Jellybeans in the City

Taking guidance from ancient Japanese philosophies to navigate modern life

Do you feel stressed, anxious or overwhelmed? Does it seem like you lack direction or purpose in life? Is the daily drudgery taking its toll on you?

Take heart: even in this fast-paced and demanding world, you can still find guidance from the wisdom of the ancients, particularly among Japanese philosophies.

These diverse sets of traditional ideas, beliefs, and practices that emerged and evolved over thousands of years, deeply rooted in Japan’s culture, history, and spirituality, offer practical and time-tested practices to help you find our way towards peace, contentment and happiness.

10 ancient Japanese philosophies to guide you in your modern life

Check out these ancient Japanese philosophies and see how they can help you with your daily struggles:

Kaizen

The philosophy of continuous improvement that advocates making small, incremental changes to achieve long-term success, it emphasizes the importance of ongoing learning, experimentation, and collaboration to achieve sustainable growth and development.

If you suffer from workplace stress and burnout, Kaizen encourages you to break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable ones. This philosophy also helps organizations improve their overall performance by empowering employees to take ownership of their work and contribute to the growth and success of the company.

Ikigai

It is the concept of finding purpose, passion and fulfillment in life by identifying the intersection of what we love, what we’re good at, what the world needs, and what we can be paid for, and aligning these with our daily activities and responsibilities.

The term translates to “a reason for being” or “a reason to get up in the morning;” it can address is the lack of purpose and fulfillment in one’s life. If you sometimes feel unfulfilled and disconnected from your work and daily activities, Ikigai can help you find meaning and purpose in your life, and even make more informed career and life choices by aligning your goals and aspirations with your personal values and beliefs.

Wabi-Sabi

As the appreciation of the beauty of imperfection, impermanence, and simplicity, it can help you find contentment and peace in the present moment. Recognizing that nothing is permanent or perfect, wabi-sabi emphasizes a mindful and appreciative approach to life, and encourages you to embrace the natural cycle of growth and decay, and find beauty in the ordinary and mundane.

If you’re the kind of person who obsessively strives for perfection and success in your personal and professional life. wabi-sabi can guide you towards focusing on the simple joys and pleasures of life by embracing the beauty of imperfection and transience It can also help you appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of the world around you, and cultivate a more mindful and grateful approach to life.

Shoshin

Shoshin is a Japanese concept that translates to “beginner’s mind,” and encourages the attitude of approaching life with an open and curious mind, free from preconceptions, assumptions, and biases. It emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, growth, and development, and encourages you to maintain a sense of humility and openness to new experiences and ideas.

If you feel that you’re becoming complacent and stuck in a rut, trapped with old patterns of thinking and behavior, shoshin can help you embrace new perspectives and ideas and develop a growth mindset, which can lead to increased creativity, innovation, and personal development.

Mottainai

As the philosophy of waste reduction and conservation, mottainai promotes mindfulness and appreciation for what you have and to use them in a mindful and sustainable way. It emphasizes the importance of reducing waste, reusing and repurposing materials, and respecting the natural environment.

By adopting the principles of mottainai and embracing a more mindful and sustainable approach to resource use, you can reduce your waste and environmental impact, and promote a healthier and more sustainable planet. Mottainai also encourages you in cultivating a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the resources available to you, which can lead to greater contentment and well-being.

Mono no aware

Mono no aware is a Japanese term that refers to the sense of impermanence and transience of all things. By emphasizing the fleeting nature of life, and the beauty and sadness that comes from this impermanence, this philosophy encourages you to appreciate the present moment and to find beauty in the transience of life, rather than clinging to the past or worrying about the future.

If you feel a deep sense of anxiety, stress and disconnection, unable to keep up with the constant demands and pressures of work, social media, and other aspects of modern life due to the fast-paced and ever-changing nature of modern life mono no aware can help you recognize the impermanence and transience of all things, find peace and contentment in the present moment, and cultivate a more mindful and grateful approach to life. More importantly, mono no aware can help you let go of your attachment to material possessions and external achievements, and focus on the more meaningful and fulfilling aspects of life.

Yugen

Yugen is a Japanese concept that refers to a profound sense of beauty and mystery that is beyond what can be expressed in words. It is a feeling of awe and wonder that arises from experiencing the sublime in nature or art, and can evoke a sense of transcendence and spiritual connection. Yugen encourages you to appreciate the beauty and mystery of life, and to find meaning and inspiration in the things that cannot be easily explained or understood.

This philosophy can help you overcome the feelings disconnection and isolation when you spend your days staring at screens and consuming endless streams of information and entertainment, without taking the time to appreciate the natural world or engage in creative pursuits. By embracing the principles of yugen and seeking out experiences that evoke a sense of wonder and beauty, you can connect more deeply with yourself, your surroundings, and your spiritual nature. Yugen can also help in cultivating a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the simple things in life, which can lead to greater happiness and sense of well-being.

Kintsugi

Kintsugi is a Japanese art form that involves repairing broken pottery with gold or silver lacquer, highlighting and celebrating the cracks and imperfections instead of trying to hide or disguise them. It is a philosophy of embracing imperfection and finding beauty in the broken or damaged, rather than striving for perfection or uniformity. Kintsugi can teach you to accept your flaws and mistakes, and to see them as an integral part of your unique story and journey.

If you’re constantly feeling the pressure to achieve perfection and feel ashamed or embarrassed when you make mistakes or encounter setback, kintsugi can help you see your flaws and mistakes as opportunities for growth and learning, encouraging you to develop greater resilience and self-acceptance. Kintsugi can help you adopt a more compassionate and empathetic approach to others, recognizing that everyone has their own cracks and imperfections that make them beautiful and unique.

