Author: zoan

Filipino Bloggers Network holds 10th Annual Thanksgiving Party

It was a decade ago when the Filipino Bloggers Network (FBN), one of the most active Philippine-Based community of bloggers and influencers in the country, held its first-ever Thanksgiving Party in a hotel in Quezon City. 

This coming December 12, FBN will hold its 10th Annual Thanksgiving Party virtually to reacquaint with fellow members around the country and reminisce 120 months of challenges and cheers; 3,650 days of networking; countless stories and priceless memories.  

Although the gathering will still be online just like last year, FBN members anticipate the annual get-together as an opportunity to make new friends and catch up with old pals they have not seen for a while, not to mention the chance of winning some exciting prizes from the games and raffle draws. Representatives of different PR groups and brands will also grace the event to personally thank members of the online community who have supported them in the past years. 

FBN currently has around 2,000 members across the country and abroad and continues to expand as it provides a venue for Filipino bloggers to interact with other members, even those based overseas. Moderating the discussions and posting opportunities from several brands are co-admins Divine Reyes and Richard Mamuyac and Lariza Garcia. 

This year’s celebration is supported by the following generous sponsors:

RANDS

PR PARTNERS

BLOG SPONSORS

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE SUPPORT OF THE FOLLOWING PUBLIC SERVANTS:

  1. Rep. Eric Yap, ACT-CIS partylist
  2. Rep. Joey Salceda, 2nd District of Albay
  3. Rep. Edgar Mary Sarmiento, 1st District of Samar
  4. Rep. Mike Defensor, Anakalusugan partylist
  5. General Guillermo Eleazar
  6. Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte
  7. Deputy Commissioner Randy Escolango, Insurance Commission

With the overflowing support and opportunities that FBN received this year from different companies and even from fellow members this year, the group sees bigger, better and double opportunities and events in 2022!

Follow Filipino Bloggers Network on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/FilipinoBloggersNetwork 

Can’t Stop, won’t Stop Kembot: Why these Babies won’t Stop Dancing

Nothing beats the feeling of a Power Parent when they witness their baby in their most active state. For each likot, kembot, and galawthat baby does, it instantly sends a rush of happiness especially at a time when everything around you seems out of control. 

When active play and learning is encouraged, it stimulates baby for their next level of development. Babies also have a natural way of expressing their needs. Emotions and thoughts are voiced through movement. Similarly, babies are also always curious. When they see adults dance and sing to music, their natural reaction is to move to the beat. Dancing promotes body coordination, motor skills, and strength. It   stimulates almost every area of baby’s brain, encouraging the cognitive development growth.

An active baby is a happy, and comfortable baby. When baby isn’t as active, it might be caused by uncomfortable triggers like rashes. That’s why Power Parents choose the NEW Pampers Pants with Rash Shield! The NEW Pampers Rash Shield protection is now powered by Lotion with ALOE! This helps babies have good skin and overall health, so they can be active and comfortable to kembot, any time of the day.

Only Pampers Pants can keep babies all-around protected from rashes because of the elevated skin health proposition, Rash Shield with ALOE ingredient, improved leak, skin protection cues and wider diaper perception, and new fresh aloe scent. Now, baby can dance freely and explore with Pampers’ improved protection from rashes and leaks.

Kembot na with NEW Pampers Pants with Rash Shield and Lotion with Aloe!

 

Kembot The Rashes Away with the Kembot Nation!

Babies can’t help but to kembot to Pampers newest Kembot Nation jingle. Here’s a look at some of the exciting moves of the Kembot Nation and why you and your baby should join in the fun too. 

Look at Mithi’s kembot moves! “Mithi can easily do the #PampersKembotNation challenge without that itchy feeling dahil sa bagong #PampersRashShield with Lotion with Aloe that’s good for her skin.” Power Parent Carlo Aquino shared on Instagram.

Even Power Parent Trina Candaza approves of the kembot effect the new Pampers Pants with Rash Shield with Aloe has. “Talagang napapa Kembot ang Mithi namin tuwing naririnig ang mga paborito niyang kanta habang suot ang Pampers Rash Shield with Lotion with Aloe!”

Being a dancer really runs in the blood according to Power Parent Dianne Medina, “Just like his Daddy @rodjuncruz, mahilig talagang sumayaw si Baby Joaquin! Go anak! He can do this because of his strong #PampersRashShield!”

Hopeful Power Parent Dani Baretto-Panlillio looks forward to the many dance moves that her baby Mill will show. “At least we have a potential dancer in the family! Hehe. Love dancing and just being silly with you, Mill. She can do this because of her strong #PampersRashShield!”

