A look into a full-time blogger's life

A look into a full-time blogger's life

Monday, February 3

I have some friends who think that all a blogger does is attend parties and have fun. I cannot blame them because they see my Facebook check-ins, Instagram photos, and selfies with celebrities. Let me give you a look into a full-time blogger's life.

I started blogging in 2013. I did not see the earning opportunity from blogging back then. I just share on my blog my food and travel experiences. I would have 5-10 readers a day. I don't care if not many people are reading my posts. I just want to write. 

I often get asked, "You left your day job. How do you earn from blogging?" And I tell them, "I don't earn anything. I just get invited to events."

I know most of them think I'll go broke someday while others want the life I have. 

Well, that was just the start of my full-time blogging journey. I have plans and set goals. Google is my friend whenever I need to learn something new. Blogging is not all about writing. You also need to have photography, marketing, social media, and public relations skills. 

I check my email first thing in the morning and before going to bed. I need to invest in my blog domain, email address, and even clothes to wear during events.

What you see is the partying and the fun part. But when I get home, I still have to edit the photos, write the article, and share it on social media. Bloggers don't get monetary compensations all the time. Most of the travel and hotel accommodations are 50% (sometimes 75%) work before we get to enjoy the place. But still, that's sponsored fun :)

But of course, I don't want to remain a-dime-a-dozen blogger. Blogging became my stepping stone to something that pays -- freelance writing. My blog is now not just a depository of free PR postings and post-event articles. I host sponsored articles and I get paid for writing for a brand or campaign. I also get invited to events that compensate bloggers for attending.

If you ask me now, "How do you make money in blogging?" I can say I get paid writing articles for clients abroad while enjoying attending events in the Philippines. Google AdSense also pays me for every ad click. 

When my blog reached 1,000,000 visits in December 2018, more opportunities came my way. I got busier but remain happy doing what I love. And to welcome 2020, I made it to the list of Feedspot's Top 50 Philippines Lifestyle Blogs on the internet and feel so honored. My hard work paid off and it inspires me to keep on working hard.

Blogging for me now is not all about passion. It is still work, but I love the flexibility and the freedom to choose the "work" I want to do. It was financially challenging during the first few years but I never regret my decision of walking away from the corporate and pursuing the dream job of becoming a blogger. Believe me when I say that when you love what you do, it will never feel like work.

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Married Life is Better If There Is Love In Action

Married Life is Better If There Is Love In Action

Monday, May 28

When I got married, me and my husband decided we will not hire a house helper. Aside from the fact that we don't find the need for one, I grew up in a household where we never had one. During the first five years of marriage, we were both working. And then I started working from home and have more time to do most of the chores. But my husband has been doing his share in helping me keep the house spic and span. 

What does a typical day in our life look like?

I prepare our meals. My husband does the dish washing after breakfast and I am in charge of washing the dishes in the evening. But whenever I have so much to do all day or I get home late from an event, he would lovingly volunteer to do the dishes even though he is also tired working all day. That's the sweetest gesture ever!

In return, I make sure that washing the dishes will be an enjoyable experience for him. Greasy pots and pans are really stressful to wash. I used to hate cooking tocino, caldereta, and even bulalo. I know he doesn't like washing greasy plates too but he never complained. Good thing, I discovered Bubbleman two years ago and has been using it since then. The Anti-bac is my favorite variant.

When it comes to cleaning the bathrooms, I single-handedly clean all three. I''m super OC with the bathroom that's why. I also love using Bubbleman in cleaning the bathroom sink and the daily quick brushing of the floor before I take a bath. I love the Bubbleman lemon scent for the bathroom.

Love In Action

Married life become miserable when couples start resenting each other for not helping out in household chores. It is very important that a couple determines who is responsible in doing specific tasks. Gender roles and issues about power or career superiority should never be a factor in your marriage. Never make the wife feel inferior because she doesn't earn money for the family and never make the husband "useless" because he does less household chores.

My husband cleans the first floor of our house while I clean the bedrooms and bathrooms at the second floor. We would finish about the same time and spend the rest of the day just enjoying a movie marathon while having soda and chips. I love cleaning the garage (or anything that requires brushing) and he takes out the trash. 

