The Girl Behind the Pen

In this day and age where social media is (almost) everything, many people are now shifting to the world wide web to build their career to pursue the “dream." Among the most popular online careers are bloggers, vloggers, and social media influencers. But as many would have thought wrong, braving this world is not that easy because there’s really a huge and serious competition out there.

Speaking from experience, having passion is not enough to succeed in this world. Because with so many people who have the same passion and goals as yours, how do you make yours stand out? How do you increase visitor numbers and build a loyal following? One way is leveraging platforms like Tokmatik to buy followers. But increasing your following organically, that's the challenge. And how do you get people returning to you for more?

So in this article, I will share with you how I became a successful blogger. This is not the typical finding your niche blog tips. While it’s a factor as well, there’s more to blogging than that. 

How I started

The Girl Behind the Pen started nine years ago. I created this blog as a way to reach my dream of working in a popular teenage magazine in the Philippines. At first, I shared random things in my life and eventually, it became a fashion blog. I love mixing and matching pieces-that-don’t-work-well-together-but-somehow-I-managed-to-pull-off.

I didn’t have sponsors that time, I featured my old clothes from my closet and sometimes, I’ll spend my savings from my allowance to buy clothes to be featured. I asked my little sister who was 10 years old at that time to take a photo of me using our digital camera. I got several good comments telling me that I was able to help them fix their fashion dilemma, while some told me that they were really inspired by my posts to get through life’s challenges. As time passed, my blog grew and my reach became even wider. 

Back then, I really had no intentions of monetizing my blog nor becoming a famous blogger; one because I was really a shy person, and two is because I really didn’t know that it was possible. A few months passed and one international brand reached out to me and that was my very first paid collaboration. Eventually, it continued with both local and international brands. I got invited to events, asked to review products, wore pieces from a shop’s new collections, became a brand ambassador, and so on. That got me thinking, whoa, it’s really possible to make a living out of blogging. But I didn’t want to make it that way, I want my blog to remain a hobby because I don’t want to be pressured that I have to earn this amount of money or go to five places a week for an event to consider myself successful. I just let it be. Besides, what I really wanted was to become a writer.

My setbacks

Though I told myself that I will not make this blog a living nor becoming a famous blogger, in the back of my mind, there’s a part of me that wants to because it’s the dream, right? You just have to go to events and get paid, you will get free clothes or skincare in exchange for one blog post, you meet a lot of people, and so on. These are really fun. 

If only I did the right thing at the right moment, blogging could have been my full-time career, and perhaps, I’ll be a popular blogger. But I didn’t because I was afraid and I wasn’t open to making use of the new platforms (Instagram). In short, I refused to adapt to the new trend and that was really one of my biggest regrets to this day. I’d be lying if I tell you that it was all okay. I had a hard time riding on the trend because, by the time I did, I thought I was too late. All the bloggers that started at the same time as I did were ahead of me already. I got unmotivated so I laid low and thought I lost my readers.

But instead of allowing that to bring me down, I used it as a motivation to work harder. 

How I got back in the game

I was so close to giving up that time because I was pressured on the thought that I was too late and there are so many people, even younger than me, who are “making it” in the industry. While it’s really challenging, I told myself that I have to brave the road and get myself out there. And so I did.

I continued blogging. I’m not as active as I was before but this is a good restart. This time, I didn’t let the pressure of the numbers get in the way. I blog at my own pace and in my own terms just how it used to be. But in order for me to be a successful blogger, I have to be more creative than ever. This, I think, is how I will stand out. Thankfully, there are still people who read my blog and appreciate my articles. They may be less than it was before but what matters most is, someone still reads my blog.

I’ll continue to write about fashion and self-help tips to empower other people. Alongside these, I’ll also share some of my travel discoveries, food recommendations, and so much more. I’ll be the blogger that anyone could turn to whenever they have a dilemma. 

Key takeaways

To summarize everything, here are the things I learned from my setbacks for me to succeed in the industry.

• Don’t let go of your passion.

• Be open to changes.

• Timing is key. It really is.

• Don’t be pressured by society.

• Be creative.

• Build your network.

• Know your worth.

• Engage with your readers.

• Have a clear goal.

• Be consistent.

• Always be humble.

Becoming a successful blogger does not mean you must have a huge following on social media. Sometimes, all it takes is one person who believes in what you do. There's not really an accurate answer as to what success is because we all have our own definitions of success. And as for me, this is success. 