Nothing is stopping these babies with their kembot moves with the added improved leak & skin protection cues of Pampers. Now, Power Parents like you can also join the Kembot Nation and maki-kembot!

Kembot your way to Lazada and Shopee now and try the NEW Pampers Pants with Rash Shield and Lotion with Aloe!

Top Things to do in Colorado

Colorado is full of sensational natural wonders, from the majestic Rocky Mountains to pristine Alpine lakes. Scattered throughout the state are wonderful opportunities to experience nature at its finest. Here are some of the top things to do when you visit Colorado on your next vacation.

Fishing Tour

If you enjoy being on the water, fishing tours Steamboat Springs CO are available. Locals are available to take you to the prime fishing spots, where you can try your hand at catching trout.

Rocky Mountains

Rocky Mountain National Park is open year-round, which means you can experience a variety of natural wonders at any time. In the summer, hiking, camping, horseback riding and rock climbing are prime activities. It is the busiest time of year, so prepare for crowds. If you prefer winter sports, snowshoeing and skiing are available in the colder months. You may get to see natural wildlife, such as elk, deer and bighorn sheep while you’re there.

Skiing

One of the top ski resorts in Colorado is located in Vail. This ski area has a vast amount of runs for all levels. If luxury skiing is a bit out of your budget, you can check into the towns of Breckenridge or Beaver Creek. Both areas still have plenty of ski trails without the hefty price tag.

Mesa Verde

If Native American history interests you, you can head over to Mesa Verde National Park. This park is home to the Cliff Palace, which housed the Pueblo tribe. Ranger-led hikes are available to the public and you can climb a ladder into the dwellings. Once you’re done there, you can take a scenic drive through the rest of the park to see some spectacular lookout points.

Experience the best of nature when you take advantage of the huge variety of outdoor activities scattered across the amazing state of Colorado.

3 Benefits of Getting a Vacation Rental

Self-catering rentals, such as North Carolina coast rentals, are highly sought after. Check out this list of three benefits associated with acquiring a vacation rental.

1. Make Your Own Food

One of the downsides of getting a hotel room is that you usually have to order food from outside sources. Most hotel rooms do not have appliances you can utilize to cook meals. It can get expensive to constantly buy room service or grab food from fast food or fast-casual spots. If you stay in a holiday rental, you will have ample kitchen space; you can cook your own dishes anytime you want. Note that you can save a great deal of money by making your own food. You can even store the items you make in a refrigerator or pantry.

2. Ensure Your Privacy

Privacy in a hotel environment is not a guarantee. Some hotels have very thin walls, so other people in nearby rooms can hear your conversations and movements. It is worth mentioning that hotels nowadays are filled with security cameras in their hallways, elevators, and lobbies. If you are looking for a private getaway experience, residing in a hotel may not be your best option. Rentals are, however, extremely private since you and your family will be the only people staying in them. Some rentals are even situated in secluded locations.

3. Get More Space

Unless you purchase a very large suite, you will likely feel a bit cramped in a hotel space. Most hotel rooms only consist of a bedroom and bathroom. Some have living spaces, but many do not. In a rental, you will have the ability to enjoy sleeping and bathing spaces as well as cooking, dining, and living ones. There even exist rentals that have outdoor spaces, such as patios, that you can take advantage of whenever you please.

Rentals are a great alternative to hotels. Staying in them will prove to be worthwhile.

Why It’s Worth It to Live in Banff

Banff National Park, straddling the line of Alberta and the USA border, is a park unlike any other.  This park has something for anyone less expensive than other parks while still delivering on views, activities, and people.  Living here is like taking a permanent vacation, and here’s why.

The Views

In Banff, you’re in a fishbowl of mountains.  This mountain range stretches on seemingly forever and cradles rivers and plains in their midst.  Because of this, regardless of the weather or season, the views are gorgeous.  Snowy peaks that slowly turn entire mountains white are so beautiful it’s like being surrounded by postcards at all times.

Many take up hiking in all seasons so that they can take in the beautiful surroundings without having to move as fast as skiing or snowboarding.

The Full Seasons

Many think that mountain cities only have one season: snow.  That’s not true!  In the summer, temperatures reach a warm 22°C (72°F), which makes outdoor sports more fun and hiking even more exciting.  Of course, winter hits hard with temperatures averaging around -30 °C (below -22 °F), but in between these two seasons, you get incredible weather.  The mountain trees turn shades of orange and red in fall, bringing through autumn views more beautiful than anywhere else, and in spring, as the ice and snow thaw out, lush green mountains are revealed underneath.