Doing household chores is another way of showing love. It's letting your wife know how much you appreciate the food served and so you'd do the dishes. It's being grateful for the beautiful house he had built for you and so you make sure he'd come home to a clean house. 

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On Celebrating Mother's Day Without A Mom

On Celebrating Mother's Day Without A Mom

Saturday, May 12

This will always be my favorite family photo. Well, I have no choice. This is the only one we have. I sometimes wonder why we never captured more photos together. This photo reminds me of the good times. It was when me and my sisters were shielded from the reality of life. Everything was perfect and happy.

I used to live in a bubble. I lack the knowledge of how tough the real world is. Then in 2001, I was slapped with the most heartbreaking news. My mom was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. My world shattered. Why, of all people, God chose my mom to have cancer?

I can't remember my mom showed any sign of sickness. She underwent mastectomy and chemotherapy. She was like her old self the whole time. She still did the house chores (she's OC when it comes to cleanliness of the house) and she remained cheerful. I know that her strong faith in God has helped her win the battle. While I was sad and depressed the whole time.

The ordeal had brought the family closer and restored our faith in God. My dad, who I never remembered going to church, started hearing mass every Sunday with my mom. We also made sure that we go out as a family more often and celebrate every occasion together. My mom's birthday was always a swimming party while Mother's Day was celebrated dining out.

I thought it will go on forever. 

April 2009, Mommy's Swimming Party

November 2009, we had a shopping spree in Divisoria and when we went home my mom complained of a pain on the upper right side of the abdomen. I told her we should see a doctor the following morning. 

Metastatic cancer. 

She never missed a doctor's appointment in the past eight years and suddenly she was diagnosed with a stage 4 liver cancer.  I broke the news to her and she just casually asked me, "What should we do?" like it was just a fever. She underwent chemotherapy again but this was it was very tough for her. I accompanied her on all her hospital visits and she never complained. She even joked and laughed about stuff while having chemo. She was always a fighter. Except she lost this battle.

Losing the battle doesn't mean she was not strong. She was always strong for all of us. She stayed up all night when we were sick even though she had to go to work the following morning because she can't let her grade one students down. I've been a witness of her dedication to her teaching profession. Her weekends were not meant to be spent for rest. She always made sure the house was clean, the laundry were done and our schoolwork were finished. She was unselfish, always forgiving, always loving. She was our strength even when she was at her weakest. 

How do you celebrate Mother's Day without a mom?

You remember her. Everything about her. The good times, the bad times. All the #TibayNiNanay moments. She may not be physically with us, but we all know she never left us. She will forever stay in our hearts. To quote my favorite line from "The Five People You Meet in Heaven"...

“Life has to end. Love doesn't.”

I was not blessed to experience how it's like to be a mom. But I understand how a mother's love is like through my mom. It endures everything and always willing to sacrifice. 

From the moment we first opened our eyes, to our first steps, to our first words, and the million other milestones that came after, they were there. At every high and every low of our lives, they have supported us, protected us, and loved us with no question. This Mother’s Day, Orocan celebrates the strength and dependability of all our Nanays, Inas, Moms, and Mamas. Nothing really compares with the TibayNiNanay.

Do you have a #TibayNiNanay story to share?

Visit https://www.facebook.com/OrocanPH/ and share your story and to know more about the durability of Orocan. Don't forget to tag your mom. Let her know how much you appreciate her.

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A Happy Shade of Blue

A Happy Shade of Blue

Wednesday, January 24

I never thought that I would have a fascination with blue. My wedding motif was mandarin orange and most of the things I own come in red. The 2018 pantone color of the year is ultra violet. And yet I woke up one day wanting a different shade.

I want a pop of color. I want blue. Not just any blue. I want a happy shade of blue.

I want a blue that reminds me of my happy childhood. The Easter eggs we paint in the evening that my parents hide the following day and we will hunt after hearing the mass.

I want a blue that reminds me of my mom. The colored chalks she brought home from school that I used to write on the floor. 

I want a blue that reminds me of the sky. Knowing my dad is looking below with a smile.

I want a blue that reminds me of the beach. The romantic getaways with my husband away from the crowd.

Finally, I want a blue that reminds me of the kitchen. Of cooking fish and meat, healthy green vegetables and golden yolk eggs.

I want a blue that tells a story of me. 

What's your color?

