Make Your Nanay Proud Foundation Inc.’s presents the Best Nanay Awardees 2017 and the First MYNP Licerna Abunda Award

Make Your Nanay Proud Foundation Inc.’s (MYNPFI) presents the Best Nanay Awardees (BNA) 2017 and the FIRST MYNP LICERNA ABUNDA Award on October 14 at Astoria Plaza. The event was hosted by Journalist Ms. Karen Davila and Travel host Mr. Drew Arellano.

The Best Nanay Awarding ceremony was graced by The King of Talk, Mr Boy Abunda, Mr. RK Villacorta (Press/Entertainment Writer), Mr. Albert Fontanilla (Fashion Designer), Ms. Daine Cartas (Unit Head, Couples For Christ), Ms. Tinay Palabay (KARAPATAN Alliance for the Advancement of People's Rights), Ms. Len Javier (Senior Writer, Rated K), Mr. Neil Maristela (Marketing Director, Fluid Media), and Ms. Almed Garcia (PR Head, Asian Artists Agency, Inc.). The diverse backgrounds and fields of the initial panel made for a diverse selection as well of what it is to be a Best Nanay Awardee.


Conceptualized as a way to honor ordinary mothers with extraordinary stories, the Best Nanay Awards has been inspirational. The roster of awardees include very ordinary mothers, government workers, teachers, businesswomen, single mothers and many other mothers of all sizes and shapes and from all walks of life. They only have one thing in common – their extraordinary tales of motherhood, which is near heroic.

This year, the growing interest of honoring mothers is evidenced by the flood of nominations received by the foundation. From 285 when it was first launched in 2014, it has now almost breached the thousand mark, with 904 nominations received and screened from all over the country. From that number, a total of 123 entries were shortlisted by the team of seven personalities who clocked in a grueling 8 hours to review and pass merit upon the initial crop.


A separate panel of judges then deliberated to come up with the list of the final awardees. Their scores and results were tabulated by an independent professional accounting staff from M.E. Sicat Construction. The final judges were Atty. Virginia Suarez (Secretary General at KILUSAN para sa  Pambansang Demokrasya), Ms. Joby Linsangan Moreno (Founder, Orange Blush), Mr. Romy Dailan, Head, Prefect of Pupils, De La Salle Greenhills, Architect Michelle Glyn Honoridez, Ms. Jessica Moralde, Accountant, Engr. Vicente Ruales, Mr. Stanley Go (Writer, GMA 7), Chef Anton Amoncio and Atty Jabeth Dacanay.

After long grueling hours of discussion, deliberations and scoring on merit of each of the 123 finalist, a list of 10 Best Nanays was decided upon by the panel.
This year, aside from the usual 10 Awardees, the Best Nanay Awards introduces for the first time a special award-  the Licerna R. Abunda Award, named after the chairman and founder Dr. Boy R. Abunda’s own mother.

The 10 Best Nanay Awardees for 2017 are the following:

1. Mary Cu Ang, 80yo, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte – Red Cross Lady. At 80 years old, she still completes 2k and 3k Fun runs. Her name is synonymous to Red Cross in Ilocos. She is also a member of civic groups such as the Zonta Club of Ilocos, Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and many other socio-civic organizations. After her husband left her for a woman he met in a club, and taking away all her money and jewelry, she singlehandedly raised her children, alongside running a business and doing socio-civic works. All her efforts were rewarded as all her 3 children finished school, and she has gained the respect of her community.

2. Gaudencia Sucgang Tecson, 57yo, Duljo, Fatima, Cebu City
Mama Gaudencia is a polio victim. Her husband, like her, was also a polio victim. She is now widowed and has two children. She had to fight through discrimination in school, and even after graduating, in the workplace because of her disability. While working at the Social Security System, she braved the odds, continued to improve herself, took up her Master’s Degree, devoted herself to public service, while at the same time, providing for her children. Her perseverance and hard work earned her a nomination for the Civil Service Dangal ng Bayan Award. Despite the odds, her disability was not a hindrance, but served as an inspiration to others who are more able bodied than her. She is truly inspirational.

