When a team faces low morale, a great leader steps in not with blame but with clarity, empathy, and action. True leadership shines in difficult moments when energy is low, trust is shaken, or motivation has dipped.
A great leader begins by listening first and understanding the root causes of the team’s struggles, whether they stem from workload, lack of recognition, unclear goals, or external pressures. They create a safe space where team members feel heard and valued.
Next, they reframe the situation with vision and purpose. By reminding the team of the bigger picture and why their work matters, a leader can reignite a sense of meaning. Often, morale improves when people see how their efforts contribute to something greater than themselves.
At the same time, a strong leader doesn’t just inspire with words; they take practical steps. They may adjust priorities, redistribute tasks, or provide additional resources to remove obstacles. They give recognition generously and authentically, celebrating both small and large wins to rebuild confidence.
Above all, a great leader leads by example. They model resilience, positivity, and accountability, showing the team that challenges are temporary and can be overcome together.
When morale is low, leadership is not about pushing harder but about lifting higher. A great leader helps their team see not just where they are but where they can go and walks alongside them until the spark of motivation returns.
In a world full of uncertainties, there is one thing I am absolutely sure of, I will never cease loving you, anak.
As you prepared for your senior prom yesterday evening, my heart swelled with pride and I felt a touch of sadness. I saw you standing, so radiant, so full of dreams and I couldn’t help but remember the little girl who once clung to my hand, who filled our home with laughter, questions, and wonder.
Soon, I will watch you march across the stage for your high school graduation, stepping boldly into a future you have worked so hard for. After that, college will call you to spread your wings even wider. And one day, though it both terrifies and thrills me, I know I will watch you walk down the aisle in a white gown, ready to begin a new life with someone who will be blessed to love you too, but always remember, our home is always open for you whenever needed.
It is scary for a mother, this slow letting go. But I know it is right. It is what I raised you for, to fly, to dream, to live fully. Still, no matter how far life takes you, know this: you will always, always have a home in me. A place where you are endlessly loved, endlessly prayed for, endlessly cheered on.
You and your little sister Esperanza Celestina are my pride, my joy, my precious gift from God. I love you more than words could ever say. Shine your light, Ate Yzza. The world is waiting for the beautiful story you are about to write.
Martial arts has been such a big part of my life, and it truly shaped who I am today. Through the years, it has been my anchor, helping me rise above every challenge I have faced. It is not just about the physical aspect. It is about the discipline, the determination, the focus, and the resilience that it instilled in me. I have learned to push through adversity and never give up, no matter how tough things get.
Now, with a full-time healthcare career, leading a team, and balancing it with being a mom, those lessons from martial arts are more important than ever. It is like everything I have learned over the years is embedded in how I approach my work. The discipline I have gained helps me stay organized and focused, while the determination pushes me to always keep moving forward. Leading a team can be challenging, but the mindset I developed in martial arts helps me stay calm, composed, and confident. It is the same mindset that helped me through national-level competitions when I was younger – always showing up, no matter how tough the competition.
Being a mom is another challenge that requires a lot of strength and patience. And martial arts has helped me with that, too. After a long day at work or when I feel overwhelmed, martial arts is where I go to clear my head. It is a healthy outlet that helps me release frustrations, both from work and from home. It keeps me grounded physically, mentally, and emotionally. Every self-training session reminds me that I can handle whatever life throws at me and that strength and resilience benefit my family as much as it does me.
Martial arts has truly been my guide. It has been the thing that has helped me stay balanced and focused, no matter what challenges come my way. And for that, I’m forever grateful.
If you’re a busy parent, grocery shopping with kids might sound like a chore, but trust me, it’s actually an opportunity! Over the years, I’ve realized that taking my kids along to the store isn’t just about getting groceries; it’s a chance to teach life skills, bond as a family, and make everyday errands meaningful.
Here’s why I bring my kids grocery shopping every week (other than not really having a choice but to take them) and why you should too!
