. I'm thinking we can spend Christmas Day watching Disney on Ice.

Here are some moments that I wanna remember most during the show.



I had tears during this scene. I realized that things I only dreamt about doing with my own Mom and Dad, I can do now with my own kids. That hit me very hard. 




Super love this though it's blurry and dark because both my sons are intensely watching the show and enjoying it. 



To cap it off, I even saw a really good friend of mine at the end of the show. God is really good! 


She became my friend 18 years ago and though we may not always talk, we know we have a friend in each other. 

So glad that Day 1 was spent watching Disney on Ice. No better way to start the year than with this. 


Thank you again Mamita! 

Monday, January 1, 2024

Bye 2023, Hello 2024

They say that with every ending comes a better beginning. This could not have been more true in my case for 2023. Relationships that I thought were forever and strong snapped, friendships that I thought were real proved lukewarm at best, and a near tragedy that happened mid-year sent me reeling but thankfully, we all survived. A little bit worn but still standing.

Unlike other bloggers or creators, I don't have a year summary. There are too many things that I want to remember to make it fit in a 15-second video or even a one-minute one. There are things that I would love to forget but know that I shouldn't.

There was a painful incident that really broke me but thankfully, my husband was there for me the whole time and he made sure that though there was a crack, I did not completely break. He held me and reminded me what truly mattered. 

My Mom got sick but with God's grace and everyone who rallied and prayed for her, she is on the road to recovery. She's not fully healed yet but she's getting better every day. 

I lost some friends and distanced myself from others. I realized that just because you were good for each other before does not guarantee that you will be good for each other now. Sometimes, friends are only there for a reason or a season. 

I lost my job, got "fired" from one, and then was absorbed by the most amazing employer that I have ever had. To say that it was a rollercoaster ride would be an understatement. 

I lost brands that I thought were my partners and cared for me but made me realize that when it comes to "brand partnerships" there is no such thing as authenticity. All you really have are your numbers, your value, and what you can offer. When they feel you are no longer useful, then off with your head. 

However, there was more good than bad. 

For the first time since the pandemic, I celebrated the holidays with my Mom and little sister. I definitely consider this a blessing. They were simple meals we shared. Nothing lavish but the love, the respect, and the care were there. 



I was able to get my dream family photo done. These photos are now framed in our living room and bedroom. I love that even my husband was excited about this and he had the photos blown up, framed, and put on display in our home. 

2023 wasn't bad. I would actually say that it was one of the most freeing years for me. 

I found myself when I learned to cut ties with people who I thought mattered and loved me. I learned to find my own voice, have my own thoughts, and push for myself instead of adhering to what others think I should be. 

I freed myself from friendships that were no longer serving me a purpose but kept the other party being served. 

I freed myself from the desire to seek other's approval. I've never been one to care about the opinion of others but for those people that I love, I tend to bend over backward, not realizing that I keep depriving myself of things that I deserve, want, or need. 

I freed myself from being that blogger who has to be in every event, who fears missing out, and who worries if my numbers are on par with others. I reminded myself why I started my blog. It definitely wasn't for the brands, the numbers, the PRs, or the followers. 

I freed myself from the hurt that I was used to and learned to embrace the love that was being given to me. My husband and I had a talk during our last date for the year and we both agreed that 2023 was the year that we finally got our flow. We almost didn't fight and we both got each other's jam so to speak. 


I prepared this 13 fruits and prosperity bowl not because I rely on it for our luck. These are what you call manifesting and attracting the good vibes. I know that it won't work by itself but this, coupled with the usual determination, perseverance, and good health, then opportunities will come knocking and I will be prepared to receive it. 

I don't know what 2024 has in store but I do know that I am ready to explore it with arms wide open and ready to receive all the amazing opportunities it will send my way.

PS. 

In the second hour of 2024, our dog got attacked by a wayward Belgian Malinois. Thank God our senior dog still had a few bites in him and he was able to defend himself.  I'm pretty upset about what happened but thankful that our Wacky is alive and kicking.