Editor’s note: The Get Ready with Me (GRWM) series features the morning routines of people from different walks of life, from their first grabs to the way they get ready for work, and to the items they can’t live without. In this installment, let’s get ready with a woman who found life’s meaning in her faith and family.

As a 90s kid, Rica Peralejo-Bonifacio is forever etched in my memory as an effervescent talent who starred from one teen show to another (Ang TV to T.G.I.S. to Gimik). Though we don’t see much of her on showbiz anymore, she’s still busy inspiring viewers on mobile screens through her own content.

When asked if she misses being under the klieg lights, Rica replied, “I sometimes do. But not so much anymore.” And understandably so. After choosing a life of married bliss with pastor Joseph Bonifacio, a slew of blessings came her way. The actress became an author, rekindled her connection with God, and most of all, bagged the role of a lifetime – being a mother to sons Philip and Manu.

As a storyteller, it was natural for Rica to chronicle her family’s life online, unaware that other moms would start looking up to her.

“I have never been a ‘good role model,’ so this is pretty new for me. To be influencing people in the valuable things and areas of life, and also using my own vulnerability and weaknesses, is a privilege. I find myself honored to be able to do this.”

As fun-filled as her vlogs are, the behind-the-scenes are even more unpredictable. “It is a mix of good and very very tiring days. We have two active boys, and the firstborn already began his new school year so I am homeschooling him, which makes our schedule a bit busy these days.”

How does she juggle her time between being a content creator, mom, and keeping her family safe during a raging pandemic?

“I don’t know. What I do know is that it is only possible because we have smartphones now and creation has been the most mobile ever. So that enables me to create content in the safety of my own home, in the liberty of my own time – no matter how random our schedule might look!”

photo courtesy of patrick diokno

But as random as it seems, certain things in Rica’s life remain constant. She walks us through her daily routine:

WAKING UP. I get up naturally. And if I do have an alarm, I wake up at once – I almost never snooze.

SKINCARE ESSENTIALS. Hmmm… I use many. I have a Happy Skin collection now, which is about to come out and they are making me try it. The other ones that work for me are Innisfree, Laneige, and Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair. I have this roller from Happy Skin and I like it! But I usually get so tamad (lazy) in using it after a while. Pang one-step-skin routine lang yata talaga ako (I might just be the one-step-skin routine kind) cause I can be very lazy about vanity stuff.

BEFORE THE GRIND. COFFEE. Haha! Not a workspace essential but it has to be there before all else. Aside from that: laptop and my Notion app. It’s a productivity app and I keep my entire LIFE in there! Haha! From Content Creation folders and notes to Homeschooling Curriculum and Grades.

I do also want to have some rouge on my cheeks and lips after applying a thin layer of moisturizer on my face. I also brush up my brows and try to draw a bit more into it. Then I spray some perfume or cologne, put on deo, dress nicely, and sit on my working chair like a boss.

ON VIDEO MEETINGS. No rituals except that I make the time to be with myself. That means being alone, undisturbed, so I can get into focus. And only if I carry a heavy weight in the leading or talking. If only participating, not much. I just find it nice though to have a little bit of makeup on so you’ll like what you see on screen also.

IF I MUST GO OUT. I usually buy my masks from Toy Kingdom cause my face is so small and only kiddie masks fit me perfectly, hahahaha. OOTD is anything from activewear (so I can jump anytime), to my favorite Uniqlo pieces that are super laid back and minimalist Japanese-y. If the baby is with me, I wear my own bfeedingmum creations! (Check them out here!)

COMING BACK HOME. I practice precautions best when outside! Mask, shield, alcohol, and prayer. So the chances to bring home anything is slim. Also, “alfresco always and forever” is my rule of thumb. I don’t like tight rooms, especially if air-conditioned, when we have to go out, haha. If I got those covered then I am okay about coming home. Less anxious! Honestly, how safe can you get when you go out? Just stay at a distance from everyone and be in faith that God protects you!

IF I’M STAYING IN. Still activewear. Leggings, sports bra, and dri-fit shirts! I seem to stay more active or get really lazy according to what I wear.

FAVE DELIVERS. GrabPabili and GrabFood. I love Jona’s Pastry Shop‘s ube pandesal (supreme version), then The Golden Catch PH for the freshest sashimi ever – all found on Instagram. I will also try Wantusawa Oyster Bar soon since I have fallen in love with oysters very recently.

QUARANTINE LIFE. Hasn’t changed much since I have always been the one to stay at home with the kids all day. But the addition of my husband being home all the time spelled a difference. In the first few weeks of just being home, I was kind of shocked when our food easily ran out. More than usual, I mean. I realized it was because my husband now eats at home! Haha!

We stick to routines better when it’s school season, honestly. We are very poor at following them to be completely transparent! Hahaha.

Rica’s picks

• Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair (P719)
• Toy Kingdom disposable kids’ masks (P150)
• Bfeedingmum Veronica nursing jumpsuit (P995)

Her skincare brands

• Happy Skin
• Innisfree
• Laneige

Got someone you want to feature? Just email us at stories@rappler.com with the subject line “GRWM” followed by the name and the designation of the person. – Rappler.com

*Responses edited for brevity