This year, I made a decision that dramatically shifted the course of my professional career: I decided to start over. For 16 years, I worked in the corporate world, focusing on HR, Human Capital, Communications, Engagement, and Marketing. Little did I know, all these experiences were quietly enhancing my writing journey. In late 2023, I left the corporate world behind and committed myself fully to my writing career.

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I traveled through Europe with my Fiancé, following the path that seemed to call me, and launched the Dutch version of my first published book. I spent time with my family in the Netherlands and explored the incredible countries, which deepened my writing perspective. I’ve always believed that to write compelling stories, I need to understand and experience human connections while staying curious about our unique life stories.

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Along the way, I continued pursuing my passion for speaking. I maintained my speaking engagements, but instead of speaking for a company, I now share my own work and stories. I rediscovered my passion for marketing and branding this year and created my own company, Brand Brew Lab, to promote my books, skills, and personal brand. There was a time when I felt like I was betraying my writer self by marketing others’ products instead of my own, but eventually, everything aligned. Brand Brew Lab is still in its early stages and I plan to launch it in 2025… so stay tuned! I also founded Stay Lit Bookclub to support and champion local authors, as I believe in the importance of promoting homegrown talent. A little help can go a long way in helping these authors succeed in this industry.

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Writing remains at the heart of everything I do. I continue to write new manuscripts and have created a repository of all my novels and short stories since I was 14. I’ve pulled from this collection and submitted some of my work for publishing. I’ve also continued my love for horror, completing several manuscripts in that genre.

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For years, I struggled to find a common theme in my writing. There were times I felt lost, surrounded by people who didn’t accept me for who I was, or who told me I wasn’t who I thought I was. But through it all, one theme began to emerge: Inclusivity. 2024 was the year I continue to cut ties with those who didn’t serve a positive purpose in my life. When your values and morals no longer align with others, it’s important to have the courage to walk away. It’s good to always live your truth.

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Throughout this year, I’ve had the privilege of meeting and speaking with incredible people who have inspired my literary journey. These encounters have helped me see the value of an inclusive literary community, and I am always eager to share my experiences and the knowledge entrusted to me with aspiring authors, many of whom have also taught me valuable lessons.

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Looking back on all the experiences of 2024, I find myself filled with gratitude for a year of growth and reflection. One of the highlights of the year was when my book, Death of a Loved One in the Time of Pandemic, was listed as one of the Philippine Inquirer’s Noteworthy Books of 2024. The journey also helped me understand myself better… not just as a writer, but as someone navigating the complex layers of identity, culture, and connection. I also found a renewed sense of purpose in giving voice to the stories of the Chinese-Filipino and LGBTQ+ communities, which deepened my empathy and strengthened my resolve to keep sharing stories that matter.

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As I look ahead, I will continue to write, inspire, and strive to act with kindness to those who truly deserve it. Here's to the journey ahead.