1. Safety First
Here in the U.S., you can’t leave kids alone at home until a certain age, depending on your state’s laws. But beyond the legal side of it, bringing them along ensures their safety while also turning a simple errand into a learning experience.
2. Built-In Physical Activity
When it’s cold outside and outdoor play is limited, a grocery trip is an easy way to get kids moving. Even though my teen can stay home alone, I still bring her along because I’d rather have her walking the aisles than sitting at home playing video games.
3. Feeling Valued and Needed
Kids love feeling useful! Our little one, Esperanza, can grab items from the lower shelves, while our taller teenager, Yzzabella, can reach the top ones. When they realize their help is genuinely needed, it boosts their confidence and sense of responsibility.
4. Learning Teamwork
Grocery shopping as a family teaches teamwork. We divide and conquer, working together to get everything we need. Along the way, Yzzabella and Esperanza learn about each other’s food preferences, how to compromise, and the importance of shared responsibilities.
5. A Lesson in Financial Literacy
Groceries aren’t cheap, and I want my kids to understand the value of money. I ask them to compare prices, check unit prices, and decide which option is the best value. These little moments add up to big financial lessons they will carry into adulthood.
6. Building Nutritional Awareness
Instead of just telling my kids to “eat healthy,” I have them read nutrition labels and make choices based on what they learn. Seeing the ingredients and sugar content firsthand helps them make informed food choices now and in the future.
7. Boosting Confidence
There is nothing like the sense of accomplishment kids feel when they’re in charge of picking a recipe and finding the ingredients for it. They take ownership of their food choices and get excited about cooking at home. It’s a win-win!
8. Social Skills in Action
Grocery stores are the perfect place to practice communication. When the girls can’t find something, I encourage them to ask a store employee for help. Over time, this helps them feel more comfortable speaking up and advocating for themselves.
9. Understanding Economics in Real Life
Grocery shopping is a hands-on lesson in supply and demand. Yzzabella and Esperanza notice when prices go up or when their favorite item is out of stock, giving me a chance to explain how the economy works in a way that makes sense to them.
10. A Sense of Belonging
When kids help choose what we buy, they feel like their opinions matter. They are not just along for the ride. They are part of the decision-making process. It reinforces that food isn’t just something we eat; it’s something we thoughtfully choose together as a family.
The Takeaway
Grocery shopping isn’t just an errand. It’s an opportunity to teach, bond, and create meaningful experiences with our kids. So, the next time you’re tempted to leave them at home, consider bringing them along. You might be surprised at how much they learn (and how much fun you have together).
Do you take your kids grocery shopping? What lessons have they learned along the way? Share your experiences in the comments!
This is just my personal opinion based on my own research, and I’m sharing it to raise awareness, especially for newer moms who might be exploring healthier and more sustainable options. No offense meant to those who prefer plastic for ease and convenience. I completely understand that every family has different needs and priorities. However, as a health-conscious mom, I’ve chosen to use stainless steel and glass lunchboxes over plastic, and here are my top 10 reasons why.
1. Chemical Safety: Plastic containers can leach harmful chemicals, such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, into food, especially when exposed to heat. These substances have been linked to health issues, including endocrine disruption and increased risk of heart disease. (The Guardian)
2. Durability: Stainless steel and glass are more durable than plastic, reducing the need for frequent replacements. This longevity makes them cost-effective and environmentally friendly choices.
3. Non-reactivity: Unlike some plastics, stainless steel and glass do not react with acidic or hot foods, ensuring that no unwanted substances leach into meals.
4. Ease of Cleaning: These materials are non-porous and can be easily sanitized, reducing the risk of bacterial contamination.
5. Environmental Impact: Plastic production contributes significantly to environmental pollution. In contrast, stainless steel and glass are highly recyclable, and their use helps reduce plastic waste. (PubMed)
6. Temperature Resistance: Stainless steel and glass can withstand a wide range of temperatures, making them suitable for various foods without the risk of melting or warping.
