an Interview with VADTrip

Two weeks ago, I was a guest at The VAD Trip Show. This is a show that aims to help VAs in the Philippines to become more skilled and find out different resources to hone their craft. They also provide options to other freelancers which I think is a great thing.

They asked me to be a guest and I was really honored. Though one of the host is a dear friend of mine, I know that she did not invite me as a guest just because I'm her friend.

I had to laugh when I saw this posted. It was so funny because a lot of people tend to look at my life and they think "oh it's so easy! I want to be a blogger / vlogger too!"

Guess what? It's not easy.

Anyway, since I was going to be on live stream, I thought that I needed to look a little bit better than my normal so I put a bit of make up on. After all, I wasn't just representing my site but also my work, BeLive.

This was me a few minutes before we actually went on air. After this photo was taken, I had a really quick dinner because I realized that I haven't had anything to eat at this time. Thankfully Gather serves dinner even at 9pm and they had fast internet which was perfect for live streaming.

And this was us LIVE.

A few things that I wanted to highlight during this talk are the following:

1. Blogging can be a job but ONLY if you have the passion for it. If you get into blogging because of the "swag" and "free trips" then you are in the wrong field. Blogging is a lot of work. You need to be a photographer, videographer, writer, copywriter, editor, and sometimes your own model to produce a decent blog post.

2. When you are blogging for events and brand launches, there are certain parameters that you need to meet. You can't just go, eat, and pose for photos then forget about it.

3. Find your niche. Niche writing may have a smaller community but it definitely has the strongest as well. I personally don't have a niche because I started way back but my strongest has always been food and life/relationship.

4. When you want this to become a source of income, you need to constantly update yourself and upgrade your skills. Looking back at my old posts, I can definitely see a change in how I write, how I post, and even my photos.

This means you are constantly evolving and that's a good thing.

5. Ignore the bashers and haters. Always remember that you cannot please everybody and that yes, there is always someone better, prettier, skinnnier and what not BUT also remember that THERE IS ONLY ONE YOU and you are amazing.

Here's the link to the video. I hope you guys can watch it. :)

Writing Content for New Media

Yesterday, I was able to give a talk at my alma mater about writing content for new media. It was nerve wracking but I think I did pretty well. My main  basis was the fact that the millenials who attended were barely on their phone and they actually asked questions. They were also responsive and laughed at the right moments which is always an awesome feeling coz a joke that falls flat is just horrible.

To sum up my talk, here are some tips on how you can write content for new media.

1. Be YOU.

Everyone else is already taken. As cliche as it sounds, you can only be yourself and sell that. Yes, people might not buy your brand immediately but if you keep at it hard enough, long enough, and not give up, you'll find your voice and people will start to listen.

If you pretend to be someone, you may get a few audience but how long can you maintain the act?

2. Be RELEVANT.

In this day and age where videos go viral in the blink of an eye, how do you become relevant and stay relevant? How do you make yourself stand out? How do you matter? How do you last longer than 15seconds?

Why should people watch you, listen to you, and follow you? If you can answer these questions, then you will become relevant in this world full of irrelevant things. This is how you will have your voice be heard and how you can stay relevant.

3. Be RELATABLE.

Stories are told for a reason. People read stories because there is something about it that they can relate to. When your content is something that a lot of people can feel a connection to, your story becomes their story and people like sharing their story.

4. Be REAL.

Whatever you do, you need to stay true to yourself. Do not sell yourself for a sponsored post or anything that is just a "for now" kind of thing. Be real and write about the things you actually believe in. Create content for the things that matter to you because you can never sell something that you do not believe in.

Do not be a sell out just to get an invite to an event, a collab with a brand that you don't even like, or advertise something that you don't really like. Continue putting yourself out there on things that you love and eventually, they will start to seek you and the money will follow.

5. Be RESILIENT. 

Create content that will resonate throughout the world. Use your influence to become a voice that should be listened to. Do something that will make a positive impact in the world and never give up. Keep going. Keep fighting. Keep believing. You are meant to shine and to share to the world what you have to say.