I say it's up to you to #ChooseTheRightHue because no trend should dictate it for you. Make it personal. Make it something that reminds you of everything that makes you happy.

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Uratex Celebrates Family Memories

Uratex Celebrates Family Memories

Wednesday, December 13

I always take a photo of me on the bed of every hotel room I stay whenever I travel. It's a reminder that no matter how comfy the bed of my home away from home, it still doesn't feel the same way when I finally arrive home and rest on my own bed. 

When I got married and left my parents home, I was excited to start a life with my husband but I was sad that I will no longer be with my family. The Saturday sleepovers at my parents bedroom and the endless story telling until we doze off. The laughter and my dad hushing us because the neighbors might complain. The lazy rainy afternoons watching a movie while we were all tucked in bed and the occasional spill of soda and popcorn.

Memories. If only I could freeze time. My parents are gone but I'm glad the family has lots of bonding moments.

Last Thursday, I was at my mother's hometown and we passed by the vacation house that they had built. It was supposed to be their retirement home. They never got to live there though because they don't want to leave me and my sisters in Manila. I sold the house last year. I remember we were all so excited decorating our bedrooms.

Uratex Philippines, the undisputed leader in the foam manufacturing industry believes that family love and comfort are always at the forefront in the tradition of selfless care and service to the Filipinos. Uratex believes that family love, caring and looking out for the welfare and greater comfort of each other is vital.  Each Uratex bed provides ultimate comfort to promote a healthful and relaxed sleep night after night. This helps invigorate the body so it will remain fit and fully charged to make each family member ready to face life’s daily challenges. Whenever we need a new bed mattress, me and my mom would go to Uratex Marikina Showroom.

I was watching Regalo by Uratex Classic and I found myself crying. I remember the sacrifices of my parents. I am the eldest child. I promised my parents that I will take care of my sisters until I die. I just wish my parents didn't have to leave so soon.

For the elder brother on the video, the arrival of their mother was the perfect time to tell her that he is now ready to take on the responsibility of caring for the family’s needs. With their mother’s long-awaited homecoming, it will be the perfect opportunity to create new memories again together—as one family.

It used to be me and my husband travelling and having staycations. Now, we bring the whole family! There are things we could not bring back anymore, but we can always create new memories to cherish for the rest of our lives.

Learn more about Uratex, visit their website www.uratex.com.ph or follow their official Facebook account, www.facebook.com/UratexPhilippines.

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10 Gifts You Probably Don't Want To Receive This Christmas

10 Gifts You Probably Don't Want To Receive This Christmas

Monday, November 6

Have you started your Christmas gifts shopping? They say you should always be thankful for the gifts you receive. After all, it's the thought that counts. But what if you receive a gift that seems like giver didn't put much thought? I mean, if you know your friends you definitely know what to give them. 

If you don't want to receive these gifts on my list, your friends probably don't want either.

1. Coffee mugs

I know there are people who collect coffee mugs (usually Starbucks) but if 15 of your friends give you generic coffee mugs this Christmas.... This could be the most thoughtless gift especially if your friend doesn't drink coffee.

2. Face towels

I've read in a survey somewhere that people would rather receive handkerchiefs than face towels. Most people use handkerchiefs or tissue paper so it will be more appreciated if you give them those.

3. Deodorants

Don't you think this is too personal? Aside from the fact that people have preferences when it comes to deodorants and other personal hygiene stuff, receiving these kind of toiletries can be offensive to some people. It's like insinuating something.

4. Key chains

There are cute key chains and then there are those that are inappropriate to give as a gift. Make sure you don't give a broken-heart key chain to a friend who recently ended a 10-year relationship. And please don't ever give out key chains with your photo printed on it. Seriously, we don't want to see your face every time we use our key to open our door.

5. Batteries

Unless they come with a toy or flashlight (I'm really not sure if I want to receive flashlight too), I don't think receiving batteries for Christmas will make anyone jump for joy. I know they are useful but...

6. Fruitcake

Who loves fruitcake? I think this is one of the most re-gifted present during Christmas. And no matter what you do to a fruitcake you receive, it always seem to find its way back to you. 

7. Bubble wrap

Is this even a gift? It's like receiving a package wrapped in bubble wrap and you just thought "this friend of mine loves popping this so I'll send this as a gift instead of throwing in the trash.

