Prepping for School in 2024

Our kids are both going to school now. One is an incoming college student and the other is a nursery student. The age gap is amazing, I know. 

The budget allotted for things outside the tuition fee is mind blowing. This is something that a lot of parents need to remember. After all, any seasoned Mom or Dad knows that miscellaneous fees are more expensive than tuition fees. 

• Uniforms 
• Bags 
• Lunch Box 
• Thermal flask 
• Weekly Allowance
• Transportation or School Bus 
• Food for Baon 
• Projects 
• Costumes 
• School Parties 
• Gifts for Classmate's Birthday 
• Teachers Week 

There will be more things that need to be paid and it can be overwhelming. I sometimes wonder where I will get the money for it, but God has been so good in providing for our needs. When I was a single Mom, I was able to provide for B and now that I have a husband, I know that things will be better in providing for both B and K.

Today was K's first official school day. M took a leave of absence so that he could be there on K's first day. It may not mean anything to K for now but in the future, it will matter. 

To me, it mattered a lot because my own Dad was never there. I think the only times he was in attendance in my school was for my high school graduation and my college graduation. Two times in 18 years that I was in school.

Thank you, Lord for the gift of a complete family for my kids. 

Sadly, no photo with our college one because he needs to learn independence and I think it'll be weird if we bring him to school and send him off when he's already a freshman. Haha. 

Struggling to Grieve

Last May 31, 2024, my Mom died. 

It's been almost two months now and I still haven't properly grieved. I thought I was okay but apparently, I was just being delusional in this. 

I was in denial. 

I didn't realize you can be in denial even when something is right in front of your face. After all, I saw my Mom when she was gone. I touched her. I hugged her. I held her icy cold hands in my hand. I even kissed her forehead. 

I was there when she was taken out of the house. I was there when she was being prepped for cremation. I saw her body go inside the crematorium and I held her ashes in a ziploc bag when it was still hot. 

I have her ashes in locket on my neck and apparently, with all these, I am still in denial. 

This is the question in my head now. 

Why is it so hard for me? I already know for a fact that she is no longer here. Logically, I know that she is gone. Emotionally and mentally, it's a whole different ballgame. 

Sometimes, I find myself crying but the moment I realize that I am, I stop myself because I feel like there's other things that I need to do. I don't think I have spent more than 10 minutes of non-stop crying.

I just can't seem to do it. 

Maybe I'll just wait for that one thing that will make me snap. 

I know it's unhealthy but I really just don't know what to do. 

I need help.

How to Choose the Right Wholesale Soap for Your Business

Selecting the perfect wholesale soap for your business can be daunting, but it’s crucial for ensuring customer satisfaction and driving sales. With countless options available, making the right choice requires careful consideration. This guide will walk you through key factors to remember when choosing a wholesale soap supplier, ensuring you stock high-quality products that meet your customers’ needs and enhance your brand's reputation. Let's explore the essential steps to help you make an informed decision.

About Soap Sales Business

Soap is one of the bath items that many people use every day. That is why a soap business can be a promising investment. Soap sales can depend on several factors, including market, quality, demand, etc.

But since soap is a staple product, there will always be demand for it. We just have to make sure that the quality and price match the market demand. The profit margins of a soap business can vary widely.

You can expect a margin of 50%-80% but it can be more than that too. Factors to consider include branding, marketing, cost management, quality of ingredients, and pricing. Although this business is promising, you must make sure to choose the right supplier to ensure successful sales.

How to Choose Wholesale Soap Supplier?

To achieve soap business success, you need to choose the right soap wholesale supplier. To avoid choosing the wrong business partner, consider the following points:

1. Check About Supplier Credibility

For you to get professional services and quality products, make sure you choose a credible supplier. Not all of them can be relied on, you need to choose suppliers based on certain documents. The point is that you have to make sure the business is legal with the availability of business licenses, certificates, and so on.

