Work-From-Home Business that you can start from your kitchen

If you’re looking for ways to augment your income during these challenging times, you don’t need to look farther than your kitchen to start a business. As you may have observed, many Filipinos have already started putting up their own little ventures by offering something that we all love—food.

From ube pandesal to baked sushi, to new twists to fries and cheesecakes, our enterprising kababayans have shown their resiliency and inventiveness through these food ventures.

If you’d like to start a home business from your kitchen, here are some tips that may help you in establishing one.

1.     Think of the product you want to offer. Are you or someone in your family good at baking or cooking? Capitalize on your skill and passion in determining the product you want to offer.

2.     Know your target market. Ask yourself if the product you’d like to put out there has a market. Food, for one, can have an immediate market—your family, colleagues, and friends. 

3.     Make your product worth your customers’ money. Of course, it goes without saying that you have to ensure that the items you sell should satisfy your customers. Offer products that they will like so that they can tell their other friends and relatives about it. This way, more people will be interested in your products.

4.     Invest in good equipment. If you’re going to pursue a business in food, make sure that you have quality equipment. At Hanabishi, they have a range of products that can help you with your cooking and baking needs. broilers, grillers, fryers, and electric cookers. For those who are into baking, we have our mixers, food processors, ovens, and more.

Hanabishi kitchen appliances 

5.     Make it more convenient for customers to purchase your products. For example, most businesses have gone online these days and customers can easily buy the product of their choice and have it delivered safely and securely to their home. If you have been running your e-commerce site, you have to review its system and with the new conditions dictated by the pandemic, you should implement the necessary updates in its features to address the anticipated influx of online shoppers. That way, your customers can easily place an order with just a few clicks and taps on their computers and mobile devices. Likewise, you may offer them the option to have their products delivered or picked up from the warehouse. 

6.     Set up a Facebook or Instagram account. Most Filipinos are social media users and being on FB and IG makes you more visible to them. In fact, according to a recent Nielsen Homepanel Tack-on survey, 49 percent of Filipinos who shop groceries online prefer Facebook. In making your goods available through these social media apps, make sure that you take good photos. Food, most especially, need to look delicious and enticing to attract customers.

7.     Be forward-looking. Expect challenges to come your way and make sure you keep up with consumers’ changing behavior. It’s not easy, but with hard work and foresight, success will come your way.

Hanabishi is available at leading appliance stores all over the country. For more information about Hanabishi, you may visit www.myhanabishi.com/shop/ and like them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MyHanabishiAppliances/ for the newest updates.

How to Flourish in the Gig Economy as a Filipino Freelancer

The freelance work model is nothing new in the Philippine market. Long before the BPO industry contributed a huge chunk to the country’s GDP, enterprises both here and abroad have already been outsourcing part or most of their business processes to Filipino freelancers. This so-called “gig economy” is highly advantageous to both employers and workers. The company or entrepreneur can hire a skilled professional for a fraction of the cost, which is much more favorable than hiring a permanent employee if the job is on an as-needed basis. On the other end of the spectrum, freelancers can choose their own work hours and the kinds of jobs they want while getting compensated well, so long as they can deliver the agreed-upon output.

With the recent passage of the “Work from Home Bill” (RA 11165) into law, it can be expected that freelancing will become even more attractive to Filipinos. Of course, this is not to say that traditional employment will have no more place in the economy. However, it can’t be denied that participating in the gig economy has myriad benefits, whether you’re freelancing full-time or you’re in it to supplement the income you get from your day job. That being said, here are some tips on how you, as a Filipino freelancer, can flourish in the gig economy.

Know Your Worth

Just because you’re working from home—or a nearby coffee shop or co-working space—doesn’t mean you should settle for much less. Knowing the base fees for the services you provide will help protect you from getting short-changed, and it will also keep the local gig economy thriving by fostering healthy competition. If you’ve just resigned from an office job that’s related to the field you want to freelance in, you can use your salary as a basis for hourly or per-project rates. You can also consult other freelancers on the going rates in the industry. It’s perfectly fine to start at slightly lower rates, but remember not to push your prices so far down just to get more clients. This is bad for the industry in general, and it can also negatively impact your overall productivity and work quality.