Omotenashi

Omotenashi embodies the spirit of selfless hospitality and service, focusing on anticipating and meeting the needs of others before they even ask. It is about creating a welcoming and comfortable environment for guests, with attention to detail, personalization, and respect. Omotenashi is not just about providing good customer service, but about creating a deep and lasting connection with the people you serve.

This philosophy addresses the oftentimes impersonal and transactional nature of many modern interactions, particularly in the business world. Many companies focus on maximizing profits and efficiency, without prioritizing the needs and experiences of their customers or employees. By embracing the principles of omotenashi and creating a culture of service and hospitality, your business can foster deeper and more meaningful relationships with your stakeholders, resulting in greater loyalty, trust, and success. It can also help you as an individual in cultivating a more compassionate and empathetic approach to others in their personal and professional lives, creating a more harmonious and fulfilling existence.

Ma refers to the space or interval between objects or events, and the awareness of that space. It is about the importance of the empty or negative space in creating meaning and beauty, and the need to slow down and appreciate the moments of stillness and silence in our lives. Ma can be seen in various art forms, such as music, poetry, and architecture, as well as in everyday experiences, such as the pause between breaths or the space between people in a conversation.

Ma addresses the busyness and constant stimulation of modern life, which can lead to stress, burnout, and a lack of meaningful connection. By embracing the principles of ma and creating intentional moments of stillness and silence, you can develop a deeper sense of awareness and appreciation for your surroundings and yourself. It can even help you improve your relationships by fostering better communication and connection, with an emphasis on listening and allowing for moments of pause and reflection.

By emphasizomg the interconnectedness of all things and the importance of cultivating a deep appreciation for the beauty and impermanence of life, these ancient ways of thinking teach us to find harmony, balance, and meaning in life by cultivating a mindful and compassionate approach to the world.

They also focus on the importance of personal growth and self-reflection, as well as on building strong relationships and communities based on respect, kindness, and hospitality. As they promote a mindful and intentional approach to daily life, they encourage us to cultivate a sense of purpose, passion, and fulfillment through identifying our strengths, values, and contributions to the world.

Most importantly, these Japanese philosophies offer practical and time-tested solutions to some of the most common challenges of human existence and provide a roadmap for living a more meaningful, mindful, and harmonious life, while offering a rich source of inspiration on cultivating greater self-awareness, compassion, and wisdom.

Explore these Japanese philosophies through reading

Gain insight and practical advice from Japanese philosophies to enhance your daily life and help you find meaning and joy by reading these books:

Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life by Beth Kempton.

This book explores the concept of wabi-sabi, which embraces the beauty of imperfection, impermanence, and simplicity. The book provides insights and practices to help readers cultivate a deeper sense of appreciation and acceptance for the world around them, and find joy and fulfillment in the present moment.

Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles

This book explores the concept of ikigai, which refers to one’s reason for being, and how it can help individuals find greater meaning, purpose, and happiness in life. The book provides practical tips and real-life examples to help readers discover their own ikigai and incorporate it into their daily lives.

The Book of Tea by Kakuzo Okakura

This classic traces the history, culture, and philosophy of tea in Japan, and its influence on Japanese art, aesthetics, and spirituality. The book provides a poetic and insightful reflection on the values of simplicity, harmony, and reverence in Japanese culture, and how they can be applied to our own lives.

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo

This best-sellerpresents a practical and transformative approach to decluttering and organizing one’s home and life, based on the principles of simplicity, joy, and mindfulness. The book provides a step-by-step guide to the KonMari method, which has helped millions of people around the world to create a more peaceful and joyful living environment.

The Little Book of Ikigai: The Essential Japanese Way to Finding Your Purpose in Life by Ken Mogi

This concise and accessible introduction to the concept of ikigai, and how it can help individuals live a more fulfilling and meaningful life provides inspiring quotes, exercises, and examples to help readers discover their own ikigai and integrate it into their daily routine.

Shop for these and more resources on ancient Japanese philosophies at my Amazon Storefront!

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Seattle on a Shoestring: 7 Ways to Save Money While Seeing the Sights

Seattle, with its breathtaking views of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains, and its rich cultural and culinary scene, is a must-visit destination.

Seattle is a city that offers something for everyone, making it a great destination for travelers. The city boasts a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and music venues. Seattle is also known for its natural beauty, with stunning views of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. The city is also famous for its coffee culture and innovative culinary scene, which offers a range of dining options to suit all tastes and budgets. Additionally, Seattle is a hub for technology and innovation, with several major tech companies headquartered in the city. Exploring Seattle is not only a great way to experience all of these highlights, but it’s also an opportunity to immerse oneself in the city’s unique vibe and laid-back Pacific Northwest lifestyle.

While Seattle is known for its high cost of living, it is possible to explore the city on a budget. Here are some tips for exploring Seattle without breaking the bank:

Visit free attractions

Seattle has several free attractions, including the Olympic Sculpture Park, the Seattle Central Public Library, and the Frye Art Museum. The Seattle Art Museum also offers free admission on the first Thursday of every month.

Take a stroll around the city

Seattle has many beautiful neighborhoods, such as Capitol Hill, Fremont, and Ballard, that are perfect for exploring on foot. Pike Place Market is also a great place to stroll, people-watch and window-shop.

Go on a hike

Seattle is surrounded by natural beauty, including the Cascade and Olympic Mountains. There are several hiking trails that offer stunning views of the city, such as the Discovery Park Loop Trail and the West Tiger Mountain Trail.