New Interesting People

Because Banff is a tourism town, you’re guaranteed to meet new and exciting people every day when looking at Banff homes for sale.  Without being as overwhelmingly commercial as most tourism areas, this national park offers visitors a touch of comfort and relaxation while giving residents the same thing year-round.  Tourists can be exciting and fun, and living in an area that gets a lot of them means that you’ll never grow bored of where you live!

Delicious Food

Good food is a must!  Banff has unique, delicious restaurants like The Bison Restaurant, which serves up delicious Canadian classics while keeping itself affordable.  There are a couple of chain restaurants for convenience and the comfort of recognizability. Still, the unique restaurants in the area are as exciting and memorable as those who live there.

Of Course, The Fun

You’ll never run out of things to do in Banff.  Although it’s a relatively small national park town, there’s no end to fun and excitement.  Of course, the area is famous for skiing and snowboarding.  Winter sports are a fantastic way to get out of your comfort zone and enjoy some physical activity.  On the other hand, there are also spas and retreats for those who would instead pamper themselves than run themselves ragged on a mountain.

Free Activities to Try Today

Raising a child can be expensive, but trying a few new games should not have to break the bank. Engage your kid’s mind and help it grow with a few tried and true activities that they will surely love, just like at daycare Julington Creek FL. They will make memories that will last a lifetime.

1. Play Hide and Seek

Who remembers this classic? Your child will love finding a secret hiding place, and you will have fun figuring out where they are! What is even better, you can steal a few moments of quiet time while you are trying to see where they went. Try playing this outside at night with flashlights for even more fun.

2. Start Drawing

Let you imagination run wild! Get our the paper, crayons and markers and have your kids create to their heart’s content. You can give them a fun prompt to get them started. Have them draw what they want to be when they grow up or their favorite animal. You might be surprised at how creative they can get! Plus, you will have a nice memento of your time together that you can put on the fridge or bring to you office to brighten it up.

3. Get Sporty

You do not need to be an athlete to enjoy some time shooting hoops or running the soccer ball. Your heart will be pumping and you will have fun at the same time. Find a new hobby or play a tried and true pastime. Do you like throwing the baseball around? Have you tried badminton? Give it a go!

There are plenty of ways to have fun without spending any money at all. The value is in having time with the people you love. Make magic times with the ones that are close to you. You will not forget it!

Home is where the heart is

When this Covid 19 virus last year started to create havoc , our countrymen didn’t believe it not until our very own President declared a ECQ or enhanced community quarantine where everyone should stay at home. No travels, no leisure time, unless you really need to go to work because you cannot work from home, you need to stay at home. Then most of the flights were cancelled , some of the hotels and inns, even resorts experience a very big loss , some were forced to closed down. Then schools followed, children weren’t allowed to go to school anymore and the government issued a memorandum that every children from nursery to high school even to college should learn from home through modular classes or virtual classes.

Everybody stayed at home, mostly, most people I know. Then everyone seems to find that their home wasn’t conducive for studying. Everyone felt that their home is lacking something, so everybody became a “Plantita/Plantito” ( people who loves gardening with flowers) to make their home more aesthetically beautiful and pleasant to their eyes. And then some even find the time to check every little details and problems within their homes and find the time to renovate and make it more appealing and homey. And some decided to sell their homes in the city or urban areas and buy a new home at the province because it is less costly compared to living in the cities. While others preferred to invest and buy a new home instead of renting because it is where they can save and well, invest in something that they will own in the future. They were able to find a site that have helped them in estimating mortgage affordability based on income. When the pandemic happened and everybody stayed home, most people realized that they should have invested in a better house that would cater their every need. Because before the pandemic, we just go home and sleep in it, then wake up every morning, get the kids to school and the grown ups to work. But when everybody was asked to stay at home, work from home and learn from home, we realized that we should have made a better decision in finding a good home, a good community and a good place to be with our family.

During the pandemic, we connected with our family, friends and relatives from other countries and learned that we have the same sentiments. Not only in our country that we needed to stay at home and work from home but also in other countries. I learned from my cousin that they have now realized that investing in real estate was a good decision before everything happened in a blink of an eye. While some wasn’t able to invest before hand. Nevertheless, it is not too late to invest in a good home or renovate your home to fit your needs especially now that we are on the second year of community quarantine. It is never too late to invest a real estate and we should start somewhere, somehow. Because home is where the heart is.

Jollibee Group Foundation, Temasek Foundation team up to feed communities, frontliners affected by COVID-19

PHOTO CAPTION: Jollibee Group Foundation and Singapore-based Temasek Foundation partner donated 105, 650 meals across five Philippine regions.