7. Aesthetic Appeal: Glass containers allow for easy identification of contents, and both materials offer a sleek, modern appearance.
8. Odor and Stain Resistance: Unlike plastic, stainless steel and glass do not absorb food odors or stains, maintaining their appearance and hygiene over time.
9. Sustainability: Using stainless steel and glass supports a more sustainable lifestyle by reducing reliance on single-use plastics and promoting the use of long-lasting materials. (PubMed)
10. Health Advocacy: Experts recommend minimizing the use of plastic for food storage to reduce exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. (The Guardian)
By choosing stainless steel and glass lunchboxes, I’m prioritizing my family’s health and contributing to environmental sustainability. Ultimately, every mom makes the best choice for her family, and this is just the one that works best for mine!
We’ve had our fair share of teenage drama with Yzzabella, but we always made sure she felt supported and loved. She’s not perfect. None of us are, but raising her has been a journey of growth for me and Santiago. It’s been a learning experience, and we’re still learning every day.
Raising emotionally stable teenagers like Yzzabella requires patience, understanding, and a strong parental presence. The ages 13 to 19 mark a critical transition from childhood to adulthood, where teens experience rapid emotional, physical, and mental changes. During this time, they seek independence while still needing guidance, making parental support essential.
Why This Stage Matters
Adolescence is when self-identity forms, peer influence strengthens, and emotions often feel overwhelming. Without a stable foundation at home, teens may struggle with self-doubt, anxiety, or make impulsive choices. As parents, being a consistent emotional anchor helps them develop resilience and confidence.
Key Ways to Provide Emotional Support
Open and Judgment-Free Communication Teens need to feel heard, not just corrected. Listen actively, ask open-ended questions, and resist the urge to immediately fix their problems. A safe space for conversation builds trust.
At first, I made a big mistake. As a mom, I was used to rescuing my kids. Just like when they were little and ran to me with an “owie.” But with teenagers, it’s different. I had to step back and let Yzzabella solve her own problems. That gave her confidence.
Validation of Feelings Instead of dismissing emotions as “just a phase,” acknowledge their struggles. Saying, “I see this is important to you,” makes them feel valued.
I struggled with this because Yzzabella is just like me. We both keep our emotions to ourselves. We’re good at pretending we’re okay to protect our loved ones from how we really feel. We’re still working on being more open and better at this together.
Setting Boundaries with Love Freedom with guidance is crucial. Setting clear but fair boundaries teaches responsibility while ensuring they feel trusted and not controlled.
Yzzabella struggled with peer pressure despite having a strong moral compass—she wanted to fit in. Through open communication and guidance from a therapist, she realized her friend was pushing her toward things she knew were wrong. The pressure caused her anxiety, which I noticed early on, so we sought professional help.
Leading by Example Show emotional stability in your own reactions. How you handle stress, conflicts, and disappointments will shape how they manage their emotions.
Like most working parents, Santiago and I juggle full-time jobs, parenting an elementary schooler and a teenager, managing bills, errands, and endless activities. Our routine is nonstop. Some days, work stress overwhelms me, and I retreat after dinner to decompress. But Yzzabella and Esperanza always notice, even when I stay quiet. I’m not sure if my way of handling stress is healthy, but I see Yzzabella mirroring it, and that makes me reflect.
Encouraging Healthy Coping Mechanisms Teach them to manage stress through hobbies, exercise, journaling, or talking things out instead of resorting to unhealthy escapes.
On weekends, we try to make time as a family to work out at the clubhouse. We don’t always make it, but we make sure Yzzabella sees how exercise helps with stress. We also have “lazy days,” making candles, playing board games, baking, trying new recipes, journaling, or binge-watching Gilmore Girls.
Being Available Without Being Overbearing Sometimes, they just need your presence, not advice. Simple acts like watching a show together or sharing a meal can strengthen your bond.