Enjoy the outdoors

Seattle has several parks and green spaces that are perfect for a picnic or a day out with family and friends. Volunteer Park, Gas Works Park, Kerry Park and Green Lake Park are some popular options.

Visit the waterfront

The Seattle Waterfront is a popular destination with several attractions, including the Seattle Aquarium, the Great Wheel, and the Ye Olde Curiosity Shop. While some of these attractions can be expensive, simply strolling along the waterfront and enjoying the views is free.

Take advantage of happy hours

Seattle is known for its craft beer and cocktail scene, and many bars and restaurants offer happy hour specials. This is a great way to sample some of Seattle’s culinary offerings without breaking the bank.

Experience its coffee culture

Many coffee shops offer affordable drip coffee, which is often just as delicious as the more expensive artisanal drinks. Look for coffee shops that offer happy hour specials, such as Caffe Vita in Capitol Hill, which offers half-priced drip coffee during certain hours. Some cafes, like Cherry Street Coffee House, even offer free coffee refills. Additionally, many coffee shops offer discounts if you bring your own reusable cup. Visiting the original Starbucks in Pike Place Market is also a must-do for coffee lovers, and while the prices may be a bit higher than other coffee shops, it’s still possible to enjoy an iconic Seattle latte or cappuccino without overspending.

Take a self-guided walking tour of Microsoft’s Redmond Campus

The Microsoft campus is large and sprawling, and it is primarily a working campus and not designed for tourism or public access, but you can still get a good sense of its size and layout by taking a self-guided walking tour. There are several public paths and trails around the campus that offer great views of the buildings and the surrounding area. You can also visit the Microsoft Visitor Center, which has interactive exhibits that showcase Microsoft’s products and history.

Use public transportation

Seattle has an excellent public transportation system, including buses, light rail, and ferries. Using public transportation is an affordable and eco-friendly way to get around the city.

Seattle offers many budget-friendly options for exploring the city. By taking advantage of free attractions, enjoying the outdoors, and using public transportation, frugal travelers can experience the best of Seattle without overspending.

Visiting Seattle anytime soon? Book your car rental or your accommodations here.

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Cozy and comfortable dining at Ippudo, Robinsons Magnolia

Got a fam that’s crazy about Japanese food?Well head on to Ippudo in Robinsons Magnolia then!

This mall-based ramen shop, a branch of the popular Japanese food chain, has become a prime destination for families who love Japanese food, just like mine!

Here are six reasons why:

Convenient location. Ippudo is conveniently located in a Robinsons Magnolia, making it easier for families fit in a delicious Japanese meal in between bouts of shopping and running errands.

Cozy and comfortable ambiance. The restaurant’s cozy and inviting ambiance creates a relaxing atmosphere that is perfect for enjoying a meal with family and friends. The modern Japanese design and decor also add to the restaurant’s charm and appeal.

Wide range of menu options. Aside from its signature ramen offerings, Ippudo offers a wide range of menu options, including appetizers such as the Hakata Style Gyoza (Php235) and Torched Salmon Roll (Php270), as well as rice bowls, and desserts to cater to different tastes and preferences.

Authentic Japanese flavors. Ippudo is known for its authentic Japanese flavors, with its signature tonkotsu broth slow-cooked for fifteen hours to create a rich and creamy taste for its Shiromaru Motoaji Ramen (Php395 Classic | Php475 Special | Php550 Supreme). It also offers a modern take on the Hakata-style ramen by by pairing the fifteen-hour pork bone broth with spicy miso paste and garlic oil resulting in a burst of umami flavors for its Akamaru Shinaji Ramen (Php400 Classic | Php485 Special | Php550 Supreme) that is that is still true to the ramen’s Japanese roots. These ramen variants are served with hakata-style noodles (which can be served soft, medium or hard) along with various traditional toppings such as chashu slices, moyashi, ajikikurage and negi to give you a complete and authentic ramen experience.

Affordable prices. Despite being a high-quality Japanese restaurant, Ippudo offers affordable prices that won’t break the bank while still enabling diners to enjoy a variety of Japanese food.

Excellent service. The staff at Ippudo are friendly, courteous, and always ready to assist with any special requests or menu inquiries. You can be sure that you’ll receive excellent service from the moment you walk in the door.

So if you want to treat your family to great-tasting Japanese food, you won’t go wrong by taking them to Ippudo.

This Ippudo branch is located at Upper Ground Floor, Robinsons Magnolia, Aurora Bouelvard corner Doña Hemady Street, Barangay Kaunalaran, Quezon City, open daily from 10am to 9pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 77472511.

Other branches are located at:

Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall
Robinson’s Place Manila
Eastwood City, Libis
Uptown Mall, Bonifacio Global City
Ayala Malls Vertis North
Powerplant Mall, Rockwell Center
Greenbelt 5, Makati
Ayala 30th, Pasig

Stay updated on Ippudo’s menu and offers by following it on Facebook and Instagram.

5 surprising ways owning a home improves your quality of life

Owning a home is a dream come true for many people. It provides a sense of accomplishment, financial stability, and the freedom to create a space that is uniquely yours. But beyond these tangible benefits, owning a home can also have a profound impact on your overall quality of life. From improved health and well-being to a stronger sense of community, owning a home offers a wide range of benefits that can enhance your overall happiness and satisfaction.

Let’s explore some of the ways in which owning a home can improve your overall quality of life. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned homeowner, these insights can help you appreciate the many benefits of homeownership and make the most of your investment.

So, if you’re ready to discover how owning a home can improve your overall quality of life, keep reading. From financial stability to personal fulfillment, community connection to improved health, and flexibility, owning a home offers a wide range of advantages that can make a positive impact on your life in countless ways. Let’s dive in and explore some of the most significant ways that owning a home can benefit you and your family.

