“Real courage is being afraid to do something but doing it anyway. -Oprah Winfrey”
Hello Hive! I am Danica, 29, a public high school teacher in one of the highest-performing integrated schools in Northern Cebu, Philippines. I started my introduction with a quote about real courage because it took me some time to put myself together and save a lot of courage to try this new opportunity I am absolutely a certified newbie – being a blogger. I love writing, yes, but never in my limitless imagination that a new door of opportunity will be opened for me and bring me to the wonderful world of blogging.
Let’s know ME more! I am a proud illegitimate child who wished to know my biological father. However, I am now in the process of accepting the reality that knowing him in person seems impossible. If it’s meant to happen, it will!
I was exposed to responsibilities at early age (like I knew how to cook meals at 7) because our mother had to earn a living. My sister and I were pleased to finally experience a father’s love when my mother got married. I got new siblings, new place, new hut, and new neighbors but do you know what stays the same? - Our way of life. Life was even harder. How hard? Well, think of the life in the remotest part of the province, no electricity, no internet, nothing at all! I can’t help but shed tears whenever I looked back all the hardships I had before becoming what I am now. From being a sugarcane plantation worker (I started working at age 9), charcoal making, a banana cue vendor, corn farming, and many more. During those years, my only dream was to have a nice three meals a day which rarely happened.
I started dreaming to become a teacher when I reached high school, an impossible dream to reach for a child who had nothing but aspirations. Our poverty drove me to endure the 2-km walk to school with only one sneaker that I cherished for four years in high school. I diligently studied to excel in my class which gave me the opportunity to pursue college. Guess what? I got a full scholarship in college. It was a gift that brought not only joy and pride but also hope,
However, life was not over in testing how determined I am. Staying in city to pursue college was a challenge (expenses are real, you know?). But those days, God had never turned away and proved that He’s always with me. I was blessed to be hired as a house maid (all- around house maid) and blessed to have masters who supported me in my studies. To cut the long story short and I hope you are still with me (haha..so much drama, right?), I am now a professional teacher and happily married with two beautiful kids! And at this very moment determined to do blogs!
My humble and extended family! This was the first time that we were able to land a whole “lechon” in the table.
With profound gratitude, I am delighted to be part of this community. I owe this to 
I feel blessed and blissful to be in a platform where I can express myself outside of the four walls of my classroom, an avenue to inspire and be inspired, a place where I can freely share experiences, life lessons, goals, failures, and success, an outlet to bring travelers to new places they need to see and to taste the food they never thought are edible, and importantly to be heard with respect and without judgment. What a dream, right? So thank you so much Hive for making this dream possible!
What to expect from me? Well, anything I got and the following is some:
Traveling. I love traveling, but my budget could not (Relate?). That is why I only traveled to a few places across the Philippine seas. Traveling is one of my recharging powers, relieving stress and relaxing my mind from all the hustles.
My first travel outside Cebu: “Orchid City of the Philippines” – Dipolog City
“Rizal’s Exile City” – Dapitan City, Zamboanga Del Norte
But I realized that why travel far and spend more when there are a lot of gems in my locality yet to be discovered? Well then, allow me to bring you to these new places without any expense and witness breathtaking scenes and captivating views that only nature can provide, soon.
Painting/ Designing/ Landscaping/ Planting. These are my addiction. I enjoy designing, decorating, and even painting. Planting and landscaping are my top stress-relieving activities (not food?). Whenever I need to reset and relaxed, I always turn my attention to plants and landscape. That “feeling of fulfillment” when you see something you’ve created wholeheartedly and crafted meaningfully is just amazing.
Recently, I added a heart-shaped planting area (MY heart..haha) in my landscape. With the help of my supportive hubby and cooperative students, it was realized despite limited resources. Still working on the finishing part, hoping and praying to have it done before the year ends (the Budget is tight and cement is expensive). So for those who are enthusiastic here about planting and landscaping, I would love to hear from you, your DIY, and stuff.
“Landscaping with my students – We are making the heart- shared planting area with big stones to reduce expenses.”
“I love painting during free hours although this one is still ongoing..”
““As much as I love landscaping, I also love planting.”
Family and Wellness. I am a mother and when you become one, I am sure that you will agree with me that family should be first, especially with your kids. I am not sure if this content is okay (please educate me if not) but I find this important to share awareness with all the moms, soon- to- be- moms, and those planning to become moms about clubfoot (Heard about it?)
Clubfoot (also called Talipes) is where a baby is born with a foot or feet that turn in and under (from Google, guys). Early detection means a big chance of correcting it through therapy or treatment. At first, I was so complacent that it was normal for a newborn to have bend-like legs. Elders told me to just massage the legs always which I did. But it didn’t work, it became obvious when he started to stand and walk. Something is not right! (Mother’s instinct is rare). So we had him checked by an orthopedic and confirmed!
My treasures (so adorable)!
The one in the bonnet is my little man who was unfortunately born with clubfoot but luckily it is only in his right foot and it’s a mild case. He is four now and still in his therapy. We started his treatment when he was one year old and he made a lot of progress. I would be pleased to share in this community my son’s journey in our fight against clubfoot!
Hiking and Trekking. I was raised in a mountainous part of Cebu so hiking, climbing, and trekking are like my “cup of tea” (I am not a professional mountaineer but I am by experience). The last climb I went to was Mount Liog-Liog located at Brgy. Mabuli, Municipality of Tabogon, Cebu. It was an hour's walk and a 35-minute climb and WOW! All the thirst and sweat were paid off by the green paradise you see from the top. Plus a cave nearby called “Lapos-Lapos”(Unfortunately, no pictures were taken in the cave).
“The best picture taken yet, nothing is more beautiful than witnessing the sunset.” – Top at Mt. Liog-Liog
“My first climb at Linabo Peak - I did not see the scenic view because the top of the mountain was covered with fog! On my way there, I almost gave up but I made it, I survived the 3003 steps!!”
And the most exciting part is my new sideline…(tadaaaaahhhh…) making BLOGS and being part of the Hive community. I am thrilled to read blogs from all the brilliant people here and be inspired and learn from them, too. Again, thank you so much Hive for this amazing opportunity!
Let’s start sharing stories Hive, VAMOS!