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    Once upon a digital time, blogging was a powerful voice—and for many of us, it still is. As someone who has been writing for years, I’ve used my platforms to share real stories, personal experiences, and authentic reflections. I never claimed to be an expert, just someone who enjoys writing about life as it happens.



    But in recent years, the social media space has introduced a new term that seems to be everywhere: KOL—Key Opinion Leader.


    💡 So What is a KOL?




    A KOL is someone considered an authority or expert in a specific field—whether it’s skincare, tech, parenting, or fashion. Brands now often partner with KOLs to promote products or services because of their niche knowledge and strong influence over their followers.


    They’re like influencers—but more niche, more trusted, and often more focused on expertise than aesthetics.


    And while I respect the work KOLs do, I don’t see myself as one.


    ✍️ I’m a Blogger, Not a KOL


    I’m not here to teach or influence in the traditional marketing sense. I write because I love to. I document experiences—good food I’ve tried, events I’ve attended, products that worked for me (or didn’t), and thoughts that feel too meaningful not to share.



    I don’t have a niche. I don’t have a formula. And I don’t position myself as an authority.


    What I do have is a voice—and stories that come from lived moments, not from expert credentials.




    📲 How Social Media Has Shifted


    With the rise of TikTok, Reels, and short-form video, it’s clear that today’s digital audience consumes faster, scrolls quicker, and engages differently. Brands have shifted focus from long-form storytelling to eye-catching visuals and fast impact.


    And honestly? That shift hasn’t been easy for many bloggers like me.


    Blogging is reflective. It's slow. It’s personal. But today’s platforms reward speed, trends, and virality.


    😕 What Happens to Bloggers Like Me?


    We feel the shift. We see the attention moving to platforms and creators who entertain, inform, or persuade within seconds. And sometimes we wonder—where do we fit in this new ecosystem?


    • We don’t always go viral.


    • We don’t always use filters, trending audio, or jump on every social challenge.


    • We’re just here—writing from the heart, not from a content calendar.



    And yet, I believe there’s still space for that.


    🧡 There’s Still Power in Personal Voice


    Not everyone wants fast content all the time. Some people still crave depth. Some still want to read something meaningful over their morning coffee, or get to know someone through their honest words—not just a curated reel.


    And that’s where we bloggers still matter.


    We may not be KOLs, but we are storytellers. We offer sincerity in a sea of filters. And that kind of connection? It never goes out of style.


    ✨ Final Thoughts




    I may never be a KOL—and that’s okay. I’m not here to lead opinions. I’m just here to share mine.


    Blogging might no longer be the "main stage" of social media, but it will always be my favorite corner of the internet—where words still matter, and stories still breathe.


    To my fellow bloggers who feel overshadowed in this fast-paced digital age: keep writing. Your voice may not trend, but it will always reach the right people.


    Yesterday was a tough day. An eye-opening one—literally and emotionally.




    We went to Brokenshire Hospital for an ophthalmology consultation for my mama. Lately, I’ve noticed how her vision is deteriorating. She’s been half-blind for a while now, and it breaks my heart every time I see her struggle with daily things—things that once came so easily. As a daughter, seeing your mother in that state does something to your soul. I just wanted to know what I could do to help.




    We woke up early. We were hoping to see the first doctor we chose, but when we arrived at the clinic, it was already closed. Apparently, they were only accommodating ten patients that day, and we were too late. That was disheartening, but I didn’t want to give up.


    So, I searched for another ophthalmologist within the hospital. That’s when I found out Dr. Libre would be available in the afternoon. I quickly messaged his secretary, asking what time the clinic would open. She replied, “3PM.” Since it was still early, we decided to go home and rest.




    By 2PM, we were back at the hospital. The clinic was already open when we arrived, and the secretary handed me a slip of paper where I wrote down my mother’s details. Then the wait began.


    We sat in that waiting area for about two hours. Time seemed to crawl, but all I could think about was: I hope this doctor can help us.


    Finally, at 5PM, we were called in. After a few minutes, the doctor examined my mother. His findings confirmed what I feared—Mama has a cataract in her left eye, and the right eye is developing one too. His recommendation? Eye laser surgery on her left eye. The cost? Around ₱60,000+, even with PhilHealth coverage.


    When I heard the cost, I didn’t know how to react.


    I sat there, stunned. I wanted to cry, but I held it in. I wanted to be strong for Mama.


    Pity. Helplessness. Worry. Love. All these emotions hit me at once. I looked at her—my ever-strong, ever-loving mother—and I felt a deep ache in my chest. I just want her to see the world clearly again. To enjoy life, to read her Bible, to watch her favorite shows, to walk without fear.


