Freelancing Platform: Introduction to Upwork

Upwork Global Inc. (“Upwork”), is a leading on-line freelancing platform that connects businesses with independent professional from around the world. It serves as a dynamic marketplace where companies, from start-ups to Fortune 500 enterprises, can find skilled freelances for various projects.

Upwork was rebranded in 2015, through the merger of two pioneering freelancing platforms, Elance and oDesk, both of which had already established themselves in 2013 as significant players in the gig economy.

The platform offers a wide range of services across numerous categories, including graphic design, writing, marketing, customer service and programming, among others. One of Upwork’s key strengths is the ability to provide flexibility and scalability for businesses.

For the Companies: Companies can tap into a global talent pool, hiring experts for short-term tasks or long-term projects, without the need to commit to full-time employment. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for startups and small business that require specific skills for a limited time or need to scale their operations quickly.

For freelancers: Upwork provides an opportunity to work with clients from around the globe, offering them the freedom to choose projects that match their skills and interests. The platform supports freelancers in building their reputations through client feedback and ratings, which can lead to more job opportunities and higher earnings. Moreover, Upwork's user-friendly interface and robust search functionalities make it easier for freelancers to find projects that align with their expertise.

Payment System: One of the critical features of Upwork is its secure payment system. The platform uses an escrow system to ensure that freelancers are paid for their work and that clients receive the quality of work they expect. This system fosters trust between parties and reduces the risk of non-payment or subpar deliverables.

Tools and Features: Additionally, Upwork offers various tools and features to support project management, such as time tracking software, messaging, and file-sharing capabilities.

Challenges: Despite its many advantages, Upwork is not without challenges. The platform is highly competitive, with freelancers often needing to differentiate themselves through compelling proposals, competitive pricing, and strong portfolios. Moreover, both freelancers and clients must navigate Upwork's fee structure, which includes service fees deducted from freelancers' earnings and potential payment processing fees for clients.

Visit website at this link: https://www.upwork.com/

Top 25 Side Hustles for Extra Income in 2025

In today's dynamic economy, many people are exploring side hustles to supplement their income, gain new skills, or pursue their passions. Whether you're looking to make some extra cash or turn a hobby into a profitable venture, there's a side hustle out there for everyone. Here, we delve into the top 25 side hustles that have gained popularity in recent years.

1.     Freelancing: Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr offer opportunities to provide services in writing, graphic design, programming, and more.

2.     Ridesharing: Driving for companies like Uber or Lyft or Grab can be flexible and lucrative, especially in urban areas.

3.     Online Tutoring: With a growing demand for education, tutoring platforms enable you to teach subjects you excel in.

4.     Dropshipping: This e-commerce model allows you to sell products without holding inventory, using platforms like Shopify.

5.     Blogging: Writing about your passions can eventually lead to monetization through ads and affiliate marketing.

6.     Virtual Assistance: Many businesses need help with administrative tasks, and you can work remotely as a virtual assistant.

7.     Social Media Management: With businesses looking to build their online presence, managing social media accounts can be a profitable gig.

8.     Pet Sitting/Dog Walking: Animal lovers can earn by taking care of pets while their owners are away.

9.     Photography: Turn your photography skills into cash by selling prints or offering portrait sessions.

10.  Handmade Crafts: Platforms like Etsy allow you to sell handmade goods to a global audience.

11.  Fitness Coaching: If you're passionate about fitness, consider offering personal training sessions or online coaching.

12.  Real Estate Investing: While requiring upfront capital, real estate can provide significant passive income over time.

13.  Renting Out Property: Platforms like Airbnb make it easy to rent out a spare room or property.

14.  Content Creation on YouTube: With engaging content, you can earn through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise sales.

15.  Language Translation: Bilingual individuals can find work translating documents or media.

16.  Podcasting: Share your interests via a podcast and monetize through sponsorships.

17.  Event Planning: If you have a knack for organizing, event planning can be a rewarding side hustle.

18.  Graphic Design: Use your design skills to create logos, websites, or marketing materials.

19.  Stock Photography: Sell your photos to stock photography websites for passive income.

20.  Voiceover Work: If you have a great voice, consider doing voiceover work for videos and advertisements.

21.  Home Baking: Turn your love for baking into a business by selling homemade goods.

22.  Online Courses: Create and sell online courses in subjects you're knowledgeable about.

23.  Affiliate Marketing: Promote products and earn a commission for each sale through your referral.

24.  Car Detailing: Offer mobile car cleaning services to busy individuals.

25.  Crafting Digital Products: Design and sell digital products like planners, printables, or e-books.

Acts to be Positive Daily

1. Be grateful for waking up today.

2. Think of one positive word for the day

3. Organize your things. Put back things in their proper places after using them.

4. Smile at yourself in the mirror, it will reflect a positive aura the whole day.

5. Randomly pray for people you know or not know.

Ang nasa isip ni Boss at ni Staff

From the boss:

Isa akong Head ng isang Department dito sa Kompanya pinagtratrabahuhan ko. Galing ako sa isang mahirap na pamilya. Nag aral ako sa Public School. Sinuwerte ako dahil nabiyayaan ako ng talino na syang naging sandata ko para maging Abogado. Na-bully ako nung bata ako. Maliit kasi akong babae,  Imagine nyo kung paano ako kutyain ng mga kaeskwela ko nung nasa elementary palang ako. Lagi silang merun nasasabi hindi maganda tungkol sa akin - maliit, maitim, payatot, masama ugali, mayabang. Kaya naman pinagbutihan ko ang aking pag aaral kasi tuwing recitation at examination lagi akong top 1.  

