I have written several articles on gardening, because I am a proud advocate of urban and container gardening. My day wouldn't be complete without me, spending the early hours of the morning, watering and talking to my plants. Yes! I talk to my plants. I will even admit to gently threatening my fruit trees if they will not bear fruits :) And as I was pruning my guybano and atis trees the other day, it occurred to me that the lessons I learned in gardening, can be also applied in real life!
WHAT GARDENING HAS TAUGHT ME ABOUT MOTHERHOOD
1. Take risks. Sometimes I am afraid of pruning my tomatoes because they might die, but in reality, pruning it will "threaten" them to think that they are close to extinction, so they will bear flowers and fruits to survive. I cut large branches of my fruit trees, because I want to direct their growth. Sometimes, the "act of harshness" will bear positive results. Same with life. I need to be firm in disciplining my teens, if I want them to grow well.
2. Celebrate each day. I learned to be happy with a single fruit, flower that I see in my garden. A butterfly sends happiness too. If a plant dry out and eventually die, I will start all over again with positive thoughts. Same with life. I don't allow myself to get frustrated easily. I focus on the goal and work hard to reach it.
THE BONSAI STORY
These are the thoughts running through my mind as I look at the individual bonsai species displayed at The Podium yesterday, during the launch of SANIB PWERSA.
Orange Mandarin
See the Crab Apple?
Mulawin Aso
Select and premium bonsai collections will be on display at The Podium from Feb 21-25 and learn basic Bonsai techniques from Feb 22-24 from 3-5pm at L2 Atrium 1.
On March 22-25, the bonsai collection will be displayed at the SM North Edsa The Block. For the first time, three Japanese art disciplines will be featured at the event at SM North Edsa, thanks to the combined efforts of the Philippine Bonsai Society, Inc, Natural Stone Society of the Philippines and Ikenobo-Ikebana Society of Manila.
Rare bonsai species will be displayed such as the Diospyros (Persimmons); Tugas (molave) and the Sampalok (tamarind).
This exhibit is made possible as PBSI and SM Supermalls join hands to showcase green living and love for nature. (photos)
There was a fad in Facebook very recently, called the "10 year challenge" -- where everyone posted their photos from 2009 to their most recent. Let me start this article by posting a photo of my family then and now.
My entry to the "10-year challenge"
What changed? There are additional wrinkles on my face, lost a little weight -- but aside from the physical changes -- I am basically the same person. I am a MOTHER and I will continue to be one forever. Why do I mention this? Because, me and Mr.Wise, we have been solid partners when it comes to raising our children. And three of our most noteworthy accomplishments so far, are -- being able to provide for our children's education, built ourselves a house (under a 10year mortgage that we finished last year yey!) and taking good care of ourselves because we are our family's providers. It is of utmost importance that me and my hubby take good care of our health because we are our family's pillar, we support our family every single day. As your partner in financial awareness -- Mrs.Wise's advise -- get yourselves an insurance.
(CTTO) "Ano ba bes... sampung taon na nakakalipas, hindi ka pa rin kumukuha ng insurance?"
CAN YOU AFFORD AN INSURANCE? Most of you my dear readers would probably say... "ang mahal ng insurance. Di naman namin yan afford!" My reply... just think about these:
Huwag nang pag-isipan pa. Sa piso bawat araw o 365 bawat taon, insured ka na! Ang mura di ba... 365 pesos lang ang halaga ng iyong PEACE OF MIND!
I know that a lot of people have been thinking twice about getting an insurance. And the reason - they cannot afford it. But there is an insurance that is affordable and simple to understand. And most importantly, an insurance company that is proudly Filipino!
Committed to providing simple and affordable insurance to Filipino families for 54 years
ALALAY SA BUHAY
ASB or Alalay sa Buhay is an insurance plan designed for an individual or family. It provides renewable one-year insurance to individuals 13-70 years old for only Php365 pesos, with natural and accidental death benefits. Aba! 365 pesos ay katumbas ng piso kada araw na iipunin para makabili ng insurance!
