Hello, Readers. Hello, World!
First of all, I would like to thank you for reading my blog, as if I had written up a plethora of words, and I appreciate you allowing me to introduce myself. Honestly, I was over the moon while writing this introductory piece. Even though the words are still countable, I realized I am very fortunate by chance. But yes, no more dilly-dallying; let's get cracking. So, here we go.
Howdy, I am mquerencia! As mysterious as my name, I have prepared untold, written experiences, stories, and lessons for you to look up to in my journey in this community. My words are dedicated to helping everyone learn valuable things through my written experiences—one that could offer one a word and one that could change one's world. In this journey, my greatest purpose for writing is to communicate to the readers who might find my stories and ideas helpful if they are experiencing the same thing or have been mundane and tired of reality and want to light up their day through reading. In simple words, my journey will be dedicated to the readers—for each and every one of you.
Recently, I got to know Hives because of my brother-in-law @restlessadvntr, together with the amazing mentors @jobeliever, @callmesmile, and @naymhapz. I appreciate how these people wholeheartedly contributed to the initial phase of my writing endeavor. Together with them and with you, my dear readers, my first step will be a great leap toward the expansion of the community and the honing of my pen.
But before we take our first step in our journey, let me hit my personal note.
You see, writing, e.g., blogging and journalism, is not a stranger to me. Way back then, I was an active member of The New Clarion, an award-winning publication at Cebu Roosevelt Memorial Colleges, where I discovered my passion for writing, or, let me say, a bombshell revelation in 2012. Workshops, leadership, camaraderie, and others potentially honed me and my pen at that time, and it was such a good practice. Indeed, a direction of success and faith. Later on, six years later, I had the chance to continue the legacy of the organization as an adviser to the new set of writers after I graduated from my literature and linguistics degree.
Way back then, I was inspired by Toni Panagu, a Filipino writer and songwriter who currently has a book called "Serendipity and Other Mistaken Identities," which I haven't finished reading yet. Until now, I can still hear my mind saying "Ang Magmahal Ng Uod" in a loop after I watched his performance in spoken poetry in Camarin, Caloocan. T. Panagu is very influential, and part of my writing style is influenced by him. Adding more, I continue learning to write as I idolize Marco Antonio Regalo Rodas, a doctor in psychology, a theater artist, and a writer. I was astonished, and I was hit by Marco's sparrow when I realized how perfect the combination of psychology and literature is. He sometimes made a piece combining the two, and it was his own unique style. Well, I say the two of them are penning masterpieces.
Going back, I was a housekeeping staff stewardess for 2 years on a ship, and it was when and where I had a glimpse of life's beauty, something special to be written about and relived. We stopped by different places, stepped foot on majestic lands, and experienced different seasons with good people. There was a life. There was a lesson. I started writing because I saw life as it was, and I wanted to capture it and share it. Well, according to Susan Sontag, "A writer, I think, is someone who pays attention to the world.” And then, here I am, starting my other journey for the community.
And oh! I am having an "aha moment" right now as I recall what Kuya told me, "Dako pa ang kalibutan," ( The world is big) while we were looking on the slopes of Bukid (Mountains) from our house in Medellin. I can still vividly imagine how the scorching heat of the place, with the breeze gushing in our skin, complements the conversation I had with him. The towering mountains and the beautiful serenade of greenery fields imitate the calmness I always have when I write. Kuya, he meant the world is still big, and a good life awaits me once I get where I ought to arrive. He always meant that with a pure heart, reminding me how far I can go with this potential.
Speaking of character, I am apparently insightful and sophisticated in anything that holds art. Literature, painting, beauty, and life withhold my inner personification. For instance, I am a canvas of poetry and a blooming brushstroke. Moreover, in writing, I pursue communicating with my dear readers to learn from them as they are learning from me. I remember one time when one of my students described me as a learner. For a knowledge-hungry person, not to be ridiculed, I see it as a good way for everyone to teach themselves how to teach in the most unobservable way. As for me, I have always wanted everyone to learn and teach at the same time. It's how we touch the future and are certain of ourselves.
In pursuit of improving myself, I can actually conclude how fortunate I was when I was in high school. Those days were a battle of rackets as I immersed myself in the arena of badminton. I can say that badminton is a pre-determined sport and an innate hobby, since when I was a kid I could not help but play it. Alongside, mountaineering is also a knot tied inside of me, since as I embarked on an ascending journey, life also began to flourish like a growing mountain. It is later on a deja vu, as when I travel across the world, majestic mountains await me. I will not spoil you, but the next column will be about these mountains.
Interestingly, reading a good book and writing are what modified me. I knew, since then, that those who read can effectively write, and those who write had already read enough. Reading and writing are fundamental behaviors enough for a warrior, or me, to fight in a battle and aim for victory.
Well, that's how wisdom works.
But what interests me the most is a coffee adventure. I say I am a culinary explorer. I love to hop from cafe to cafe for a cup of coffee and visit different restaurants for good food. From time to time, I enjoy this hopping, and I am still doing this until the present moment.
I am really not sure how to end this introduction, but I am certain that I will write for you, reader. May this piece serve as an impression and a reminder that I have so much to tell you. I don't know how to end this or conclude my personal note; however, I do appreciate you reading this 'til the last vow and making me a blogger right now.
Although life cannot be predetermined, one thing is for sure: I will always share my stories with you if you stay and wait for my soon-to-be-posted piece.
Well, I guess the journey starts now, and let's kick things off in a beautiful way!
Here's a solemn vow.
To my readers,