Create an Account on Freelancing Sites

It will be a lot easier for you to land a gig when you’re on a freelancing website, simply because the clients are already there. These websites are also a lot more organized, with jobs listed per industry, per income range, and per skill set, just to name a few, making the search even more convenient. You can sign up on international platforms, but it’s also good to have an account on freelancing websites like Smalljobs.ph that cater exclusively to the local talent pool. This is because they have a much better understanding of the needs of freelancers in the local economy.

Network, Network, Network

Cultivating a healthy relationship with clients and fellow freelancers is essential in having a successful career in the gig economy. Building and maintaining rapport with clients is a no-brainer, since this is the key to getting repeat projects. Your existing clients may even refer you to other potential employers. Meanwhile, being in good terms with other freelancers means they can throw work your way if they don’t have enough bandwidth (and vice-versa). Networking with freelancers in other industries is also helpful when taking on bigger projects. For example, a website designer can team-up with a content writer and an SEO specialist to provide a full range of services. Signing up on relevant sites, including social media groups, and being sufficiently active in those sites can help facilitate this facet of freelancing.

Produce, Produce, Produce

Being productive is much more critical for a freelancer than for an office worker, especially if you’re freelancing full-time. Just think of it as “no output, no pay.” Continuously producing high-quality work is also the best way to create a positive reputation in the freelancing community, which helps in creating a bigger and more diverse client base and also in helping you command higher talent fees.

Maintain a Current Portfolio

It won't do if your client asks you a sample of your current works and all you can provide is something from three years ago. Having a current portfolio that's up-to-date in at least the past 6 months makes it easier for clients to determine if your skills suit their needs. This is especially true in visual arts and tech-based fields, where tools and techniques get updated quickly. It doesn't matter if the work you did was for a paying job or not; your clients just need a clear picture of what you can do for them.

Invest on Good Equipment and on Yourself

Having the right equipment—whether it's a new computer or the latest software—can help increase your productivity. Apart from tools of the trade, you should also invest on enhancing your skills. Get certified for various applications and industries, attend workshops and seminars, and participate in e-learning sessions. There are a lot of free resources you can find online, but you should also consider those conventions or certifications that have fees since these tend to be more prestigious and give you more “cred.” In addition to becoming more efficient and productive, having the latest equipment coupled with your enhanced skill set can help you in negotiating for higher compensation.

Freelancing has a lot of selling points, including the huge reduction of the time spent in horrendous Metro Manila traffic, working from home, rather than an expensive office space in Manila, this can allow for a more flexible work life balance. It has also become more viable due to more accessible resources, and more dependable as a source of income due to project variety and rates that can rival or exceed those offered by traditional employment. These factors mean that you can expect to have a lot more competition in the future. However, what's good about the gig economy is that it's rather friendly and the playing field is much more even.

What Makes Coco Martin #TheRiteOne for RiteMed?

Do you still remember the tagline that was made famous by the late Queen of Philippine Movies, Ms. Susan Roces? 

The iconic line "Huwag mahihiyang magtanong" from RiteMed's advertisement was conceptualized by Ms. Susan Roces herself, as revealed by the Execs of RiteMed. Ms. Roces had been very hands-on when she accepted the role of a brand ambassador. She was very keen on the details and she scrutinized everything just to make sure what she represents aligns with her values and beliefs.

Coco Martin doing the RiteMed pose with RiteMed GM, Vince Guerrero (left) and RiteMed President , Atty. Jose Ochave (right)

When she passed away, RiteMed team looked for a hands-down choice, not to replace Ms. Susan Roces but someone who will continue her mission of giving affordable medicines to the Filipino people. As the brand celebrates 20 years in the business, the team decided to look for someone principled, kind, and trustworthy; and they saw these characteristics with The Rite One, Coco Martin.

Apart from being close with Ms. Roces' family, what makes Coco the perfect ambassador for RiteMed?

If you can still remember, Coco Martin has humble beginnings. He does not belong to a popular clan of artists, nor does he instantly make a big name in the industry at the start of his career in 2001. In the first 4 years, he appeared in minor roles in TV and films. His biggest break was in 2005 when he landed the lead role in an Indie film that was critically acclaimed and has won lots of awards even in the international scene. Coco made a lot of award-winning Indie films until 2008.