MANILA, Philippines. April 6, 2021 – Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF) has partnered with Singapore-based Temasek Foundation to augment the Jollibee Group FoodAID Program, which seeks to help feed healthcare workers and families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Temasek Foundation is a non-profit philanthropic organization that supports programs that uplift lives and communities in Singapore and beyond. The Foundation aims to strengthen social resilience, foster international exchange and regional capabilities, advance science, and protect the planet.

Through the support provided by Temasek Foundation, JGF and its partners were able to distribute 105,650 meals across Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal from September to December 2020. Of these, 99,400 meals were served to communities, while the remaining 6,250 meals were served to healthcare workers from 20 public hospitals.

The FoodAID Program was implemented through three initiatives, all of which were supported by the Temasek Foundation. First is the distribution of ready-to-cook food packs that were directly delivered to communities through JGF’s local partner organizations. JGF leveraged on Jollibee Group’s expertise in meal preparation and product development of specially designed food packs—Chicken Guisado and Beef Meatballs—that allow more people to be provided with nutritious, delicious meals at a lower cost.

Second is Project Karinderya—a program that helps feed families while facilitating livelihood development of karinderya (local food stores) operators. Through the support from Temasek Foundation, JGF partnered with Kasagana-Ka Development Center (KDCI) and Kabuhayan sa Ganap na Kasarinlan Credit and Savings Cooperative (K-Coop) to re-establish 30 karinderyas that served 200 families with daily meals for 30 days. JGF also provided training for karinderya owners and health cadets on food preparation, food safety, and customer service to further build their capacities and help them become self-sufficient even after the project duration.

PHOTO CAPTION: A health cadet trained through Project Karinderya helps ensure that karinderya operators observe standards on food preparation, food safety, and customer service in Quezon City. Project Karinderya is a two-in-one program that helps both karinderya owners whose operations were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and families in urban poor communities through meal subsidies. Third is the distribution of ready-to-eat meals to healthcare workers who are working at hospitals in Metro Manila with the highest incidences of COVID-19. PHOTO CAPTION: The Jollibee Group FoodAID Program distributed meals to healthcare workers on the frontlines of the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.

“COVID-19 is a global long-term public health crisis, undermining not just our physical and mental health but also our economy and livelihoods. Viruses do not respect borders and it is only when we band together as one will we be able to defeat this global enemy. We are happy to work with Jollibee Group Foundation in the Philippines to provide more than 105,000 meals and other support where they are most needed. The smiles and resolve of the beneficiaries to soldier on and pull through together is an indication that we are on the right track,” said Mr. Benedict Cheong, Chief Executive of Temasek Foundation International.

“There exists a need for sustained collaborative efforts that can effectively promote access to food among communities by the pandemic and recent disasters. We thank the Temasek Foundation for their trust in the Jollibee Group and their belief in the objectives of the FoodAID Program. Truly, crises such as this pandemic have the power to band like-minded people and groups together,” said Jollibee Group Foundation Executive Director Gisela Tiongson.

Together with partners and donors, Jollibee Group FoodAID Program has mobilized Php300 million (USD 6.2 million)-worth of food assistance or 4.7 million meals for families and frontliners from March to December 2020.

As the social development arm of Jollibee Group, JGF implements programs on agriculture, education, and disaster response with partner communities nationwide.

Made possible through philanthropic endowments gifted by Singapore’s Temasek, Temasek Foundation’s programs strive towards achieving positive outcomes for individuals and communities now, and for generations to come.

Ito ang Dugong Pinoy! 3 Mommies Share How They Keep Their Blood Healthy to Strengthen Their Immunity

2020 has presented numerous challenges to Filipinos, more so, to women. The stress and pressure of pushing forward has left a lot of Filipinas with more on their plates than they could handle. Despite this, women have continued to be the main care providers of their homes, their children, all on top of maintaining a full-time career.

This leaves us wondering, how do Filipinas keep their bodies healthy for their families? We asked three Filipinas how they were able to push through with their daily responsibilities on top of taking good care of their loved ones, and still serve as a greater inspiration for many women.

Besides the usual chores and daily tasks, Mommy Jenica shares that she has been busy with her home-based business making cakes and baked goods. With a business that requires her to exert time and attention to detail being loaded with multiple orders, this leaves her exhausted. “’Yung pagod ka na pero mas napagod ka sa ligpitin. But thankfully I have my husband… to help me.” And yet she continues to struggle keeping her health in check since she took on more responsibilities in their household.

Mommy Anne on the other hand, found herself decluttering as her biggest and most fulfilling challenge on top of taking care of her family. She juggles her night shift full-time job and being a full-time mom during the day. “Sleep was something that was so scarce. Still is. And I’m definitely feeling the adverse impact to my health.”

