You know what I needed more than ever during my busy day? Coffee. 

I'm sure all freelancers and moms will agree with me! We all need coffee to boost our energy and for me, it maintains my sanity. 

I consume at least 2 to 3 big mugs of coffee and because of this, I develop gastroenteritis. My doctor requires me a complete STOP to caffeine but since I need a daily dose of my coffee. I already found my perfect partner- Glorious Blend. 

A Journey To The Past

For decades, coffee had received a bad reputation. Besides allegedly triggering high blood pressure, insomnia, and hyperacidity, the Filipino habit of adding lots of sugar and cream to one’s cup has been said to aggravate diabetes.

While there’s no denying the Pinoy coffee fan his morning cup, there is concern over the amount of sugar present in commercial 3-in-1 coffee mixes. The leading brand has 14.6 grams of sugar in one 20-gram sachet alone. Imagine how much sugar you’re taking in if you drink an average of three cups of coffee a day.

What About Sugar-Free Coffee?

For health-conscious individuals, especially diabetics, turning to sugar-free coffee mixes seems to be the only option. This meant enduring tasteless cups of coffee just to satisfy their caffeine fix —until Stevia came along.

Stevia is a low-calorie, zero-sugar sweetener that tastes so much better than artificial sweeteners. 

Stevia is an herb with a sweet-tasting extract that comes from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. It has been enjoyed since pre-Columbian South America where indigenous people used the herb to sweeten their tea and other drinks. 

The plant's taste stems from steviol glycosides, molecules that are 250–300 times sweeter than regular sugar.  

It became popular among health-conscious individuals because stevia has a very low caloric content. This makes it perfect for dieters and people who are trying to lose weight. 

Moreover, Stevia makes coffee and tea taste so much better without adding any calories. 

Aside from beverages, Stevia is also used as an alternative sweetener when cooking or baking.

The Health Advantages of Stevia

Stevia is a safe, healthy sugar substitute that can sweeten up food without the negative health effects of refined sugar. It’s also associated with several impressive benefits such as reduced calorie intake, managed blood sugar levels, and minimized risk of cavities.

Additionally, while other sugar substitutes like Aspartame have been linked with cancer, there's no evidence linking stevia to cancer since it is a natural ingredient.

This means you can add stevia to dishes and drinks without fear that you’re taking too much sugar, or that you’ll get sick a few years down the road.

For coffee lovers, it’s also good to note that locally-made Glorious Blend coffees and instant beverages have Stevia as its natural sweetener. The blend of natural and healthful ingredients makes the drink not only refreshing and safe but also good for one’s overall health.

The Glorious Blend boasts a full line of healthy drinks, including a 7-in-1 healthy coffee mix. This special blend is made with proven medicinal ingredients like Malunggay, Mangosteen, Calcium, Gotu Kola, and sweetened with Sweet & Fit Stevia. What’s even better is that the Glorious Blend 7in1 Coffee is non-acidic and promotes regular bowel movement. 

The Glorious line-up also includes the 3-in-1 coffee mix with Stevia; 7-in-1 choco mix; 4-in-1 coffee with Malunggay; 5-in-1 coffee mix with Brown Rice; and the MaxiTrim coffee. 

All Glorious Blend beverages use Stevia which has no calories, no carbohydrates, and zero glycemic indexes. All of their instant drinks will keep you alert and energized throughout the day. 

Also, Glorious Blend products are locally sourced and manufactured. Their company supports local farmers, stevia growers, and other agricultural communities.

So if you’ve been cutting back on drinking coffee because of health problems like diabetes or hyperacidity, Glorious Blend coffee mixes are here to help. You can enjoy all the aroma and flavor of freshly made coffee all day —without the guilt!

Now, you can drink coffee for better health! Glorious, isn’t it?

For more information about Glorious Blend coffee mixes, check out https://www.facebook.com/gloriousblend.

 Hi, loves! 

Let me be honest with you- I DO NOT HAVE THE LUXURY OF TIME! I hate it because I want to accomplish more every single day- call me a goal digger. 

As you all know, I'm a parent, entrepreneur, social media manager, and virtual assistant. I honestly feel that I have so much going on my plate that sometimes makes me feel exhausted and overwhelmed. I know this is normal, but I can't give up. I know how time is significant in my industry and how much I value every penny that comes into my bank. 

So I made these simple steps for people who are just like me- aiming to do many things in a day and maximize their time. 

