A lifestyle blog from a certified foodie. Follow along for food & travel adventures.
 |
| Isa Pang Hiling is CBN Asia\s Lenten Offer which features stories of hope and healing |
There are basically three things I look forward to during Holy Week: Of course, I look forward to Lenten Recollection as well as other church-related activities in my community and in our parish. However, since it is pandemic, all church activities have been suspended to prevent the spread of Covid-19 virus and its variants. I fully understand that. But not because gatherings are not allowed means I'm not going to do something for my soul this Holy Week. We should just learn to stay at home and reflect on our lives and pray that we can surpass all the challenges brought about by this virus/disease.
Another thing I look forward to is the quality time I get to spend with family. It will be a bit difficult for me to do that now since non-essential travels are currently not allowed. My Mom is in our house in Quezon City while my husband and I along with my nephew Kyle now stays together in a rented house in Bacoor, Cavite. Thank God for technology. My mom and I still get to talk to each other over the phone via video chat or on Facetime. So it feels like we're pretty much together when in reality, we're basically miles apart. Quality time is equally important for me because we cannot stop the sun from setting. Each day is another blessing to let the ones we love know how much we love them. I believe that time is of great essence. While we're here, let's show our loved ones how important they are to us.
Lastly, It is only during Holy Week or Lenten Season do I get to watch films that do not only touch lives but also touches and nourishes our hearts and souls. We need to feed our hearts with quality films and stories. I'm glad there are organizations like CBN Asia that do that. This year, CBN Asia brings in stories of hope via Tanikala and Habang May Ngayon.
These two brand-new films about hope and healing amid the pandemic on its much-awaited Holy Week special – Tanikala presents Habang May Ngayon and Isa Pang Hiling, airing this Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. on GMA Network.
 |
| Karen Timbol stas in Habang May Ngayon |
 |
| Influencers and bloggers would often capture a photo of their food prior to eating and post on social media |
How I started
I started blogging in February of 2010 simply because I
missed the “glory of by-line” (I was a contributor writer for a lifestyle and
fashion print magazine for almost a decade) and I also used blogging as my venue
to express my thoughts. During that time, I had no stable job but I had to work
and accept small writing gigs because I was raising my nephew Kyle who was a
toddler then. I liked blogging because I can write any topic I want under the
sun without having to please an editor. To be perfectly honest about it, I got
into blogging without any idea what it was all about. I guess I was just too
bored at that time and wanted something which I can use as a form of
self-expression.
Thus, I started my blog as a “mommy blog” even if I am not
yet a biological mom. It was through my blog that I would write all my journey
and adventures as a “single mom” while I make ends meet to raise my beloved
nephew. I was glad to have found support
from a community of fellow moms online and eventually I got to meet some of
them during events offline. I also started receiving event invitations for
exclusive mommy events—and I didn’t mind because I treated Kyle as my real son
even if I’m only just his aunt. After all, I took care of him, taught him his
ABCs and 123s, and sent him to school—practically anything a mother will do for
her child—except for breastfeeding and giving birth. I also received product
samples of diapers, milk products, vitamins, toys to review among many others—all
the perks and freebies of a typical mom blogger. In my mind, I couldn’t believe
people are actually giving me free stuff? All I need to do was to promote them
and write about them. So, this is what blogging and being an online influencer
was all about!
My blog has evolved
over the years
Eventually, my mommy blog has to evolve as Kyle hit his teen
years. I remember he talked to me one day and said I should stop blogging about
him because he’s been teased by his classmates at school especially after I
tagged him on our photos with his sister after seeing Barbie Live. So I figured
it was time I convert my blog into a lifestyle blog. After all, I love to eat
out, I like cooking, traveling, and just about anything lifestyle-related.