    But where do I get that amount of money?


    I honestly don’t know yet. But what I do know is—I will do everything I can. Because she’s my mama. Because she deserves to see life in full color again.


    I’m writing this not just to share what happened, but also as a reminder to myself and maybe to anyone reading this: never take your sight—or your loved ones—for granted.


    Mama, I promise you—I'll find a way.




    In a world where content creation is now part of our daily lives—whether for personal memories, social media, or full-blown vlogging—having a reliable, portable, and multifunctional accessory is more than just a want, it’s a necessity. Enter the TNW Mini Grip Quadripod T26, a powerful little gadget I discovered on TikTok Shop, and let me tell you—it’s a total game-changer!




    What is the TNW Mini Grip Quadripod T26?


    The TNW T26 is a compact, lightweight, and multifunctional camera and phone holder that can be used in three major ways:


    * Selfie Stick

    * Tripod/Stand

    * Grip-Style Stabilizer


    It’s the kind of device that makes content creation more convenient and fun, whether you’re shooting at home or out exploring new places.


    Design and Portability


    What instantly drew me to this product is its ultra-compact design. It’s small enough that you can hang it on your bag like a keychain (yes, it even has a loop for that!). It’s so easy to carry around that you forget you’re even bringing it until you need it.


    Size-wise, it’s perfect—not too big, not too small. Just enough to grip it with one hand without feeling awkward. I’ve used bulkier tripods before, but this one offers ultimate convenience without sacrificing stability.


    Multi-Function Features That Wow


    The TNW T26 isn’t just cute and compact—it’s a feature-packed tool that’s incredibly versatile:


    1. Selfie Stick Mode




    Extend it to capture selfies or group shots effortlessly. Whether I’m at an event or just hanging out with friends, this function has come in handy countless times.


    2. Tripod Mode


    It can stand firm on any flat surface and is adjustable for both portrait and landscape orientation. This is perfect for taking hands-free content like tutorials, talking reels, or time-lapses.





    3. Grip Mode




    You can use it as a mini camera grip, providing better stability while shooting videos or taking photos. It gives that extra support especially when shooting one-handed.





    4. Bluetooth Remote Control


    One of the highlights of this quadripod is the detachable Bluetooth remote. Just pair it with your phone and snap away from a distance. No timer needed. It’s ideal for solo travelers or vloggers!


    Perfect for Everyday Use


    The TNW T26 is now my daily go-to gadget. I bring it when I do errands, hang out in cafes, travel, or cover events. Because it’s so small and lightweight, I never hesitate to bring it along. It’s discreet, yet incredibly functional.


    Who Is It For?


    Whether you're a:


    * Content creator

    * Vlogger

    * Traveler

    * Social media enthusiast

    * Online seller

    * Mom documenting everyday life


    …the TNW Mini Grip Quadripod T26 will definitely become your trusted companion.


    Final Thoughts: Worth It? Absolutely!




    If you're looking for a mini tripod/selfie stick with all the right features—portable, powerful, and practical—then the TNW Mini Grip Quadripod T26 should be on your wishlist. It offers amazing value and makes creating content so much easier and more fun.




    I got mine from TikTok Shop, and I have no regrets. I super love it and now I can’t imagine going anywhere without it.


    So if you’re someone who wants to level up your mobile content without carrying heavy gear—this little gadget is for you.

    Watch my unboxing here ⬇️⬇️⬇️





    Have questions or want to know more about my tech finds? Drop them in the comments or visit my TikTok/IG stories for real-time reviews!




    In March of this year, I decided to purchase the TechLife Pad Neo through the TikTok app for just ₱6,000+—a deal I couldn’t pass up. Not only was the price attractive, but it also came with free TechLife Buds Neo, and a charger, and all the essential accessories. After using it consistently for over two months now, I can confidently say: this device exceeded my expectations.




    As someone who juggles content creation, online meetings, and daily digital tasks, I needed a tablet that’s affordable yet dependable. The TechLife Pad Neo checked all the boxes. It runs smoothly for casual gaming, Zoom or Google Meet sessions, video streaming, and even light productivity work. The display is bright and responsive, making it ideal for both work and play.

    For gaming, Zoom meet, GMeet, and movie streaming


    free TechLife Buds Neo




    One thing to note is that the camera quality—both photo and video—is not its strongest feature. If you’re looking for high-resolution shots or vlogs, this might fall short. However, for video calls and basic captures, it performs well enough. It’s not a dealbreaker for me, considering how everything else works seamlessly.