In 2009, Coco rose to fame with his TV projects under the Kapamilya, ABSCBN network. While doing high-rating tele-series, he was making more award-winning films, alongside. He seems so unstoppable until he starred in his most successful series to date - FPJ's Ang Probinsyano - in 2015. It has been consistently a top rating series in primetime until its last episode in August 2022. In between Ang Probinsyano tapings, Coco still managed to do a lot of movies and in 2017, he launched his own productions company, CCM Productions.

In the middle of the pandemic, Coco tirelessly worked towards his goals for his career and family. In fact, COVID was no match for him as he was not even infected although he was always out and about directing and producing. Coco is undeniably one of the richest actors in the country today and as he is set to make another record-breaking series, Batang Quiapo, he will also be restlessly portraying the role of the RiteMed Ambassador, continuing the legacy of the late Ms. Susan Roces.

Coco Martin, who is also celebrating his second decade in the industry; wholeheartedly accepted the challenge because he believes in Ms. Roces' advocacy and the quality of RiteMed's products and services.

It was an uphill climb for Coco, just as how it was never easy for RiteMed to be trusted by many Filipinos at first. In a country where imported goods and expensive products are perceived to have the best quality and efficacy, how can RiteMed - a brand selling affordable medicines for the masses, compete with well-known and branded ones? Despite the company's many efforts to let the public know that their medicines or products are as effective as the branded ones, most Pinoys are not that easy to convince because their belief was rooted in society and culture. But with the help of Ms. Susan who was also the co-developer of the brand, RiteMed was able to attain 95% consumer awareness, which means they have an extremely high trust rating, because of the value for money they have proven for many years.  

The RiteMed team after strict selection, were convinced that Coco Martin embodies the perfect face of their new brand ambassador, because they believe Coco will be one with them in their advocacy of giving every Filipino an access to affordable yet effective medicines.

Interview with the media that lasted for hours. Coco answered each question politely, with a smile on his face and with so much wisdom. He was patient and energetic the whole time that every guest was able to take a selfie with the Primetime King.

From the iconic line "Huwag mahihiyang magtanong," Coco Martin incorporated the line "Sabi ng Lola ko" in the recent ad, as tribute to the late actress.

RiteMed, Ms. Susan Roces and Coco Martin have something in common:

- before they gain a BIG name in their respective industry, they all started from humble beginnings.

- compassion. We all know how much love Ms. Susan Roces has had for the people around her, same with the love and concern Coco Martin is giving to his fellow-artists, co-workers and even to people around the community he lives in. Ritemed on the other hand, shows compassion by giving us inexpensive yet quality products to protect our health.

With these common grounds, this partnership is indeed a "match made in heaven," and is expected to last, hopefully for the next 20 years or beyond.

How about you?How would you rate #CocoMartin being the new face of the brand? Do you also believe he is "TheRiteOne" to continue the legacy?

Say it with the rarest and most expensive flowers this Valentine's Day

Flowers are the most romantic gift. They are are a great way to express and convey love, feelings, and emotions with someone special. Beautiful flowers put a beautiful smile on someone's face - a contagious smile that makes someone's day and melts the heart away.

As flowers come in all shapes, sizes, and colors - they come in various price points too, especially when they come in a bouquet.

One of the most preferred gifts for special occasions such as Valentine's Day are the flowers.  Some people might find it impractical to shell out a small fortune on bouquets, but some would still find it romantic to receive flowers that are rare and expensive.

This Valentine's, you might want to impress your special someone with some of the rarest and most expensive flowers on Earth.

Saffron Crocus ($1200 – $1500 per pound)

They say that Saffron originated in Iran. This popular spice used for coloring and high seasoning in many cuisines has long been the world's most costly spice by weight. The flower has a purple color with a yellow stamen. But preparing spice from this flower is very difficult as about 80,000 flowers are used to extract just 500 grams of spice, which makes it so expensive.

Gold of Kinabalu Orchid ($6000 per piece)

This flower which is a large-sized clear-leafed species of orchid that blooms in April and May is extremely expensive because of its beauty and rarity. It blooms with a tall inflorescence with up to six, large flowers, holding its petals almost horizontally, giving the flower a very distinctive appearance. It has lovely green petals embellished with red dots. It only grows in Malaysia’s Kinabalu National Park and it is difficult to cultivate as the flower takes many years to appear.