1. Start early 

Okay, I have to be honest, I wake up very late, but because I sleep early (does that make any sense?) to give you a context. Here's my sample day-to-day schedule:

10 AM: Wake up
10:30 AM: Work (doing morning VA tasks)
1:00 PM: Lunch
1:30 PM: Social Media Management tasks
2:30 PM: Take a bath
2:45 PM: Back to work
5:00 PM: Rest (while I do entrepreneurial tasks)
6:30 PM: Go back to work
7:30 PM: Dinner
rest of the night until 2 AM: Work

But if I can wake up earlier, I can finish and sleep early, right? The same goes for you, my dear friend. If you wake up earlier, you can accomplish more tasks ahead of time. Plus, you can also insert some leisure tasks in between. I for myself, if I feel exhausted from work, I take an hour, maybe two, to watch Netflix and ease my mind from my work. 

2. Stick with your routine

The key to maximizing your time is to have a proper routine; you should know when to start working, when to rest, and when to call it a day. Don't you feel irritated when you're not doing things on your own schedule? 

The same goes for me; I really hate it when I haven't bathed at around 3 PM; I feel tired, exhausted, and sticky, so I make sure to really stick with my time. I pause everything and go to bathe at exactly 2 PM because if not, everything will fail. 

Here's an exercise:

Start with a work routine and then slowly transition with your body clock; thus, your body and brain won't feel too overwhelmed with your changes. Slowly but surely, they say, but this definitely works. 

3. Hierarchy of tasks

I don't know for some, but I stick with the easiest tasks because they are the easiest to accomplish. Plus, a little check on your to-do list is such a great encouragement that you are doing something productive. 

Learning how to prioritize your tasks plays an essential role in your daily life. Whether you like it or not, it will become an excellent habit to adopt. 

If you want to finish harder jobs first to accomplish things faster, then do it- whatever works for you is definitely the best. 

4. Find your peak hours

They say our mind works better at a specific time; I call it "Peak Hours" that's when our minds are really pumped up to solve critical challenges such as decision making, conceptualizing, etc. 

My peak hours are always in the evening after 6 pm, so I do most of my conceptualizing and analysis because my mind works faster during this time. I also would love to work do my meetings in the evening because I feel more relaxed when the weather is cooled down, and my mind is already at ease. 

However, this doesn't work for everyone. Just like what I have said, find your peak hours. 

5. Invest in multitasking

Okay, I know this may sound a little daunting but believe me, it's always worth it! In the past, I'm working with my 4-year-old laptop, but as the years went by, I realized that my laptop is already tired and sooo worn out. The performance is prolonged, and even though I can accomplish tasks, I know I can do more if I invest in a new gadget. 

Now, I own two laptops, and it has been a lifesaver. 

One laptop is basically used for heavy duties like in-depth photo editing and video editing. The other one is for some administrative tasks like email marketing, scheduling social media posts for clients, and this- blogging. 

But mind you, if you can't afford to purchase one yet, don't worry, you'll eventually save up and buy a new investment real soon. 

We all know how crucial our situation is because we are in the middle of pandemics; I can say we cannot afford any emergency situation, whether it's related to household or finances. We should be proactive in securing our assets, for instance, having them insured because we never know when unforeseen circumstances will happen. 

Cebuana Lhuillier has been a partner for my family's remittances all over the Philippines. Their branch near my area is very accessible; I also visit them for my Lazada orders, but little did I know that apart from remittances, pawning, and other assistance related to monetary, Cebuana also offers amazing insurance Filipinos will benefit from. 

Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance arm strengthens Fire Prevention call, mounts webinar with BFP

The damage of getting your house razed by fire is insurmountable; fires at home can break out anytime and anywhere and can damage livelihood, household appliances, and more. In 2018, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) recorded 14,316 incidents of fire from January until December. 

This is why every March is Fire Prevention Month in the Philippines, and BFP’s campaign for this month is safety consciousness among our people every day of the year as a positive preventive approach to a problem that can be solved by more caution, vigilance, sobriety, the exercise of common sense and respect for the law.” It is a campaign that focuses on exercising vigilance at home and keeping oneself knowledgeable on the best way to protect your home and family from destruction brought about by fire. 

“Cebuana Lhuillier has always committed to being of help to the Filipinos at all times, and our call for Fire Prevention is a reflection of that, our insurance products that aim to keep our clients protected at all times is a complementary effort to our advocacy for this month,” said Jean Henri Lhuillier, President, and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier.

