'Tis the season to show you care by sending healthy goodies from The Goodwill Market to family and friends. The gift baskets have been carefully curated to fit different lifestyles, filled with wholesome products that focus on health and wellbeing. 

What’s more, they can be delivered safely and conveniently to your loved ones doorstep via orders on The Goodwill Market website. You don’t have to leave the comfort and safety of your home to send out healthy and high-quality gifts this Christmas. 

The Goodwill Market is an online shop owned and operated by Dygen Pharma Distribution Corporation (DPDC), a subsidiary of Dyna Drug Corporation. Its mission is to make premium brands more accessible to Filipino consumers with online orders and fuss-free delivery. “This is a very valuable e-commerce service especially as everyone stays safe inside their homes” says DPDC General Manager May Panganiban. “Our gift packages contain a wide selection of health and wellness products that are sure to add a spark of joy to the holidays.”

Here are some of the gift selections that you can send as corporate giveaways, or as personalized gifts to your loved ones.

1. The Holiday Flavor Pack delivers goodies that are fit for the season’s feasts. It contains a selection of imported pasta sauces for easy meals made special.

2. Work from Home (WFH) is a healthy spread of snacks and ingredients that are perfect for who like to bond over good food while working. Wholesome meals and snacks are more accessible with tasty treats and premium ingredients.

3. The Lunch Box Buddies is the perfect gift for parents who shower this kids with love and care. It’s got everything they need to make bath time fun while taking care of baby’s sensitive skin. It’s also got kiddie vitamins for that extra boost of protection.  

Make your Christmas list and check it twice. Find out which gift sets from The Goodwill Market will fit your friends and family members best, or check out the other items that are available at www.goodwill.market and its official social media pages on Facebook and Instagram and have these wholesome gift packs delivered directly to your recipient hassle-free.  Book your corporate giveaways, customized orders and special requests through customer@goodwillmarket.ph.

It's been more than a year since the pandemic happened. I can't imagine things going back to normal without us needing to wear face masks or being able to gather with family and friends for special occasions. These days, even eating out IS an occasion. Thankfully, I see light at the end of this seemingly long tunnel. Friends, I have finally gotten my first jab of the COVID-19 vaccine. 

It's a life-changing and historical moment for me, and I guess for most of us who's gotten the vaccine which is why I want to document it here on my online platform. I'm not used to blogging anymore that I don't know where to start. Plus, I'm feel like I have a bit of a brain fog after taking the vaccine. As early as now, please forgive me if my thoughts are all over the place. Haha!

Registration

I registered in Manila through www.manilacovid19vaccine.ph last December of 2020. As soon as they announced the website, I registered right away. I'm not sure if I want to take the vaccine. I was hesitant, of course. It's a new vaccine. But what I'm sure of is that if I change my mind and decide to get it anyway, at least I've already registered. I also signed my parents up as early as December. They were really my priority since they both have comorbidities.  

Notification

My papa was the first to receive a text from Manila LGU last May for his first dose since he is a senior citizen and with comorbidity. He got Astra Zeneca. Next one was my mama a few weeks after. She got Sinovac. This June, I finally got a text that as part of A5 category (people who work onsite), I can now take my first dose. I am getting Sinovac. 

My Vaccination Story

Honestly, I don't trust this China-manufactured vaccine. Can you blame me if I think the pandemic was all their fault? Then I thought, what's done is done and let's all just focus on solutions than going in circles around the problem. The moment mama received her first jab of Sinovac, I've read several articles about it and was pleased to find out that it is generally safe and is proven effective according to different countries who used it. Also, the sooner you get vaccinated, the better. 

I work onsite everyday and I'm always worried about my siblings who I live with who might get it from me if I get it outside. When I get home, I have this routine: change clothes, do steam inhalation (suob -- which I do every other day), gargle warm water and salt, rest a bit, and take a shower. I don't go straight to sleep no matter how tired I am. 

I was at work when I first received a text on June 13, 2021 notifying me of my first dose schedule on the 14th. Yes, they only text a day before just like they did to my mama and papa. It's like they expect you to cancel all your plans the next day for the vaccine. Initially, I thought the text as for my mom so I sent her the screenshot. Only then did I get to really read it and saw that it was for me. It was my schedule. Finally, I thought. I didn't expect for my category to get a schedule this soon because I thought they're going to wait for all the other categories, especially the seniors and those with comorbidities to get their second doses. 