    Back Camera

    Photo




    Front Camera









    Since it didn’t come with a keyboard folio case, I opted to buy a Techlife regular folio case separately for ₱349+, again from the TikTok Shop. I intentionally did not purchase the version with a keyboard because I already had a Bluetooth keyboard from my previous tablet, and luckily, it’s fully compatible with the Pad Neo. That choice saved me some money and made use of an accessory I already had.

    Without Keyboard



    What stood out the most? The long battery life. It keeps up with my on-the-go lifestyle and never leaves me worried about low battery while attending meetings or watching series.

    With Keyboard





    The TechLife Pad Neo is a solid, reliable tablet perfect for students, remote workers, or anyone who needs a tablet that performs well without breaking the bank. It’s affordable, practical, and thoughtfully designed to meet daily digital needs.




    My Rating: 4.5/5

    (A perfect 5 if they upgrade the camera in the next version!)

    Watch my unboxing video ⬇️⬇️⬇️







    I’ve always thought that Valentine’s Day was only celebrated every February 14th. Turns out, I was missing out on another day of love — May 20, or what many people call 520 Day, China’s unofficial Valentine's Day.




    This year, I came across posts and hashtags celebrating “Happy 520” and was curious about it. So, I did a little digging, and to my surprise, I discovered a fascinating and heartwarming story behind the numbers.


    What Is 520 Day?


    In Chinese, numbers often have phonetic meanings. The number “520” (五二零, wǔ èr líng) sounds very close to “I love you” (我爱你, wǒ ài nǐ) in Mandarin. It became an online slang expression for love, especially popular among younger generations and couples in China.


    Over time, May 20 (5/20) became a day when lovers exchange messages, confess their feelings, and celebrate romance — much like Valentine’s Day. Thanks to the power of the internet, this trend spread across Asia and even reached international fans like me who enjoy discovering cultural gems from around the world.


    Fun Fact:

    > Some couples even choose to get married on 520 because of the significance behind the numbers!

    > I learned about 5/20 because of my favorite fandom—OhmNanon. The way fans celebrate this day, flooding timelines with hearts, photos, edits, and loving words, made me curious. And now, I find myself joining in, appreciating how fandoms can introduce you to new cultures, languages, and even heartfelt traditions like this.


    Screenshot from their Weibo Account
    Update: 5/20/25



    Who and what is about OhmNanon?

    The beloved Thai actor duo Ohm Pawat and Nanon Korapat, who gained fame for their unforgettable roles in Bad Buddy (2021), a BL series that touched the hearts of many. Their on-screen chemistry and off-screen friendship have built a global fanbase that continues to grow. Fans around the world celebrate OhmNanon not only for their talent but also for how they represent genuine connection, mutual respect, and unwavering support—perfectly fitting for the spirit of 520, a day dedicated to love and appreciation.


    My Personal Take on 520


    As someone who loves stories, culture, and anything that promotes love and connection, discovering 520 Day felt like finding a hidden treasure. I may be late to the party, but this is a celebration I’m happy to join — whether it’s romantic love, self-love, or love for family and friends.




    Today, I decided to celebrate 520 Day for the first time. I shared red and green hearts on my socials — red for passion, green for peace — and sent messages to people I care about. It felt good. Like Valentine’s Day without the pressure — just the pure joy of love in its many forms.

    What inspired me? None other than OhmNanon — a pair of Thai actors I truly admire. Even if they’re not a real-life couple, their bond, their chemistry on-screen, and their genuine friendship off-screen remind me how powerful connection can be. They’ve shown so many of us what it means to support, uplift, and care for one another — and that kind of love is worth celebrating, too.


    Let’s Make 520 Day a Thing


    Even if we’re not in China or don’t speak Mandarin, love is a universal language. Celebrating 520 is a beautiful way to connect with others, share kindness, and embrace the little joys that bring us closer. So, here’s a virtual hug from me to you:




    Happy 520! I love you in every language, in every way.


    ---


    Want to know more about the history of 520 Day? You can check out this article:

    [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/520\_day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/520_day)






    Election Day has always held a special place in my heart—not just as a citizen fulfilling a democratic duty, but also as a daughter to two wonderful senior citizens who’ve taught me the importance of voting. For May 12 #Election2025, I was up before the sun, ready to assist my parents, and face what would become a day filled with observations, unexpected turns, and a bit of comic relief.




    Early Start with the Seniors


    At exactly 5:00 AM, I was already at our designated voting school with my two senior parents. Since I did my homework a day before—getting our cluster numbers, precinct numbers, and their Certified Voters List (CVL) numbers—we were able to proceed smoothly.