PJ Lhuillier’s insurance arm, the Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Brokers, Inc (CLIB), has also expressed its support for BFP’s campaign through the years. It has been a staunch advocate of having Filipinos insured, posting almost a 35% contribution to the total number of insured Filipinos through microinsurance. CLIB has also worked together closely with the Insurance Commission in promoting microinsurance in the country; they have settled over more than 5,300 million claims worth over Php 500 million they have serviced over 16,500 claimants. Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Brokers’, Inc. is also the first and only ISO-certified insurance broker in the Philippines.

Also launched this month in conjunction with the Fire Prevention Month celebration is a promo dubbed “Panalo ka sa ProtectMax” where clients of the ProtectMax product of CLIB get a chance to win Php 25,000. The promo is open to all clients who will purchase 5 ProtectMax COCs; these 5 COCs are equal to the e-raffle entry. For the promo, 20 lucky raffle winners will be selected and will win Php 25,000. 

“This Fire Prevention month, it is essential to drumbeat awareness on fire safety and prevention and the importance of being protected. CLIB believes that an information and education drive is essential to ensure that everyone is well-informed against conflagration,” said Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Brokers’ Inc., Jonathan Batangan.

For clients who are interested in keeping themselves protected without having to go to Cebuana Lhuillier’s more than 2,500 branches, they may purchase Home Insurance via the ProtectNow app or website; just log on to protectnow.com to see CLIB’s full range of products online.

They’ve also mounted the #SunogFreeWorryFree: ProtectMax Kontra Sunog webinar, which aims to emphasize the importance of being ready for untoward situations, especially fire, and the importance of having protection whenever there are threats of the conflagration.

 Hi loves, 

I know not everyone loves Mondays. Mondays are a great signal that we need to pick up our lazy ass and start working again for the entire week- gahd! While most of you hate Monday, let me tell you a secret. 

I love Mondays! 

Because I can start working guilt-free again. Yes, you heard it right. Guilt-free! I often work on weekends because I feel bored, and I feel like the time is just a waste if I just lay down and watch TV. I know, I know it's such a bad habit, but I just love to work. 

So let me give you my 3 things to make my Mondays better:

1. Start with clearing out your computer and work station

Okay, I am such a sucker for this. I don't clean my computer and workstation at the end of every workday. I just don't feel like it, but you know what? I discovered that you are giving yourself a break from the chaotic world you will be facing whenever you start working in a clean environment. 

2. Make a to-do list

This step sounds cliche, right? But for me, it works, and I know this will work for you too. Having a to-do list can give you a clear vision of what your day is going to be. Plus, you will not forget anything; this is absolutely UH-MAZING! I really hate whenever I miss a task and the deadline. I know you do too. 

3. Be grateful

This part is the most often forgotten step. As we tend to survive in this pandemic, we sometimes forget the little blessings that come in our life, like waking up in the morning or having a nice yummy meal or having a roof over your head. 

Remember, many people lost their job during this pandemic. You are beyond lucky to work! That job is the wish of every jobless right now- do not take it for granted. 

This is just what I have for you right now; I'm ready to start my day with a cup of coffee and good music. What about you? What excites you every day?

Hi Loves,

I know this is not my usual time of posting, but I just can't help but show my gratitude for all the things I had experienced before I became a Freelancer. So I was just cleaning my bedroom (as my normal weekly routine). I have to change the bedsheets and pillowcases and re-arrange them because tomorrow, it's going to be a mess. AGAIN! Haha, mommy things. 

But today is very different. 

Every year we have new year's resolutions and goals, right? My new year's resolution is always to provide a stable life for Edmund- nothing for myself materially but to just have a peaceful and healthier state of mind. But this year, I decided to make a goal for myself. 

I want to buy a new laptop. 

You see, my current laptop is really an old one, it's actually 4 years old, and it was already well used. Now, although I can still use it, its performance is not the best anymore. But being the practical single momma, I shrug off the idea of purchasing a new laptop; instead, I will be allocating my budget to what's more important, like Edmund's schooling- he's an upcoming Kindergarten student, by the way. 

However, there's just a part of me that always says, "Come on, it's time to invest in a new gadget; it will generate income anyways." So here's the big boom- I purchased a laptop using my own salary from my Freelancing. 