But when I started blogging, I really didn’t have any idea
about being an influencer. I was just enjoying all the perks of being a
blogger. If you ask me, what is the difference between a blogger and an
influencer? Most people tend to think they are the same but they are not. A
blogger is anyone who owns a blog site where he or she writes original content
and publishes them on his website. An influencer is one who uses social media
platforms and has his or her own number of followers who engage in his/her
posts. An influencer has an impact on his follower’s buying decisions. Not all
bloggers are influencers and vice versa. But you can be both.
 |
| Owning your dream motorcycle is made possible with Malayan Bank Pang sariling gamit man o para sa inyong delivery rider job, sagot ka ng MB Motorcycle Loan! |
Let's face it, commuting is difficult especially during these trying times. But having your own means of transportation is even better during this pandemic. In fact, it is probably the smartest and most helpful investment you can make. Having a motorcycle will surely help you if your job requires you to be in multiple locations in a single day.
Malayan Bank might be able to help you achieve that dream motorcycle of yours. And it won't be something that will hurt your savings!
Malayan Bank is establishing itself as your reliable partner with regard to your financial concerns. The savings bank provides brand new as well as pre-loved motorcycles to support you with your needs. They also offer Motorcycle Loan for your convenience. They offer a wide range of available units including popular brands like Kawasaki, Honda, Suzuki, and Yamaha--all available at flexible, affordable, competitive prices. They have staggered payment schemes of 12, 18, 24, or 36 monthly payments to suit your financial status. Processing of documents are also made simple and easy: just search, select and submit and Malayan Bank's motorcycle listings online does the job!
“We understand that customers need a helping hand now, more than any other time, as we all feel the impact of the pandemic. We are here to provide that support, through our loan products and timely investment advice, in order to guide customers to a future that is financially stable and secure,” says Anna M. Siapno, Malayan Bank’s Chief Marketing Officer.
Requirements consist of a completely filled out and signed application form, a clear copy of your government-issued valid ID, and your latest BIR Form 2316, three months payslip, or your Certificate of Employment (COE) or employment contract for OFWs. Once the necessary documents are completed, you may send them to amtiwan@malayanbank.com.ph
For the full list of available motorcycle units and more information on the loan requirements, you may visit http://properties.malayanbank.com/motorcycle-requirements/. Make this wise financial decision when you #BankNowWithMSB and avail of their Motorcycle Loan!
You may also call the customer care team at (02) 8841 7800 or send an email to customercare@malayanbank.com.ph for further assistance. You can also visit any of Malayan Bank’s 21 branches across the country. For a full list of branches, refer to https://www.malayanbank.com/branches. Like Malayan Bank on Facebook and follow @malayanbankph on Instagram for more information on their products and services.
 |
| What's next after marriage aside from starting a family? |
Do we stay at home with our parents or in-laws and face the
stigma of never branching out on our own? Or do we move out and enter the
financially daunting world of the unaffordable housing market? These are two
equally difficult choices each adult is about to take once he or she decides to
get married.
Imagine being newly married and ready to start a new chapter
with your spouse. You must've lived at your home all your life and you're
excited by the prospect of having to move out of your parents' house (the holy
bible teaches us to leave and cleave), be on our own, and say hello to your
newfound independence.
But before you collect your things, pack your boxes, prepare
your luggage and say adieu to your family, have you ever asked yourself,
"How sure are you that you're financially ready to move out?"
"Are you ready to buy your first house?" Of course, buying your first
house is a joint venture with your spouse shortly before or after your wedding
day. It is an exciting time for most people and we're pretty sure you are eager
to start new lives together as a couple.
I would sometimes blame the Filipinos' closely-knit families
and the country's housing unaffordability because it has kept me and my mom in
her parents' rent-free shelter for years. But now that I'm married, life has
taught me that moving out is a measure of maturity and adulthood. Before
deciding to move out, you should carefully review your income and financial
situation to determine if you can afford to do so. Moving out means having to
locate and pay for a suitable house. This could be a major issue for you and
your spouse if you have not talked about this ideally before your wedding.
 |
| Purple Plum Fairy with husband Jason during their wedding in December 2020 |
It's completely normal to be cautious when you're shopping
for a home. A house is a good property investment and you need to make sure
that you're making the best decision possible. How will you know that you've
found the right one? I suppose it's like finding the right guy. It varies on a
case-to-case basis. Some people know they've found the right property by their
gut instincts. Others may need a little more time convincing. But some
indicators will tell you that you've found the right property for you. Check out this list I've made to somehow help you out:
You envision yourself
happily living there with your family
You need to ask yourself if you truly see yourself living at the said property with your family. The property might not necessarily have every amenity that you desire but for as long as it meets the basic requirements, it's alright. It has the number of rooms and space you need. It may not have a garage but then you realize it could be more flexible if you want to expand for an extra room, a garden, or your future kids' play area.