3. Priscilla Datu Cordova,  68yo, Barangay Calaylayan, Abucay, Bataan
Nanay Priscilla is a Barangay Kagawad. Her motherhood role started early when she took care of her siblings, while  taking care of her own children, and to being a mother for her constituents. Though she married at the young age of 17, she strived to support her family and siblings. She worked as a canteen assistant in a school. Together with her husband, she strived to give her children a good future. However, her maternal nurturing continued on as a grandmother as she also helped send her 10 grandchildren to school. While her husband recently passed away,  her mothering care extends to those in her community as she is active in the livelihood and education program not only in her barangay, but in Bataan as a whole.

4. Clarita Fallore Valenzuela, 78yo, San Nicolas, Bay, Laguna
She did not finish her elementary education, but she worked hard to make sure all her 8 children are in school. All these, she did singlehandedly, when her husband passed on. She did everything from selling pandesal, fish, to accepting laundry jobs to earn money. Her sterling example earned her the trust and admiration of her community, and she extended her role as a mother to the community by founding the Kapit-Bisig of Bay, Laguna for the elderly. She is a tireless servant being a Brgy. Health Worker. She negotiated with the local government officials for the  monthly allowance of the members and requested uniforms of its members to the provincial governor. And amidst all that, she still finds time to enjoy life in her old age as she is also called the “Nanay” of the Samahan ng mga Ballroomista sa Laguna.

5. Dr. Thelma Lasmarias Benemerito, 68yo, Pagudpod, Ilocos Norte
Although she was born to a life of privilege, and married to a lawyer, Dr. Thelma always had a heart for the poor and marginalized, and dedicated her life and profession to the service of the less fortunate in her town. She is the female ‘doctor of the barrios’ to her town mates. Her husband passed away early. At that time their eldest of 7  children just graduated from college. She singlehandedly sent all their children to school. She taught her children how to live within their means, and to always have an open heart in serving the poor and marginalized. She not only made sure that every citizen in her municipality receives proper medical attention, but she also goes beyond the line of duty, going out to far flung barangays to deliver medical services. With a life dedicated to service, her children and the community, she still finds a lullaby in her heart that she sang to her children, and now, passed on by them, sung to her grandchildren.

6. Apolonia Nazareno Miranda, 60yo, Businesswoman (Xerox Machines), Gen. Trias Cavite

She is the soldier mother. She served in the Women Auxiliary Corps of the Philippine Navy, her husband, being a military man himself, was always assigned to far places, and as such, she was left between juggling her career in the Navy and raising her children – all 5 of them. Despite being in the strict regimented discipline of the military, she has love and tenderness for her children, and raised them to be good citizens of the country.

7. Florencia Paras Caringal, 65yo, Pasong Tamo, Quezon City
Mama Baby is an ambulant vendor. She sells everything from vegetables to fruits to fish, and peddles her wares house to house. She has 8 children and a total of 26 grandchildren. Widowed at the age of 40, she sent all her children to school, and helped raise all her grandchildren as well. Though her income is not stable, she did not waver in working hard to provide for her family. She also cooks and sells rellenong bangus and embutido to augment her income. Despite all the hardships and poverty, she remains strong, positive and lively. She believes that there is nothing that cannot be asked in prayer. She still finds time to keep her body fit by joining regular Zumba sessions at the QC Memorial Circle, where she also sells her dishes.

8. Dolores Barretto Dangani, 77yo, Barangay Putatan, Muntinlupa City

Nanay Dolores is a teacher. She has served as an elementary grade school teacher for 21 years in Putatan Muntinlupa City. She earned her Master’s Degree and now serves as a City College Instructor at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa. She sent all her 4 children to college and now helps with her 5 grandchildren. She has been active in socio-civic projects such as the Unang Hakbang Project Aral by Tagabundok Mountaineers. Her dedication to her family and her profession earned her respect from the community and in 2012, she was given the Outstanding Senior Citizen Award of Muntinlupa City. She was given the Guro Certificate Award and was also nominated for the Gawad Ulirang Ina ng Muntinlupa this year. Her selfless and tireless dedication to education made her a mother, not only to her children, but to her students.