Shenzhen Nongke Orchid ($200,000 per flower)

This man-made orchid was cultivated by Chinese Agricultural scientists from Shenzhen Nongke University. It took them 8 years to develop its flower.  It was first sold at an auction in 2005 to an anonymous bidder for $202,000. This flower only blooms once every 4-5 years.

Juliet Rose ($5 million)

Juliet Rose is the most expensive rose ever developed. It was created by David Charles Henshaw Austin a British rose breeder and writer who lived in Shropshire, England. David took 15 years to grow this lovely apricot-hued hybrid. He showcased it to the world at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2006. The rose is worth £3 million or around $5 million. Juliet Rose is said to have a very light, sensual fragrance. The rose, when opened, reveal a neat array of petals nestling within the folds in the center of the bloom - a sensational sight to behold.

Kadupul Flower (Priceless)

Kadupul a species of cactus, is a legendary flower from Sri Lanka. It can bloom up to 100 flowers per shrub and it usually blooms during a full moon from November to March. Its flower emanates a soothing, lovely scent at night and wilts before dawn. This flower is priceless because it is rare and cannot be harvested. Kadupul lives only for a few hours after it is picked, hence it is impossible to sell this exotic and unique flower.

How about you? What does a flower signify in your life? Given the chance, which of these expensive and rare flowers would you love to own and why?

How important is influencer marketing in today's businesses?

How hard is it to do business nowadays?
We are all aware of the threats, yet we have to reopen the economy for the people and the whole nation to survive.

With all the health and safety protocols a business has to secure and comply with, a lot of businesses are really thriving to start all over again. Even large corporations from all over the world are now facing financial crises, losses which pushed a lot of businesses to lay off employees or file bankruptcy amidst the virus.

There is really a big challenge in businesses nowadays especially in marketing, advertisements, and promotions. Apart from budget cuts, businesses and entrepreneurs are challenged to adapt to the new normal.

While the spread of the coronavirus challenges entrepreneurs and brands to meet new needs, an increase in the necessity for influencer marketing is seen.

Despite this pandemic, marketers still trust in collaborating with influencers to help create online buzz about their brand. They trust how every blogger, social media influencers, content creators can strengthen the brand's reputation, improve audience engagement, and increase conversions.


Marketing scene before the pandemic

Before the pandemic, it was difficult for brands to get attention on the internet largely because every business, big or small, has invaded the online world creating an insurmountable amount of noise. The competition online was very tight then and only a few names get it to the top of every scene.

Consumers were also extremely skeptical about brands that indulge in self-promotion. That is why the demand for new, innovative digital marketing strategies has been on the rise.

The quest for an alternate approach has compelled brands to appreciate the power of influencers. Influencer marketing since then has become a favorite among digital marketers and business owners, where many brands are investing a significant amount of time and resources into executing successful influencer marketing campaigns.


The importance of influencer marketing nowadays

Why do influencers deserve the attention they are getting and how important is influencer marketing in today's businesses?

To promote the brand and increase the revenue, influencer marketing which involves collaborating with popular and relevant influencers is being used.

Influencers being characterized by a large number of loyal and dedicated social media followers are perceived as experts in their niches and their recommendations are often highly regarded by their followers. They share a strong rapport with their fans and that's what distinguishes them from traditional celebrities. They harness the accessibility of social media to establish personal connections with and gain the trust of their followers.

Influencers have in-depth knowledge about certain subjects and are often real-life consumers which gives them certain leverage and empowers them to motivate their followers to take desired actions.

Depending on the marketing objective, brands work with influencers to create engaging content, announce giveaways, host Q & A sessions, etc. In addition, they invite influencers to take charge of the brand's social media profiles and upload content on their behalf for a specific time period.

According to a recent study, in 2018, the term “influencer marketing” was searched 61,000 in Google. The same study also revealed that influencer marketing was considered effective by 92% of the respondents. 86% of the respondents were also willing to dedicate a specific budget for their influencer marketing campaigns.

This clearly indicates that influencer marketing is gaining acceptance and popularity among business owners and marketers, especially nowadays when producers and sellers go online to do business and consumers are engaged in their mobile devices most of the time.