ASB is also available for families and seniors, with ASB family being renewable up to age 70 for principal insured and covers up to 3-5 family members for only Php750 for one unit. ASB for seniors covers individuals ages 71-80 and offers insurance for one year for only Php1,000 for one unit.
The house that we built as a family :)
I shared earlier that one of our major accomplishments is finishing our house mortgage last year. Now we are debt free and proud owners of a house we built and designed ourselves. We didn't hire an architect the civil engineer just executed our rough drawings and vision.
What's next? When we finished paying the mortgage, the fire insurance associated with it also expired. Now, we are considering getting a fire insurance on our own. We want to secure the house, and everything in it, for it is an investment that came from years of hard work and literally "blood, sweat and tears".
CBIC FIRE INSURANCE
"Big or small, homes should be covered by fire insurance. To see your property go up in smke can be a traumatic experience, so its best to be on guard for emergencies all the time," says Geraldine Desiderio-Garcia, senior vice president and GM of Country Bankers Insurance Group.
CBIC's fire insurance provides options that fit different lifestyles -- from fire and lightning, as well as several situations such as during earthquakes, typhoons and floods. Optional supplementary covers may also be availed from clearing of debris, and firefighting expenses, to household employee belonging.
My own personal opinion of fire insurance -- better be safe than sorry. Because life is unpredictable and you will never know when tragedy will strike -- be ready. Always.
CBLIC RENEWS COMMITMENT TO SERVE NICHE MARKET AS IT TURNS 54
More than five decades of service have inspired Country Bankers Life Insurance Corporation to renew its commitment to provide simple and affordable insurance to Filipino families, especially in its niche market, the rural areas.
It launches its new insurace product -- CB Kalinga. The CB Kalinga 4P's Program provides a wide range of benefits for an annual amount of Php150: Death (5000), Accidental Death and Permanent Disability (Php15,000), Accidental Medical/Reimbursement (Php2000 max), Daily Confinement (Php200 a day max. of 30 days), Instant Abuloy (php500) and Fire and/or Lightning Assistance (Php3000). An option for a six-month coverage for the principal insurer is also available at Php75.
Under 4P's, family packages are also available for an annual fee of only Php250, a principal would have his/her spouse and a maximum of 3 children enjoy insurance benefits. A principal's spouse could avail of Death Benefit (php5000), Accidental Death and Permanent Disability (Php15000), Daily Confinement benefit (Php200/day) and Instant Abuloy (php500) while his/her children (max of 3) would enjoy Death Benefit (php1000), Accidental Death and Permanent Disability (Php2000) and Instant Abuloy (Php250). Six month coverage for Family Packages are also available at Php125 premium.
Everytime you say "no or next time" when life insurance is offered, it means protecting yourself as the income provider/generator is not your priority. It means that no matter what happens to you is up to God or your family on how to help you and how everyone will get through the bad times. Or you may even be just "fatalistic" -- bahala na kung ano man ang mangyari sa pamilya ko kapag wala na ako.... It means that if something happens to you, whether you meet an accident, become critically ill, have to be hospitalized, become permanently disabled, or even leave through an untimel death, it is just okay.
How would you prepare yourself for that? How would you want your family to continue their lives when it happens?
What do I look for in make-up? Products that don't irritate skin and can be worn from day to night. It is also a plus factor if the products are easy to use. Lo and behold, because I found the ideal products that is making my make-up routine very easy -- thank you to the new Althea make up line!
even my pet cat can't help but LOOOOVE the Althea make up line
SUNRISE AND MOONLIGHT EYE PALETTE
Welcome the new year with Althea's very first eye shadow palette: Sunrise & Moonrise! Made in collaboration with Bunga Citra Lestari, these 8 shades will take you from glam daytime to sophisticated night time. It comes in shimmers, mattes and glitters, which are very easy to blend and even out on skin. It works well on blush application, but you can use your finger too.
As a WISE mom, I am always on the look out for new products to try. Specially if its Pinoy-made -- the more that I am interested. For 2019 -- that should be one of our goals -- to support local products. Last December, I was invited to the launch and press conference of Mr. Clear, Mrs. Clear and Lady Clear -- the newest home and personal home care products from AMC Star Marketing Services Incorporated.
