How to Write When You’re Not Born a Writer

I was not a born writer and like others, some people like me are just born with the "love of words".

I did write blogs in my puberty years at Multiply and Friendster Blogs, but I never sustain writing and was bad at posting regularly. Good thing though, Multiply and Friendster are gone and took away my teenage rants with them, so there's no evidence of what kind of writing I was into.

My first job after college is in a radio network (not on-air) and part-time broadcast news writer for a television network (in Filipino). Late last year, I was offered to do a web content writing job for a startup company. I was hesitant at first because I don't have a solid writing experience and I didn't like it that much as a hobby, but still pushed through because of some career-related crisis.

Today, I write by profession. How did I keep up? Here’s my story:

Know the drill.

My writing was (or is) very elementary, but maybe, I just know the drill - how to start, how to express my thoughts and how to end it - thanks to journalism-related college subjects. Writing is a learned skill for me. A good plus is that I am surrounded by people who are just brilliant at what they do - these people somehow pushed me to be better.

Do your part.

Writing is thinking. It has been an everyday learning for me - from grammar to the quality, to the flow of content - everything. I need to re-learn what I think I know. If you really want to pursue writing, gather information, resources and tips to improve your skill. Creativity and knowledge isn't inject-able, moreover, doesn't come instantly into your system.

Write from the heart.

I know writing from the heart is not something you can impose to someone, but if you think you have the passion to share your thoughts and influence other people through your words, it will come out - it will be seen and felt by your readers.

Accept criticisms.

Trust me, I've seen/read/(over)heard A LOT about my articles - everything in my face. But guess what? What it did to me is to make a better version of my writer-self. Now, what do you say?

What did you do to really write despite being unnaturally writer?

This can also be found on Linkedin :)

How to go to Boracay de Cavite from Manila

In a few weeks time, summer is here! And if you're looking for a not-too-crowded, underrated, budget-friendly, but every-cent-worthy weekend or even a day-trip getaway, there's something for you near the Metro!

 

Virgin (almost) and white (almost) in Manila (almost) [no pun intended*wink*]! There's a small cove nearby called "Boracay de Cavite" or officially Katungkulan Beach inside the Marine Base Camp in Ternate, Cavite.

 

Directions: We rode a friend's car from Manila and took Cavitex all the way to Ternate town proper. Follow the road signs to Hamilo Coast and  after all the zigs and zags, ups and downs of the roads while sight-seeing Philippine Marines training, you will see the Gregorio Lim Marine Base Camp and follow the signs to the beach. It will take around 15 minutes from the gate to the beach.

 

Surprisingly, its better to go there via public transpo especially when you're not with kids and you don't bring so much baggage. Take any bus to Ternate (around PHP150) and ride a tricycle to the beach! (PHP100).

 

Entrance fee: PHP100 per head and additional PHP50 per vehicle.

 

 

I went there with my small family and some friends and rented a P350-worth of beach-front cottage - not bad for a day trip. There are other types accommodations, too. There are better ones than what we rented. If you want to spend a night, feel free to bring your tent and don't forget to bring your own food. There's a small store in the area, but ofcourse, prices are higher than expected.

 

 

The sand. The waves. The sun.

 

In photos, the sand looks white, but in person, it's gray-ish - not saying it's bad though. You can leave your slippers on the beach front because the sand in the waters are finer. The waves are just right - not too overwhelming; not too plain. They're fine with kids, my twins are not fans of waves, but they can handle the waves here. 

You will not expect a very nice sunset view here. The sun sets on the left side of the cove. It could also be an advantage because if you're staying on the beach front, you will not get hurt or irritated in the afternoon sun.

What (and what not) to bring?

 

If you're staying in an open area like open nipa hut or in your tent, refrain from bringing light materials such as plastic cups. We went there February 1 when it's too windy (and cold) Everything in our table were easily blown by winds with a mix of sand. When we were eating, we ate our prepared food with some sand on it :P You don't need to worry about your marinated pork and filled chicken or fish, there are lots of grilling stations in all areas of the beach. You can also ask the small store nearby to cook rice and meals for you, for a fee ofcourse.

 

Manage your expectations on their comfort rooms though, it's public and not-so-clean but there are lots of them in the area.

 

Find serenty in these videos: 

 

 

Shoot me with questions! :)

We should emulate our children

On joy. On forgiveness. On genuineness.
 

Last month, when Pope Francis was here in the country, His Holiness revolved around love, mercy and compassion for children. Why? I think, it's because children are raw, overflowing with hope and like sponge, ready to absorb and be molded to be better individuals.

The past days have been spending the whole day with my twins. In the morning, they cuddle; at night, they fight - but how easy for them to change moods and affection towards each other. How easy for them to forgive each other even after snatching of favorite toys or food, or after pulling the other one's little hair. At the end of the day, they just have each other - no matter what. As I watch over I feel extremely happy seeing their sparkling eyes over a simple meal I prepared for them and eat it thinking it's yummy or how high they jump over a cheap dress I bought somewhere because they think it's pretty (and I said so.) I adore their innocence over wanting a cookie and how happy they are over the toys that were empty boxes and plastics. I get mushy over them valuing long hugs, pecks of kisses and simply being beside my warmth. In an instant, I forget about how angry I was at them minutes ago after a sincere smile beamed at me. I admire how forgiving they are to everyone and actually mean it.

I wish people never outgrew that. I hope people of today find the joy as how children get amazed and be thankful from simple things. We will live in a better planet, if we set aside our pride and be spiteful over things we think are important. We should always remember to celebrate the little joys we think are not worth celebrating. And not much like a cliche, we should always instill in our minds that it's not always about the price tag, but really the thought behind every thing we do towards others. We should be like our children.