9. Joam Merano Morales, 47yo, Sta. Cruz, Marinduque
Nanay Joam is a public servant. She is a municipal councilor of Sta. Cruz Marinduque. She was not only a mother to her 3 children, but also their tutor, nurse, security guard, and even their yaya. Despite having her own family, she never forgot her own widowed mother. She helped her siblings as well. She became an army reservist in the Armed Forces of the Philippines. As a public servant, she helped with training her constituents in the barangay making them prepared and ready for disasters, floods, landslides and other calamities. In 2009, she headed the rescue and retrieval operations for drowning incidents in Marinduque, and even went beyond by helping the evacuation operations in Marikina City during Typhoon Ondoy. Her mothering care not only focused on her own children, but being a mother of their municipality as well.

10. Estrelita Santos Calacala, 59yo, Bulacan
Nanay Estrellita is better known as Mommy FB. Despite a traumatic experience when her husband left her and her only daughter in the streets to escape his obligations, she fought hard not only for herself but also for her daughter. Her family was subjected to humiliation and she was sent to the hospital and was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Her amazing story was featured in Maalaala Mo Kaya on Channel 2.

She crossed the age divide by being active in her social media account on Facebook earning her the moniker #TheViralMom because of her funny Facebook posts. She became a hit and spread to the OFW community as an inspiration that despite distances and difference in generations, she will stop at nothing to show her love and dedication to her only daughter, and despite her challenging mental condition, a mother will always love despite the odds.

Special Award: Licerna R. Abunda Award
➢ Florita Brioso Santos, 46yo, South Triangle, Quezon City
         Occupation: Businesswoman / Accountant

Nanay Florita is the epitome of selflessness. Her husband died leaving her singlehandedly taking care of her children. She was able to send all of them to school, and despite the demands of her job and her profession, she not only finds the time for her own family, but also has time for charitable activities. She is involved in organizations that help send poor children to school, and she also helps with a foundation taking care of cancer stricken patients. She is also an entrepreneur, and a mother to her friends and her employees.

This year’s awardees was  feted with a grand awarding ceremonies last October 14, 2017 at Astoria Plaza, Ortigas Pasig City.

Hand sculptured trophies from Ifugao and polished by furniture designer Ms. Rica Dela Merced and cash prizes were given to the awardees. Special performances were rendered by LA Santos, Mark Mabasa and Ariel Rivera. 

This year’s Best Nanay Awards is made possible by partners and sponsors,  Astoria Plaza, Mr. Mike Sicat of M.E. Sicat Construction,  Ms. Rhodora "Tita Doray" Morales. This is also made possible in part by Alcatel, Hanabishi, Anytime Fitness, Blow Dry Bar, Cakes By Myx, ChemWorld, Denta Care, Donjar,  DreamCakes, Light Skin, Lightwater, Mama Green PH, Urban Smiles, The Good Choice, Chemworld Fragrance Factory, Hukad Restaurant by Golden Cowrie, Great Image, GoodAh!!, Orange Blush Salon, Efficascent Oil, Hotel Sogo, Puregold, McDonald’s and Jollibee.

Jollibee recognizes distinguished Filipino families with exemplary advocacies in the 7th Jollibee Family Values Awards

The country’s number one fast-food brand, Jollibee, once again recognized distinguished Filipino families with exemplary advocacies in the 7th Jollibee Family Values Awards. The months-long search culminated in the Gabi ng Parangal para sa Pamilyang Pilipino held at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria in Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

Recognized for their selfless dedication toward creating a positive impact in their communities through various advocacies, the 7th JFVA winning families are: Mr. Ramon and Mrs. Auditha Dickson and family of Abra, for their dental and medical missions to the far-flung villages of their province;

Mr. Simeon and Mrs. Agnes Felix and family of Pasay City, recognized for their 20/20 project of providing free eye check-ups and glasses to those in need;

Mr. James Patrick and Mrs. Mylene Matti and family of Taguig City, for nurturing the environment and caring for the welfare of farmers with sustainable organic farming practices; 

Mr. Alvin and Mrs. Rina Macalintal and family of Oriental Mindoro, for their Balay-Lakoy project to house dedicated Mangyan students; 

Mr. Arcie and Mrs. Hazel Mallari and family of Rizal, for Silid Aralan, Inc, learning hubs dedicated to maximizing the potential of learners; 

Mr. Juvenal and Mrs. Erlin Castro and family of San Jose, California, named as Jollibee-Coca-Cola OFW Family of the Year, for breaking boundaries in bringing books and educational materials to Filipino children.