One of the best things we do with Yzzabella and Esperanza is simply being together. Even when we’re each doing our own thing, we make sure Yzzabella knows—we’re here for you, and we support you. If you ever want to talk, we’re always ready to listen.
Reinforcing Their Self-Worth Teenagers are bombarded with unrealistic standards from social media and peers. Remind them that their worth isn’t based on achievements or appearance but on who they are as individuals.
It’s funny—just before writing this post, Yzzabella showed me a video of a Filipina teen influencer and said people think she looks like her. Curious, I asked to see more videos of the influencer, but Yzzabella didn’t look like her at all. I told her, “You’re actually prettier, and no one should be compared to anyone else. We all have our unique qualities.” She responded, “But, Mom, she’s famous. I think she’s prettier, that’s why she’s famous.” I immediately hugged her and said, “Being pretty isn’t required to be famous. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. You are beautiful to me, and you are worthy of all the love in the world, no matter how you look.”
The Role of Parents in Teenage Mental Health
Parental emotional support reduces the risk of anxiety, depression, and risky behaviors. When teens know they can turn to their parents without fear of judgment, they’re more likely to make better choices and develop emotional intelligence.
Being a steady, loving presence through their highs and lows lays the foundation for them to become emotionally stable, confident adults.
I was raised with a simple but powerful belief that my mom instilled in me: the more colors I have on my plate, the more nutrient-dense my food. But when I say colors, I don’t mean artificial food dyes or chemically processed ingredients. I mean the vibrant hues of fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices, each carrying its own unique set of vitamins, minerals, and health benefits. This mindset shaped my approach to food, and now, as a mother myself, I make sure my children’s lunchboxes reflect that same philosophy.
Even though I live in the U.S., where time is always tight especially for working moms like me, I refuse to let convenience dictate my family’s health. I wake up at 4:30 every morning, not because it’s easy, but because I believe that nourishing my family with fresh, whole foods is worth the sacrifice. Processed foods might be quick and cheap, but the long-term health costs are far too great. In the U.S., over 50% of daily caloric intake comes from UPF or ultra-processed foods, and studies show that just a 10% increase in ultra-processed food consumption raises the risk of cardiovascular disease by 12% and cerebrovascular disorders by 11%. More than 30 chronic health conditions including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and even mental health disorders are linked to diets high in processed foods.
My career in healthcare has given me a deeper understanding of how the body works and how diseases develop. I’ve seen firsthand how lifestyle choices, especially food habits, contribute to chronic illnesses. The pathophysiology of diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease often traces back to years of poor nutrition, where processed foods packed with preservatives, unhealthy fats, and excess sugar replace real, nourishing ingredients. This knowledge fuels my passion—not just for feeding my own family well, but for educating and empowering younger generations of moms.
I want to help other mothers understand that food is more than just fuel for our bodies. It’s a foundation for lifelong health. We have the power to shape our children’s taste preferences from an early age, helping them acquire a love for real, unprocessed foods instead of the artificially flavored, chemically preserved options that dominate grocery store shelves. I know it’s not always easy, especially for working moms juggling countless responsibilities. But I also know that the effort we put into feeding our kids well today will pay off in their health and well-being for years to come.
This is why I share my kids’ lunchboxes – not to show off, but to show what is possible. I want to inspire and encourage other moms to take small, meaningful steps toward feeding their families real food. Because in the end, the best gift we can give our children is a strong, healthy future.
Thank you, Mom and Dad, for everything that you have done for us. Thank you for instilling in us the value of good food and teaching us how to make the right choices for better nutrition and overall well-being.
Travel offers a unique opportunity for children to immerse themselves in different cultures, promoting a deep understanding and appreciation for global diversity. As a family who combines traditional schooling and homeschooling, we believe in firsthand experiences. Children can learn about history, traditions, languages, and daily life in various countries, enhancing their cultural awareness and empathy.