Financial Stability. One of the most significant benefits of owning a home is financial stability. Unlike renting, owning a home provides you with an asset that can appreciate over time, providing long-term financial security. Additionally, owning a home can also provide you with tax benefits, including deductions for mortgage interest and property taxes.
Personal Fulfillment. Owning a home can also provide a sense of personal fulfillment and accomplishment. There is something special about having a place to call your own and creating a space that reflects your personality and style. Whether it’s choosing paint colors, decorating the yard, or making home improvements, owning a home provides a sense of pride and satisfaction that can be deeply fulfilling.
Community Connection. When you own a home, you become a part of a community. This can be especially beneficial for families with children, as it provides opportunities for socialization, education, and community involvement. Additionally, owning a home can also provide a sense of stability and belonging, which can be essential for mental health and overall well-being.
Improved Health. Owning a home can also have a positive impact on your physical health. For example, having a backyard can provide opportunities for exercise, gardening, and outdoor activities that can improve your overall health and well-being. Additionally, owning a home can also reduce stress and improve mental health by providing a sense of security and stability.
Flexibility. Finally, owning a home provides you with the flexibility to customize your space to fit your needs and lifestyle. Whether it’s adding a home office, creating a nursery, or building a backyard oasis, owning a home provides the freedom and flexibility to create a space that is uniquely yours.

Owning a home can have a profound impact on your overall quality of life. From financial stability and personal fulfillment to improved health, community connection, and flexibility, owning a home offers a wide range of benefits that can enhance your happiness and well-being. As you consider your options for homeownership, it’s essential to weigh the many advantages against any potential challenges or drawbacks.

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned homeowner, there’s no denying the many benefits of owning a home. By carefully considering your options, choosing a home that meets your needs and lifestyle, and taking advantage of the many resources available to homeowners, you can enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding homeownership experience that will improve your overall quality of life for years to come.

So why not make the move to acquire your dream home in a Lumina Homes community?

Whether you’re in Luzon, Visayas or Mindanao, there’s a Lumina Homes community waiting for you. The projects are available in over 50 key cities and municipalities in the Philippines, such as Rizal, Bulacan, Bataan, Zambales, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, La Union, Cagayan, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Quezon, Albay, Sorsogon, Iloilo, Cebu, Negros Occidental, Agusan del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Bukidnon, Misamis Occidental, and Davao del Norte.

Getting your own Lumina dream home is made even easier, thanks to various financing options, such as:

Pag-Ibig Financing which offers the lowest possible interest rate with a 14-month downpayment term and a 30-year maximum loan term
Bank Financing which has faster loan processing with a 16-month downpayment term and a 20-year maximum loan term
Deferred Financing which involves straight payment of total contract price over 24 month at 0% interest
Spot Cash which involves full payment of total contract price applying a 6% discount if made within 30 days from payment of reservation fee, 8% if made within the reservation month, and 10% if made within 10 days of reservation date

Here’s how to get Php500 off when reserve your own Lumina home online:

Visit Lumina Homes’ website.
Click “E-Services” and “Reserve Online” then fill out your details.
Fill out the project name, phase, block and lot of your preferred Lumina project.
Proceed to payment and use my code JLBLMN500. Payments via GCash or debit/credit cards are accepted.

Prima Casa Land & Houses, Inc., known through its “LUMINA” brand, has evolved to be the practical choice of everyone in realizing their dream of home ownership. Lumina is the leading mass housing developer in the country with its roster of value-priced homes in affordable and self-sustaining communities.

For more information and announcements, follow @luminahomesofficial on Facebook or visit Lumina Homes’ official website at www.lumina.com.ph.

Images provided by Lumina Homes.

From Hobby to Career: 8 factors to consider in making content creation your livelihood

Do you like taking pictures and videos and sharing them on social media? Do write well and publish your thoughts and views online?

Then, you might have wondered about making a living out of creating content.

Content creation has become a popular way to make a living in recent years. Whether you’re a writer, blogger, photographer, or social media influencer, there are many opportunities to turn your passion for creating content into a lucrative career.

However, before jumping into this field, there are several factors to consider. Here, we will explore eight things to keep in mind when making content creation your livelihood.

1. Your niche

One of the first things to consider when making content creation your career is identifying your niche. There are many topics to create content about, and many groups of people who follow specific interests. It’s essential to find a niche that you are passionate about and can specialize in, as well as one that has an engaged audience that can become your followers.

For example, if you’re interested in photography, you could specialize in wedding photography, product photography, or fashion photography to cater to the need of its audiences for information and inspiration.

Personally, I’ve always seen myself as a city girl so my content covers things to do, food to eat and places to see in the city. I want to show fellow urbanites the sheer number of possibilities that city living has to offer. This way, my topics are easily accessible to me, in line with my interests and can resonate with my audience.

Finding your niche can help you stand out from the competition and attract clients who are looking for your specific expertise or tap into your audience.

2. Your portfolio

Once you’ve identified your niche, building a portfolio is essential. A portfolio showcases your best work and helps potential clients understand your style and expertise. You can create a portfolio website (in my case, this blog serves as my portfolio) or use social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest to showcase your work. When building your portfolio, ensure that you include a diverse range of projects that showcase your skills and expertise.

3. Your rates

Setting your rates can be challenging, especially when you’re just starting. To establish your pricing, you can research the rates for content creation in your niche and location among your fellow content creators. Some content creators charge hourly rates, while others charge per project. When setting your rates, keep in mind your experience, the type of content you create, and your target audience. Crafting a rate card with these information will be helpful when pitching your services to potential clients or when responding to inquiries from those who want to hire you.