Ang pagiging Top 1 ang lagi ko goal sa buhay, hanggang ngayong 48 na ko. Hindi pwede hindi ako ang may pinaka-best performance. Kaya bilang boss ng aking Departamento, pina-iigihan ko na maging number 1 kami. Merun ako 10 staff. Pag merun silang pinapa check sa akin, lagi ko iniisip na dapat i-challenge ko sila kaya hindi ako nawawalan ng tanong sa kanila. Saka ugali ko ang magbalik sa kanila ng presentation material na punong puno ng aking comments para maisip nila kung gaano ako kagaling. Napakahina ng mga staff ko, lagi ako may comment sa mga gawa nila. .Naisip ko tuloy, hindi ba nila makaya iduplicate ang pamamaraan ko ng pag-iisip. Anyway, hindi ko rin naman kaya na merun ako maging ka-level ng talino sa kanila. Over my death body! 

Mahilig din ako magpabili sa staff ko ng kape. Pinapaabonohan ko muna sa kanila. ito kasi thinking ko "Mamya magbigay ako ng money tapos hindi na nila ibalik ang sukli". Wais ito! Kaya pagbili nila at nakita ko resibo, then e-transfer ko through GCASH ang inabono nila. Saya maging boss!

Ugali ko nga rin pala na pag merun ako matalino na katrabaho, hindi ko ito pinapalagpas... gagawa at gagawa ako ng issue para i-challenge at ipahiya ito. I always believe that I am the best and I deserve to be the best. 

Last month nga may pinaalis ako staff ko, nagbigay lang naman ako ng feedback sa may-ari ng Kumpanya na he's not a good leader. He cannot decide on his own. Pero ang totoo kaya ko sya siniraan kasi lahat ng staff, ka vibes nya. Performing din ang team nya kasi maganda relationship nila. Siempre hindi pwede yun dapat ako lang ang bida sa lahat ng staff, dapat ako lang ang ka-vibes nila. Thaks to my charm at na-sway ko ang may -ari na i-redundate sya. Madali lang naman mag hire ng new employee.

Hindi ako naniniwala na dapat maging mabait. Para sa akin, basta may pera at power ako, mabait ang lahat ng tao sa akin. I deserve all wonderful things in this world because I work for it and I truly deserves it.

From the staff:

Naku! binalik na naman ni boss ang presentation with her comments. Mag rerevise na naman ako :(

Ako nga pala ay staff ni Boss, Abogado ako, kakapasa ko lang sa Bar last year. Galing ako sa middle class family. Lumaki ako dito sa Manila, nakapag-aral  sa isang private school from elementary to Law school. Gusto ko mag-law kasi mahilig ako magbasa at magaling ako mag memorize. 

1 year na ko nag wo-work kay Boss. Sa 1 year na ito, ramdam ko na napaka bobo ko. Di ko maintindihan si Boss. Pag mahaba ang presentation, iksian daw -yung important details lang ang ilagay. Pag maiksi naman - ibabalik na naman nya at sasabihin, dagdagan ang details kasi wala daw substance. Di ko gets ang hugot nya. Pilit ko nalang iniintindi sya. Respect her nalang pero ang weird nya at di ko na nagugustuhan ang nararamdaman ko, masyado na bumababa ang self-esteem ko.

Ang laki ng sweldo nya - 20x ng monthly sweldo ko ang sweldo nya, pero napaka kuripot nya. Lagi sya magpapabili ng kape sa amin at lagi nya pinapa-abonohan then pag nabili na. babayaran nya through GCASH. Di ko gets bat di sya mag abot ng pera pag nagpapabili. First time ko ma-experience na ang staff ang nag-aabono ang pang kape ni Boss. Kagigil talaga!

Yung Manager ko nga pala na under kay Boss ay natanggal last month. Not fit to the job daw ang Manager ko. Naiyak talaga ako nung nagsabi sa amin si Manager. Sya pa naman ang dahilan bat ako nag stay sa Kumpanya. Si Manager din ang nag interview at nag-accept sa akin dito sa trabahong ito. Tapos nabalitaan ko nalang na siniraan daw ni Boss si Manager sa may-ari ng Kumpanya. If totoo man, ang sama ni Boss! 

Bat kaya may tao na katulad ni Boss?  Masaya kaya sya? Sa opinyon ko, hindi masaya buhay nya kasi parang wala syang friends. Buti nalang ako merun. Nasabi ko na wala syang friend kasi sa amin lang sya sumasabay kumain during lunch at wala rin ako nababalitaan na lumalabas sya with friends. Sa amin talaga sya bumabarkada.

Sa totoo lang hindi ko alam if tatagal pa ko sa trabaho na ito. 

Mama Lou's Pricelist as of October 12, 2023

 Current Pricelist  as of October 12, 2023

Bon appetite! 

Pancake Pricelist as of October 10, 2023

 Happy Eating! 

Buhay Commuter 01: Manila (From Tayuman to D. Jose)

 Sumakay ako ng jeep sa Tayuman papunta Sta. Cruz.  Habang binabaybay namin ang kahabaan ng Rizal Avenue, may kolokoy na sumakay sa may tapat  ng J.Reyes Hospital. Naglitanya na si Kuya, 

    "hindi ko po kayo nanakawan, kung gugustuhin ko pwede ko kayo nakawan pero disente po akong tao.     May trabaho ako sa Divisoria. Nandito po ako para humingi sa inyo ng tulong para sa 2 gulang kong        anak na sa ngayon ay nasa J.Reyes naka-confine dahil sa foot and mouth disease. Sinabi ng mga              doctor na hirap na daw makakain ang aking anak at wala na kami pambili ng gamot nya, humihingi po     ako sa inyo ng konti pangastos. "    

Tapos inulit na naman nya ang salitang "Hindi ko po kayo nanakawan, hindi ako magnanakaw.."

Sa takot ko sa sinasabi nya. bumaba na ko ng jeep kahit bayad na ko.