A Guide to Throwing a Bachelorette Party

Parties are something that have taken place since the beginning of time. Although the nature in which they take place has evolved over the years, celebration is very much so a part of our culture. One of the life events that people tend to celebrate often is marriage, and it’s something that happens every day. You may have decided to read this article because your friend is getting married soon and you’re in charge of throwing a bachelorette party. To ensure your friend gets sent off in style and it’s a party that she’ll remember years from now, here’s a guide that you may find useful. 

Get The Right Venue

The venue you choose for the bachelorette party is extremely important, so put careful thought into it. You want to ensure its somewhere that everyone will be comfortable and that it has the right vibe as well as enough space. See two options for venues below.

· House: One of your options in terms of where to throw a bachelorette party is a house. This could be ideal if you won’t have too many people over and want something intimate. If you choose to throw a house party, you’d have to put in work in terms of decorating the home you choose and making it look bachelorette party ready.

· Rented Space: Another option for a bachelorette party would be using a rented venue. This venue could be anything from a community hall to space in a restaurant. Consider how much you can afford to pay for the venue as well as the theme of your party to determine whether it’s worthwhile. 

Hire Bartenders

So that the drinks are flowing, and you don’t have to worry about people getting enough, you should hire bartenders. Some things to look out for when choosing one are a company that is certified, trained and has a good reputation. You may want to consider Event Bartenders that have a range of different packages so that you can get the kinds of drinks you need for your event.
Get Fun Props

What’s a bachelorette party without silly masks and fun props? Go to your nearest store and look for props that you can give all of the guests to wear during the party. When choosing accessories, don’t forget to pick up a bride to be banner, silly costume, or crown for the celebrant. Some other bachelorette party items that you could get are a balloon banner, sassy photobooth props for selfies, glitter garland, and a classy beer pong. 

Choose Entertainment

To make sure that the bachelorette party is memorable, include fun activities or forms of entertainment. In case you need inspiration, see a few ideas below.

· Stripper: Strippers can be a humorous aspect of a bachelorette party that causes a lot of uproar in a fun way. Think about having one come in to entertain everyone for a few minutes at some point during the party.

· Games: There are so many fun bachelorette games out there that you could play with your guests. You could involve drinking to make them even more exciting.

23 Things inside the house that you need to eliminate (or recycle) at the start of 2023

New beginnings require letting go. This means, letting go of people, memories, and things that no longer contribute to your growth and happiness. Remember, letting go does not always mean to throw away. Recycling and donating these things that are still useful are practical and eco-friendly ways you can let go of such things.

This 2023, here are 23 things that you can declutter to make way for new things and for a clean and fresher space. 

General Space

01 |Old Calendar 
A new year requires a new calendar. Thus, this is already given that old calendars should be recycled or donated to charities that accept papers and use them for a good cause. 

02 |Receipts, old and unrecyclable paper
Only keep the receipts if you need them for warranty in the future. Keeping unnecessary receipts will only take up space and clutter in your wallet or in your home.

03 |Old Magazines 
Like receipts and unrecyclable papers, old magazines may only take up space. Recycling or ridding of old magazines can create free space for the necessary things that need to be organized. 

04 |Broken Furniture
Given that a piece of furniture is already broken, expendable, and cannot be recycled, such furniture should be thrown away. This will give you more space for new and functional furniture.

05 |Out of Date Medicine 
Expired medicine loses its effectiveness or may be risky since there is a change in chemical composition. It is not as effective before its expiration date. 

06 |Toys not played with
Giving or donating toys that are not played with is one way to give smiles to other children. Not only that you’ve cleared up space, but you’ve also reduced waste while making other children happy.

07 |Old Batteries
Batteries contain toxic chemicals which pose a threat to our health and the environment when not handled/recycled properly. Know how and where to dispose of these batteries to help keep our environment clean.




Wardrobe and Vanity

08 |Old Clothes or Clothes that don’t fit
Calamities strike in different places from time-to-time. You can donate or sell your old clothes to clear up space in your wardrobe while helping people who are in need.

09|Broken hangers
Broken hangers no longer serve its purpose if it doesn’t hang your clothes properly anymore. These should be thrown out as it only takes up space in your wardrobe.

10|Broken Accessories or Items that are out of style
When items go out of style, we won’t even remember the last time that we used it. You can donate or sell these accessories to other people to make space for new items.

11|Worn Underwear
It is important to change our undergarments regularly to maintain hygiene and cleanliness in your private parts.

