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June 20, 2020
One of the biggest mistakes in life is to think that talent alone is enough to be great, successful, and become a high achiever.
Sure talent can be a huge factor that could lead you to your dream—whether it's landing on your dream role, launching an album, or anything your heart desires—but when you start to believe that it is the most essential piece to the puzzle of victory, you have built up a wall all on your own that instead of success, will only lead to failure in life.
Everyone has a different journey. Let's say there are these two equally talented individuals—one achieved the things he has always imagined while the other one faced the greatest downfall he didn't expect at all.
If they were "equally" talented, why did they end up on different sides of the world? The only difference between these two individuals is the effort they made.
The latter was only relying on talent alone. At first, it was going good but as time passed, everyone is also getting better until he couldn't catch up anymore. Why? Because he didn't make an effort to improve himself or to learn new things. He was so confident that his talent is enough to lead him to success.
But let me tell you this, from my personal experience and from what I've observed from other people, just because you are extremely talented at something doesn’t guarantee that you will have long-term success, and the moment you stop nurturing and developing your talent, someone else with less talent is working day and night to beat you. I know this because I saw some people who became like this.
When you work in the media, it allows you to meet different kinds of people from all walks of life. And some that I met were like the latter person. But most importantly, I know this because I experienced this myself.
I may not have the 10+ years of work experience to justify my claims nonetheless, I believe that claims are qualified when it's based on personal experience regardless of the amount of time you've spent working.
When I was still studying, I dreamed of becoming a writer for a teen magazine. Honestly, I wasn't so confident that I can get a job in a prestigious company because there are so many people who write better than me. But you know what, it didn't stop me from getting what I want. And guess what? I stood out. Why? Because I had something great to offer that others didn't have, that's my blog. Back then, blogging was not a huge thing yet. I got in. And they didn't. Why? Because they got scared and followed the "rules".
A few months later, I wanted to try something new. I applied for a job at a competitor TV Network, but this time, the job mainly focused on TV production which I have no idea or interest in at all. I told myself before graduating that I will never ever work for TV Productions, specifically in the news. That's my most weakness. But then, opportunity knocks, and I wouldn't let my weakness scares me off. So I applied and got in. A few months later, I got promoted, earlier than other people. It led me to meet new people from the average to high-rank officials that became good connections of mine that helped me expand my career.
This is not to brag but just to tell you that stepping out of your comfort zone can really make a huge difference. I wasn't the best writer or producer and every day, I get assigned more and more difficult tasks and projects that made me cry on some days (and nights). I thought if these people believe that I can do it, then why shouldn't I?
In short years, I realized, you don't have to be too talented to make it. Like Master Pakku from the Nickelodeon series Avatar: The Last Airbender has said, "With fierce and determination, passion, and hard work, you can accomplish anything. Raw talent alone is not enough."
So what should you do?
1. Do something every day to develop and nurture your talent. Even if it's just a little task or a new hobby, just do it. A little knowledge can go a long way.
2. If things get hard, don't be scared. Face it. Challenge yourself and take on difficult tasks. Look for opportunities to test yourself and keep pushing yourself to see how far you can go.
3. Work hard on the things that will make a difference. Work hard to learn. Work hard and accept the feedback. Work hard at getting better. Always.
4. Don't be shy to ask for help. It doesn't make you less of a person. Surround yourself with like-minded people and use their talents to help you grow and perform and vice versa. That's what teams are about.
To end this article, I want to leave you with a quote from Tim Notke that sums up everything I have been trying to say:
“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”
March 14, 2020 Banaue Rice Terraces
When it comes to traveling, you can always count on me except for one thing—hiking. Take me anywhere but the mountains. I've never been a fan of the mountain and long hours of trekking. I'm afraid of the trails as there could be wild animals or snakes that might attack us along the way and we're far away from help. My friends tell me that I'm just overthinking. Perhaps, I was.
Then come February this year, I decided to take the leap and finally go out of my comfort zone. I went on a 9-hour bus ride to Banaue only to find out that we'll be hiking almost three-fourths of our trip. From our home-stay and hot spring to the cold waterfalls and the famed rice terraces, name it, there's always hiking.
Whenever I'm in a new place that involves a lot of stairs and going ups, I make sure to count the steps but this time, I lost track while catching my breath. The numbers aren't important that time, I just want to rest already. For a woman who has never been to the mountains and not physically prepared, hiking is a challenge.
But I'm already there. I can't just go home, waste the money I paid for the trip, and leave the adventure that could have been the greatest one. I don't want to go back to Manila wondering what if I pushed through?