You can also find out about a supplier's credibility from online reviews. If there are a lot of negative reviews, then the supplier may not be worthy of your choice. It would be better if they provided a guarantee both in terms of quality and delivery.

Verification like this may be a tricky thing, but you must run your business with peace of mind. Make sure the wholesale soaps you choose have a good reputation for the success of your company.

2. Choose The One That Suits Your Business Needs

Ordering soap products from suppliers usually comes with a minimum order requirement. Try to ask about this beforehand, including asking about maximum orders if there are any. Business is all about speed of supply, so make sure orders don't arrive late.

Another customization could be private labeling, the supplier may provide such services that you can utilize to be more efficient. Make sure the supplier can customize various aspects of the products to your needs.

3. Find Out The Specifications Of Your Wholesale Soap Products

One important step is understanding the specifications of your wholesale soap products. Many consumers avoid allergens and certain ingredients like parabens and SLS. It’s essential to thoroughly investigate the ingredients and production methods of the soaps you intend to sell. Fragrance components, in particular, can often be undisclosed by suppliers, so make sure to ask detailed questions. As a professional business owner, being meticulous about the ingredients will help you maintain a high standard for your products.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to choose the best supplier, ensuring your business runs smoothly and professionally. Remember, continual innovation and staying attuned to market trends are key to keeping your business relevant and successful. 

SHEIN Takes Centre Stage at One Ayala Mall

SHEIN, the global online fashion and lifestyle retailer, is excited to announce its latest pop-up event at One Ayala Mall, Makati. Kicking off on July 16 through July 21, this event promises to bring an immersive and exhilarating shopping experience to fashion enthusiasts in the Philippines.

With various size-inclusive apparel and accessories refreshed hourly, customers will surely find something to their liking. Make-up fans can rejoice as best-selling SHEGLAM products will be made available for testing in an exclusive Beauty & Home Showcase. Home and Living items such as home storage goods and decorative pieces will also be displayed, offering inspiration for customers looking to spruce up their living spaces. All displayed products from the showcase can be purchased online by scanning a QR code on the product tag. 

Customers can look forward to receiving free gifts by RSVP-ing their attendance at https://bit.ly/SHEINpopupPH, participating in surveys, and sharing their SHEIN pop-up experience on social media.  

"We are thrilled to bring our trendy and fashion-forward styles to the Philippines once again," said a SHEIN spokesperson. "Having had several successful pop-ups in the Philippines, we aim to continue to engage with our Filipino customers. What SHEIN offers is designed to align with our Filipino customers’ preferences, as we continue to provide the best in fashion and lifestyle products at affordable prices. We look forward to seeing everyone at One Ayala Mall and making this event a memorable one."

Date: Tuesday, 16 July 2024, - Sunday, 21 July 2024

Venue: One Ayala Mall

Hashtag: #SHEINtakesPH 

Always Incredible AI: ASUS Philippines Officially Launches ASUS Vivobook S 15, its First Copilot+ PC

Experience Next-Gen AI with the first-ever ASUS Copilot+ PC in the country, packed with incredible AI power and portability!

 

ASUS Philippines has launched a new era in AI-powered computing with the debut of the ASUS Vivobook S 15 (S5507). Powered by the Snapdragon X Elite, the device is the company’s first Copilot+ PC, with Windows AI features and a collection of exclusive ASUS AI apps. 

ASUS Philippines Business Development Manager Harrison Cheng shares, “As leaders of innovation, we are excited to introduce to our Filipino audience our first Copilot+ PC, the ASUS Vivobook S 15, designed in collaboration with Qualcomm and Microsoft. This AI PC aims to take users' lives to the next level, making them more secure, efficient, and personalized. AI connects users to endless possibilities, opening a new incredible way to work, study, play, and create, ultimately giving back valuable personal time to its users.”

