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Celebrity entrepreneurs talk about looking at the bright side and appreciating blessings amid the pandemic during the Nespresso 'At-Home Virtual Café' event.

It's been five months since the quarantine period began, and while some have experienced an emotional rollercoaster ride due to anxiety and depression, many have remained optimistic and grateful despite the ongoing pandemic, just like celebrity entrepreneurs Nico Bolzico, Bea Soriano-Dee, and Happy Ongpauco-Tiu.

What is your silver lining in this pandemic? / Source: Pexels

In the recent Nespresso 'At-Home Virtual Café' event, the famous personalities each shared what they considered as their silver lining during the pandemic, hoping to inspire others to always look at the bright side of things.

Nico Bolzico / Source: Nespresso/Bonsey Jaden

For businessman, internet sensation, and new father Nico Bolzico, his silver lining for the year 2020 is hands down the birth of his and Solenn Heussaff's daughter Thylane.

So, despite the challenges of having to adjust to a new work setup, Nico is extremely grateful that he gets to spend more time at home with his family.

“So, basically it changed a lot, right? We spend pretty much all our time at home.

“I'm doing home office, so all the companies have been managed from the desk in the office I created here.

“But I think the best part of this is I get to enjoy Thylane. If I could choose a year where I wanted the pandemic, it would be this one, when my baby was born.

“Doesn't mean I want the pandemic, but it allows me to spend time (with her). And I realize I would have missed so much from her if I wouldn't be here all this time.

“She was born January 1, so she's 7 months and a half today. And every day it's a new different thing. Every day they change. Every day you learn something.

“She's my blessing. She's the most important thing in my life. So, being able to enjoy her, spend time with her at home, it's what I would say my silver lining is in this pandemic.”

Moreover, Nico said that this pandemic had also taught him to be more appreciative of all the blessings in his life and he encourages everyone to do the same.

“I'll thank God when I wake up saying, 'Thank you because I have all my primary needs covered.'

“It's to remind ourselves that we are the lucky ones. We have a roof, we have food, we can maintain ourselves. We don't need to think of how we're going to reach the end of the month. So, we're the lucky ones.”

Bea Soriano-Dee / Source: Nespresso/Bonsey Jaden

Model and co-founder of Sunnies Studio Bea Soriano-Dee had also discovered the perks of working from home.

“Prior to this pandemic, you know, my life was just full of traffic. But now that I'm fully work-from-home and my travel time is all freed up, I get to really enjoy the morning, ease into my day.

“What I love about (what) this pandemic brought us--looking at the positive side of it--is that kind of slowed down living that we get.

“And I like that, you know, in the morning, the new routine that I have is that I get to sit down in a quiet place (and) really focus and set a mindset to what my day will be like.

“I like that I can prepare for the day. That's something I've never done before, just because it was so fast paced. So, I just really like this new kind of routine.”

Bea is also thankful that the pandemic had given her the opportunity to spend time with her family, something she was deprived of during the pre-quarantine days.

“Prior to the pandemic, I'm a working mom. So, I don't get to see my kids from nine to five.

“But now, you know, even just for a few minutes, I get to see them, I get to hug them. They get to see me.

“And I see also how they interact with their classmates or their teachers in Zoom class. So, that for me, is the best silver lining I can think of.

“Also, just being with my entire family and having daily meals with them. We never used to do that. We never used to have breakfast, lunch, and dinner together. And now you get to have that daily.”

Happy Ongpauco-Tiu / Source: Nespresso/Bonsey Jaden

Private dining chef and restaurateur Happy Ongpauco-Tiu initially found it challenging to work from home, as she is also a mom of four boys who are now homeschooling.

“Actually, with me, it's a total opposite of Bea's. So, I am busier now for some reason.

“I have four kids, four boys. So, imagine we're doing homeschooling. So, it's crazy!

“And then aside from that, I manage my businesses from home, and I manage my household of five boys -plus my husband and myself.”

Nonetheless, she has eventually adapted to the 'new normal' and said that she's not taking for granted all the blessings in her life.

“Just like Bea and Nico, it's precious time with family. I like playing with my kids.

“So, as soon as they're all done with school, we play, we enjoy each other.

“And of course, at the same time, it's good health.

“You know, I'm just so thankful for the good health. Just grateful for all the blessings that God has given my family and I.”

Indeed, maintaining a positive outlook is the key to surviving and thriving in the middle of a crisis. So never stop being hopeful and grateful no matter how difficult the situation gets.

Always keep in mind that nothing lasts forever and even trying times will end. For now, enjoy the pause and make the most out of the simple joys that come with it.

Want more lifestyle content like this? Head out to GMA's Lifestyle page.

You might also want to read about the inspiring ECQ story of resilient national athlete Manolito Divina.