Jollibee also conferred special citations to families focused on specific advocacies. Recipients of the Special Citation for Education (co-presented with National Book Store) are Mr. Rey Dennis and Mrs. Janice Caballero and family of Negros Oriental, for bringing learning closer to the youth through the Gaba-An Youth Lead Foundation. Recognized for their feeding program for underprivileged children, the Special Citation for Children (co-presented with Children’s Hour and AIESEC) was given to Mr. Arnel and Mrs. Alma Borela and family of General Santos City. Mr. Leopoldo and Mrs. Fe Acula and family of Taguig City received the Special Citation for PWDs for their Future Vision Sighted, Inc., which provides care for the visually-impaired members of the community.

Aside from being recognized as 7th JFVA winners, the Matti family was also awarded with the Special Citation for Environment (co-presented with Maynilad).

The winning families each received a P300,000 cash prize, a brass trophy by sculptor Michael Cacnio, and P10,000 worth of Jollibee gift certificates. The special citation recipients were each given P50,000 in cash, a plaque, and P3,000 worth of Jollibee gift certificates.

“Recognizing these families is more than applauding them for what they have contributed in nation building, but for the positive impact of their advocacies in our society and for future generations. For Jollibee, the Filipino family is at the core of the brand, and we remain committed in reinforcing and in promoting these values we hold dear,” said Jollibee Philippines President JJ Alano. “It is our pride and honor to recognize these exemplary families who have made their communities better with their advocacies, but more than that, they serve as inspiration of how powerful Filipino family values can be in nurturing and contributing to building a better nation.”

The 7th Gabi ng Parangal para sa Pamilyang Pilipino centered on the theme of pag-uukit, an age-old tradition of the nation’s forefathers to capture beauty, immortalize legacy, and pass on heritage to the future generations. The guests were treated to world-class performances from Sarah Geronimo, Jed Madela, and Jona Soquite.

The selection committee that undertook the grueling process of reviewing through the submitted entries was composed of some of the country’s most esteemed personalities. This year’s selection committee was co-chaired by Senator Sonny Angara and Ateneo de Manila President Fr. Jett Villarin. They were joined by Coca-Cola Vice President for Public Affairs and Communications Atty. Adel Tamano, ANC news anchor Edric Mendoza, inspirational speaker Francis Kong, parenting and relationship consultant Maribel Dionisio, actress Dimples Romana, and columnist and children’s advocate Audrey Tan-Zubiri. Completing the selection committee are Jollibee Global Brand CMO and Jollibee Philippines Marketing Head Francis Flores, Jollibee Philippines Vice President for Human Resources George Wang III, and Jollibee Group Foundation Executive Director Gisela Tiongson.

The 7th Jollibee Family Values Awards is supported by Coca-Cola Philippines, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, Holiday Inn, Devant, Hisense, Burger King, Chowking, Mang Inasal, Red Ribbon and Inquirer.net.

Day 1: Sonrisa Farm, Cam Sur

An organic farmer is the best peacemaker today, because there is more violence, more death, more destruction, more wars, through a violent industrial agricultural system. And to shift away from that into an agriculture of peace is what organic farming is doing.
--Vandana Shiva

Author and environmental activist Wendell Berry wrote in his book, "The Gift of Good Land"

"An organic farm, properly speaking, is not one that uses certain methods and substances and avoids others; it is a farm whose structure is formed in imitation of the structure of a natural system that has the integrity, the independence and the benign dependence of an organism"

Its hard to believe that what once was the only way of farming for thousands of years has now become the alternative in today’s modern society. For thousands of years traditional farming was the only way to farm. Everything was natural and organic. There were no chemical fertilizers, pesticides and GMO to help bear fruits, crops or produce.