Keep writing. The world needs to read what you have to say.

Thank you to Team Communication for inviting me and I hope that I was able to inspire and impart a few things here and there.

PS. The mug is super awesome! Thank you!

Chicdriven Speaker

Around two weeks ago, I was blessed enough to have been invited to speak in front of a crowd at Alabang Town Center and talk about my struggles, challenges, and workaround about being a single Mom. It was a little nerve wracking because I was with other women who were far more impressive than I was and they led perfect lives, you know, happily married with kids and yet making a mark in the fields they were in.

I was far from being half of what they were so when I was invited to be part of the panel, I was really grateful. I just hoped that I would actually make sense and be able to share something that was worth listening to.

Survived the #Chicdriven Home Hacks seminar. Hopefully people actually learned a lesson or two. Now off to my home so I can catch up on time with my son and my kdrama. Thank you @issalitton for this opportunity. It was so much fun and thank you for the flowers too. It's been a while since I got one. Haha.

A photo posted by Kathy Kenny (宝云) (@mskathykenny) on Oct 1, 2016 at 1:57am PDT

The talk went by pretty fast and I think I did pretty well if I were to based it on the reaction of the audience. I was able to give out pointers that I felt could help women and Moms out there who are struggling with their time in balancing life, being a Mom, and being a woman.

I hope that I can get more chances to do these kind of things. I feel that my experience can actually help out others. After all, they did say that learning from your mistake is smart but learning from others mistake is wise.

The Lion Guard

My son and I were invited to watch the series premiere of The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar which will be premiering on April 17, 2016 at 830am via The Disney Channel. As a kid, I watched The Lion King and as a Mom, I have made sure that my son watched it as well.

Before we watched the premiere, we were served with drinks and pastry. The kids and kids at heart were given coloring pages to color. It was soothing and relaxing, just like how Disney things should make you feel.

“The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar” features an all-star voice cast, which includes James Earl Jones and Ernie Sabella reprising their memorable roles from “The Lion King” as Mufasa and Pumbaa, respectively, alongside Rob Lowe as Simba and Gabrielle Union as Nala. Max Charles stars as Kion. The voice cast also includes Joshua Rush as Bunga; Atticus Shaffer as Ono; Diamond White as Fuli; and Dusan Brown as Beshte.

Set in the African Savanna, “The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar” follows Kion as he assembles the members of the Lion Guard. Traditionally, The Lion Guard comprised of the bravest and strongest lions in the Pride Lands. However, Kion defies tradition by calling upon some of his friends who typically wouldn’t have made the cut. From Kion’s best friend Bunga, a fearless honey badger, to Ono, an intellectual egret, to Fuli, a confident cheetah, and to Beshte, a friendly and good-spirited hippo, the newly formed Lion Guard is a rag tag group of unlikely heroes, united in their purpose to protect the Pride Lands. Throughout the movie and the series, the team will learn to utilize each of their unique abilities as they face new adventures in upholding the balance within the Circle of Life.

In anticipation of the movie and series launch, the search is on for kids across Southeast Asia to showcase their very best lion roars, no matter how big or small, via the “Show Us Your Roar” campaign on the Disney Channel Asia Facebook page. Kids who submit their roars stand a chance to have their video aired on Disney Channel during the premiere of “The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar”!

“The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar” and “The Lion Guard” series will also air on Disney Junior later on in the year. Ford Riley (“Special Agent Oso”) developed the movie and series and serves as executive producer. Howy Parkins (“Jake and the Never Land Pirates”) is the director.

My son liked the series and has already asked if he could watch it when it starts to show. Of course I said yes. After all, anything Disney is Mommy approved for me.  

GMK TV guesting - How to Use Social Media to boost your Business

I was invited to give out tips on how to use social media to grow your business. It was a fun and lengthy discussion but I daresay that it is worth watching. :)

Thank you GMK for having me once more.