12|Expired Make-Up
When ingredients reach their expiration date, this can cause skin irritation and other infections. Throwing away expired makeup can help you avoid skin problems and give space for new and fresh makeup.


13|Ill fitting shoes
Wearing ill-fitting shoes can cause calluses or develop ingrown toenails. It is best to donate these shoes to those in need so that it can still be used.



Kitchen

14|Old or Overused sponges 
It is recommended to change your dish sponge once a week. However, once every two weeks will also do. Bacteria can accumulate over time which may soon develop an odor. This will help you avoid the spread of germs in your kitchenware. 


15|Wooden Spoons or other wooden cooking utensils 
Wood is known to absorb moisture easily which is home to bacteria. Once every two years, you can opt to replace these wooden kitchen utensils to avoid bacterial growth. 


16|Unused Kitchen Appliances 
Reasons for unused kitchen appliances may be duplicates of your recent appliances that are still in good conditions. Donating or selling these appliances can clear up space and give your kitchen a clean and fresh look. 


17|Unused Herbs, Spices, and Condiments
Over time, spices that are past their expiration date may lose their aroma and flavor. Therefore, keeping it will be of no use since it doesn’t serve its purpose anymore. 


18| Kitchen appliances that have problems 
Appliances that cannot be repaired no longer serve its purpose. Mindfully send or donate these appliances to the right establishments to reduce electronic wastes. 


19|Rusty appliances 
Rusty appliances may not harm you directly. However, over some time, it may be a health hazard. Rusty utensils should also be discarded as it is not safe for one to ingest rust. Moreover, rust reduces the lifespan of these utensils and appliances, thus not serving its purpose.  


20|Food inside the refrigerator 
Clear out the food that you no longer take out and eat from the refrigerator. Clearing food from your refrigerator is one way to reduce visual clutter which makes a big visual impact to make your kitchen look and feel better. 


21|Old Dishcloths 
Like kitchen sponges, over time, harmful bacteria can be transferred to your dishcloth when wiping unclean surfaces. This may cause bacteria to spread all over the kitchen. Throw dishcloths when it starts to smell even if you’ve washed it.  


22|Chipped dishes or glasswares 
Chipped dishes or glasswares cause In dishes, crazing, cracks, and crevices serve as breeding grounds for bacteria that can contaminate the food you're ingesting. Thus, proper disposal of these kitchenwares helps you avoid potential illness caused by these bacteria. 


23|Things that no longer make you happy. 


May 2023 be a year of growth, prosperity, and happiness. Let go of the things that no longer serve you and make you happy. Not only does this give you more space, but it also lessens the emotional baggage that you’re carrying. Remember that a lot can happen in a new year - things and experiences that have never been.

When Thanksgiving is also a way to Give Back, there's a Big Difference

2022 is the perfect timing for a Thanksgiving party. Now that the restrictions due to pandemic are slowly easing, there are a lot of ways we can do to celebrate all the blessings and all the learnings of the past years that we were confined inside the four walls of our homes. 

The mere fact that we are still alive despite the curse-like disease that we experienced is enough reason to be thankful to God. But Eunnies Events Management, United Bloggers Philippines and Unified Pinoy Content Creators have a better way to celebrate THANKSGIVING.

The #UPCCxEunniesEventsMgtThanksgiving2023 with the theme "Celebrate, Give Thanks and Give Back," took place on January 13, 2023 (instead of the original date in December 2022) in the very serene Acienda del Cielo in Calauan, Laguna.

It was well attended by around 30 bloggers from different areas in Metro Manila, Laguna and Rizal. What makes this year's thanksgiving party different? A few weeks before the actual event, the organizers headed by Bette Media initiated a donation campaign to the charities caring for kids with Down Syndrome, Orphans and PWDs. Before the glamour, there goes the true essence of Christmas which is giving back to our fellows who are vulnerable and less fortunate.

How we get there?

I live just a few kilometers away from Calauan so I decided to feel the roads along my province by commuting. From the City of Cabuyao, we rode the jeepney to Halang Calamba City. We had a quick stop to eat lunch, then from there we waited another jeepny heading San Pablo City. Unfortunately, the jeepney were always loaded with passengers, so we decided to cut the trip to Los Banos junction. The feeling was amazing while traveling because it felt like we are really back to normal, but of course we always remind ourselves of safety because virus is still here. From Los Banos junction, there are a lot of jeepneys heading to San Pablo. We hailed one and asked the driver to drop us in Calauan. From the town proper of Calauan we rode another tricycle to reach our destination which is Acienda del Cielo. It was a long ride from one jeepney to another but it was all worth it when you see how relaxing the place is. 