The Vivobook S 15 is equipped with the efficient power and built-in AI engine of the Snapdragon X Elite Platform. Users can also enjoy incredible performance and efficiency as a result of the custom-integrated Qualcomm Oryon CPU. With up to 18 hours of battery life, enjoy uninterrupted productivity. It has a stunning 3K 120 Hz ASUS Lumina OLED display, Harman Kardon-certified audio, and a sleek 14.7 mm-thin, 1.42 kg-light body, so it's built for effortless mobility.

The Vivobook S 15 is backed up with the ASUS 4A Quality & Service – a two-year international warranty, a free Office Home & Student 2021 lifetime license, and a one-year Microsoft 365 Basic subscription.

All-new next-gen AI experience

Packed with the latest Windows AI tools and powered by the Snapdragon X Elite with built-in Qualcomm Hexagon NPU, the Vivobook S 15 boasts a 45 TOPS Neural engine for swift on-device AI processing. An ultrafast 1 TB PCIe 4.0 SSD and 16 GB of 8448 MHz LPDDR5X RAM are included for ample storage and memory.

Next-gen AI-powered enhancements include Windows Studio Effects and an ASUS AiSense IR camera. The camera's presence-detection capabilities enable Adaptive Dimming, which dims the screen when the user looks away, and Adaptive Lock, which locks the laptop when the user moves away and unlocks it upon return. The Vivobook S 15 is the first device to feature the exclusive AI app StoryCube, which uses AI to sort, edit, manage, and export digital assets.

Additional features include Windows Studio Effects for enhanced lighting and noise removal during video calls, Live Captions for real-time subtitles, and Cocreator to transform sketches into finished artwork. These technologies enhance security, privacy, and creativity.

By leveraging these advanced AI capabilities, the Vivobook S 15 not only enhances productivity and efficiency but also frees up valuable personal time. The AI-driven features streamline tasks and automate mundane activities, allowing users to focus on what truly matters to them, ensuring personal time is reclaimed and maximized.

Incredible AI on-the-go

Built for effortless portability, the Vivobook S 15 features a 14.7 mm ultra-slim and 1.42 kg all-metal design, blending minimalist aesthetics with strength and stability. The CNC-engraved logo adds a touch of class, while the 70 Wh battery provides up to 18 hours of productivity or entertainment, support for fast charging, and ASUS USB-C Easy Charge.

The premium styling includes a single-zone RGB backlit keyboard for personalized styles and a dedicated Copilot key for instant access to Windows AI tools. The large, smart touchpad offers effortless navigation and intuitive control for various tasks, enhancing the user experience.

Seamless connectivity

Equipped with a comprehensive set of I/O ports, the Vivobook S 15 ensures seamless on-the-go connectivity. It includes two USB4 Type-C ports supporting fast charging, 4K displays, and up to 40 Gbps data transfers, plus two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, an HDMI 2.1 port, a microSD card reader, and an audio combo jack.

With WiFi 7 enabled by the Qualcomm FastConnect 7800 system, the Vivobook S 15 delivers speeds up to 5.8 Gbps, outpacing WiFi 6 by 4.8 times. This ensures seamless streaming, effortless multitasking, and lightning-fast downloads.

Stunning audiovisuals

The Vivobook S 15 offers a premium audiovisual experience with a 15.6-inch 3K 120 Hz ASUS Lumina OLED display, providing vivid, true-to-life color, refined highlights, and extraordinary shadow detail. This display features an 89% screen-to-body ratio, 0.2 ms response time, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, and VESA DisplayHDR True Black 600 certification. It also includes TÜV Rheinland-certified low blue-light levels for eye care and the ASUS OLED Care system to reduce burn-in risk. Complementing the display is a Harman Kardon-certified audio system with immersive Dolby Atmos sound.

Availability

The all-new ASUS Vivobook S 15 retails for PHP 84,995. Buy one today until August 15, 2024, to score fantastic bundles through the ASUS Cool for School Promo. Buyers can also avail of Home Credit’s 0% interest financing for up to 12 months. Visit the nearest store and experience next-level AI computing by ASUS.