So always remember, maintain a good relationship, rapport building, and content. At the end of the day, respect people even when they don't respect you.

Good Morning Kuya

It seems that 2014 was not yet done with me. I had one more guesting with UNTV and this time around, it was with Good Morning Kuya to discuss the role of social media on businesses. I always enjoy guesting on this show because they make the guests feel welcome and they take really good care of their guests.

After I guested, I received an email inquiring about my services from someone who actually watched the episode. It's one of the most amazing things that has happened from a guesting of mine on UNTV.

Thank you UNTV for always keeping your doors open to me and for opening doors for me. :)

232/365 photoblog: Understanding Suicide and Depression

Taped earlier today with GNN's Philippines Uncut. We discussed Understanding Suicide and Depression. As I always say, if it saves one life, then its all good. Please watch the show on Sunday 9pm.

227/365 photoblog: Global News Network

Today I had a taping with Global News Network's show called Uncut Philippines. We talked about blogging and the ups and down of this world we live in. It was fun and educational. Thank you so much Ronnie for inviting me over. It was an honor.

216/365 photoblog: The View

It was the first time I guested with Miss Jackie Aquino on Rise and Shine. I felt like we were the Philippine counterpart of The View. The discussion was really funny and lively. It was awesome.

209/365 photoblog: Rise and Shine

Monday mornings have become extra special since I have started spending it with these people. Here's the Monday group of Rise and Shine. Catch us every Monday Channel 37 at 8am to 9am.

191/365 photoblog: Poptalk

We taped for 17 hours but it was so much fun with these people. Awesome day and awesome night. :) Watch out for it on July 19, 2014 at 8pm. :)

132/365 photoblog: Bread and Butter shoot ...

Photo by Pao. The crew for today's shoot for Bread and Butter.

100/365 photoblog: Radio Guesting

It was my first time to guest on radio and I was actually more worried about this guesting than the live televised ones. I guess its because I didn't really know what happens in a radio booth; if I was to talk for one straight hour or just a small time was allotted to me.

Something also happened a few minutes before the actual live radio that derailed me a little bit. Good thing I was able to get my composure and wits back in time.

Thank you Student Hour and Brother Bear for guesting me. Thank you Teacher Jeck for the recommendation. Thank you Jossa for inviting me over and over until our schedules finally met.

on LIVE TV guestings ...

Last March has been quite surreal. I did 5 TV guestings all in a span of one month; 3 on UNTV Rise and Shine, 1 on UNTV Good Morning Kuya, and 1 with KrisTV. It was surreal. It was definitely surreal.

When I was younger, I had many opportunities to be on TV and in movies but I have always turned it down. I was never one for the limelight and I hated getting all made up. You see, I was quite boyish back then.

However, fate seems to have some other plans for me and I found myself saying yes to a TV guesting on Rise and Shine at the start of March. Little did I know that this would be start of something crazy beautiful.

I was a bit nervous during that first day. I didn't know anyone and it seems, no one knew of me. Oh no! I had no make up on and I didn't know if they were actually going to fix me up. I saw that there was a make up room but I wasn't sure if I was one of those who would be given a make up artist and hair stylist. After waiting for almost an hour, I decided to do my own make up.

Thankfully, Jaja (the make up artist) saw me in the lounge and asked if I was a guest. I said yes and she immediately apologized that they were not informed I was a guest and proceeded to bring me to the make up room. There I met Kimmy and they worked their magic on me.

When I met Louella and Jenny, I felt at home. They weren't overly friendly but they also weren't snobs. I am most thankful that they made me feel welcome. There was no awkward moment and they made me feel comfortable even though there were 3 cameras focused on us and I could see the words LIVE right in front of me.

LIVE. Yes! LIVE! This means that if I made a booboo there was no way I could take it back. Eeekkk. I must not make one. Wooozzza ...

Thankfully, in all my guesting, I have never made one. Thank you MUSE and GOD.

I find that I am not nervous in front of a camera. I feel like I am just talking to friends and words flow naturally. I think its because I treat the event as if there was no camera around. Or perhaps I'm just really thick faced hahahaha.

