These Little Wonders

As we commemorate the 121 st Philippine Independence, I celebrate my own FREEDOM ...  ...TO DREAM. 😊 Two months ago, I attended the first Freedom to Dream Summit organized by the Viviamo team (thanks Ms. Dar and your awesome girls!). Until now I'm reaping the fruits of that summit. Trixie hosted the first ever Freedom to Dream Summit. ❤️ I got to talk to two amazing coaches, Coach Rezza and Coach Celine. With their help, I learned a lot about myself, what truly matters, what I really want in life. Since the summit, I've been more enthusiastic and more determined to not just dream, but dream big dreams, to challenge myself, and to really make things happen. ❣️ And today, friends, I'm happy to say that, by the grace of God, I am slowly but surely "living the dream." I am actively pursuing my greatest passions, and while I still have a lot of room for improvement, I can say that I'm making significant progress day by day. One tiny ste...

In my last post , I shared about my desire and commitment to pursue my passions, including  Human Nature . I also gave a little background about the brand. This time, allow me to share some more reasons why I super love them. I actually saw the list when I visited their branch at SM North Edsa (The Block). Without further ado, here are 10 REASONS WHY HUMAN ❤️NATURE  MEANS GOODNESS :  1. It is a social enterprise working to lift Filipinos out of poverty.  2. They don't make whitening products because they believe we are beautiful the way God made us .  3. 100% of profits from Bug Shield go to community development .  4. They never paid just minimum wage! Since day one, they've been paying living wages .  5. They stick with their people. They have a NO FIRING policy. 6. They use ingredients which can grow in the Philippines.  7. Everything they do is grounded on their pro-Philippines , pro-poor , pro-environment ...

Last Thursday night, I had the privilege to speak with a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, Ms. Celine Sugay . Thanks to Belle De Jour's Freedom to Dream Summit . 😍 We talked about my dreams and goals for the year. One of those is to pursue a career in selling. 😁 Actually I just want to grow my little side hustle: Human Nature dealership. ❤️ Late last year, I decided to set up my own online shop . But I haven't really given much time to promote it. I have my reasons (mostly fear and doubts) but talking to Ms. Celine made me realize a greater "WHY." 😊 I shared in my online profile that at the start of the third decade of my life, I promised myself that I'd do everything I can to be better, stronger, and healthier in all aspects. Part of my journey to wellness is a major lifestyle change that includes switching to naturals. That's why I'm so grateful that there's Human Nature!!! 😍 And that, my friends, is my greater WHY. 😊 I signed up as...

I first learned about Create Me Books in Jacq's blog . At that time, we just welcomed our dear Raia so when Jacq informed me that I won in her little giveaway, I was so delighted that I immediately logged on to the website and created a book for our little warrior. :)  After two weeks, my order arrived. And it was beautiful! ♥ Let me tell you three things I love about CreateMeBooks:  1. You really create the book. Aside from being able to customize the title (name), you are also able to customize the character. There are several options for the hair color and style, the complexion, and the color of the dress. You also have the option to add eyeglasses to the character. I was actually tempted to create my own book with my own character (with glasses of course). Who says I'm too old for stuff like this? :D Guess what? I just gave in to the temptation of creating my own character. :D 2. There's a dedication page! Which makes it more personal. :)...

So it's the fourth quarter of 2016 and soon enough, we will be welcoming another year. Are we even ready for the new year?! Honestly, I'm excited for 2017 (like I was excited for 2016 and all the other past years :D) and I really am hopeful for greater things. Here I go again with my great expectations (that lead to great disappointments). There's just something about the new year that thrills me. Maybe I'm just curious about the "unknown" and I always look forward to it.  And because I'm too excited, still this early, I already have my planner for the following year. :) I've been a loyal Bella since 2010. This year, I decided to go for the Petit Planner (still from Viviamo) but for 2017, I have purchased the Power Planner once again. Isn't she lovely? ♥ I recently found this little quiz which helps one decide which planner is the perfect fit for their personality. I got EIP!  But after a thorough reflection, I decided ...

