4 Weeks to Fit

This is from our Navigate App Challenge, 4 Weeks to Fit. I found myself taking this challenge over and over again as I think it keeps me on my toes to have an exercise plan that I can follow. So I'm keeping it here so that I can just refer to it next time.

Day 1:  10 squats, push-ups, sit-ups

Did you know that doing just 30 minutes of moderate exercise, like brisk walking or light jogging, can improve your mood for hours?

Day 2: 10 squats, push-ups, sit-ups

Squats are one of the best exercises for building strength and improving balance. They engage multiple muscle groups, including your quads, hamstrings, and glutes, making them a powerhouse move in any workout!

Day 3: 20 squats, push-ups, sit-ups

Why did the gym close down? Because it just didn’t work out!

Day 4: 20 min. walk/jog

The world record for the most sit-ups in 24 hours is over 46,000! That’s about 1,917 sit-ups per hour. Talk about a commitment to core strength!

Day 5: 15 squats, push-ups, sit-ups

Push-ups are great for more than just your arms—they also engage your core, back, and even your legs! This full-body workout can help improve your overall strength and stability.

Day 6: 15 squats, push-ups, sit-ups

Did you know that walking has been shown to boost creativity? A study found that people were more creative while walking compared to sitting. So, take those invigorating walks with a side of inspiration!

Day 7: 20 min. walk/jog

“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” Embrace your journey this week and remember that every small step counts!

Day 8: 30 squats, push-ups, sit-ups

You can burn approximately 300 calories by doing just 30 minutes of vigorous exercise, like running or jumping rope! That’s a deliciously guilt-free slice of pizza right there!

Day 9: 20 squats, push-ups, sit-ups

Incorporating strength training, like squats and push-ups, into your routine can boost your metabolism, helping you burn more calories even when you’re resting. Talk about a win-win!

Day 10: 20 squats, push-ups, sit-ups

Why did the fitness trainer bring a ladder to the gym?

Because they heard the workout was on another level!

Day 11: 40 squats, push-ups, sit-ups

The average person walks about 7,500 steps a day, but increasing that to 10,000 can lead to significant health benefits! Every step adds up, so let’s get moving!

Day 12: 20 min. walk/jog

Sit-ups not only strengthen your abs but also help improve your posture by reinforcing the muscles that support your spine. A strong core leads to a strong back!

Day 13: 25 squats, push-ups, sit-ups

Studies show that just being outside while exercising can elevate your mood and reduce feelings of stress. Nature’s beauty truly enhances your workout experience!

Day 14: 25 squats, push-ups, sit-ups

“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” Keep pushing forward; progress is progress!

Day 15: 50 squats, push-ups, sit-ups

Mixing up your workout routine can lead to better results! Cross-training, like alternating between strength and cardio, keeps your body guessing and can prevent plateaus.

Day 16: 30 min. Walk/jog

Regular exercise, even in small bursts, can enhance brain function and improve memory. So those squats and push-ups are doing more than just shaping your body—they’re boosting your brain too!

Day 17: 30 squats, push-ups, sit-ups

Why did the runner break up with their shoes?

Because they felt they were just dragging them down!

Day 18: 30 squats, push-ups, sit-ups

Did you know that muscle memory can help you get back to your fitness level faster after a break? Your muscles "remember" previous workouts, making it easier to regain strength!

Day 19: 30 min. walk/jog

You can enhance your workout by adding music! Studies show that listening to upbeat tunes while exercising can increase your stamina and make your workout feel easier.

Day 20: 60 squats, push-ups, sit-ups

Squats have been practiced for centuries! They were used in ancient China and Greece to strengthen warriors. Now, they’re your ticket to a fitter you!

Day 21: 35 squats, push-ups, sit-ups

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” Celebrate the small victories as you progress through this challenge!

Day 22: 70 squats, push-ups, sit-ups

Did you know that consistency is key in fitness? Exercising just three times a week can significantly improve your cardiovascular health and overall fitness levels. Every bit counts!

Day 23: 70 squats, push-ups, sit-ups

Incorporating dynamic stretches before your workouts can enhance your performance and reduce injury risk. Think of it as revving up your engine before hitting the road!

Day 24: 30 min. walk/jog

Why do push-ups make terrible friends?

Because they’re always trying to bring you down!

Day 25: 40 min. walk/jog

Studies show that people who keep a workout journal are more likely to stick to their fitness routines. Tracking your progress not only keeps you accountable but also helps you celebrate your victories!

Day 26: 40 squats, push-ups, sit-ups

Did you know that exercising outdoors can increase your vitamin D levels? Just a little sunlight while you walk or jog can do wonders for your mood and overall health!