I know it's nothing fancy or surprised,, but I would just like to share this experience with you. My heart is overwhelmed with joy and satisfaction that finally, I am slowly making goals and putting action into them. 

The first big achievement was to enroll Edmund in a private school, and now, this and not to mention this happened in a span of just 3 weeks. 

Going back to Day 1

As I am cleaning my room, I noticed how much my room changed. In the past, Edmund and I sleep in a double-sized bed with lots of beddings, and I work just on my bed because I have no office space- but look how much I grew. 

I have a decent computer chair, storage for my product shoot items, and a big ass Orocan box for all my stocks to sell. 

Grabe, ang laki na pala ng pinagbago. 

I remember when I decided to go all-in with freelancing, I converted my old drawing board into an office table- it's very spacious but not sturdy; more so, it's not convenient to use. I also remember using our dining chair as my office chair. After all, I can't buy the office chair once because I was literally broke and unemployed. 

I also remember not having a second monitor and work with my old Acer laptop that has been with me for 6 years (way back in high school) before I switched to my laspag Asus laptop. 

I also remember how hard it is to manage my time because I'm trying to earn my degree, be a mom and a provider all at the same time. 

Looking back before I started freelancing, I was depressed, broke, and very angry with everything and anything that has been happening in my life before. But now, I can provide for Edmund and can finally stand on my own two feet little by little; baby steps. 

Faith can definitely move mountains

I have been bruised, depressed, and was knocked down. I even questioned the Lord "Why me" but God really moves in his mysterious ways. He knows the perfect timing, when, and where he will give the blessings. 

All good things in life, require hard work, faith, and time. Nothing comes very easy. I have always been the person who wants to happen things when I said so but the good Lord, Jerico, Edmund, and my parents taught me to be patient to wait for things at the right time. 

To all single parents, women who are in a middle of a challenging situation, and to all who are asking so many WHYs, 

Always remember, you may not understand everything now but remember, all your questions will be answered in God's perfect time. All your hard work will be repaid with the sweetest victory and success.

Aim high, never fear because we are resillient! 

Hi Loves, 

As we all know, Lenten season will be next week. We are all aware that most Catholics won't be eating meat and will practice abstinence during this time until Easter. For me, I would like to refrain from eating meat and monitor my working hours to pray, repent and reconcile with our good Lord. 

But of course, we don't want to stress ourselves with eating 'boring' meals. I want to make sure that every meal that I eat and prepare for my son, Edmund is fun, interactive, and definitely tasty. 

I really love eating salads- it's my go-to snack in between stressful times. I incorporate chicken with it, sometimes port but because it's the Lenten Season, I found this great recipe that can help you abstain from eating pork, beef, and chicken. 

Tuna Salad Nicoise

Here's what you will be needing: 

• 2 (185 g) cans SAN MIGUEL DEL MAR TUNA CHUNKS IN WATER, drained
• 1 (230 g) pack lettuce, pre-washed
• 3 pc MAGNOLIA BROWN EGGS, boiled, peeled, sliced into quarters
• 1/4 kg marble potatoes, boiled
• 1/4 cup French beans, blanched
• 3 pc tomatoes, sliced
• 1/4 cup pitted whole black olives
• 1/4 cup store-bought Italian or French dressing

Take note that all ingredients that I mentioned are not mandatory, you can incorporate your own salad dressing preference or add and deduct ingredients as needed.

 My father is an OFW. Growing up, I never spend so much time with him because pretty much he's always on board. Growing up, I always wondered why he chose to be away from us when in fact, he can just work here; but now, I have a child on my own. I realized the reason why- he wants us to have a better life. 

Even before COVID-19 arises, we always hear bittersweet stories of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW). They work abroad for higher-pay so they can provide better opportunities for their families they left behind in our country. Most often than not, this doesn't guarantee a happy ending, sometimes, they are often sent home with little to no savings. 

"Dahil and pagkakaalala ko ay ang pagiging OFW ang sagot sa lahat ng naging problemang financial namin, at gusto kong maiahon ang making pamilya at mapagtapos ang making anak," said Marites Coronado, a returning OFW. 

However, providing a better life hasn't been simple. 

Alma Palafox, a former OFW recalled her unfortunate events when she decided to be an OFW: "Hindi po ako sini-suwerte sa napupuntahan na bansa. Laging may masamang nangyayari po sa akin. At minsan na rin muntik na akong hindi nakabalik ng Pinas ng buhay. Kaya hindi ko po natatapos kontrata ko."