 

Model	Specifications	SRP
Vivobook S 15 S5507QA-MA032WSM	Snapdragon X Elite X1E 78 100 Processor 3.4GHz / 3K (2880 x 1620) OLED 16:9 aspect ratio / 16GB LPDDR5X on board / 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD / Qualcomm Adreno GPU / Qualcomm Hexagon NPU 45 TOPS / Windows 11 Home / Microsoft Office Home & Student 2021 + Microsoft 365 Basic One-Year Subscription / Cool Silver	PHP 84,995.00

  

The Ajinomoto Konbini Experience! Soup & Go® is finally here in the Philippines

Breakfast is undoubtedly the most important meal of the day. It sets the mood for how you start your mornings and essentially becomes your fuel to kickstart your tasks, whether in school, at the office, at home, or anywhere you’re meant to be for the day. Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC), considers this as a vital part of one’s twenty-four-hour period, especially here in the Philippines, as it launches its first easy-to-make breakfast that takes less than a minute to prepare! This is the perfect companion for those on the go, and also for those who want a hassle-free quick breakfast that doesn’t compromise nutritional value and that savory flavor. 

For the first time ever, a live demonstration on how to prepare the Ajinomoto Soup & Go® was celebrated at the Konbini. (A Japanese term for convenience store) Located in Market Market Taguig, the pop-up store is a site to see in the middle of the mall’s open space near the terminals, which mimics a real-life convenience store that sells Ajinomoto products. This will surely catch everyone’s attention and excite you to explore what is in its glass walls. Graced by APC President Mr. Koichi Ozaki, Mr. Koichi himself demonstrates how easy it is to prepare a tasty breakfast soup. All that is needed is to have your own cup, pour in the contents of the Soup & Go® sachet, add hot water, and stir. After following these easy steps, all that’s left is to wait for 1 minute to finally have that first serving of the delicious soup. 

“We are very excited for the Philippines because we know how the Filipino people love breakfast. With Soup & Go®, our aim is to make their mornings brighter through a convenient dish that’s flavorful and nutritious made with carefully selected ingredients from Japan like corn from the Hokkaido farms (just for corn flavor), and authentic milk from Japan  (for all flavors),” says Mr. Koichi Ozaki when asked about what the company aims to achieve with Soup & Go®.

Soup & Go® comes in three flavors, including Corn, Potato, and Pumpkin, packaged with three single-serve sachets in each box and is available at only Php85. Currently available exclusively in 7-11 branches for the first three months. Soon, Soup & Go® will be available nationwide. 

“We in Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation are committed to championing a lifestyle that indeed echoes our slogan, Eat Well, Live Well. Through our newest product, Soup & Go®, we are optimistic that it will not only make the mornings of our Filipino customers more convenient but will also equip them with the necessary nutrients and boost their mood by starting their day with a healthier and flavorful breakfast.” ends Mr. Koichi Ozaki.

Soup & Go® is Ajinomoto’s first instant soup product introduced to the Philippine market. APC believes that through these easy-to-prepare meals, their customers are given wider options when it comes to choosing a healthy and flavorful meal that is sure to sustain their nutritional needs for the morning without compromising their daily budget and quality of food. For APC, quality and taste has always been paramount when it comes to their products, and the Soup & Go® is testament to the continued innovation and commitment of the company to improving the quality of life of the Filipino people through nutrition and everyday ingredients that elevates every meal. 

The Soup & Go® official brand video was also shown during the event held at the Konbini & Go, you may enjoy the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7NIgqOQVEo 

National Fried Chicken Day with Ajinomoto

Chicken cooked in this style has made its way all over the world by simply being that “go to” dish which everybody can enjoy. From variations on the way that it’s made, to the flavorings added, to the simple yet very familiar dish, as well as ways this meal is presented, Fried Chicken, is without a doubt, a meal that everyone knows about. This National Fried Chicken Day is the perfect opportunity to know more about the rich history and global variations of a dish so well-loved.