But with the start of the industrial revolution, the invention of chemicals and pesticides, and the global demand for more food, farmers began to adopt more “modern” methods—using fertilizers that are either mined or manufactured as well as other means to speed up growth and increase their produce.

It’s a good thing that organic has been making a comeback in recent years and I’m glad that our farmers have become more conscious on to take care of the soil and in a way help save the environment.

Did you know Organic farming actually reduces carbon dioxide and help slow climate change?

Ever since I joined my first organic farm tour a couple of years ago, it has become my advocacy to help promote the farmers who are paving the way for a healthier generation of Filipinos.

Visiting these farms has also become a respite from all the hustle and bustle in the city, a rare chance for me to get some fresh air and enjoy the sight of fruit bearing trees where you can just pick a ripe fruit and eat it if you want to.

Believe it or not, visiting a farm can just be as relaxing as going to the beach or some other trip. It frees you of all the negativity and stress surrounding city. Being close to nature is the key to finding one's peace even for just two days.

Its always a treat to be able to feast on fresh but organic fruit and vegetables graciously prepared for us by our hosts and getting to know the owners and farmers involved in the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Organic Agriculture is equally as fulfilling.

For the 9th ATI OA Bloggers Trip, we went to Naga and Legazpi last September 18-20 to explore the organic farms in Bicol.

Bicolandia is known for their Pili delicacies, the spicy Laing, the majestic Mt. Mayon and their pristine beaches.  My mother was originally from the province of Sorsogon.  So I have been to Bicol several times in the past, it was however my first time to take a plane to Naga which took just an hour compared to the 4hrs bus ride.

The first farm that we got to visit was the Sonrisa Farm in Magarao, Camarines Sur. It is a 3.5 hectare land located near Mt. Isarog. The farm is owned by Ms. Cherry Lo and its a home to a growing diversity of local vegetables, plants, high value crops and livestock which was grown naturally. She never uses harmful pesticides to grow her crops. I was just amazed that she plants Zinnia and Marigold flowers to ward off insects to destroy her produce.

A breast cancer survivor, Ms. Cherry told us her story of how being diagnosed with breast cancer changed her outlook in life.

She started to look for a farm when her brother, a doctor based abroad, advised her to change her lifestyle. She started planting lettuce, stevia, herbs, organic colored rice and other fruit bearing trees. She also created a “stingless bee keeping” hive to produce honey.


While her fruits, like guavas for example, may not look like the usual ones we see in photos and supermarkets, and may even look deformed—its because she doesn’t use any chemical spray to make them look perfect and flawless.

So if you’re eating a deformed guyabano, guava or any fruit for that matter. It is a sign that the fruit is organic or naturally grown.

In every farm that I visit, I always feature plants or crops that amazed me. This time I discovered Zinnia flowers in brightest colors of pink, orange and red. Zinnia flowers helps ward off insects, because they are attracted to the colorful petals. They can be used as shield to the crops or produce. They are easy to grow, you just have to spread out their withered petals to the ground. In about 3 weeks you'll see them growing abundantly in the ground.

Another is the awara plant. This plant has so many uses. The leaves could be used as sinigang mix because of its soursop.

Awara is used for skin applications. It helps to hydrate the skin and to soothe the scalp and also gives a natural gloss to damaged hair.

Our farm tour would not be complete without tasting their produce and we were glad Ms Cherry prepared a healthy and sumptuous lunch with snacks, harvested from her farm to table. She cooked it herself. The dished prepared were delicious and freshly cooked same with healthy fruit juices and organic black coffee.  My favorite is her salad with Blue Ternate leaves and mighty okra with fillings. I enjoyed all the dishes she cooked for us. I can live with vegetables and fruits alone. She told us that she occasionally cooks for those who visit her farm.

If you’re planning to visit Camarines Sur, you can drop by Sonrisa Farm and enjoy a farm tour for only php150 per person inclusive of complimentary snacks.