    We were assigned to the same cluster room, so I lined them up accordingly. In no time, the election staff ushered them in. I handed over a paper with all their info for faster searching in the CVL (highly recommended, by the way!). Because my mom has trouble seeing clearly, I was asked to present an ID and got officially logged to assist her with voting.


    The Marker Chronicles: A Smudgy Situation




    Once we got the ballot, my mom and I sat down to shade her choices. That’s when the real challenge began. The marker provided was messy, blot-prone, and unforgiving. It felt like I was in an art class trying to color within the lines—with ink that had a mind of its own. One wrong move and it could’ve invalidated her vote!


    Despite the inky ordeal, we managed to get through it. Her ballot was successfully fed into the Automated Counting Machine (ACM), the receipt came out, and we verified the entries—everything matched. She had her finger stamped and her name validated in the CVL. My dad followed with the same smooth process.


    A Curious Detour: The Priority Polling Place




    After my parents went home, I joined the regular voter line. While waiting, I noticed a room marked PRIORITY POLLING PLACE (PPP), intended for Seniors, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and Pregnant Women. Curious, I asked one of the staff why there was no ACM inside.


    The response puzzled me.


    According to them, the PPP does not have its own ACM. Voters there still use official ACM ballot forms, but won’t see their receipts or know the result of their vote right after. Instead, all the ballots would be manually transferred at the end of the day to another precinct with an ACM for processing.


    This raised a red flag. Where’s the transparency? These are the very people who need assurance that their votes are counted properly. The staff simply replied, “That’s what COMELEC instructed.”


    Efficient Crowd Management




    Fortunately, in our precinct, the Cluster Chairman did an impressive job managing the voter traffic. By 7:00 AM, there were still a lot of seniors, so she implemented a system: 10 regular voters and 10 priority voters served alternately. It made the process more orderly and efficient. As a result, I was done voting in just an hour.

    Done voting at 7:45am



    My Election 2025 experience was a mix of fulfillment, observation, and reflection. While I’m grateful for a fairly smooth process and commend the local staff’s efforts, I also couldn’t help but feel uneasy about the lack of transparency in the PPP setup.


    Everyone deserves a fair, clear, and secure voting experience—especially our seniors, PWDs, and expectant mothers.


    Here’s hoping future elections address these gaps and bring even more improvements.


    Until the next vote!







    They say some digital tools come and go—but some, you never forget. For me, Skype was more than just an app. It was a lifeline, a gateway, a quiet yet steady companion during one of the most pivotal times of my life.



    I first discovered Skype around 2005, not long after giving birth to my second child in February 2003. By then, I had resigned from my job, taking time off to focus on motherhood. But as every mother who’s also a dreamer knows, there comes a point when you start to seek something more—whether it’s a new purpose, a fresh opportunity, or simply a reconnection to the outside world.

    That was my moment. I began exploring online job sites, sending out resumes, and trying to re-enter the workforce—not through the usual walk-ins or classified ads, but through a screen. And Skype was right there, waiting quietly in my taskbar.

    I still remember that rush of adrenaline when I got my first job interview via Skype. It was for a BPO company, and the thought of doing an interview from home, in front of my computer, was both nerve-racking and exhilarating. That single Skype call was the bridge between a stay-at-home mom and a working woman reclaiming her space in the world.



    From that point on, Skype became my digital stage—a place where interviews happened, team meetings were held, friendships were built, and remote work became not just possible, but powerful. It helped me grow as a freelance writer, collaborating with clients from different corners of the globe, all with a single click. There was something magical about hearing someone’s voice from another time zone, knowing that work and connection could transcend borders.

    In the pre-Zoom era, Skype was king. It may not have had the sleek interfaces or virtual backgrounds of today's platforms, but it had something else: impact. For people like me—job seekers, work-from-home moms, writers, dreamers—it offered possibility. A seat at the table, even if the table was virtual.



    Now, hearing that Skype is officially retiring this May 2025, I can’t help but feel a little emotional. It’s like saying goodbye to a friend who once saw you at your most unsure, your most hopeful, and your most determined. A friend who helped you rise.




    So thank you, Skype. For being part of my journey. For giving me confidence in front of the screen when I had none. For opening doors I never thought existed.

    And to all the moms, freelancers, and everyday warriors out there who had their “firsts” with Skype—you know exactly what I mean.

    Farewell, old friend. You may be retiring, but your legacy lives on in every opportunity you helped create.




    What's Next After Skype?

    With Skype’s farewell, users are encouraged to transition to Microsoft Teams, the official successor. Designed for collaboration, Teams offers chat, video conferencing, file sharing, and app integrations—making it an excellent modern replacement for Skype's long-standing functionality.



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