While for Mommy Ria, due to the educational system shifting to homeschooling, she had to take initiative as her child’s teacher. “Preparing lessons and activities took my time and energy on top of the usual household chores and part time work.” Like many Filipinas, they have a lot of tasks to do on the daily, which leads them to skip meals and overwork. According to Mommy Anne, the past year has led her to closely monitor her health, which many moms can relate to. With their careers and household responsibilities happening all at the same time, it’s easy to lose track of their immunity. How do they maintain their blood healthy? With the help of Multivitamins + Minerals (Sangobion IRON+).

By eating nutritious meals, practicing regular exercise, getting proper sleep, and taking Multivitamins + Minerals (Sangobion IRON+) to help maintain their blood health and keep their immunity at its peak. Through these routines they’re able to keep up with their tight schedules and provide the care that their families need.

Multivitamins + Minerals (Sangobion IRON+) is an iron supplement with vitamins and minerals that helps to replenish iron stores and increases red blood cell levels in the body. It has ferrous gluconate, a type of iron salt which allows better absorption of iron in the body, Folic acid, and vitamin B12 which are vital for production of red blood cells and during pregnancy. It also contains Vitamin C which helps improve iron absorption, and Copper sulphate and manganese sulphate that helps in the metabolic processes of blood cell production.1

Recommended intake is one to two capsules daily, during or after meals, or as prescribed by your doctor. As a blood health ally of many Filipinas, Multivitamins + Minerals (Sangobion IRON+) helps to treat iron deficiency anemia that can lead to decreased immunity and increased susceptibility to infection. Iron deficiency anemia happens when the blood has a lower amount of red blood cells or hemoglobin than normal. This can cause the body to feel weak, tired, dizzy, look pale, and experience headaches. 2

As 2020 nears its end, Filipinos are hopeful for the positive changes that the new year holds especially to their family’s health. Multivitamins + Minerals (Sangobion IRON+) supports empowered women to maintain their blood health in check and keep their immunity at its peak so they can continue to provide the care that their family needs, while being able to accomplish their daily tasks.

If symptoms persist, consult your doctor. ASC REFERENCE CODE: P027P040721SS 1 “About-Sangobion.” Sangobion, https://www.sangobion.sg/about-sangobion. 2 “Iron-Deficiency Anemia.” National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/iron-deficiency-anemia.

This entry was posted in Health and tagged .

My Adventure as a Blogger over the Last Decade

I started blogging because of online giveaways. I didn’t blog for money, fame or because I want to share my daily life to other people. I blog because I needed to. There are a lot of online giveaways that gives out additional points if you can blog about their blogs. So basically, I am an online giveaway/online contests addict who wants to win and created a blog in order to earn more points, because more points means more chances of winning.

Then, I learned that I can earn and that I can connect with sponsors, companies and other websites who wants their products to be featured in different blogs, to be honestly reviewed by real people who blogs like me. So , I bought a domain of my own and hosted it through a friend.

I met a lot of friends online, I made friends with people who also blogs, who live far away from me and who shared their experiences on blogging and how to earn from it. From there, I made money in order to pay for my domain name and for my hosting and some I kept to pay for my wants.

I was at peak of writing, sharing away my journey, my every day struggle, my life, my everything in my blog. Showing who I really am. But eventually, writer’s block happens from time to time, I sometimes do not update my blog because I don’t know what to write anymore. That maybe sharing my life do not encourage readers, I need them to connect with me so I need to write something they really want to read.

As of now, I am trying to find my “WHY”, why I am into blogging, why I need to write my thoughts and share it to other people, why I should be writing in my blog.

I wish I could be like Jessica Strange how she realized that she is an INFLUENCER, because I still cannot see myself as an influencer and that I sometimes shy out from myself thinking that I am ahead of myself. I am ashamed of claiming that I am indeed a blogger and an influencer at the same time.

One thing is for sure though, I know I am authentic in what I wrote and that is why readers would read blogs of people who share their personal journey, their stories, their own life because the readers can connect with them. And I love how there are ways to empower bloggers and influencers nowadays. Back then, nobody cared about us, if there were, just a little percentage to the number of companies who wants to support bloggers and influencers from different walks of life and different regions of different countries.

I have been on hiatus for a year already and I guess it is now time to start all over again, writing my thoughts, my life, my journey in between, my love of life and how I deal with struggles in my everyday life. The pandemic may have taken its toll on me but I will not dwell on my failures instead I will continue to strive and do more because I know I can rise above my writer’s block.