Day 27: 80 squats, push-ups, sit-ups

Complete 40 squats, 40 push-ups, and 40 sit-ups. Repeat this circuit a second time!

Day 28: 100 of each

50 squats, 50 push-ups, 50 sit-ups. Repeat this circuit 2 times! Finish strong!

How did you do? Let me know in the comments below. 😉

Elira, My Past Life

OK, because of the Korean TV series "Heavenly Ever After" in Netflix, I got curious of my past life. Aside from the fact that I am in love with Son Suk-ku, the reason I watched it. 😍 

So, I checked with ChatGPT if it happens to be able to let me know about my past life if I provide a little information about me.

Of course it can't. Haha! But it helped me explore my Spiritual or Symbolic past life. I've provided a little information based on the 3 questions it asked me and viola! What I described painted a rich and symbolic canvas of my past life journey based on the clues from my soul’s language - my fascinations, fears, and sensitivities. 

Here's the exact soul story that ChatGPT.com has created for me. I am amazed by the results. It can be true, or not. But it just feels good to learn about it. It even created a visual artwork and personal sigil of my past life world as shown on the left. 

Did you?

When all of you were laughing, did you even notice that I’m not?

I Do. Haha!

Ricky Reyes don't drink, don't smoke, and don't gamble.

I don't smoke.

I drink occasionally.

And I try not to gamble. 😅

Pinpoint Your Purpose Challenge (WIP)

I've thought of putting here my answers to the "Pinpoint Your Purpose" challenge from the Navigate Wellness App. The texts in Italics are my answers and the rest came from the Navigate app as guide on what to write.

Day 1: Journal about what you love - Did you know that people who regularly reflect on their values and passions report higher levels of happiness? Taking just a few moments each day to check in with yourself can lead to profound insights!

I love traveling and eating outside. It's actually the time spent with people that I love. I enjoy even the travel time, just doing a road trip, eating in the car, and enjoying the music. I also love the conversations that happen in between those.

I love gardening. I love seeing my plants grow. They are all pretty!

I can also just sit in one corner and watch TV. Whether it's movie, series, documentary, YT, reels, anything, I like wasting time. haha!

I love watching our fishes. It's just peaceful. They are our stress reliever.

I love mentoring people who want to learn and those who listen.

Day 2: Journal about your strengths -Studies show that writing down your goals increases the likelihood of achieving them by 42%! Putting pen to paper not only clarifies your vision but also strengthens your commitment. 

I'm a positive thinker and a positive leader.
I have high EQ.
I'm smart.
I'm good with details.
I'm flexible, diligent, hardworking, responsible, and trustworthy.

I'm good with handling money.

Day 3: Reflect on your top values - Why did the scarecrow win an award? Because he was out-standing in his field!

Integrity.

Humility.

Fun.

Day 4: Connect strengths and values - The concept of "Ikigai," a Japanese term meaning "a reason for being," combines what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. Exploring your Ikigai can lead to a more fulfilling life!

I actually think that I can earn and make a living using my strengths. I would love to be able to help people with the extra money that I will have.

Day 5: Set personal goals - Engaging in activities that spark joy can literally change your brain chemistry! Activities you love increase dopamine, the "feel-good" neurotransmitter, making you feel more alive and motivated.

Exercise daily.

Pray.

Be present.

Enjoy life.

Day 6: Write a mission statement - Did you know that many successful people attribute their achievements to a strong sense of purpose? Oprah Winfrey, for instance, says her purpose drives her to inspire others every day!

To be an inspiration to the people around me and help them be an inspiration to others as well.

Day 7: Set life goals - “Your purpose in life is to find your purpose and give your whole heart and soul to it.” — Buddha. Let this be a reminder to dive deep into your passions this week!

        OK, I think I don't know my purpose yet is in my life. But I'll use this week to think about it and set         it.

Day 8: Take time for yourself - Research suggests that people who align their daily actions with their core values experience less stress. Knowing what matters most to you creates a powerful compass for decision-making!

        How timely is this. Today is my last day of work before I go on vacation. It's Bem's father's 70th            birthday. I think it's the first time I filed for 5 days leave. For 20.5 years, just now. But why? Times         like this matters to me. A chance to be with the family, to relax, enjoy, and have fun. For the first            time, I won't be bringing my work laptop. I chose not to bring it. 

Day 9: Try something new - 

Day 10: Help someone today - 

Day 11: Make a small change - 

Day 12: Plan to decrease stress - 

Day 13: Use a mantra - 

This has helped me ever since I saw "3 Idiots", a Bollywood movie. "All is well". Just 3 words, but very helpful and powerful.