So, I embraced the challenge. I braved the thousands of steps—mostly steep and narrow paths—while being baked under the sun, wearing the wrong set of clothes just to see what the world has been talking about. And they are right, Banaue Rice Terraces is majestic! It's like a spot straight out from a postcard. All the hours of hiking, trekking, and countless catching of breath moments are totally worth it. Because with a view like this, how can you resist?
Taking a leap and going out of your comfort zone has risks, as does anything in life, but it's a great way to discover yourself and push yourself to the limit.
There's one thing I regret though... I regret not doing this sooner.
Photos by Hendrix Vargas
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December 7, 2019 Cebu, Philippines
Oftentimes, the photos we see online are either enhanced a little or deeply retouched especially when it comes to editorial magazines. So people need to realize that it is not always what it seems online and in glossy magazines.
Good thing, with the fashion industry inching towards representation of diversity, more brands and public figures have been embracing the authenticity of beauty.
Perhaps some would think that posting these photos takes a lot of courage because of my tiger stripes but to me, it's just another beach photo. I've never been ashamed of my stretch marks.
They may not be too appealing to others but to me, stretch marks are beautiful and it represents the truth. There's authenticity. Let's stop thinking about the "standards" of beauty and just learn to love your lines and your self completely.
Photos by Hendrix Vargas
July 28, 2019 Zambales, Philippines
Everything takes time and that's something our generation finds it a lot harder to adjust to. We expect things to go our way instantaneously. We expect to live the lives we chose. But it takes time. It always does.
Nobody got better overnight. For now, remember that every day that you have stood up is a step forward and you have survived many days.
Sometimes, waiting can be difficult because we don't have any idea what lies ahead. But when you are patient and you wait your turn, great things can happen and you'll be glad you took your time.
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July 11, 2019 Zambales, Philippines
Bikini body paranoia has been with almost all the ladies out there especially during the hot season because hey, summer is about beaches and bums... Or so we thought?
If you don't feel your best shape right now and you're itching to wear a swimsuit out on the beach, I think I just found the answer to that. If you're not that confident to wear a two-piece swimsuit, go for the one-piece!
Here, I'm wearing a one-piece swimsuit from H&M. It has a two-side cutouts that create a sexy-figure illusion when worn. This style helps you look sexier and achieve the curves you want.
You see, if you think you couldn't wear a swimsuit just because your body isn't an hourglass figure, then you're wrong. Anybody can wear whatever they want. Just put on your swimsuit and a dose of self-confidence, now you're good to go.
But hey, remember that confidence comes from within. A glossy magazine depicting thin models given by Sports Illustrated and angels of Victoria's Secret isn’t going to help.
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June 5, 2019 Hong Kong
Actually, I don't know. No one can tell you what will happen if you take the leap or not but what I know is that no matter what happens, you will learn.
Every decision leads to different lessons. Lessons that could lead you to what could have been missing all along to be where you want to be. It's important to choose wholeness over perfection. You will not be able to do things perfectly but you will be able to do things honestly.
But know this, even if you are doing what you love, there will still be moments that you will struggle. But it's in those moments of struggle where you'll realize the value of your work and the hard work you invested. It may not be your best work but it's part of the great story of your life.
The truth is, there is no way of knowing if you are going to fail or succeed but you can choose to believe that in the same way, neither success nor failure defines your worth, it does not define you.
So take the leap no matter where it brings you because for sure, at the end of the day, you will gain something.
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February 2, 2019 Siargao Island, Philippines
And I want you know that.
You deserve someone who sees your value, a person who knows your worth and reaches your standards no matter how high they are. You deserve a person who listens to you; to your little silly stories and remember even the smallest details you mention.
You deserve someone who compromises with you; a person who can meet you halfway.
You deserve a person who will give you the time and affection you crave. Someone who will hold your hand, pull you and give the warmest hug ever and kiss you on the forehead. Also, a person who treats you with respect even during the most intense fights, who wouldn't insult you or call you names.
You deserve all the clarity you need, someone who wouldn't send mixed signals that will confuse you because if that person is the right one, he will let you know.
You deserve a person who cares, a person who will treat you like a princess. Someone who will go their way just to pick you up or drive you home even in the most inconvenient time.
You deserve nothing but the best because you are worth it.
This set was taken at Guyam Island in Siargao, one of the calmest and beautiful islands I've been to. Whenever I'm traveling to a new place, I always make it a point that one of the outfits I'll wear should be pink, hence, ending with the swimsuit I'm wearing here.
I've never been the one who always follow the "fashion rules." I wear whatever makes me happy and that includes my favorite color, pink. My favorite color never fails to brighten my day and make me feel like the most joyful version of myself, whether I’m wearing an all-pink look or incorporating just a touch of it into an outfit.
The next time I post, I'll be sharing some of the good places to explore in Siargao. Be sure to keep updated here and on my other social media accounts! ;)
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