4. Your network

Establishing a career on content creation relies heavily on tour reputation and connections. Networking with other content creators, potential clients, and industry professionals is essential for finding work and building a a name for yourself in the industry. Attend events, join online communities related to your niche, and connect with others through social media.

You can also reach out to local businesses or brands and offer your services. Some of my most memorable and rewarding projects were with brands that I’ve reached out to.

5. Your time and finances

Content creation can be time-consuming and unpredictable, so it’s essential to manage your time effectively and plan for the ups and downs of freelancing. You would need to have a system in place to manage your projects (especially in meeting your deadlines and producing your deliverables), as well as your resources.

Your work might require you to invest in equipment or travel so you need to factor those into your expenses. You would also need to have a good understanding of the financial side of things, including taxes, invoicing, and budgeting.

6. Your skills

It’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques in your field as the world of content creation is constant changing. Invest in your skills by taking courses or attending workshops to stay relevant and competitive. You can also read blogs, listen to podcasts, or watch tutorials to learn from other content creators.

7. Your business plan

To make a living out of content creation, it should be treated as a business. Creating a business plan can help you stay focused and achieve your goals. A business plan should include your financial goals, target audience, marketing strategy, and growth plan. Check out business plan templates available online to get started.

Your business plan may not be set in stone; it may need to adapt to changing situations. However, having one helps you stay within your means while keeping your eye on your future as a content creator.

8. Your unique voice

Finally, it’s essential to find your unique voice as a content creator. Your voice is what sets you apart from others and makes your content unique. When creating content, think about your brand voice, tone, and style that’s true to who you are and that your audience can relate to. You may take a funny or irreverent tone or a more formal approach when writing your copy or delivering your lines. For my own posts, I usually take a casual and friendly tone as it’s the one I’m most comfortable with and one I think my audience will appreciate.

Experiment with different formats – such long-form content such as e-books, online courses and white papers, or short-form content such as blogs and social media posts – to find what works best for you and your audience.

While making a living from creating content can be a rewarding and fulfilling career path, it does require careful planning, hard work, and dedication. By taking these eight factors into consideration, you can increase your chances of success as a content creator and achieve your financial goals.

Excited to begin your career as a content creator? Check out these five recent books on on Amazon.com to help you get started:

The Content Fuel Framework: How to Generate Unlimited Story Ideas by Melanie Deziel

Follow a step-by-step process for generating unlimited story ideas to help you overcome writer’s block and consistently create high-quality content.

Content Inc., Second Edition: Start a Content-First Business, Build a Massive Audience and Become Radically Successful by Joe Pulizzi

Learn from a detailed guide for building a content-first business that can help you build a massive audience and achieve success.

The Art of Content Marketing: Develop Your Content Strategy, Find Your Audience and Grow Your Business by Malcolm Dewey

Learn how to develop a marketing system for long term business success by developing your strategy, creating compelling visual and written content, distributing the content and measuring results.

The Freelance Content Marketing Writer: Find Your Perfect Clients, Make Tons of Money and Build a Business You Love by Jennifer Goforth Gregory

Learn how to find clients, charge what you’re worth, and build a profitable content creation business.

Master Content Marketing: A Simple Strategy to Cure the Blank Page Blues and Attract a Profitable Audience by Pamela Wilson

Overcome writer’s block and attract a profitable audience through effective content marketing techniques.

These books on content creation should provide you with valuable insights and strategies to build a successful career in this field.

Want to monetize your content already? Sign up for an Intellifluence account today!

Intellifluence is an influencer marketing service that helps brands and influencers collaborate to achieve their respective goals. Simply create your free account, fill out your profile, apply for projects and complete deliverables, then receive your payments.

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Photo Credit: Header image by Ivan Samkov on Pexels

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Check out my previous posts about Influencer Marketing:

Take a sneak peek into the beginnings of your favorite influencers with LikeToKnow.It

How small businesses can tap the power of micro-influencers

Take a bite of classic Kapampangan food at SilverSpoon QC

If you haven’t gotten your fill of food trips over the holiday break, the good news is that you won’t need to leave the metro to get a taste of the best of Filipino food.

SilverSpoon Kitchenette is launching its 2023 Travel Lokal Campaign which highlights dishes that represent regional culinary traditions every quarter of the year.

“SilverSpoon’s mission is to give a spoonful experience to our customers – part of which is to bring something new to the table,” shares owner Decie Montefrio. “That’s why we decided to immerse ourselves and travel to places to understand to understand the culture and tradition of our local dishes and to give homage to our own cuisines.”

From January 6 to April 5, 2023, Pinoy food lovers will be able to enjoy a well-curated selection of Kapampangan dishes.

Pampanga’s culinary heritage is heavily influenced by Spanish cuisine (by way of the Spanish friars and sailors who introduced their way of cooking to the locals during the Spanish occupation), while also sharing characteristics with Malay and Mexican cuisines. Kapampangan cooks also incorporated local produce into the resulting dishes, and pioneered in methods of pre-cooking (“sangkutsa”) and food preservation, earning for their region the moniker “culinary capital of Luzon.”

SilverSpoon’s limited edition menu is a product of extensive research by the SilverSpoon team, made by traveling to Pampanga collaborating with a local homecook who shared heritage recipes and provided insights into Kapampangan cuisine. This menu includes:

Pako Salad. Made with local vegetable pako (fiddlehead fern) tossed with tomatoes, onions and hard-boiled eggs in a honey citrus dressing.