Fried chicken can be traced back to the Middle Ages, specifically in Europe with the Scottish immigrants bringing their frying techniques to the Americas in the 18th century. Since then, many versions of this dish has been shared. From just simply frying the chicken meat, a variety of spices and herbs have now been introduced to make the traditional recipe taste better.

Fried chicken has also been adapted in various cultures worldwide. The Koreans cook their chicken by double-frying the meat and then later dipping it in sweet and spicy sauces. The Japanese karaage, on the other hand, features marinated chicken pieces covered in potato starch that has light and crispy textures. The style found in Indonesia is fried chicken called ayam goreng, where the chicken is deeply marinated in local spices. Later on, distinct versions were made including the Southern Fried Chicken with its crispy coating and juicy meat marinated in buttermilk and spices. Even fried chicken found its pair, with the dish called chicken & waffles, wherein fried chicken is served with golden waffles with syrup complementing the savory experience.

Fried chicken even became more popular globally with the rise of fast-food chains, having their own take on the comfort-giving dish that truly made everyone find their perfect and favorite fried chicken of choice. Some people even became loyal to one fast food chain because of their version of fried chicken.

This July, Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) celebrates the 20th anniversary of Crispy Fry ́®, and just like the many variations of fried chicken that exists all over the world, APC has made sure that there’s one variant of Crispy Fry ́® fit for everybody’s taste.

Crispy Fry® Garlic is made with a more delicious, special blend of flour, starch, and seasoning, for those who ought to enjoy a more garlic-y flavor to their fried chicken, elevating the experience of having that crispy-sarap fried chicken in every bite. The Crispy Fry® Spicy variation is perfect for those who want that right amount of kick of heat. Truly a spicy-food lovers’ partner, this flavor is indeed fiery in all the right ways. Finally, the Crispy Fry® Original flavor is one that is dear to the Filipino household which you most probably would find in the cupboards of Pinoy home, waiting to be used, on-call, on-standby for all the best reasons. This product could easily make one receive compliments about their cooking; while also maintaining that home-y and original tasting recipe at home you yearn for after a long day at work.

No matter how many variations of fried chicken there may be in the world, the Filipino household can easily recognize fried chicken made with Crispy Fry®, simply because most of the customers catered by this product have grown up with it, and know how adding Crispy Fry® to their fried chicken dishes is the best option especially when you’re cooking for your family or friends, or even a whole team or barkada! National Fried Chicken Day is an important celebration for APC, given how Crispy Fry® continues to be supported by its market. Somehow, it is common knowledge in the Philippines that by adding this special ingredient to a fried chicken dish will make everything fall into place, regardless of if you know your ways around the kitchen or not!

APC wishes everyone a Happy National Fried Chicken Day! Wait, is that fried chicken we smell and hear sizzling in oil ready to give you that crispy-sarap bite?  

Catch the Crunch with Purefoods Seafood Delights!

Shying away from shrimp, or thinking something’s fishy with shrimp? If the fam doesn't like seafood because they’re not used to it, it’s time to cast those worries into the sea and catch Purefoods Seafood Delights!

These tasty treats are ready to cook, fry, and eat, making your mealtime a breeze. Say goodbye to mealtime dilemmas and hello to delicious, nutritious dishes for the whole family to love, creating joyful, memorable moments around the table.

Just like their renowned products, Purefoods Seafood Delights are made from quality ingredients, offering Filipino families new possibilities during mealtime.

You can now serve your family's seafood faves minus the hassle—just all the convenience and tastiness! With Purefoods Seafood Delights, you have a variety of options to choose from. The line includes Shrimp Tempura, Squid Rings, Fish Nuggets, and Tail-On Shrimp, making mealtime always something to look forward to, preventing the dreaded "what's the food today?" dilemma.

