2nd year Blogversary

Now, I’m celebrating my 2nd blogversary! I can’t believe I’ve been blogging for two years already. Even though my time is limited these days, I’m still trying to update this blog. Thank you to all my readers who continue to read and comment on my posts—it truly means a lot.

In these two years, I’ve gained new ideas, met online friends, and learned valuable lessons through blogging. I’d like to share some of my experiences and insights with you.

1. Handling Negative Feedback

If you remember my very controversial Cebu’s Lechon post, that was the first time I received negative comments after six months of blogging. It affected me at first, but I’m grateful for the feedback because it enlightened me. I realized that, even if you’re just sharing your honest opinion, negative comments are inevitable in the blogosphere—and that’s okay.

2. Attending Blogging Events

Last year, I attended the “Healthier Moms, Happier Kids” event—the first blogging event I ever joined because it happened on a weekend. I felt out of place because I didn’t know anyone there, and most attendees were talking about events they had attended or planned to attend. I couldn’t relate, and it seemed like they had known each other for years.

I rarely receive invites, and I usually decline them. I’m not fond of attending events because most are in NCR, scheduled on weekdays, and just aren’t my thing. I realized that attending blogging events isn’t my priority—I started this blog to share my family’s story, not to cover events. Don’t get me wrong: if a great event comes along and I have spare time, I’ll gladly attend. But as a full-time mom without a yaya, it’s nearly impossible for me to enjoy events the way others do.

3. Lessons from Giveaways

Last August, I hosted a Favordeal jewelry giveaway. After researching the site, I saw I wasn’t the only blogger invited, and it seemed legit, so I agreed. However, after the giveaway ended, the organizer stopped replying to my messages, even after I sent the winners’ names and chosen prizes.

It took them a month to ship the prizes. Last month, one winner emailed me saying, “kulang ang nareceive niya.” I contacted my organizer again, but I still haven’t received a reply. I sincerely apologize to the winner who received incomplete prizes—I understand her frustration because I’ve experienced similar disappointments, having won two giveaways and never received my prizes.

This experience made me hesitant to host giveaways, and I declined two more offers afterward. But I realized not all companies are the same; I just need to ensure they are professional and reliable. My last giveaway went smoothly—once I sent the winners’ details, Abbey immediately delivered the ebook. The lesson here: “Don’t be too trusting, but don’t give up either.”

4. My Favorite Blogging Quote

I’ll leave you with my favorite blogging quote, which I shared in my post “Why I Love Being a Mom and Blogger”:

"Don’t live to blog or blog to live, but live, then blog."

Thank you again for taking the time to read my post. I hope you continue to stay and follow along on my blogging journey!