Still, I am very grateful for these opportunities. 6 TV guestings all in one month is something to be proud of. Thank you UNTV for trusting me. I look forward to my first ever radio guesting with you guys this Thursday. :)

90/365 photoblog: Still rising and shining

Little sis went with me today for the taping of the April 7 episode of Rise and Shine. She finally saw what I do during tapings and guestings. I am so happy she came along. It made things a lot more enjoyable.

Good Morning Kuya

A week ago, I was invited to guest at Good Morning Kuya which is another morning show at UNTV. It was my first time to guest and I can defnitely say that GMK has a different character from Rise and Shine.

It was a Friday and apparently, when its Friday, its theme day and the theme for the day was ABBA. It felt funny sitting down in front of a live camera with people dress as ABBA.

It was a good experience. I felt at ease in front of the camera, perhaps because it was my 4th guesting in 2 weeks and I managed to answer all questions with some sense.

Thank you GMK for guesting me. Thank you UNTV for trusting me.

83/365 photoblog: Surprise!

We pulled off surprising Jenny on her birthday. She honestly thought that I was her co-host for the day and that Louella was in Boracay for a shoot. She was really pissed at first and cried buckets when she saw that it was all just part of a plan to surprise her. :)

Happy birthday Jenny. :)

80/365 photoblog: Good Morning Kuya

It was my first time to guest in Good Morning Kuya. It was a different kind of experience but it was still very pleasant. I really like the dynamics of the UNTV team and staff.

I'm glad they liked me enough to have guested on their show. :)

sibling rivalry

I was asked to talk about sibling rivalry and how to prepare an only child for the coming of a sibling last Monday in Rise and Shine. For those who do not know, its a morning talk show at UNTV (a cable channel) and I have guested there 2x already.

Sibling rivalry is something that I am fully aware of for I have experienced this. I have an older sister, 2 younger brothers, and one younger sister. I am a normally jealous person and when my younger siblings were born, I was not a happy camper. Actually, to say that I wasn't a happy camper would be an understatement.

My suggestion then to ensure that your child does not end up like me who tried to sell my brothers to the next door neighbor would then be the following:

1. Talk to your child. Explain what is happening and make them a part of the process. Usually, the kid gets placed on the sidelines and this is where resentment builds.

2. Assure them that they are not being replaced. They are normally the star and when the baby comes, definitely the attention will be taken away. It is up to you to make them understand that even when it does, he is still definitely a star in your world.

3. Make believe. Play with your child using dolls and situations. Show him how he can be a better person and take care of a small thing who will be dependent on him. Play up the protective instinct and nurture it. This will also help make your child a better person in the long run.

4. Make time. Yes, the pregnancy can be exhausting and giving birth will be time consuming and taking care of a baby draining but you NEED to make time. You NEED to.

Lastly, PRAY. Pray for guidance and wisdom and pray for understanding. At the end of the day, all we can do is hope and pray that things will turn out to be good but a little push here and there will definitely help in the long run.

UNTV guesting ..

I was pleasantly surprised with my experience with UNTV. Prior to guesting with them last Monday, I had no idea what shows they had or what they were about.

Upon arriving at the station, the staff approached me and asked which TV show I was guesting for. They offered me coffee and asked me to sit. They even served me breakfast. They also has a make up artist and hair dresser ready to fix me up.

they made me look really good :)

After I was all dolled up, one of the staff offered to bring my bag which I did not let him because it was purple and big but I did say yes to coffee. Finally, we were at the studio and I was all nerves because this was a live guesting. LIVE.

This meant that if I make a mistake, that's it. There is no cut. There is no editing.

Thankfully, I did well. I did not freeze nor said anything embarassing. I was able to answer all the questions and I looked at ease. Whew.

Thank you Lord for brains that worked quite well. Thank you for this opportunity and thank you UNTV for treating me very well. I am so honored to have guested and to have spent time with you guys. :)