8. Albatross bathroom deodorizer

I know that diffusers and home fragrances are the thing now but if you are on a tight budget and looking for an alternative gift, just don't give your friend an Albatross. Please. It's for the bathroom, ok?!

9. Party souvenir

Souvenirs from weddings and parties you've attended are thank you gifts of the celebrants. Don't ever think of giving them as gifts... with the thank you tags still attached. Worse scenario, you might accidentally give them back to those who gave them to you.

10. Adult toy

Unless you are attending a stag or shower party, it is inappropriate to give someone an adult toy. Even if you know that your friend is the "adventurous" type, Christmas is not the best time to give this kind of gift.

You don't need to spend a fortune to make someone happy this Christmas. Spending a few hours with friends over a cup of coffee to catch up or sending a card with a personal message is way better than wrapping toothpicks for the sake of giving a gift. Don't be confused with the real meaning of the phrase "it's the thought that counts."

What's the most thoughtless gift you've received in your life? 

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Looking In: Hue Am I?

Looking In: Hue Am I?

Tuesday, October 10

You look at me and see the girl

Who lives inside the golden world

But don't believe

That's all there is to see

Hue am I?

I am the first in the family -- the first grandchild, the first child, the first niece. I was the center of attention for almost four years. First-born like me will agree that we are special. Somehow, we claim the title of being the favorite in the family. But there are also great expectations from us. We are the role models of our siblings and cousins. 

I am expected to possess leadership abilities and must always have the sense of responsibility. I must be fierce to defend my loved ones, courageous to face the difficulties that life may bring. The blood in my veins must be the color of fire -- always full of love, passion, warmth, and desire. 

For my family, I am red.

Do you know why I love going to the beach even though I don't know how to swim? Because I find peace seeing the blue water of the sea. But blue wasn't about peace in the beginning. 

I used to be selfless in the wrong sense of the word. I give my all to the point that I have nothing left for myself. I got exhausted not just physically but also emotionally. Blue meant melancholy. 

I had a bout with depression and looked for ways to fight it off. I found comfort in hearing the sound of the waves. When travelling is not an option, I find solace in my room. Reading inspirational stories brought back the balance I was looking for in my life. It opened my eyes to the truth that it is not selfish to love myself and it is okay to sometimes say no.

Blue represents the  part of me that went through the lowest point of life and also the calm, peace and emotionally stability I achieved brought about by the challenges I endured.  

What's my hue?

I am every color in the kaleidoscope. Each of them has something to do with my experiences that made me who I am today. Yellow represents the summers that brought me happiness and the betrayals that made me cautious.  Green reminds me of nature, the good luck I'll have if I find a four-leaf clover. It is the color of fertility and of envy (because I was not blessed with a child). Black reminds me of elegance and power. How I loved the success I had in my career. It also brings tears to my eyes for they represent remorse, grief and death. And orange, the motif I chose for my wedding, the color of the youth that's all about optimism, impulsiveness and enthusiasm.

#ChooseTheRightHue

What color best describes you? Color is very powerful. It influences our emotions and our outlook in life. A pop of color can instantly brighten a gloomy day. It's all up to you to choose the right hue and have a different ending to your story. 

Looking In

You look at me and see the girl

Who lives inside the golden world

But don't believe

That's all there is to see

You might see someone who looks fragile on the outside but do you really know the battles that person fought and won? Just like the eggs, you see the shell and you think they are all the same. Have you ever wondered what's beneath the shell and what makes one egg different from the other in the tray?

I invite you to join the Bounty Fresh World Egg Day Celebration brought to on October 12, 2017 at the atrium of Eastwood Mall in Libis, Quezon City and discover what's beneath the shell.

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Sayaw

Sayaw

Tuesday, July 4

Minsan, sa tagal na ng pagsasama sa kahit anong klaseng relationship dumadating yung pagkakataon na nagkakatamaran na. Para kasing ang monotonous na. Yung mga bagay na naeenjoy nyong gawin together, nakakairita na. Ang ipokrita ko kung sabihin ko na kahit minsan di namin naranasan yan. 

Naging mag-boyfriend kami ng asawa ko nung 15 years old pa lang kami. So ngayon, 25 years na kami together. May mga araw dati na wala na kami halos mapag-usapan. We would spend hours together na may kanya-kanyang pinaglilibangan. Eto yung mga panahon na parang madaling sabihin na "ayawan na!"