Admired for its majestic beauty, Mayon Volcano Natural Park, a famous landmark in the Philippines, never fails to attract travelers across the world. With its beauty and history, one would never dare to miss Mayon when in Bicol. But more than being a beauty that is enough to be admired from afar, you can discover so much more if only you’re brave enough to see beyond the perfect cone-shaped volcano.

About Mayon Volcano

Mayon Volcano is both a stunner and a killer. While it is one of the most beautiful volcanoes in the Philippines, in the world rather, Mount Mayon is also among the most destructive that’s why many people dare to go near it. Its perfect cone shape draws attention all over the world but what lies beyond its beauty is its deadly nature: an enormous chamber, churning with molten rock and toxic gas that could blow anytime.

The Legend of Mayon Volcano

Mayon is the country’s most active volcano and is named after a beautiful princess named Daragang Magayon. She was the daughter of the ruler of Bicol. Darangang Magayon was so beautiful and kind that many young men wanted to marry her. But she was in love with Hadiong. But Hadiong was a warrior of the tribe that was Magayon’s family’s enemy. They were secretly seeing each other and when both of their families found out, they were furious and war between the two tribes started. Hadiong fought in the battle and got killed. When Daragang Magayon heard of Hadiong’s death, it broke her heart. She cried every day until she got sick, and died. Her family and the townspeople buried her with much sadness. But a few months later, the ground where she was buried grew and grew. And after a few hundred years, it became a beautiful volcano now known as Mount Mayon. 

Mayon Volcano History

After knowing the beautiful legend of Mayon Volcano, it’s time to learn more about its history. The Mayon Volcano is located in Albay Province. It stands at 8,077 feet above sea level.

Mayon Volcano has erupted over 51 times in the past four centuries, the most destructive of which is in 1814 where thousands of families were affected. In spite of everything, Mount Mayon has helped in developing a culture of resiliency among the locals who always rebuilt their towns and cultivated their fields after each destructive eruption.

The Mayon Volcano Natural Park is also among the 17 protected areas in the Bicol Region and home to 156 floral species and 83 species of trees according to UNESCO. It is also a habitat for 104 species of land vertebrates, including 57 species of birds, 10 species of amphibians, 24 species of reptiles, and 13 species of mammals. Of the 13 mammal species, 7 are endemic of which 3 are listed as vulnerable: the  Philippine Brown Deer, Philippine Warty Pig, and Giant Golden-Crowned Flying Fox. The bird fauna includes 37 endemic species with 3 species listed in the IUCN red list: the nearly-threatened Luzon Bleeding Heart, vulnerable Philippine Eagle-Owl, and critically-endangered Philippine Cockatoo. The 10 amphibian fauna are all endemic frog species with 4 listed in the IUCN red list: the nearly-threatened Luzon Fanged Frog, Luzon Forest Ground Frog, and Guenther’s Forest Frog; and the vulnerable Banded Pygmy Tree Frog. Mount Mayon also houses 1 endemic butterfly, 7 endemic stick-insects, and 9 endemic spiders in the registered insect and arachnid fauna.

Mayon Volcano Natural Park offers a variety of ecotourism activities like the ecological tours, camping, trekking, among others.

How to reach Mayon Volcano

There are several ways to get to Albay: by plane, bus, and train. Read below to find out more details on how to get to Mayon Volcano.

By plane

From Manila, you can book direct flights to Legazpi, Albay. The trip would normally last up to one hour. 

By Bus 

If the plane ride is out of your budget on how to reach Mayon Natural Park, consider traveling by bus. From Manila, there are many bus lines that offer routes going to Bicol. But brace yourself for a long hour ride as the travel time takes about at least 12 hours depending on the traffic.

By train

Another convenient way to add in your options on how to reach Mayon Volcano is by train from Manila. Bicol Express operated by the Philippine National Railways (PNR) offered trips daily from Tutuban, Manila to Naga City, and the travel time would usually last up to 12 hours. As of this writing though, the operation of the Bicol Express is still suspended due to ongoing repairs. According to their statement, they are targeting to launch its partial operations by 2021.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mayon Volcano 

Q: What is Mayon Volcano description?

A: Mayon Volcano description came from a legend. It is named after a beautiful princess named Daragang Magayon. In Bicolano, magayon means “beautiful.”

Q: Why is Mayon Volcano a tourist spot?