Mactan Shrine, Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines
Whether it’s exploring bustling markets in Morocco, visiting ancient temples in Japan, or learning about indigenous communities in the Philippines, each adventure provides rich learning opportunities. Children can engage in authentic cultural exchanges, try local cuisines, participate in traditional activities, and forge meaningful connections with people from different backgrounds.
Sandugo, Blood Compact Shrine, Tagbilaran, Bohol
Moreover, we believe that our supplemental homeschool travels allow for flexible, personalized learning experiences tailored to Yzzabella’s and Esperanza’s interests and academic goals. They explore into subjects like geography, history, anthropology, and language studies in context, making their learning more dynamic and memorable.
Rizal Shrine, Dapitan City
As we traveled and explored the heritage and Filipino culture, Yzzabella and Esperanza were fascinated by the country’s rich history, diverse traditions, and vibrant arts scene. As a family, we value the importance of knowing and learning about our origin. Our trip to the Philippines gave the girls a real taste of the Filipino culture.
Mactan Shrine, Cebu
We visited historical sites, such as Rizal Shrine in Dapitan, Sandugo or Blood Compact Shrine in Tagbilaran, and Mactan Shrine in Cebu. Other than visiting historical sites, the girls also learned about the existence of Filipino martial arts, Arnis. They discovered indigenous crafts, such as weaving and pottery-making. By immersing themselves in the local way of life, they gained a deeper appreciation for Filipino culture and its significance in the global community.
Ultimately, any travel cultivates open-mindedness, adaptability, and a global perspective, preparing children to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
High student loan debt among parents can have a significant impact on their children in several ways:
FINANCIAL STRESS: Parents with high student loan debt may experience financial stress, which can affect their ability to provide for their children’s needs, such as housing, education, and extracurricular activities.
LIMITED RESOURCES: High monthly loan payments can limit a family’s resources, potentially reducing the quality of life and opportunities available to their children.
COLLEGE SAVINGS: Parents with their own student loan debt may struggle to save for their children’s education, making it more challenging for their kids to attend college without incurring their own student loans.
EDUCATIONAL CHOICES: Children may be influenced in their educational choices by their parents’ experiences with student debt. They might opt for more affordable colleges or consider alternative paths to avoid accruing similar debt.
DELAYED FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE: Parents’ ongoing student loan payments may delay their own financial independence, making it harder for them to support their children as they transition into adulthood.
INTERGENERATIONAL DEBT: If parents co-sign loans or take on additional debt to support their children’s education, it can lead to a cycle of intergenerational debt, with both generations burdened by loans.
STRESS AND FAMILY DYNAMICS: Financial stress caused by high student loan debt can strain family dynamics and impact children’s well-being and stability at home.
The financial repercussions of high student loan debt can affect not only the parents but also their children’s financial prospects and overall quality of life. It underscores the broader societal impact of the student loan crisis on families and future generations.
Thank you for being a year filled with opportunities, growth, and cherished moments for my family. You weren’t without challenges, but amidst them, you brought us invaluable experiences that shaped us in profound ways. I’m immensely grateful for the blessings you’ve bestowed upon us.
However, my heart is conflicted. Being away from my parents and most of my family, separated by continents, has been one of the most painful aspects of my life. While I’m grateful for the life I’ve built in the U.S., the longing to be closer to my aging parents grows stronger with each passing day. The distance brings an ache that only intensifies as time goes by.
As we embark on this new year, my deepest wish is for opportunities that will allow me to bridge the gap between us, to be nearer to my parents. The desire to spend more time with them and offer support during their golden years is overwhelming. I yearn for the peace of mind that comes from knowing I am closer to them, sharing in their joys and being there for them when they need me most.
Thank you, 2023, for the blessings and lessons you’ve brought. Now, in 2024, I hope for opportunities that will bring my family closer together, fulfilling a longing that resides deep within my heart.
MIXED KNOT 