Day 14: Make the most of today - 

Happy International Women’s Month!

Happy International Women’s Month! Or is it a week or day? I think month is better, right? 😊

Okay, so, when I was informed that I was one of the top nominees for our company's Inspiring Women 💗, I actually don’t know what to say. I didn’t realize that I have that impact to my team. I am grateful, flattered, and glad that I get to inspire some of them. I think part of me believed that I at least have done something good. So, I am thankful. I hope I can continue to connect with them positively and see them inspire other people as well in their own little ways.

Here’s to all the men and women, who always try and do their best. May we all become that person, that we aspire to be. 😉

20th Year

I was thinking of what to share for today so I've thought of sharing how I started my journey here at Epic. Let's start from the time when I was still applying for a job after college. Please bear with me as this might also take 20 years to finish. Just kidding. 😊

I told myself that I don't want to work night shift, not because of health issues or whatsoever, I just don't like it. So, when I applied to companies, I intentionally applied for day shift positions and blessed to have my first job as a marketing specialist in a training academy for a shipping staffing company. Unfortunately, it closed down after just being there for 7 months. But for me, it is a good thing. Why?

Life is Sad

Why do I feel that life is such a sad story.

You are born and taken cared of by your parents.

You go to school and earn a degree.

As you grow up, you meet friends who become your family. Some become just acquaintances, and some you get to forget because they are not so nice or has taken advantage of you.

You meet your special someone, or not. No one knows.

You then look for work and earn some money. Or you stay at home and work hard doing chores and taking care of your kids, feeling unappreciated most of the time.

You either live in a rat race or live comfortably.. only you can decide on what will happen to you.

You get to live your dreams or keep reaching for whatever you want to achieve.

And then you grow old, health deteriorating and getting worse, you feel every part of your body aching.

And then you die old or sometimes young, we never know. But one thing's for sure, we will all die.

And when your life ends, you will either turn into ashes or bones.

For a while, they will cry or smile remembering you. They will visit you every time it's your birthday,  death anniversary or every November 1st, Christmas, and other special occasions.

And then a few years later, visitors will get fewer and fewer until everyone totally forgets about you.

What a lifetime of crap, it's wasted. 

Why are we even born?

An Angel is Born

Today, we lost our grandniece.. before she was even born.😭

It was a very hard few months for them - both for the baby and Joy. As well as to Obyn and to the whole family. They've been fighting everyday to survive.

I hope both Joy and Obyn will have courage and peace in their hearts knowing that baby Malia Ellery was born to be an angel. That it wasn't anyone's fault. That it was God's plan. 🙏

Please guide us always our little angel.. especially your mama and papa and kuya. Eventhough you are this little, our LOVE for you is this BIG!

Simple Ways We Can Do to Help the Environment

In our own little ways, we can help save the environment. Yes, even if we are not volunteering to plant a tree or join a clean-up project or join an environment-centric club or organization. We can help!

• GForest - You can collect green energy in GCash Forest by switching to green activities and reducing your carbon footprint. With enough green energy, you can adopt a native tree on your own or with other GCash users, and help rebuild Philippine forests.

• Ecoasia - the search engine that plants trees (https://www.ecosia.org/). Every search you do using this site helps make planting trees possible.

• Recycling or Upcycling old things. Be creative. You can make a lot of new and beautiful other things using recycled materials.

• Opting for electronic bills instead of printed/mailed ones.

• When ordering for food deliveries, you can choose not to include disposable utensils unless you don't have utensils at home.

• Carpooling! Unless you want to use your own for some reason and your location is out of way.

• And please, please, please! Don't throw your trash anywhere. If you are walking or on the road, please put it in your pocket or bag for the meantime until you find a trash bin.

Yacht

When on a yacht

You don’t have to wear white.

A Student's Prayer

I'm trying to clean my belongings and throw out anything that no longer sparks joy to me (as Marie Kondo says) and saw a postcard with a prayer written on it. I used to post it on my table during my college days. Thought to share the prayer before I totally throw the card out. Also, I think it is applicable not only to students, but to everyone.. just change some of the words. 😊 

By the way, I didn't write the prayer. I just copied it from the internet. So, thank you and credits to the person who wrote it.

Here it goes.

 Oh My Dear Lord, I offer to you this day,

All that I will do and all that I will say;

The good and the bad that today will meet me,

The joys and the trials, all I offer thee.

I offer you the hours I spend studying,

May I use time not idling nor hurrying;

Help me from the short quiz to the long exam,

Make me responsible; scold me when I cram.

I offer to you the time with friends I spend.