And because of that perfect crunch and golden brown goodness, it will be hard for even the pickiest of eaters to resist Purefoods Seafood Delights. It looks like their favorite food, so what will stop them from at least trying it and taking a bite? They'll surely be excited to go on a seafood adventure with Purefoods Seafood Delights and ask for seconds!

One of the key advantages of Purefoods Seafood Delights is their convenience. As a busy mom, you'll appreciate having more quick and simple meal options without compromising quality. Prepare in as fast as 15 minutes, Purefoods Seafood Delights are ready to serve, making them ideal for those hectic days when you need a meal on the table in a flash. Spend less time in the kitchen feeling stressed and meal prepping, and more quality moments with your family.

Purefoods Seafood Delights is a great way to create nutritious, delicious, and convenient meals for you and your family. With a wide variety of seafood, you can catch the crunch and make every meal a delightful experience. Try Purefoods Seafood Delights today and taste its difference in your family's everyday meals!

Purefoods Seafood Delights are available in all supermarkets nationwide, with SRP:

● Shrimp Tempura (200g): Php220

● Squid Rings (200g): Php185

● Fish Nuggets (200g): Php125

● Tail-On Shrimp (200g): Php205

Kumita ng Php50,000 Kada Buwan with the Sarisuki App

As a mom and a blogger, I'm always on the lookout for ways to streamline my life and find opportunities that benefit my family. Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting the Sarisuki warehouse, and I was absolutely blown away by what I discovered. 

Sarisuki is not just a place; it's an online platform that allows anyone to start their own online grocery store with ease. I’m excited to share my experience and tell you how you too can become a Ka-Sari Community Leader and start earning.

Sarisuki offers a unique opportunity for everyone to create their own online grocery store without the hassle of registration fees, quotas, or minimum orders. With just a small amount of puhunan, pwede ka nang magsimiula ng online retail or online grocery business mo. Pinakapanalo? Mababa lang ang puhunan. YES! For as low as Php1,000, you can start selling. All it takes is a bit of diskarte to get your store up and running.

Here’s how you can get started:

Download the Sarisuki CL App: The first step is to download the Sarisuki CL App from either the Google Play Store or the App Store. The app is user-friendly and guides you through the setup process.

Set Up Your Store: Once you have the app, setting up your store is straightforward. You’ll get your own unique store link, such as store.sarisuki.com/biancas-store, which you can customize to your liking.

Share Your Store Link: Now, it’s time to share your store link. This is where your diskarte comes in. Use your social media platforms, message your friends and family, and spread the word about your new online store.

Start Earning: Your customers, or Ka-Suki, can order directly from your unique webstore link. Alternatively, you can place orders for them using the Sarisuki CL app. With deliveries made from Monday to Saturday, your customers will receive their orders promptly, ensuring a steady flow of business.

The earning potential with Sarisuki is impressive. You can earn up to Php50,000 per month* by running your online grocery store. This is a fantastic opportunity to generate significant income with minimal initial investment. Plus, the platform ensures high-quality products at affordable prices, making attracting and retaining customers easy.

To maximize your success with Sarisuki, I highly recommend attending one of their business orientations. These sessions are conducted via Zoom every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. You’ll learn valuable tips and strategies to grow your business during these orientations. To sign up, download the app and use my link to register for the Sarisuki Business Orientation.

Sarisuki provides an incredible opportunity for anyone looking to start their own online grocery store and earn a substantial income. With no registration fees, no sales quotas, and the flexibility to start with low funding, it's an accessible and practical option for many. So why wait? Download the Sarisuki CL App today, set up your store, and start your journey as a Ka-Sari Community Leader. Earn with Sarisuki and watch your business thrive.

Ready to start? Click here to download the app and register for our next business orientation. Join the Sarisuki community and take control of your financial future today!