Sonrisa Farm
Carangcang Magarao, Camarines Sur
0917 329 3129
@SonrisaFarm
https://www.facebook.com/pg/SonrisaFarm/about/?ref=page_internal


Agricultural Training Institute Central Office
ATI Building, Elliptical Road, Diliman
Quezon City 1100 Philippines
Trunkline: (63-2) 9298541 to 49
Fax no. (63-2) 9209792
email: ati_director@ati.da.gov.ph

Jollibee, the #1 fast-food chain is also #1 in digital engagement

The Philippines’ #1 fast-food chain is also #1 in digital engagement. For decades, Jollibee has been capturing the taste buds of Filipinos with its langhap-sarap treats. Lately, the brand has been winning over the hearts of millions online with hit-after-hit digital content.

According to a report by Community Plus, a social listening tool used by various global brands, from January to June 2017, Jollibee outranked all other brands in the quick service restaurant category, particularly in Facebook where it garnered a majority 37% share of engagement, twice greater than its biggest foreign competitor. Social media intelligence tool Thoughtbuzz also reports that Jollibee is the #1 most talked about QSR brand, registering 1.5 million mentions in various digital platforms; almost triple that of its competitors in the same period.

Jollibee Global Brand Chief Marketing Officer and PH Marketing Head, Francis Flores shares, “Jollibee’s stellar digital success has been key to sustaining our market leadership in the country, across all our major target markets.”

Flores adds, “Through world-class, highly engaging online content and digital innovations, we will continue to break the internet to reinforce our position as the Philippines’ most loved, most talked about brand. For us in Jollibee, capturing the hearts of the Filipinos online (and offline) is the ultimate reward.”

The Kwentong Jollibee Success
The brand’s original short-film series, Kwentong Jollibee, has gone viral multiple times this year, and has earned multiple accolades not only from netizens but from industry leaders globally.

In February, the highly-evocative “Vow”, “Date”, and “Crush” Valentine’s videos successfully wooed the online audience with over 50 million views on Facebook and YouTube, about 1.3 million shares, 7.5 million in engagement, and 82 million reach (72% organic reach). The buzz of Kwentong Jollibee’s Valentine series generated over P150 million in free PR and media values as well.
The viral success of the Kwentong Jollibee episodes continued towards mid-year with “Parangal” and “Powers”—back-to-back moving tributes to the sacrifices of moms and the heroic deeds of dads, to provide a comfortable life for the family—as the Mother’s Day and Father’s Day videos garnered positive reactions from netizens and received 8.1 million and 7 million views, respectively.

The Kwentong Jollibee series’ most recent viral hit, “Apo” is proof not only of the enterprise’s sustained success but of Jollibee’s digital content mastery. A Grandparents’ Day special, “Apo” follows a young man recalling his happy childhood memories as he makes his way back home to the embrace of his “second parents”. With a whopping 29 million reach, over 14.2 million views and an engagement of 1.1 million, Jollibee’s special grandparents’ day tribute solidified the brand’s online leadership.

The most recent viral short film was coupled with a heart-tugging CSR effort, Grand Thank You Project, and a special video feature titled “Handog para kay Lola Belen”. The project recognizes hardworking grandparents and gives back the love with a Grandparents’ Day feast for their family and other forms of support such as financial aid. On the Grand Thank You Project’s second year, Jollibee features Lola Belen, a grandmother from Pangasinan who tirelessly sells local delicacies at a nearby Jollibee branch to provide for her loved ones. The video feature reached over 7.7 million netizens and 5.2 million views.

An Array of World-Class Digital Content
Apart from the emotional Kwentong Jollibee short films, Jollibee has also produced a number of successful online campaigns that have gotten netizens abuzz: from the impressive dance skills of the lovable mascots Jollibee and Friends in the JolliDance Showdown series with more than 29 million Facebook and YouTube views, the quirky quick escape tricks of JolliSavers for every Petsa de Peligro that reached more than 24 million views, to the sumptuous and heartwarming Chickenjoy campaigns that generated more than 28 million views.

