Posts

What Were You Thinking, Jude? Episode 3: When Demands for Respect Become Disrespect

Image
  Scrolling through my social media feed the other day, a story stopped me cold. Jude Bacalso, the Cebuana media personality known for her travel shows and cultural advocacy, was trending – but not for the usual reasons. It turns out she had publicly humiliated a waiter for accidentally misgendering her. Now, my wife and I are both staunch allies of the LGBTQ+ community. We believe in the fight for respect and equality. But what we saw in the reports of this incident was not advocacy; it was something else entirely. It was a public display of power, a demand for respect that only served to create more division. As someone who has seen the struggles of LGBTQ+ friends and family firsthand, I couldn't help but ask, " What were you thinking, Jude? " For those unfamiliar, Jude Bacalso is a prominent figure in Cebu's media scene. She's hosted her own talk show, promoted Filipino culture on Netflix, and even mentored young travelers. She's someone with influence, wit
Post a Comment
Read more

ChatGPT Confessions: How I Write Blog Posts Without Sounding Like a Bot

Image
Let's be honest, who hasn't been tempted to let AI do the heavy lifting when it comes to writing? Raises hand sheepishly. I'll admit, I've dabbled in the world of AI writing tools myself. They're undeniably convenient, spitting out paragraphs of seemingly coherent text in seconds. But there's a catch... More often than not, the results feel a bit... robotic . You know, that overly formal, slightly stiff writing that lacks the spark and personality of a human voice. As someone who values authenticity and connecting with readers, I knew I couldn't rely on AI alone. So, I went on a journey to discover the secret sauce for using AI tools (yes, even the infamous ChatGPT) without sacrificing that human touch. It turns out, it's all about finding the right strategy. In this post, I'm spilling the beans on my tried-and-tested methods for infusing personality and that elusive je ne sais quoi  into my blog posts, even with a little AI help. Whether you'r
Post a Comment
Read more

Don't Waste Your Connects: The Ultimate Upwork Job Ad Checklist

Image
You've polished your profile, created a killer portfolio, and you're ready to dive into the world of Upwork freelancing. But before you start firing off proposals, let's talk about Connects. These little virtual tokens are your ticket to landing gigs, but they're not unlimited.  Every time you hit that "Submit Proposal" button, you're spending valuable currency. So, how do you make sure you're not just throwing Connects into the void? The answer is simple: learn to read between the lines of Upwork job ads .  It's like being a detective, searching for clues that reveal whether a job is worth your time and your Connects. This guide is your magnifying glass. We'll walk you through the essential checklist to evaluate Upwork job ads, helping you weed out the duds and discover the hidden gems. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newbie freelancer, these tips will save you Connects, time, and the frustration of dealing with less-than-ideal clients.
Post a Comment
Read more

How a Content Writer Survived (and Thrived) in the Age of AI on Upwork

Image
Upwork was my playground. Top-rated content writer, glowing reviews, the works. Then the AI revolution hit – ChatGPT and its ilk flooded the market, leaving many of us content writers scrambling for scraps.  I was almost one of them. But I'm here to tell you that not only did I survive, I'm back on top. This is my story of weathering the AI storm, reclaiming my territory as a content writer, and the hard-won lessons I learned along the way. Let's rewind to the "before times" – pre-AI, when content writing gigs on Upwork were plentiful. I was in my element. My inbox overflowed with requests, clients raved about my work, and I was living the freelancer's dream. It wasn't always easy – long hours, demanding deadlines – but I loved the freedom and creativity of it all. It felt like nothing could stop me. Then everything changed. It felt like it happened overnight. ChatGPT 3.5 launched, followed by the even more powerful ChatGPT 4, and suddenly the Upwork lands
Post a Comment
Read more

Is the Philippines All Bark and No Bite in the West Philippine Sea? It's a Growing Concern Among Filipinos

Image
I've always taken pride in our nation's spirit. Filipinos are known for their resilience and courage, our ability to face adversity with a smile. But when it comes to the issue of the West Philippine Sea, I can't shake a growing sense of unease. It feels like we're caught in a troubling contradiction – bold proclamations of sovereignty clashing with a reality that seems increasingly precarious. I've followed this issue for years, watching as our government has made strong statements about protecting our territorial waters. President Marcos, like those before him, has pledged to stand up to China's aggression.  I want to believe him. I want to believe that we won't be bullied, that we'll defend what's rightfully ours. But then I see the news reports, the images of our small, outmatched vessels facing off against China's maritime armada. I hear about the tense encounters during resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre, that rusting hulk of a ship
Post a Comment
Read more

Crisis, Soar, Skyrocket: The Words That Keep Us Chained to the Pump

Image
I was having my morning coffee, enjoying the quiet before the day's hustle, when the radio blared, " Tataas na naman ang gasolina sa Martes, kaya magpa-gas na kayo ngayon! " The sudden jolt of urgency, the familiar dread of rising prices, and the nagging feeling of being manipulated – it all left a bitter taste, worse than any burnt coffee. This isn't a new tactic. Every week, we're bombarded with similar headlines, fueling a frenzy at the pump. It's a cycle of panic, frustration, and ultimately, a hefty dent in our wallets, not to mention the toll it takes on our mental well-being. But have you ever stopped to think about who's profiting from this panic, and how this constant hype plays on our fears and cultural tendencies? In this blog, we'll dive into the dark side of media sensationalism and how it makes people rush to buy gas in the Philippines. We'll uncover the psychological tricks used to manipulate consumers, examine the real impact on our
Post a Comment
Read more

Upwork's Expert-Vetted Badge: Is It Worth the Hype (and 300 Connects)?

Image
So, Upwork slid into my notifications today with an unexpected proposition: apply for the Expert-Vetted badge. Now, I had always assumed that only the platform's elite were granted this accolade, as they were hand-picked by Upwork's mysterious algorithm gods. Turns out, you can actually buy your way into consideration—for a cool 300 Connects, or roughly $45. That's not chump change, especially when you consider it doesn't guarantee you'll get the badge.  As a content writer, I'm not entirely sure this badge is the golden ticket it's made out to be for my niche. After all, it seems geared more towards business consultants, programmers, and other fields where "expert" status is more easily defined. But hey, I'm a curious freelancer, and 300 Connects isn't that much of a gamble... so I figured it was worth digging deeper. What Even Is the Expert-Vetted Badge? The Expert-Vetted badge is Upwork's most prestigious badge, designed to showcase
Post a Comment
Read more