Yung parents ko, 10 years sila mag boyfriend/girlfriend bago sila nagpakasal. Parang kwento din namin mag-asawa. Sila nga yung naging inspirasyon ko. Sila kase yung magandang halimbawa ng "commitment" at "forever". Alam ko may mga ups and downs din ang relationship nila. Pero they always find a way to make the relationship work.

My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002. Nawindang ako. Feeling ko kase, yung mga nanay di pwedeng magkasakit. Financially and emotionally challenging yung mga panahon na yun. Buti na lang my parents have always been financially prepared for their health and retirement. Nalampasan ang pagsubok na yan pero after 8 years, bumalik ang cancer. This time, natalo si mommy sa laban. 

April 2016, my dad was hospitalized. It was supposed to be a simple operation kaso nagkaroon ng complications. Our hospital bill was P379,000 for his 14 days confinement. Nakakabaliw di ba? Buti na lang ang daddy ko, may health insurance. Paano na kung wala? We brought him home and his rehabilitation continued at home for two months. Akala namin okay na ang lahat. Seven months later, balik hospital na naman. Six days lang na-confine si daddy. P125,000. Sumunod na eksena, I was "shopping" for a casket. Again, dahil sa life insurance naman ni daddy, di man nabawasan ang sakit sa dibdib dala ng kanyang pagkamatay, hanggang sa huling sandali he made sure na it's not financially burdensome for us na naiwan.

Nung napanood ko ang Sayaw ng Sun Life Sun Shorts, naantig ang puso ko eh. It was like watching the story of my parents lalo na nung time na nagkasakit si mommy. Yung 8 more years na binigay ni God para makasama pa namin sya, sulit na sulit. The family spent as much quality time as we can. Yung mga bagay na binalewala na namin, nabigyan ulit namin ng halaga. Nakakalungkot na wala sila, pero di mabigat sa loob dahil walang "what ifs" at "sana".

Di pa huling magsimula ulit. Ano'ng kwento mo?

http://brighterlife.com.ph/sunshorts/

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Stepping Outside My Comfort Zone

Stepping Outside My Comfort Zone

Wednesday, May 31

I was never confident talking to people. I'd rather write. In school, I never raised up my hand even though I know the answer. I hate answering phone calls. I''m super chatty on fb messenger but a little aloof in person. I only talk to people I am comfortable with. 

I met MJ Racadio of BlogTalk with MJ Racadio at the Francis Libiran Jewellery Collection launch and I remember MJ asking me if I will interview Francis. I said, "No. I'll be writing about this event only." And he said, "Why not?"

MJ became my friend that night. It was also the night when I introduced him to Via Galang of Versaheel but this is another story. After a month, MJ called me up asking me if I want to interview Via for her shoe business. I also asked MJ if I could interview him.

What am I thinking? This guy has been interviewing celebrities in Hollywood and here I am asking for an interview. I was hoping he'd decline. Really. I was very nervous. But he said yes. There's no turning back. I researched. Prepared the interview questions.

Here's the article of the interview

http://www.psst.ph/mj-racadio-hollywood-red-carpet-miss-universe/

"If I could inspire or empower one person at a time with what I am doing, I'll be very happy. I want this to be my legacy." -MJ

Thank you for inspiring and empowering me. You made me step outside my comfort zone.   Congratulations on #BlogTalkWithMJRacadio's 3rd Anniversary. 

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13 Reasons Why

13 Reasons Why

Saturday, May 13

I believe almost everybody knows about Hannah and the tapes. For the sake of those who don't have Netflix or haven't read the novel by Jay Asher, 13 Reasons Why is about a girl who took her own life and recorded the reasons why she chose to commit suicide. 

I used to suffer from depression and I admit there were times I contemplated killing myself.  I've got reasons but I don't think I have as much as thirteen. Instead on focusing too much on why I wanted to die whenever I feel the urge to end whatever I was feeling, I think of the reasons why I should not commit suicide.

My dad will grieve. I love my dad so much I don't want to be the cause of his grief. I've witnessed how much he has suffered emotionally with the demise of my mom. If there is one reason why I shouldn't kill myself, it's because of my dad. 