Jollibee also introduced digital engagement innovations such as the Twitter Intercept, which uses social listening to be able to suggest various Jollibee products depending on day part and topic. This exercise rendered a 50% growth in conversation and craving for Jollibee and its products on Twitter.

The brand also launched the JolliDance Showdown App—the first augmented reality experience in the local QSR industry. With the free app, kids can turn the Jolly Joy Box of their Jolly Kids Meal into an interactive platform to bring to life a dancing Jollibee, compose their own dance tunes, and personalize their avatars for a unique augmented reality experience. To date, the app has registered more than 100,000 downloads.

Together, these efforts have led to astounding share of voice and share of engagement results across the QSR market for Jollibee on the digital platform.

There are definitely more exciting digital content from Jollibee to look forward to in the coming months.  Make sure to follow Jollibee on Facebook (facebook.com/jollibeephilippines), on YouTube (youtube.com/jollibeedigital1), and stay updated on Jollibee’s viral hits on Instagram and Twitter @jollibee.

Tips for a healthier coffee experience

We have always turned to coffee whenever we need an instant pick-me-up. This is especially true now that we can enjoy coffee anytime, anywhere with the rising popularity of ready-to-drink coffee.

And it’s no mystery why. Coffee, with its caffeine, does a lot of amazing things; it can increase our energy levels, it can make our brain more alert and focused, and it can enhance our mood, among other notable benefits. These make coffee the go-to energy booster for us who want to get things done before deadline or just get through the afternoon on a cold, rainy Monday.

However, caffeine also has side effects that may hinder us from enjoying coffee as much as we want. To help eliminate these side effects, below are important points to consider if you want only the best that coffee can offer, whether you’re a first-time coffee drinker or a certified coffee aficionado.

For the first time-coffee drinker…

Listen to your body
According to a paper published by the International Life Sciences Institute last April, an adult can consume up to four cups of coffee a day without feeling any discomfort. This is only on average for adults, though. Since the effects of caffeine vary greatly from person to person, the best way to know how much caffeine your body can ingest without problems is by listening to it. If you feel anything weird after your second cup, then stop at two cups.

Avoid drinking on an empty stomach
For some, drinking coffee on an empty stomach can result in unpleasant sensations in the gut. This is because most types of coffee are known to have a pH of below six, which means they’re acidic. If you’re drinking coffee for the first time, it’s best to have a quick bite or two beforehand to avoid sudden gastrointestinal distress.

For the coffee-obsessed…

‘Undo’ your caffeine tolerance from time to time
Consuming coffee on a regular basis increases your caffeine tolerance, which in turn diminishes its stimulatory effects on your body. Cutting back on the amount caffeine from time to time is a great way to reset your body’s tolerance, ensuring that its positive effects are easily felt again.

...but don't stop consuming at once
An abrupt stop in the consumption of caffeine can trigger symptoms of withdrawal, including sleepiness, headaches, dizziness, and irritability. If you want to reset your caffeine tolerance, you can continue consuming coffee as long as the serving is less than what you normally consume.

Whether a first-time drinker or a coffee lover…

Avoid coffee at least six hours before bedtime
Drinking coffee a few hours before bedtime can delay your body’s circadian rhythm, forcing it to stay awake at the wrong time, which is during bedtime. For better sleep at night, try to impose a cut off time for coffee consumption for the whole day at around six hours before going to bed.

Don’t drink when you’re extremely sleep-deprived
Most people drink coffee thinking that it can make up for their lack of sleep, but consuming coffee after a few days of extreme sleep deprivation won’t be effective for staying awake anymore. It can be unhealthy, too, as it can lead to reduced alertness, poor cognitive function, and even fatigue, among others. If you haven’t slept properly for days in a row, nothing is as rejuvenating and energizing as catching a few Zs.

Coffee drinks, especially ready-to-drink varieties like Kopiko 78°c have become one of the driving forces that enable Filipino students and professionals to conquer all the challenges that they face every day. But while enjoying coffee is not a bad thing, drinking in moderation is still key to a healthy consumption and a great coffee experience.