Check your credit
Check with your bank or with Pag-ibig fund if you and your
spouse do qualify to successfully get a loan. You may choose a fairly low
house. But if you want a better deal or a nicer house, then only trust
well-known companies like Lumina Homes where you could get exactly what you're
paying for in terms of quality, service, and standards. You also have to make sure
that bills are paid on time to lower your debt utilization ratio, double-check
and report if there are mistakes on it.
Pay off all your
debts before buying a house
Banks might get apprehensive about approving your housing
loans for people who are already deep in debt because it seems less likely that
they'd be delinquent when it comes to payment. When you apply for a mortgage,
they will look at your total debt compared to your income and you might not
qualify. Take into account your personal loans, car loans, and anything else
that you owe money on. The less debt you
have, the better mortgage you qualify for.
 |
| Part of starting a family is building a place you could call home. |
Save up for your dream house
Most of the time, people buy on impulse even under budget
when they buy their first home. Little did they know they are up for a dilemma
of financial issues later. considering
all the expenses. Down payments and reservation fees, moving-in fees aren't
obvious enough. But in reality, there is a myriad of other expenses that come
out to play when you buy your first house.
Budget Effectively
There's nothing wrong with knowing the difference between
needs and wants. There is a thin line that separates the two and if you aren't
careful, you might not be ready yet to settle down. It's one thing to save
money and it's another to do so in an effective manner. Saving money for the
new house may take some time under the best circumstances. Please try your best
to live within your means to be able to budget efficiently.
Cliché as it may sound but buying a house also entails some
sacrifice especially if you're used to indulging yourself. But remember, it is
better to budget hard for a shorter period than to slack and you lose the
opportunity to buy yourself some property—a house you could call your own—from
your sweat, blood, and tears.
Bear in mind that when saving money, it is equally important
to set a goal, separating your savings account from checking, logging in your
progress, and identifying what to do away and cut among unnecessary expenses.
Find the right agent
Your real estate agent should be able to answer all your
queries and explain to you even the smallest detail. He or she has to be
someone you're comfortable being with. Your real estate agent has to be able to
guide you and assist you well. Don't be shy about asking questions. This is the
person who's going to make your dream house a reality so you can be as picky as
you need to be. Most agents know some promos where you can get discounts or
freebies. They won't advertise it, so just ask! They'll be happy to negotiate
in rebate or promo for you if they can.
Know exactly what it
is that you're looking for
House hunting can be pretty overwhelming. Don't let it
become even more intimidating by rushing in blind. I know exactly how it feels
as I've been to several tripping before. I even had a friend who after seeing a
model house, she decided to buy a unit right away without studying first if it
was right for her. Later she realized she bought the house on impulse and
complained she bought a bare-type of unit rather than the one exactly like
the model house that she fell in love with.
I suggest you sit down with your spouse and make a list of
what you're looking for in a house. It's best to indicate which ones are your
"must-haves" from your "desires." Then you can start
comparing what you want in a house against each other and determine which
neighborhoods to look in. Tell them to your real estate agent so that they can
better direct you with your search.
 |
| The 360-degree virtual tour of Lumina Homes |
One perfect example where you can discover and explore affordable yet high-quality properties is the ones made by Lumina Homes. They are available in various key locations across the country and their prices vary depending on their location. The best part? You can go on a virtual tour and see the units through their Lumina Showcase Area 360-degree virtual tour or model unit house tour right where you are, and in your own free time. While you’re at it, you may want to check out their property listings.
 |
| Lumina Townhouse in Tanza, Cavite |
Lumina Homes is a
prime real estate developer in the Philippines taking pride in its legacy
projects of building affordable homes for every Filipino household. You can
even make a reservation from any device and conveniently pay your premiums via
cashless payment online. Their reservation e-vouchers can also be availed via
Shopee and Lazada. You can be assured that you're safe and in good hands with Lumina
Homes because it’s recognized as Pag-IBIG Fund’s Top developer in 2019 for nothing.
 |
| Lumina Bacolod Rowhouses |
I'm saying it again, don't rush. It's okay to take your time.