I don't want to be a quitter. When I landed my first job after college, I almost gave up right away because of the stress at work. My immediate superior talked to me and challenged me. He asked me, "Are you a quitter? If I accept your resignation, you will resign again from your next job because you are a quitter."  Since then, I make sure I don't quit when things get tough. 

It's just a bad day. Not a bad life. I really have a wonderful life. There was just a moment in my life when a series of unfortunate events hit me. My mom's cancer returned. My husband had to work in the US for nine months and I was having separation anxiety. The least person I expect to hurt me betrayed me big time. I had no work and no money. I can't conceive a child. I woke up one day tired of licking my wounds and decided to do something to have a wonderful life again.

Someone had it worst and survived. Why can't I? I won't be put in this situation if I'm not capable of getting out and better than my previous self. 

All of us at certain point in our life suffer from emotional stability. If you have no one you can trust to talk to, Suicide.Org has a list of numbers you can call. In the Philippines, we  have a 24/7 HOPEline for 

 those who are in emotional crisis and in need of immediate assistance

(02) 804-HOPE (4673)
0917 558 HOPE (4673)
2919 (toll-free number for all GLOBE and TM subscribers)

http://www.ngf-hope.org/

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10 Moments Life Sucked Because Mom Is Sick

10 Moments Life Sucked Because Mom Is Sick

Tuesday, April 4

We all believe that mom is synonymous to superhuman. A superhuman is not supposed to get sick, right? But then reality hits and your mom wakes up one morning feeling under the weather. 

"Mom is sick", says dad. Let's be in charge and let her rest. The question is, can the rest of the family members handle the situation?

Here are 10 moments life sucked because mom is sick. 

1. Burnt toast

You are all so used to waking up to the aroma of freshly-brewed coffee, crispy bacon and toast waiting for you at the table.  Makes you wonder, what time does mom get up to prepare a feast? Now that she's sick, you're lucky the burnt toast is still edible. And you have to be grateful if dad managed to cook a sunny side up.

2. House is a mess

Dad is running late for work and since you have hours to spare, you are tasked to take care of the mess in the kitchen (and other parts of the house). You don't remember seeing the kitchen in disarray in the so many years mom has been preparing breakfast. You just had (burnt) toast and egg how come there's too much clutter.

3. Toddler tantrum

Your baby brother wants mommy. He wants nobody else but mommy. You know he can't get near her or he might get sick too. You try your best to distract him from knocking at your parents' bedroom. But for how long until he remembers again that he wants mommy. Only mommy.

4. You don't know where things are hidden

Whenever you are looking for something, mom knows where exactly to find it. You don't even have to look for it because most of the time, mom will hand it to you. Now that she's sick and needs to rest, you don't even know where the scotch tape is.

5. Laundry

Laundry has been piling up and the family is running out of clothes to wear. The uniforms must be washed and ironed before the week ends. 

6. Grocery Shopping

You usually go to the grocery to grab some chips and personal stuff. The pantry at home needs refill and though mom find the strength to prepare the grocery list, somehow you find yourself overwhelmed while strolling the aisles in the supermarket.

7. Meal Planning

If you can have your way, pizza and pasta all day everyday! But the family needs nourishment. You realize you have a very limited cooking skill. Same with dad.

8. Babysitting

He's the cutest and you love your little brother with all your heart. It's just that you've got a pampering date with your girl friends you are so excited about and it has been planned weeks ago. Inasmuch as you hate to back out the last minute, you know the family needs you.

9. You've got an exam 

It's not really a big issue helping around the house. It just so happen that you've got a major examination coming up and you need all the time in the world to study.

10. You realize that mom is not superhuman

I can still vividly remember when my mom got sick. She's the source of my strength and seeing her helpless was unbelievable. On the brighter side, I was made to realize how superhuman moms could be. They unselfishly give their all and you'll never hear them complain.

I've lost my mom to cancer. Mom is celebrating her birthday this April 9 and writing this article made me miss her the more. I have seen how my dad stepped up during those trying times. We also lost our dad last November. 

I miss the pangungulit that we should take Enervon everyday. My mom's bilin that my medicine cabinet should always have Biogesic when I got married and already have my own home. Me and my sisters are so lucky to have great parents. We will never forget all they have done for us. 

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