"Hindi man po ako naging maswete sa ibang bansa, pero nagpapasalamat po ako sa Panginoong Diyos at ako ay nakauwi ng buhay," Gerlie Austria, OFW, shared the same experience. 

Just like Murna Peñosa Corporal, she too decided to go back to her family due to unforeseen circumstances she encountered abroad. 

"Noong nagsabi ako sa amo ko na ibalik na ako sa agency, dinala po nila ako sa Labor. Ang unang pumasok sa isip ko at naiyak ako, 'Paano na ang pamilya ko? Uuwi ako na walang pera at naipon'," Corporal said. 

Coronado, Palafox, Austria, and Corporal are just a few among the OFWs who returned home even if they haven't achieved their goals for themselves and their families. 

The Balikbayanihan Campaign

The Balikbayanihan Campaign is a program supported by the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) that helps OFWs whose dreams were interrupted for various reasons. 

Spearheaded by NEDEA-Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency and Atikha- a non-government organization working with OFWs and their families to maximize the gains of working abroad, Balikbayanihan calls on the spirit of volunteerism of Filipinos to help returning OFWs.

It is a call for partnership by the Overseas Filipino organizations with government agencies, local government units, and the private sector to help OFWs by providing the needed resources such as manpower, funds, or mobilizing their volunteer network to serve as mentors to OFWs. 

Melanie Labera, a returning OFW whose plan to resume her work abroad was put on hold because of the COVID-19 pandemic, benefited from the program. 

"Nang umuwi ako ng Pilipinas, nagkataon naman na pademic. Gusto ko sana bumalik [abroad], pero di na ko makabalik. Kaya malaki ang pasasalamat ko sa programan ito, pati sa BPI. May konting puhunan naman ako sa aking tindahan, pero konti lang. Kaya nagapasalamatako na nadagdagan dahil sa inyo."

Austria too, also a program beneficiary, said, "Nang makabalik po ako sa Pilipinas, is a po ako sa maswerteng napili ng Atikha na mabigyan ng tulong upang ako'y makapagsimula ulit sa aking buhay. Naging masaya po ako at nagkaroon ng pag-asa sa buhay. Ngayon po ay natupad ang is a kong pangarap na makabili ng makina."

Financial Empowerment

As one of the program supporters, BPI aims to empower repatriated OFWs by helping them manage their finances through learning webinars, and by mobilizing volunteers and sponsors. BPI implements its program through its business units BPI Foundation, BPI-Philam, and Remittance and Fund Transfers. 

"This pandemic has been hard on everyone, but repatriated OFWs and their families have been particularly affected. OFWs have done so much to uplift our entire nation's economy over the decades. It's only right that we stand by them now, and help them get back on their feet and establish a financially secure life for themselves and their families," BPI Head of Corporate Banking Strategy, Products, and Support, Reggie Cariaso said. 

"Napakaganda po ng aking karanasan dahil nagkaroon po ako ng pag-asa sa buhay at talagang ipinangako ko po sa aking sarili na pagbubutihin ko po itong tulong na ibinigay sa akin ng Atikha at BPI Pamana Padala. At ang nagustuhan ko po dito ay ang mga taong kasapi dito na maayos ang pakikitungi at napakamapagkumababa at napakababait upang matulungan kaming lahat," Coronado said. 

BPI Foundation holds mentoring sessions for OFWs with BPI Unibankers as volunteer mentors. For its part, BPI Philam provides free COVID-19 insurance coverage worth P200,000. BPI's Remittance and Fund Transfers offers financial grants and monthly mentoring sessions for chosen OFWs and instills the value of saving using their BPI Pamana Padala account. 

With opportunities such as Balikbayanihan, returning OFWs are more empowered than ever to try their luck in their home country. 

Palafox said, "Dito nalang po ako sa Pinas. Kahit mahirap po basta't sama-sama kami ng mga anak ko. Kaya nagpapasalamat kami sa Balikbayanihan at sa BPI. Ang tanging hinahangag ko po sa aking sarili ay mapaunlad ko ang munting negosyo at magkaroon pa ng maraming kaalaman."

Corporal shared another insight: "Natutunan ko po sa Balikbayanihan na kailangan po tayong magtulungan para makabangon ulit sa hamon ng buhay."