February 14, 2014 was a day that I will never forget.
For others, it was a celebration of love and romance, but for me, it was a day that marked a significant moment in my life. On this day, I reported on local television for the very first time and a week later, I won the very first ABS-CBN Newscasting Competition in Northern Mindanao. It was a day filled with excitement, nerves, and a sense of accomplishment. Looking back on that day, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities that came my way and the memories that I will cherish forever.
It has been nine years since I won the first ABS-CBN Northern Mindanao Newscasting Competition and my life has taken a different turn since then. Winning the competition was a dream come true for me. I was young, full of energy, and ready to conquer the world of broadcasting. But things did not turn out exactly as I had planned.
After winning the competition, I was given the opportunity to do regional TV reports for one year for ABS-CBN Northern Mindanao, specifically for TV Patrol Northern Mindanao, mainly campus or school related news. I was still in Junior College when I won and I was thrilled to have this opportunity and was ready to give my best. However, my excitement soon faded when I realized that I was not being compensated for my efforts, and not receiving even a single dime. It was like I was working for free, for the experience. Despite this, I continued to work hard and put my heart into every report I did.
After graduation, I left Cagayan De Oro for Cebu and decided not to pursue a career in ABS-CBN. I wanted to explore other options and see where life would take me. I worked as a Copywriter and Social Media Manager in an ESL school and digital media agency over the span of three years. During this time, I gained valuable experience and learned a lot about the digital marketing industry. But, I always felt like something was missing. I felt like I was not fully utilizing my potential and was not following my true passion.
It was then that I decided to take a leap of faith and work as a freelance content writer and social media manager. This is where I found what was truly right for me. The freedom to work from home, the flexibility to choose my clients, and the opportunity to work on projects that I truly enjoy.
The work-from-home setup has given me the freedom to enjoy both work and play during the weekends. I am no longer confined to a 9-5 schedule and I have the flexibility to choose when and where I work. This allows me to have a perfect balance of work and play, and I am able to fully immerse myself in both. Whether it’s exploring new destinations, trying out new activities, or simply relaxing at home, I am free to do what I want during my free time.
The beauty of working as a freelance is that I can work from anywhere as long as I have an internet connection. This means that I am free to travel whenever and wherever I want. Whether it’s a quick weekend getaway or a longer trip, I am able to work while I explore new places and create new experiences. I am able to enjoy the best of both worlds ika nga.
Although I love the life I have right now, there are moments when I can’t help but miss the excitement of working in the TV news industry. I remember the thrill of being in front of the camera, the adrenaline rush of covering breaking news, and the sense of purpose that came with being a part of something bigger. I sometimes feel a twinge of regret for not fully immersing myself in the industry and raising the white flag even before I really got started.
However, I have come to realize that it’s okay. Life is a journey filled with twists and turns, and it’s important to follow our hearts and do what is truly right for us. I am grateful for the experiences I had in the TV news industry and for the lessons I learned along the way. They have shaped me into the person I am today and have helped me find my true passion.
In the end, I am content with the life I have right now and I wouldn’t change a thing. I am grateful for the freedom, flexibility, and opportunities that come with being a freelancer. Life may have taken me on a different path but I am grateful for the experiences and opportunities that have come my way. I am now living a life that I truly love and I am excited to see where this journey will take me next.
ʙᴏɴɴᴇ ᴀᴘᴘᴇᴛɪᴛ 