A: Mayon Volcano is a famous tourist spot because of its perfect cone shape that many travelers across the world admire.

Q: Is Mayon Volcano active, dormant or extinct?

A: Mayon Volcano is active. In fact, it’s the most active volcano in the Philippines and one of the most active in the world.

Q: What is there to do in Mayon Volcano?

A: Visiting Mayon Volcano is more than just sightseeing and picture-taking because the area offers exciting activities perfect for thrill-seekers. Here are the four activities you must try when in Mayon Volcano Natural Park.

1. Ecological Tour

2. Hiking

3. Camping

4. ATV Riding

Q: Can you hike Mayon Volcano?

A: Due to the risk of volcanic activity, the summit of Mt Mayon is off-limits to climbers but generally, it’s a 2-3 day climb. The most difficult part starts at 2.195m and is a 40-degree ascent on loose volcanic cinder and lava sand up to the summit. On the summit, be careful of poisonous fumes emitted by the volcano.

The past year might have been challenging but, if there's a silver lining on it, 2020 is a meaningful one. Last year, the pandemic dared us to be connected even amid the pandemic. Thus, Lumina Homes conducted this year's annual awards through another virtual event this 2021 to prioritize health and safety.

Gawad Lumina is the annual sales awarding event that aims to express gratitude to partner networks and recognize top sales performers that delivered outstanding results by going beyond expectation yearly.

In its second year of celebrating the event virtually, over 500 performing Bida Lumina Sellers registered and joined "Gawad Lumina 2020: Digi-Connect" last March 19, 2021, via Zoom.

Lumina Homes awarded top-performing Bida Lumina Sellers per categories such as salespersons, sales managers, and brokers in each cluster of North and East Luzon, South Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

The highlight of the virtual event is awarding the overall top performers nationwide.

For Lumina Homes, the seller's experience is as important as that of the buyers. Amid this pandemic, Lumina continuously strives to help its partner sales network adjust to the changing landscape of real estate selling. Lumina ensures that Bida Lumina Sellers remain proactive and persistent in their shared mission of providing affordable homes.

To ensure safety, Lumina Homes built a way to make "virtual tripping" and online reservation possible. With the use of 360-degree virtual house tours, sellers can discuss the features of Lumina Home Models, a hassle-free way to explore and avail house and lot unit using a computer or smartphone.

"Lumina Online University" was also launched, dedicated to being a web-based teaching platform that offers sales courses on selling Lumina Homes. Lumina Online University will soon include free webinars and specific courses about Lumina properties so sellers will become more familiar with the house and lot offers of Lumina Homes.

To spice up the virtual event, Lumina Homes also announced its biggest Annual Incentives for the year 2021. All its Bida Lumina Sellers may receive "CASHing! CASHing! Cash Sales Incentives" depending on their sales performance. A salesperson can receive as much as 100,000 pesos, and a broker can have as much as 500,000 pesos worth of cash and digital support. And the jaw-dropping "Bonggang House and Lot Promo" was also launched. Every performing partner sales network can have the chance to own a brand new house and lot via raffle to be done in the next Gawad Lumina for the sales year 2021.

Gawad Lumina 2020: Digi-Connect ended with a fun live raffle where 50,000 worth of prizes were given away! 50 participants won 300 pesos; 5 lucky winners of 3,000 pesos; 1 winner of 5,000 pesos, 1 winner of 10,000 pesos; and 1 winner of 20,000 pesos!

Lumina Homes being an all-digital real estate developer and equipped with future-ready innovation believes that the key to success in the industry will always be its connection with every dedicated salesperson. And the connection that binds them is the mission of providing affordable house and lot for every Filipino family.

Being home to more than 7,000 beautiful islands, the Philippines surely never disappoints. From the pristine beaches and jaw-dropping lagoons to the breathtaking rolling hills, there's something for every traveler, and that will make you want to come back for more. 

Of all the Philippine destinations I've been to, one of the places that left a mark on me was Batanes. With its lush greenery everywhere that will make you sing the hills are alive and socializing with the kindest people you'd ever meet, how can you not love Batanes?

Must-read: Batanes Through the Eyes of a First-Timer

But did you know that there is a place near Manila that almost looks like Batanes? Read on to find out where this place is.