I work on a night shift so I was hesitant of going to the vaccination site without any sleep. I'm really having second thoughts about going. I decided to read the comments on Mayor Isko Moreno's Facebook page and it confirmed what I was already thinking. Everything was a disorganized mess. In some sites, people lined up as early as 11 p.m.! That's as soon as they receive the text. The vaccination sites for the A5 category were these malls: SM Manila, SM San Lazaro, Lucky Chinatown Mall, and Robinson's Place Ermita. The Manila LGU alloted 2,500 vials of vaccine for each site. Most people lined up at 3 a.m. and malls declared a cut-off at around 5 a.m. Grabe! 5 am, nasa work pa 'ko non.

Unfortunately, I've also read about barangay officials letting their family and friends cut lines. People who didn't even register online were let in. The comments section blew up from all the complaints. I decided to just sleep it off and wait for the next available schedule. I don't want to waste my time going there only to find out that I didn't make it to the cut-off. 

They texted the following day for a schedule on the 15th but reading the same comments, I decided not to go. 

Finally, on a Sunday, I received another text notification for a schedule on the 21st, the next day. I'm hopeful about my chances since Sunday is my day off, I got plenty of rest and sleep. The Manila LGU changed their policy of letting walk-ins in and announced that they would only allow those with a text message of June 21 schedule to be let in the site. 

Vaccination Day

I arrived in Robinson's Place Manila and was at the vaccination site at around 12:45 pm. There were no lines at all! Well, I was 3rd in line. Haha. There were several people arguing with the guards and staff because they weren't allowed inside. The text must specifically state that you are scheduled for June 21, 2021. No other dates would do. 

Station 1

In station 1, they only asked to check the text message that I got, my company I.D. and if I have my waiver and vaccination ID with Q.R. code with me. I had them printed already, but I found out they can just scan the Q.R. code from your phone and they can hand you a printed waiver to fill out if you don't have one. It only took me 5 minutes and then I moved to the next station. For the next station, a doctor asked me about my medical history. I was worried about my hyperthyroid and she asked me if I got a blood transfusion before. I said I got a plasma transfusion when I got dengue in 2011. I don't have any comorbidity so she cleared me to proceed to the next station.

I thought they were going to check my vitals on the next station since the other doctor only asked questions, but no. One doctor scanned my Q.R. code. I saw a bunch of injections on his table, so I asked, "Wow, Doc. Akala ko B.P lang, may blood work din pala?!" The other doctor in front of me told me, "No, ma'am. Ito na po yung vaccine niyo. Sinovac po tayo." I said what?! Wait. You didn't even check my blood pressure. I even mentioned that I'm having a little bit of anxiety over getting vaccinated. The guy doctor told me to calm down because my blood pressure might shoot up so he handed the lady doctor a sphygmomanometer and she took my B.P. reading. Then she said, "Ma'am, normal na normal po. Tuloy na tuloy na po ang vaccine niyo." Haha. They were very comforting and reiterated what I already know, that vaccines are safe and it will help with herd immunity which I am all for. I saw the needle was big but the lady doctor was fast. All in all the entire process, from checking the requirements until my actual vaccination, only took more or less 15 to 20 minutes. 

I was directed to another area to take a seat and observe myself for 15 minutes to see if I feel anything unusual. They gave a talk to all of us waiting about the common side effects of the vaccine such as slight fever, headache and minor rashes. We were asked to immediately report if we have huge bumps or rashes and shortness of breath because that would mean we are allergic to the vaccine and it is life-threatening. I did not feel anything except for pain in the injection site. 

Going Home and a Day After

It was a rainy Monday in Manila so there's a huge chance of traffic during rush hour so after a short stroll around the mall, I went home. I was still a little bit worried so I prayed the rosary on the way home. Thankfully, I still wasn't feeling any pain hours after the injection. But I was feeling really drowsy, like I would feel after taking anti-allergy medication. I didn't know what other effects I'm going to feel so I reported to work that I just had the vaccine and I took the night off to rest. 