Suam na Mais. Also known as sinabawang mais, this is a healthy and hearty soup made from white and yellow corn kernels.

Pork Sisig. The famous Kapampangan dish made with pig’s face (“maskara”), belly and chicken liver, seasoned with calamansi, onions and local chilis. Traditionally, this dish does not include the mayonnaise and pork cracklings (“chicharon”) that figure prominently in the version present in many Metro Manila restaurants.

Bringhe. Also known as biringhi, it is the local version of the Valencia paella, but uses local glutinous rice (“malagkit”) cooked in coconut milk (“gata”) and turmeric which gives the dish its distinct flavor and color. Giving more heft to the dish are the bits of chicken , chorizo and vegetables that are cooked along with the rice.

Palitaw. Popular local rice cake dessert made with glutinous rice that was washed, soaked and ground then shaped into flat discs and cooked in boiling water. The dish gets its name from the way that the palitaw floats to the surface to indicate that it’s done. It is then topped with grated mature coconut (“niyog”) and served with toasted sesame seeds, muscovado and washed sugar.

Leche Flan. The classic Filipino dessert made with fresh egg yolks, milk and topped with chocolate flakes.

Drinks. To complement the meal, SilverSpoon serves various beverage options which include hot and iced chocolate, as well as mocktails such as Blue Lagoon (citrusy drink made with blue curacao syrup) and Shirley Temple (made with ginger ale sweetened with grenadine and garnished with a maraschino cherry).

So if you feel like going back to our culinary roots and delving into our heritage cuisines, drop by SilverSpoon Kitchenette and take advantage of its Travel Lokal offerings.

Watch out for other local cuisines to be featured later in the year!

Note: SilverSpoon’s regular menu of sandwiches and rice meals is also available.

Silverspoon Kitchenette is located at 81 Scout Gandia Street, Barangay Laging Handa, Quezon City, open daily for dine-in, takeout or delivery from 11am to 10pm. For inquiries, reservations or delivery orders, call +63 917 1603327. It also delivers via GrabFood and FoodPanda.

Plus, here’s a special treat for your food trip!

Scan this code and present your boarding pass when you dine in at SilverSpoon to enjoy 10% off on your bill! (Applicable top dine-in transactions only)

For updates on its latest offers, follow Silverspoon on Facebook or Instagram.

Disclosure: I attended a food-tasting event held at this restaurant. Food items mentioned here were served to facilitate an honest review and were not paid for by the attendees.

Check out my previous posts about SilverSpoon:

Sumptuous snacking at Silverspoon, Tomas Morato

3 reasons to treat your Valentine to a meal at Silverspoon, Tomas Morato

‘Tis the start of the season for fam celebrations with Silverspoon

America’s BEST BURGER of 2022 now available at The Grid Food Market

Burgers have a nearly universal appeal.

The way that ground beef patties grilled to juicy and delicious perfection, other fixins and sauces thrown in to add new dimensions of flavor, and the fluffy buns to encase all those yummy elements come together into that appetizing burger are sure to get many of us salivating.

Well, there’s a new name in burgers within the local foodie scene, and that’s Bored & Hungry.

The burger shop based in Long Beach, California is built around a cryptocurrency theme. Restaurateur Andy Nguyen bought three non-fungible tokens (NFTs) from the Bored Ape Yacht Club, one of which became the store’s official logo.

Initially opened as a ninety-day pop-up in Long Beach, its launch attracted over 1,500 customers, prompting Nguyen to make the restaurant permanent, offering a streamlined menu of smash burgers, veggie burgers, French fries and soda while accepting payments in US dollars and cryptocurrency.

Well, it soon made its way to Philippine shores, opening limited-time popup stores at the Marriott Grand Ballroom and at Powerplant Mall’s The Grid Food Market.

The good news is that the Tasteless Food Group and Hungry Dao brought it back and is giving it a permanent outpost at The Grid Food Market starting March 10, 2023, making this Bored and Hungry’s first Asian branch.

You know what that means: the metro’s foodies now have more opportunities to feast on the burger joint’s much-lauded Bored OG Burger.

Made with two all-beef patties smashed thin and grilled until crispy around the edges along with caramelized onions, slices of American cheese and house-made burger sauce encased in butter-toasted brioche buns, the Bored OG Burger is an experience not to be missed; it has even been cited by Good Morning America as America’s Best Burger of 2022.

At Php395 ala carte, it’s now priced Php200 cheaper than at previous popups, thanks to the group being able to source local suppliers for the burger’s ingredients.

I just love the rich beefiness of this juicy burger, along with its the deliciously crispy edges that explode with flavor with every bite.

Burger fans who want to complete their burger meal may opt for a Bored OG Burger Combo which already includes the burger, fries and drink for Php595.

They can also just choose to order the French fries ala carte for Php150.

So don’t miss the chance to savor Bored & Hungry’s celebrated burger offering as its available for a limited time only!

Bored and Hungry is located at Stall No 7, The Grid Food Market, R2 Level Expansion, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Drive corner Estrella, Makati, 1200 Metro Manila. (A second branch is also coming soon at Public Eater, Fourth Floor New Wing, Robinsons Magnolia, Quezon City).

The Grid Food Market is the resident food hall of Powerplant Mall which offers a wide range of flavors to cater to various cravings.

Check out my previous posts on other cuisines available at The Grid Food Market:

#ChinoyComfortFood at White Flower Tea House

How to stick to your New Year’s Resolution to save money

At the start of every year, we usually make promises to ourselves to be better or do better at various aspects of our lives.

These New Year’s resolutions may involve taking our personal relationships to the next level, pivoting our career paths or leading healthier or more active lifestyles.