Behold, Tanay in Rizal Province, just one to two hours away from the metro. We just saw this accidentally when we decided to pass by the Marilaque Road. Marilaque stands for Marikina (Ma), Rizal (Ri), Laguna (La), and Quezon Province (Que). It's a famous road for riders who are coming from Manila and traveling to Rizal or Quezon provinces. 

The moment I saw it, I already thought it's really like Batanes. Wherever you look (at least in the part of Tanay in Marilaque) is a mountain range and rolling hills. But it was almost dark so we didn't stop. I told myself, I have to come back and see it again. And when we did, my jaw dropped just like when I saw this road in South of Batan Island in Batanes.

Sure, it's not really 100% look-a-like but there is a resemblance. My point is, in Batanes, hills and mountains are the usual sights on the road. And in Rizal lies a somehow similar spot where you can see beautiful landscapes as you drive along the road.

And just like taking a photo in Batanes' road, it's also not easy playing patintero with the cars passing by so, in case you're planning to take a photo, be extra careful because vehicles there are fast and they wouldn't stop for your photoshoot. Luckily, the cars passing by that time were only a few.

Being a Rizal resident, I was really surprised that there is actually a place like this in our province. Even restaurants have overlooking views of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range. It's pure, divine, and breathtaking.

How to get to Marilaque Highway

Ricardo's Vista del Cielo

To travel to new destinations is to absorb the beauty and history of a place, but some places truly take us back in time and allow us to get a glimpse of another world in a different era—Sulyap Gallery Cafe, Boutique Hotels and Restaurant is one proof.

Our tour guide said the property was originally named as Sulyap sa Pamana because the owner inherited the land (if I remember correctly) from his father. However, since there are lots of establishments named Pamana, they decided to rename it to Sulyap instead. Sulyap is a Filipino word meaning to glance, to see something just for a moment. 

As we set our feet on its ground, we were greeted by old traditional Filipino houses-turned-hotel and restaurant. The traditional Filipino homes may have dwindled but echoes of its presence can be seen and experienced at Sulyap Gallery Cafe in San Pablo, Laguna. 

These houses were brought from various provinces in the Philippines. The owner rebuilt the old houses and worked hard to maintain each house's original materials. He said he didn't really change much of it and about 90% of the houses have their original parts. 

Photos from Sulyap Gallery Cafe, Boutique Hotels & Restaurant

There's also a museum across the restaurant where you can see a whole floor full of the owner's antique collection. 

And as for the food, I really can't say much except that it was undeniably good. All the dishes we ordered were fit to any person's taste. I love their sinigang na liempo (PHP 430), bistek tagalog (PHP 450), lechong kawali (PHP 430), and my favorite, the sizzling mixed seafoods (PHP 495). Best of all, it won't let you break the bank as its prices are reasonable. The crew also deserves a credit because everyone was very accommodating — giving you a complete Filipino experience because of their good traits.

More than being a restaurant and boutique hotel, Sulyap Gallery Cafe is a bridge to the past letting us in to an old world charm to experience the Filipino culture in all its glory.

Sulyap Gallery Cafe, Boutique Hotels & Restaurant

Address: Brgy. Del Remedio, Cocoland Compound 4000 San Pablo City, Laguna, Philippines

Operation hours: 10am to 6pm

Budget for meals: PHP 1,000 for two

Sulyap Gallery Cafe Room Rates:

With Breakfast

• 4 guests in a room - PHP 5,800
• 5 guests in a room - PHP 7,000
• 6 guests in a room - PHP 8,100

Extra Bed - PHP 1,000

Without Breakfast

• 4 guests in a room - PHP 5,100
• 5 guests in a room - PHP 6,125
• 6 guests in a room - PHP 7,050

Extra Bed - PHP 825

Black is usually not my go-to color but I broke the norm and tried it at least once in a while. And you know what, it really doesn't hurt to go out of your comfort zone. In this case, wearing an all-black and white outfit.

To be really honest, I try to avoid blacks because it's too far from my personality and it's like the color of evil (I know, I think like a crazy gal sometimes). But when I tried it, I finally understood why many women love wearing black—it's simple yet chic.

Here I'll decode the all-black and white outfit trend by providing some tips on how to wear it the right way.

1. Go with good-fitting pieces

As many would say, black makes you look sexier. While it's true, it doesn't mean an all black outfit guarantees you the look you're expecting. The secret is to choose pieces that compliment your body.

2. Don't be over the top from head to toe

3. Wear a chic accessory