Thank you, my Lord, for the love,

Through them, you send;

May I not be selfish, not seek consolations,

Let me keep my peace in little irritations.

And through the day, I'll reserve some time for you,

Alone in prayer let me learn to love you;

As I bear my heart, you'll see all its weakness,

Redeemed only by your mercy and goodness.

And as evening comes, I'll lay myself to sleep,

Through the night, I'll give my soul for you to keep;

As I close my eyes I'll tell you once again,

Thank you, my Lord, for being a friend. Amen.

Generations Guide

I am already confused in what generations the people are in now so keeping this here as a handy reference. 

1901 - 1927: Greatest Generation

1928 - 1945: Silent Generation

1946 - 1964: Baby Boom Generation

1965 - 1980: Generation X

1981 - 1996: Millennial Generation or Generation Y

1997 - 2010: Generation Z or iGen

2011 - Present: Alpha

Just for the Heck of It

Eventually, I got tired of creating videos.. of creating memorabilia., of summarizing what happened, what we’ve seen and experienced. It’s just.. tiring. 

Eat, Pray, Love Quotes

 "Keep grounded so it's like you have four legs. That way, you can stay in this world." - Ketut

"No looking at world through your head. Look through your heart instead. That way, you will know God." - Ketut

"Having a baby is like having a tattoo on your face. You kind of wanna be fully committed." - Delia

"The only thing more impossible than staying.. was leaving." - Liz

Cashflow Game Takeaways

• Good opportunities only come once in a while.
• Increasing that passive income is not easy.
• Sometimes you can't avoid surprise expenses. 
• Invest on things that increase in value over time.
• Buy low.. even if the market is not good. And don't be afraid! That is when stocks go low and a very good opportunity to buy.
• It's OK to have loans if it will give you additional income. But please manage your liabilities.
• Use your cash wisely and manage your expenses.

8 Things I am Still Interested In

1. Spending time with family.
2. Eating out and exploring different foods.
3. Going out with true friends.
4. Becoming healthy.
5. Building passive income and becoming financially free.
6. Dolce far niente! 
7. Traveling the world.
8. Reaching our dreams.

8 Things I am No Longer Interested In

1. Arguing with idiots.
2. Giving unsolicited advice.
3. Spending time with people who don't want to spend time with me.
4. Responding to people who only remembers me when they need something.
5. Dealing with inconsiderate people and with no common sense.
6. People who don't respect the people I love.
7. Listening to complaints and rants.
8. Being nice to people I don't like.

Imbento ng mga Magulang Natin

Noong bata pa kayo, ano yung mga sinasabi ng mga nanay at tatay n'yo sa inyo na naniniwala naman kayo? 

Eto ang ilan sa mga kautuan ng ating mga magulang na pinaniniwalaan naman natin. haha!

• 'Pag daw nag gupit ka ng kuko pag Friday or pag gabi na, mananalinsing daw ang kuko mo. Eh syempre ayaw mo yun di ba. naniwala ka naman so ipagpapabukas mo na lang.
• 'Wag daw magwawalis kapag gabi na at lalabas ang swerte. hahahaha ikaw naman naniwala itinabi mo na lang sa isang sulok yung mga nawalis mong kalat. ayun sakit sa mata. haha.
• 'Pag Biyernes Santo, marami din bang ipinagbabawal sa inyong gawin? Bawal manungkit ng bunga sa puno at mapupuwing ka daw. Bawal din mag gupit ng kuko (again? haha). Bawal din magkikilos di ko alam bakit.
• Dati kapag may tatawid na baka sa kalsada, ang sinasabi ng tatay ko swerte daw yun. Siguro para 'di lang mainip kaya inuto pa ko na pampaswerte yun haha. 😄😅
• 'Pag may sugat ba kayo noong araw, sinasabihan din kayo na may lalabas daw na kalabaw dun? At takot na takot ka naman! 😆
• Bawal matulog ng basa ang buhok. Mabubulag ka daw. Well hanggang ngaun ata nadidinig ko pa rin yun. Nakakatulog din ako madalas ng basa ang buhok. Malinaw pa naman mata ko. 

Ilan lang ‘to sa mga imbentong paandar ng mga magulang natin noon. Kung may maalala pa kayong iba, comment nyo lang dito. Kung hindi, sige kayo mapuputol daliri nyo sa kamay. 😂

It's None of Your Business

How many of you have gone to a family reunion or get-together with friends and then they asked you why are you still single or when you will have a boyfriend or a girlfriend? If you are in a relationship, how many of you were asked when will you get married? And then asked when you will  have kids? And so on and so forth, it just doesn't stop.

They will definitely ask what you don't have.

How frustrating, isn't it?