Often, we also resolve to be better with our finances, especially when it comes to our savings.

What are savings?

Savings comprise the money that we have left after we subtract our spending (the cost of the goods and services we purchase) from our disposable income (i.e. what is left of our income after taxes).

This can be set aside for planned major expenditures in the future such as school tuition, home or car purchase, vacation or even retirement.

Why is it important to save money?

Having ready cash to spend on the things we want (such as the wedding of our dreams or a grand graduation gift to our child) and need (such as home or car repairs) is always great for our peace of mind. Going into debt for these major items, or even for small expenses, not just adds to our stress but may also derail our financial standing in the future.

Also, in case of unforeseen circumstances such as medical emergencies, having some funds set aside that we can dip into so we won’t go into heavy debt is such a relief, isn’t it?

Hence, we have an urgent need to save money.

How to save money

We already know that saving money for our future is essential: the problem is how to go about doing it.

After all, with the rising costs of living, the near-constant stream of messages in the media to always consume, consume and consume some more, plus the emotional high we get when we acquire something, we often finds ourselves reaching for our wallets again and again.

In this kind of environment, saving money is near impossible, isn’t it?

From my experience, this can be achieved by creating opportunities to increase our income and reduce our expenses. This may sound complicated at first, but with a few adjustments in how we view and treat our money, we can soon come up with a sizable pot for our savings.

Ways to increase your income

Saving up requires you to have earnings from which you will draw your savings. Earning more money, therefore, gives you a bigger room to spend (or save) money.

Pursue a job promotion. If you’ve been with your current employer for quite some time, you excel at what you do and are open to taking on additional responsibilities and work challenges, going for a promotion (and the pay increase and perks it brings) is one way to significantly grow your earnings.
Start a side hustle. If a promotion at your current job is a long shot, you can supplement your earnings by making money out of your talents and skills that provide value. In my case, I accept content creation assignments and writing jobs for food businesses. This way, I get to sharpen my skills as a content creator which also benefits my existing job as a marketing professional, while making some money on the side.
Create a passive income source. You will be surprised at the ways you can make some money with little to no effort. These include property rentals, royalties from published works and sales of online products. For example, I have enabled ads on my blog and while its earnings are still minuscule at its early stages, it still adds to my earnings with no additional work required from me.

Ways to reduce your expenses

Increasing your income will be for nought if your expenses are increasing at the same rate, or worse, at a faster rate than your earnings. Cutting down on your spending will greatly increase the funds that you can set aside for savings:

Trim down your monthly bills. You hardly notice them but those monthly recurring expenses do add up. Prune off the monthly subscriptions that you no longer need or can easily replace. For example, you can limit yourself to maintaining just one video streaming subscription instead of five, or give up your gym membership and just learn yoga by watching free videos on Youtube. You should also check if you have a house leak that shoots up your water bill or set a timer for your heating or air-conditioning system to manage your electricity usage.
Prioritize your “treats.” Sure, you may feel like indulging yourself to a daily cup of handcrafted beverage at your favorite cafe, or getting a bi-weekly spa treatment but those little expenses do add up. Limit the frequency of your self-indulgences; not only will you save money in the long run, but the anticipation for the treats will make experiencing them even more special.
Shop smarter. If you’re used to winging it at the grocery or department store, it may be time to start shopping with a list. The exercise of making a shopping list involves assessing the things you have versus the things you need, minimizing overlaps or wastage.

Begin with the end in mind

By taking these tips to heart, you can find yourself accumulating savings in due time.

To really get you in the mood to save money throughout the year, it’s best to set a goal. It may be for something to reward yourself with – such as a trip you’ve been dreaming of taking or a new car – or something for your future – such as capital for your future business.

At SavingsCalculator.org, you can set the goal amount for your savings, the amount of money you currently have set aside, the interest rate and how much time you intend to save money for. The site’s calculator will then show the future value of your existing savings and how much you need to set aside each month to reach your goal.

Other calculators in the site can help you calculate:

the value of certificate of deposit investment versus a regular savings account
the money you need to set aside for your child’s college education
how much money you need to save to have a substantial nest egg upon retirement where you can withdraw a specific amount each month
what compound interest brings to your savings

Saving money may not get us that instant high we get from spending it, but it does set us up for a more comfortable future.

So stick to your New Year’s resolution to save money. Your future self will thank you for it!

Achieve that selfie-ready look for the New Year with the vivo V25 Series

It’s been said many times but bears repeating: capture the moments that make you feel happy, including taking your best selfies. However, it is such a bummer when you look terrific and feel so in the mood to take pictures of yourself, but your photos don’t make the Insta-worthy cut. So to help you rock the pic and look incredibly good with every click this coming year, below are some vivo tips you can follow for snapping fabulous selfies with vivo V25 Series.

Take advantage of natural lighting

In taking good selfies, natural lighting is the key. The golden hour of sunrise or sunset is the best time to snap a perfect selfie as it gives your face that instant beautiful glow, providing you with aesthetically appealing pictures. One thing to note though is that harsh lighting can turn things around so make sure to carefully choose the angle of the light. Try to avoid facing the sun directly so it won’t cast harsh and nasty shadows on your face. Once you’ve chosen the perfect outdoor lighting, go on and take a snap with your vivo V25 Series and be amazed at how crisp and clear your selfies will turn out with the help of vivo V25 Series’ up to 50MP Eye AF Selfie ready camera.