The morning after, I still feel drowsy but I am not experiencing any headache so I'm really thankful. My arm feels normal and there is no more pain in the vaccination site. 

I have to go back in July for my second dose. The vaccine will be most beneficial at around 2 weeks after the second dose. 

The atmosphere was very light while we were at the observation area after our first dose. Everyone was asking each other about how they're feeling, did they line up days before etc. We were taking pictures of each other's arms. Haha. I guess it's safe to say that we are all relieved of finallly having been vaccinated and that we've taken a step to "freedom". 

I now have more peace of mind going home and being out and about. I still have to wear a facemask though but that's okay. Hopefully, soon I, we, can all get together again. I miss travel so much. I miss travel again, even if it's just Baguio. Airplanes? Definitely, but not so soon. It's something that I'm definitely looking forward to. 

I'll update you guys on my social media stories (which what I do mostly nowadays) if anything comes up. For now, I urge you to get vaccinated once you get a schedule. Do it not only for  yourselves but for your loved ones, too. 

It's 2021, folks! Can you believe it? I can. In fact, I can't wait for 2020 to be over. I'm not really sure how I want to start this post but hey, how are you? Kumusta? How did 2020 treat you? If you are reading this, consider yourself blessed that you went through 2020 alive and well.  

I planned to post my New Year post around the first week of January but it turned out I'm not ready to write about my musings and learnings from the challenging year that was. So here I am today, writing you on a pleasant day this first day of the second month of 2021.

How was my 2020?

As soon as I heard about the virus during the latter part of December 2019, I thought prevention is always better than cure so I started wearing facemasks as early as January. All year long all I prayed for was for my family to be protected against all calamities and sickness especially the dreaded COVID-19. Alas, it did not happen. We have lost several beloved family members. I know I'm not the only one seeing how many of my Facebook friends are sporting either a black or a lighted candle as a profile picture just like me. It's February and I still don't have it in my heart to change that candle into a selfie. 

Just like many, I have dealt with anxiety. It was especially bad during the month of April when I had a bad cough, cold and sore throat (no fever and I did not lose my sense of smell and taste, thank God). I would have trouble breathing and would feel like the world is crashing down on me. I would hold my brother's hand while I calm myself and bring my breathing back to normal. 

Come November I thought we were in the clear since it is just a few months before 2020 finally ends but God has other plans. I lost my grandmother on November 21. That hit me so hard because I'm a lola's girl and the eldest grandchild so I got to spend time with her the most. Then we lost my uncle a month after due to a heart attack. His abrupt passing also gave me anxiety. How can it not? One moment you're watching videos on Youtube, take a leak, and then suddenly you have trouble breathing. It only took less than an hour. Just. Like. That. He was gone.

Learnings 

I'm sorry my first post for the year isn't as positive as you and I would have liked. I'm hoping for a better 2021 though. The vaccines are here. God is faithful. 

One of the most important things I'm grateful for last year is my renewed and hopefully better relationship with God. I've always been prayerful back when I was a kid. I've memorized the rosary mysteries since I was 11. Growing older made me feel like it wasn't enough. I am hesitant to share anything about my beliefs. I don't want to sound holier than thou. And to be honest, I don't want to sound too "manang". LOL. (Sorry, Lord, for my vanity.)

My faith got me through the hardest parts of 2020 especially the fact that we had to celebrate the holidays with so many losses. We actually did not celebrate Christmas at all because we were at my uncle's wake but we were together as a family and that's what's important. 

I've been attending Fr. Jerry Orbos' online masses every Sunday and I've taken to heart this quote of his in one or two of his homily: "Avoid regrets because you have loved too little, too late." Show and tell the people you love them before it's too late. People can be gone in a blink of an eye. Again, as Father said, this holiday season, look at the people around you. Some of them may not be there to celebrate with you next year. Deep but true.

Anyway, up until now the Titos and Titas would ask me why I'm still unmarried and why I don't have kids yet, and I would tell them, I can barely take care of myself and how much more a kid of my own? Haha. Well, all the anxiety 2020 gave me did me good because I distracted my mind from worrying by doing things that are good for me. I learned how to cook. I started meditating. I am taking my vitamins regularly now. I exercise more. Ang galing. Kaya ko pala. It took a pandemic to make me realize that I can take care of myself. I quarantined with my brothers during ECQ so it turns out I can take care of other people too. Does that mean I'm ready to have a family of my own? Now that is a different story. LOL.