One of the things I learned in Splash is BRAND LOYALTY. Of course you have to try it first to believe it . But when you have proven that a brand (or service) works for you, you can stick with it forever (I believe it does exist!).  Over the years, I've come up with my own list of brands and services that work perfectly for me. I am a strict critic and I really go for quality all the time. With a lot of rewards and loyalty programs available, how do you know which ones are worth it?  In my humble opinion, you really have to know "what's in it for you" before choosing to sign up for a loyalty program and availing/purchasing a loyalty/rewards card.  I highly recommend the following:  1. SM Advantage You can use it not only to earn points from Watsons, SM Department Store, and SM Supermarket but also from their wide range of partners . I've been a member since 2010 and I have already paid for a number of items (including a gift for a former bos...

So it has already been a month since Ray and Mars got married and I'm still on a high. :) It was the nearest that I got to the altar (so far) and like what I told a friend, parang pangarap ko na rin ang natupad . :)  I've attended a lot of weddings already and I have played almost every role (aside from being a principal sponsor and a bride), but last month's wedding was extra special.  Ang lakas maka-good vibes . Probably because it's my best friend's wedding. And Mars is not just a best friend, but a sister I love so dearly. :)  Here are 12 reasons why:   1. We're both born on the 15th day of the 10th month (and it was a Wednesday). 2. We're both unica hijas. 3. We're both BDJ Bellas (she was actually the one who persuaded me to buy my first BDJ planner). 4. We both love to eat, sing, read, and learn. 5. We're both "raketeras". We write for extra income. 6. We blog too! :) Visit her site: www.delighteduniverse.com ) ...

Mine is a basic phone, thus I cannot install Flipagram. :(  But since I am a proud BDJ Bella, a veteran at that, I decided to still make this short video about my journey as an empowered woman. :)  BDJ Veteran ♥ I can't believe it has already been ten years. I've witnessed how Viviamo has evolved as an organization and I'm proud to be part of the Bella Community. Thanks to my friend and sister, Mars, who introduced me to BDJ six years ago. As a Bella community, we are empowered to empower. And so, through the following efforts, we can also reach, empower, and inspire more Filipinas in the next 10 years: 1. More boot camps for young women (students and professionals) 2. Community immersions (eat, sleep, and interact with ethnic women) 3. Social media evangelization (through meaningful hashtags and empowering posts) These are simple and attainable ways to really make a difference. As one strong and united community, let's continue to shine and ...

For the third time, I signed up for the biggest business-to-blogger event ! According to their official list , I was among the first 200 who registered. Hindi masyadong excited . :D  Well, it has been an annual thing for me, since I first joined in 2013 . It's not just the freebies, but the opportunity to meet awesome bloggers and discover noteworthy products and businesses. For bloggers, it's a good venue to learn how to make the most of our blogs. And since one of my goals this year is to become a better blogger, I wouldn't want to miss Blogapalooza . :) For businesses, it's the best place to launch campaigns  and products, and probably open doors for employment (maybe you could find your next marketing personnel from the pool of amazing bloggers present in the event).  As of this writing, there are already 400 registered bloggers  (privileged to be one of them, and yes, this is to confirm my attendance as well :D) . It's not yet too late! Sign up  n...

♪ all I want for Christmas is... ♪ Please vote for my dream board! ♥ Click here . :) I was about to sleep last night when I received a text message from Ate Chie telling me that my dream board was one of the finalists in the Canon and Belle De Jour Power Planner 's Dream Board Contest . I was so elated at the good news but since I don't have internet connection at home (we live in a cave! :D), and Facebook is blocked in the office, I told her to like the photo so that I could have at least one like before I could check it out maybe this weekend. :D (But since voting is until December 15, only, I need to make my move now!) I know the other bellas submitted beautiful entries too, probably a lot more beautiful than mine. I must admit that the only reason why I bothered to create my own dream board (for the first time!) was because I so wanted the prize ( Canon Selphy ). :D Dream Board. 2015 and beyond. :) I first saw that beautiful little thing back in 2012 whil...

On October 11, I bought a pouch at National Bookstore, SM Aura, and when I paid for it, I received a 150ml sachet of Domex . The pamphlet states, "By receiving this Domex sample, you have contributed your pledge for clean toilets!" At the back, the following are printed:  "You are now one with us in the Domex 1M clean toilets campaign. P5 has been donated on your behalf towards support of the UNICEF sanitation program." Apparently, Unilever , through its brand Domex, has launched the One Million Clean Toilets Movement. The campaign came to be due to the rising cases of diarrhea, the fourth leading cause of deaths among children under  5 years old. According to their study, over 90% of households in the Philippines don't realize that there are still germs in their toilet that may lead to diseases like diarrhea.  Through the One Million Clean Toilets Movement, Domex aims to educate and help Filipinos develop the habit of proper toilet hygi...