Find your best angle

You’ll never know when photos will be captured so better to always be prepared for candid snaps. One of the important tricks to look your best, especially in group photos, is to find your most flattering angle. Remember, your angle must accentuate your favorite facial features. If you’re unsure which side works best for you, you can always explore and experiment by taking selfies from different angles to know which slant allows you to flaunt your best self. With vivo V25’s massive 256GB storage coupled with 16GB dynamic RAM, you can capture as many selfies as you want to find your best angle without worrying about your device’s memory space and switch between your favorite photo editing apps with ease.

Who said taking selfies are limited to a phone’s front cam? Consider snapping shots using the rear camera as well. Turn the phone upside down on the floor, stretch one foot forward and you’ll be surprised how creative the shot might be. Capture more creative shots even with low lighting using the vivo V25 Series’ Super Night Portrait feature worry free as this night vision device will definitely capture all its glory. Experiment with different angles to make sure you are photo ready whenever and wherever a camera points at you.

Let makeup and filters do the trick

Who doesn’t want to look good in photographs? Surely, not you. Thanks to makeup and filters, you can improve the quality and beautify your selfies. Applying even minimal makeup and utilizing your vivo V25 Series’ filters can add radiance to the skin and allows you to be camera-ready. So don’t hold back and snag some moisturizers, foundations, other face creams to be fully glam before clicking the cam. Feel free to explore your vivo V25 Series’ camera filters too. It is equipped with a Multi-Style Portrait feature that provides a fun and wide array of filters that allows you to present your personality. This feature comes with Motion Blur technology to accentuate the subject while blurring the background, giving your photos a greater sense of depth and story.

Smile and have fun

Going back to the daily grind after the holiday break can make you look haggard but don’t let the RTO rush steal your spotlight. Taking selfies is supposed to be fun and sometimes, cringeworthy even. So loosen up and be as playful as you’d like. Do all the kinds of poses and wackies you want with friends and loved ones — be it simple finger hearts or candid shots of the group mid-laugh. No matter what pose you’re up to, smile and have fun while you do it, and you can’t go wrong.

Whenever you feel good about yourself, make sure to take a selfie or two (seven more!) and show off your fun side too, because really, no one is keeping tabs on how many times you take a photo of yourself and the various poses you make. Good thing, the vivo V25 Series houses up to 4830 mAh large battery that can keep up with the fun this holiday and allows you to take photos of things that make you happy from sunup to sundown.

Now available nationwide, the vivo V25 Pro in Surfing Blue and Starlight Black is priced at PHP 29,999 while the vivo V25 and vivo V25e sporting the mesmerizing Sunrise Gold and Diamond Black colorways retail at PHP23,999 and PHP 17,999 respectively.

Filipino fans can also purchase the vivo V25 Series through Home Credit for up to 18 months or credit card options for up to 36 months payment terms both with 0% interest on installment. Head to the nearest vivo stores in your area to get a chance to score additional gifts from vivo until January 31, 2023 from its Paskong La vivo Loca Giveaway Festival.

Customers can visit vivo’s official website, Shopee, Lazada, and all vivo stores and kiosks nationwide to get their hands on the vivo V25 Series. For more information on vivo’s latest news and updates, please head to vivo’s official Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube channels.

Details provided in a recent press release.

Header Photo by Ketut Subiyanto

Authentic Indian cuisine at New Bombay, BGC

Considering that Indian cuisine has always been cited as one of the most delicious in the world, it is a wonder that it is not listed among my favorites.

I would probably blame it on a particularly spicy curry dish which was served to me when I was young, which then turned me off the entire culinary tradition for quite some time.

Articles from various food mavens attribute the appeal of Indian cuisine to its healthy ingredients (lots of vegetarian dishes!), its use of a wide array of fresh spices and its practice of combining contrasting flavors in its dishes.

Well, Hubby is an Indian food fan, who for over fifteen years marriage, has been largely unsuccessful in converting me to Indian food.

Until recently, that is.

While we were running some arounds around Bonifacio Global City, Hubby took the opportunity to introduce my daughter #ExhibitA and I to Indian cuisine at New Bombay.

Here, we enjoyed a flavorful lunch which consisted of:

Vegetable Kadai (Php355). Delicately spiced North Indian dish made of assorted vegetables cooked in a red gravy using the Indian equivalent of the wok, called the kadai, from which the dish gets its name.

Butter Naan (Php95). A butter-infused yeast-leavened white flour bread baked in a clay oven called tandoor.

Chef’s Special – Mutton Dry (Php395). Mutton sauteed in various Indian spices and served dry with a special desi gravy on the side. I paired this with the butter naan by wrapping mutton morsels in pieces I tore off the naan.

Chicken Biryani (Php395). Delicious Indian rice dish made with basmati rice layered with chicken pieces and spices then steamed together to produce an aromatic and flavorful viand with a subtle heat.

Lassi (Php125). Sweet blended drink made with fruit, yogurt and spices.

Since we were able to request the kitchen to set the spiciness of the dishes to very mild, we were able to enjoy their exotic flavors and the slight tickling sensation of heat in palates.

Now, I wouldn’t mind trying out more of Indian cuisine in my future foodie adventures.

This New Bombay branch is located at the Second Floor, Crossroads Building, corner 32nd and 7th Avenues, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig (beside MC Home Depot). For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 82451609, +63 939 1142481 or +63 916 2291470.

Other branches are located at:

Ground Floor, Sagittarius Building, HV Dela Costa Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City (Tel: +63 2 88192892 | +63 2 88043788 | +63 939 1197794 | +63 906 2711300)
Ground Floor, Glorietta 3 Ayala Center, Makati City (Tel: +63 2 89868622 | + 63 916 2291445)
Fifth Floor, The Podium Mall, 12 ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City (Tel: 63 2 86374367 | +63 939 1108623 | +63 916 2291445)