What's in store for me this 2021?

My goal this 2021 is simply just like last year's-- to survive. With the vaccines rolling in, I am quite optimistic about my chances. I spent the past year mostly keeping myself sane. I was a big ball of nerves and I'm not afraid to admit that. Now, I am facing this new year with less anxiety and more faith. 

Wow. I missed doing this. I miss making my blog like a diary. One thing I want to try is to open up more. I'm still thinking about starting my own Youtube channel. To be honest, I'd rather be behind the camera than in front of it. Introvert problems. Haha! But what do you think?

Writing again after so long feels like dipping my toe before swimming. Now that I'm done, I think I'm finally ready to dive into this world again. Who's with me?

What is up everyone? It has been a long, long while. The pandemic has taken a toll on me hence the hiatus. I’ve limited my social media time as well because I find news (plus FAKE news) depressing most of the time. Anyway, what have you been up to? During this pandemic, I have observed many activities people are getting into. You’ll see people baking and cooking which introduced numerous new food trends such as dalgona coffee, sushi bake, and of course, the famous ube cheese pan de sal. Some became fitness junkies and plantitos/titas. I’m pretty sure so many of you have also started your own Tiktok or Youtube channels by now.

While I haven’t given in to the lure of Tiktok yet, I’ve learned to cook so many dishes, tried the ube cheese pandesal and did more work outs in a month than I did the entire year last year. I also went back to doing one of my first love which is writing. Since it has been quite a while, I needed to slowly flex my creative muscles. I figured why not go back to freelance writing and earn at the same time, right? I checked out Essays.Ph, a freelance platform I’ve written for before but found out that they have since ceased operations. I’ve searched for more options and discovered Yonipp.

What is Yonipp?

Yonipp is a freelance platform that caters mainly to writers. Whether you’re a pro or someone like me who’s trying to get back into it, or even a beginner who’s looking for a side hustle and wants to give freelance writing a try – this platform would be great for you to try.

My Yonipp Experience

At first, I wondered how Yonipp would be different from Essays.PH. I hate to compare but the first thing I’ve noticed is the user-friendliness of the site’s interface. After filling out my writer’s profile on my dashboard, I proceeded to search for jobs in the Projects Marketplace.

Project Marketplace Preview from Yonipp.com

I browsed through each of the project’s details and once I found a topic that I’m comfortable writing about, I placed a deal and waited for them to send me a message if my bid was accepted or not. Once accepted, I began writing right away. If I have any questions about the project, I can communicate with the client through the project’s “Huddle Box” or ask a question through the chatbot and get assistance from anyone from the Yonipp team.

I know I’m not the only one who can appreciate how the Yonipp team wrote the guides on the Writers Help Center in a fun and straightforward way. If you’re a freelance writing newbie, this should be a plus point for you.

One of the best things about Yonipp is that you can choose to write about a niche that is comfortable for you. Lifestyle and travel are what I enjoy writing about the most but having studied a science course, I am also comfortable writing about health-related topics. I also try to step out of my comfort zone and write about other topics as well to exercise my creative muscle and if I want to challenge myself.

After the project is completed, I wait for the client’s feedback and for my pledge to be released. Take note that the amount is less Yonipp’s 20% merchant fee). Cash-out methods can be through PayPal or any local banks.

Any Cons?

I noticed that the number of projects can be limited at times so you’ll be competing with so many other writers for some topics. Also, I think the Yonipp team works during Philippine office hours. My creative juices start flowing at night time. I know I need to change that and hopefully learn to write any time of the day. Having said that, it’s difficult for me to communicate with anyone beyond office hours if I have any questions like that one time when my pledge got accepted on a weekend. I had a few questions about the project but as per the chatbot, the staff will be available on Monday.

Is it for you?

There are many platforms out there with clients that can offer regular contracts. However, I highly recommend Yonipp for beginners. The website also offers topics that are challenging and more rewarding for veterans. During this time of the pandemic, it wouldn't hurt to support your day job with a side hustle.