The Homebody: My Passion Project (Updated)

I've always wanted to be a nun. When I was around seven years old, I'd imagine myself wearing a habit. I love what they wear, including their veils. I thought it would be cool to be a nun, because I would have had a great mission on earth.

However, I didn't become a nun. I became a journalist. I never imagined myself writing news and interviewing people; I'm an introvert. I thought, I'd shy away the moment I see a microphone or a camera.

Road to Journalism

I got my bachelor's degree in mass communication at Cebu Institute of Technology University. I remember my teacher asking me if I'd be applying for a news company. I responded with, "No." I've always been fascinated with working in the entertainment industry. I also love working with an entire production crew. It amazes me how the prod people produce a variety of shows.

But I never got the chance to regularly work with talents. Although I had OJTs with ABS-CBN's regional auditions for Pilipinas Got Talent and X Factor Philippines, the experience wasn't enough for me. I'm still grateful for the people I've worked with and the opportunity to be part of a bigger project.

In 2012, I landed a job as an Assistant Content Editor for www.sunstar.com.ph, a news website created and handled by SunStar Publishing Inc. I can still remember my first day. It was tough for me. I thought I wouldn't last for six months; however, a coworker (you know who you are) encouraged me to do my best and learn. So, I did.

During my stay in the company, I've had different tasks and positions, which I took as the company pioneered an online newscast (webcast) that would be aired daily on the website. It would be delivered in Cebuano dialect and would be shared on social media.

We started airing live on June 5, 2013. We were excited because we knew we were pioneering a webcast in Cebu and, at the same time, nervous because we didn't know how the Cebuanos would react. The first webcast was named Superbalita Live (Test Broadcast). Once we ended the live streaming, we felt relieved. We were exhausted, but we knew we had to improve.

It had various names as well: SunStar Webcast, SunStar Pilipinas, SunStar Lite On, and now News Bits. The newscast continues to develop until now.

I cannot tell you everything here because it will sound boring. Nevertheless, journalism taught me things I didn't know I could do. The profession taught me to organize my thoughts so I can clearly write for my readers/viewers, to carefully listen to my sources but still give a balance to the story, and to make sure I wear comfortable shoes/sandals in case I'll be sent out to write a story of a house on fire (LOL).

After staying for over five years in the company, I officially left in December 2017. It made me realize that I've changed so much and that journalism will always be a part of me. The people I've worked (and slept) with during post-production will always be in my heart.

The Homebody 2.0 (Update)

To make sure I can still write, I started the Homebody blog. This page is where I post all my experiences in the Philippines and Canada. From exploring the scenic landscapes of these two wonderful countries, and meeting new people, to tasting great food, this project encapsulates how I view the world.

I hope to continue this passion project together with WIX (thank you for the free website, WIX) for years. So, I hope if you're reading my articles, you feel comforted and find them helpful.

Do you have a passion project that you just started? How is it going? Let me know in the comments section.