There might be a sense of urgency that usually surrounds couples during their wedding year. You may feel pressured to have a house immediately after the wedding, but do not stress yourselves. Picking the wrong house is not a mistake easily remedied. Take your own sweet time and make sure you're getting a house in the neighborhood that you want to live in.
I hope the above-given tips may help you prepare for your newlywed house hunting! Good luck & best wishes!
DC FANS, UNITE! This is something you surely wouldn't want to miss! The highly anticipated Warner Bros. Pictures and DC full-length HBO Max Original feature film "Zack Synder's Justice League" comes to Philippine homes with its premiere on HBO GO via SKY on March 18, 2021.
The good news is, you do not have to wait in long lines to be able to watch "Zack Synder's Justice League" as the cinematic experience is brought to the safety and convenience right at the comfort of your own home through HBO GO for as low as Php 99/month using a SKYcable plan or Php149/month via any SKY Fiber plan.
To know more about SKY's Video on Demand offerings, visit vod.mysky.com.ph.
 |
| Millennial homebuyers |
Millennials are known to be carefree, free-spirited, and they enjoy living life to the fullest – the YOLO [You only live once] culture. When it comes to their lifestyle, they prefer to rent rather than buy. Millennials are often thought to be the generation that shied away from homeownership. But this reality is changing, interestingly amidst this pandemic, when millennials are actually hitting the property market. Millennials pushing through with their purchase decision are now proud homeowners despite the extraordinary situation.
Here’s a list of the factors that have contributed to their change of heart:
New financial priorities
The absence of retail shops and outlets for leisure because of travel restrictions and community quarantine measures, caused millennials to redirect their finances to long-term investments, such as housing. Because they are staying at home for long periods, they started to realize the importance of an ideal space they need and want.
Remote work-from-home set-up among companies
Press Release:
Bigo Live is a leading global live streaming platform. They are eager Youtube comedian Dudut Langfor a one-night-only fan interaction via livestream session between 9 PM - 10 PM PHT on Thursday, 4 March 2021.
If you're not familiar with Dudut Lang, he has over 1.34 million subscribers on YouTube. He is one of the Philippines’ most popular comedians and content creators. Known for his down-to-earth lifestyle content and relatable sense of humor,
he is also part of the content-creating squad known as Team Payaman,
which counts Filipino YouTubers Cong TV, Boss Keng and Mentos as members.
During the one-night-only event, fans and viewers alike will get
an exclusive opportunity to interact with Dudut Lang
during a virtual Q&A session, Bigo Live where users will stand a chance to
win Bigo Diamonds.
In addition to the Q&A session, Dudut Lang will also be hosting
a “Funny Fast Talk” segment where he will be translating his unique
Pinoy humor onto the live streaming platform.
Bigo Live has brought communities together and provided people
with a platform to connect, showcase their talents, and create content.
"I am honored to be a part of this movement and humbled to be able to
do my part to bring laughter and happiness into homes around the Philippines
and the world,” he added
To join the fun in this exciting live stream, simply download the Bigo Live app here Follow Dudut Lang (BIGO ID: allarounddudut).
For more updates on the upcoming Dudut Lang livestream,
follow Bigo Live Philippines on Facebook here.
"THE PANDEMIC HAS BROUGHT ABOUT TREMENDOUS CHANGES, AND WE COULDN’T HAVE ANTICIPATED THE SCALE OR SPEED AT WHICH THEY HAVE OCCURRED.”
 |
| Architect Kaydee Marie Velasco |
 |
| Arch. Kaydee Marie Velasco |
The winner of this award proves that being young is not a limitation to succeed in the field of business. This award recognizes those 40s and under who play an important role in developing and improving their community, business industry and professional arenas.