It's just the start of the second quarter of 2014, but I am already excited for 2015! Blame it on the Survey for 2015 Belle De Jour Power Planner . :D  For my fellow bellas, paging Marshee , stand a chance to win your own Belle De Jour 2015 Power Planner by spending less than an hour answering a series of questions that will definitely excite you for the year ahead. :)  Here's an example:  Question: 5-10 years from now: My Answers (top 3):   I would have moved in to my own place/house. I would be married. I would have my own business. If that's not exciting enough, how about these rewards? :) ALL COMPLETED survey entries by April 14 midnight, will get an AUTOMATIC 5% Discount for online direct orders on one (1) BDJ 2015 Power Planner. =)  The first 500 BDJ girls to answer get 1 FREE BDJ Forget-Me-Not Journal when you order your BDJ 2015 Power Planner online.  The first 500 BDJ girls to complete AND forward this surve...

I was writing a different post, but Celebrity Bluff  is just so fun and informative, I had to stop from blogging to list down the fun facts that I learn from each round. :)  Thought it would be nice to share them here as well. For future reference. :D  Q: In 2012, what kind of animal was named after Beyonce? A: Horse Fly Q: What rare job in China will pay you US$50,000 a year?  A: Fart Smeller Q: What alcoholic drink literally means "water of life"? A: Whisky   Q: In which part of the body can you find the tragus? A: Ear Q: According to Merriam-Webster, what is the female equivalent of dude? A: Dudine Q: What is longer in the male turtles than in the females?  A: Nails And the final question is... Q:  According to Box Office Mojo   what are the top four (4) movies of 2013 according to global profit? A: (1) Iron Man 3, (2) Despicable Me 2, (3) Fast and the Furious 6 (4) The Hunger Games: Cat...

He sent me an email with the subject "I'm a finalist" and this as the content: The only thorn among the roses. :) Congratulations, Mr. Lawrence Andrew Laureta Fernandez! :) You are such a genius! And I am so proud of you! ♥ I read all the entries and without any bias, I really believe you deserve to win. Nobody wrote better than you did. God bless your Cyberya Minigosyo journey. :) Praying for God's best for you. ♥ I don't usually do this, but reading his entry, I was so amused at his brilliance. So blessed to have a man who inspires, moves, and touches lives with his superb God-given talent in writing. Thus, this shout out! :) Read and be amazed as well: Why I Want A Cyberya Minigosyo  :)

I admit, I'm a fan of love stories. I love to watch romantic comedies, family dramas, and anything that has the element of love .  Just last night, I watched About Time   and I'm just waiting for my brother to give me copies of Before Sunrise , Before Sunset ,   and  Before Midnight . :) We are all fond of love stories. And I know there are those who remember every quotable line or dialogue from their favorite films, TV shows, plays, or novels. I have my own collection. :) Love is indeed a beautiful thing. As they say, to love and to be loved is the greatest happiness of life . But let me add to that: To love God and to be loved by God is the greatest happiness of life!  :)  Nothing could be ever sweeter than that. :)  And so, on the weekend of Valentine's, I'm going to spend some quality time with my GREATEST LOVE   and LOVER - God! :)  You too can have the greatest date ever this coming love month! Today is th...

Here's one more chance to register for the 21st SFC International Conference (ICON)  happening on February 14-16, 2014 in Cagayan De Oro City!  On December 25, the online registration will be opened from 12:01 AM to 11:59 PM to accommodate people who would like to be part of the most awaited and the biggest SFC gathering. The event is open to non-members so you can actually invite your non-community friends, especially those who might need some inspiration and enlightenment. :)  The links to the memos and  other relevant guidelines are found here:  http://littlebigwonders.blogspot.com/2013/12/journey-beyond.html For those who would like to avail the Christmas Promo , you may view the complete guidelines here: http://www.scribd.com/doc/192681422/SFC-ICON-2014-Let-Christ-Be-the-Reason-Christmas-Promo Have yourself a merry little Christmas. Be with Christ. Live Christ. Share Christ! :)  Come to the ICON and experience more of Chri...