Acienda del Cielo, the Event Venue

Photo courtesy of Ross del Rosario, Wazzup Pilipinas

When I entered the gates of Acienda, I really felt a different mood because of the lush greens that surround the place. The area is a combination of white and green which is always pleasing to the eyes and relaxing to the mind. The backdrop which is a large mountain with forest reminded me so much of my youth in Atimonan. We live nearby a forest so this kind of place is always lovely to me. The pavilion is very spacious, which I guess can carry up to 300 persons and up to 500 persons if extended outside. 

There are three villas inside Acienda where guests can stay. There are also a nice pool when you need some dip. There's the grotto when you need to reflect and give thanks, and there's a huge playground for kids and furry pets, too. Yes, Acienda is animal-friendly. Some of the friends brought their doggies to celebrate with us. 

Acienda is indeed a perfect venue for any kind of celebration. You can do great photoshoots, amazing pre-nup vids, and the likes all in just one place. Then have the main event right after. With Acienda del Cielo, it's like you have a one-stop shop for a beautiful event because they also offer catering service through Casa Moriones. Casa Moriones has been serving our teams with sumptuous dishes for years. The first time was in Alfonso Cavite in 2019, and until now, they never fail to satisfy our palates from snacks, breakfast, lunch and dinner. They always have good food to make every celebration complete and memorable. 

The preparation, with the teams from Acienda del Cielo, Tei Endencia and Casa Moriones

The hall or the pavilion was styled by Tei Endencia. This was the first time we worked with them but they have a very wonderful and talented team. They decorated the whole pavilion full of class and glamour. I don't expect much when it comes to the decoration and styling but what they did is more than what we expected. It was A for effort and we were very thankful as they made the celebration more colorful that night.

Our thanksgiving would not be possible without our kind and generous sponsors. I would like to personally thank two of my friends from the industry who undoubtedly, willingly, immediately gave their full support when I ask for help from them. Chef Kizs Lucido of SamLen's Cakes and Pasties for the cold coffee which kept us energetic during the night and Pat Veridiano of Patricia's Food Manufacturing. Both of them are Laguna-based business owners and I really support them because they belong to the MSME's who keep our economy alive and thriving despite all the challenges. 

Thanks also to the following sponsors :

One Feathers Event Place

Evergreen

Bendito Viajeros

Bayan ni Juan Movement

Airspeed

Geiser Maclang

SM Supermalls

Queenlynne RestoBar

Cebu Pacific Air

The Aesthetic Studio

Play with Bella and Triexies by Ma Triexia Elaine Alejo Ong

Alta Skin Whitening System

Patricia's Food Manufacturing

Kropeck from Patricia's Food Mfg

Love Viva Cakes

F*art Fashion Art

Form & Function Corrective Chiropractic

Totetally Official

SamLens Cakes, and Cafe

California Nails and Day Spa

Heartstrings

The Permanent Make Up Academy

FIL Global Immigration

Binalot

MC Beauty Wellness Center

Coffee by SamLen's

Sta Cecilia MJ OB Midwife Lying in Corp

Ikkoryu Fukouka Ramen

Nanyang

Malaya Business Insight which will celebrate Anniversary this month

Other print media partners

Newlife Southwoods Family Pastor James Magat

Conclusion

For me, 2022 is indeed a year full of heartaches, especially the first half. Not financially but on some deeper aspects of life. But the latter part of the year became better as we learn to navigate ourselves towards our real passions and purposes in life. There has been overflowing blessings even at the last week of the year, and for that I am really grateful. 

My leopard-inspired look for 2023

This event is a proof that when we work together for a common goal, we can achieve something great even with a very little time for preparation. The event was not perfect in every sense but it was successful and better than expected, in general. It was both an honor and privilege to be part of the celebration and I hope this is just the beginning of better opportunities, camaraderie and charities for our teams.

Happy New Year and let us stay HOPEFUL and GRATEFUL, while we always find a way to give back to people who need our strength and inspiration.