Hey there, My new friends! Set back and relax as I share my journey , for my Introduction post here in this Community. Thank you for allowing me to be part of this community and for introducing me to blogging @antonette. And because of that, allow me to take you on a ride through my life! A journey filled with twists, turns, unexpected and hurtful detours, and lot of mushrooms and farming experience!( Yes, you read it Right- I'm a self proclaim Disney Princess of Mushies Kingdom, in Sub Saharan Country of the South! ( Joke)
I was born and raised in an urban area,—my Tatay (dad) was a farmer, and my mom is a laundrywoman!
I had big dreams of city life, adventure, travelling, and something beyond the simple, hardworking life away from a farm.
Images Edited in Canva App
Now, let me introduce you to my family. We are a family of 9 ! Yep, I come from a big, loud, and loving typical urban Filipino family. We are 7 siblings—4 girls and 3 boys - each of us has our own unique personalities, but at the core of it all, we are family-oriented through and through. No matter how different we are, one thing is certain: Family first, always! My parents wish was to never separate with each other no matter what!
My Tatay was the classic disciplinarian— strict, firm, and always ensuring we did things correctly. But I am his weakness! I was his apple of the eye, haha! I was (and still am) a total daddy’s girl! While my siblings were low-key terrified of his serious tone and no-nonsense rules, I was the one who would run to him, crack jokes, and somehow soften his tough exterior.
I admired him so much, his work ethic, his strength, and his deep love for farming.
Until now, we still harvest his the fruit of his labor and his grand child still enjoys climbing the trees he planted.
Then, there’s my Mama,the complete opposite of Tatay! If my tatay was the tough-love general, my mom was is the one sneaking us extra treats and comforting us when Dad’s rules felt too much. She was, our safe space, our protector. Between these two incredible forces, I grew up learning the perfect balance of discipline and compassion.
And my siblings? Well, let’s just say our house was never quiet! 🤣 Each one of us had our own quirks. But no matter how much we teased, fought, or drove each other crazy, at the end of the day, we had each other’s backs. Because that’s what being in a Filipino family is all about—love, laughter, and always having a full table of food whenever we’re together.
But despite my admiration for my parents, I swore I would never be a farmer. Nope! Not me. I wanted something different, something BIGGER. So, as soon as I finished college, I set my sights on greener pasture as they say. And where did that adventure take me?
From Urban Farm to Fjords: My Norway Adventure
I packed my bags and left for Norway— a breathtaking country that stole my heart. I studied Tourism and Caregiving, met amazing people, and built a career I was truly proud of. Life was great! I was independent, thriving, and fully embracing this new world.
Life there wasn't a walk in the park. I spent years working hard while studying,, which helped me land a job in the hotel industry and as a caregiver too!
Enjoying every bit of my success, and honestly, I thought this was it. This was the dream!
But life has a funny way of reminding you what truly matters.
The Tragedy That Changed Everything!
In December 29,2026, my world turned upside down.
First, tatay was rushed to hospital and diagnosed with colon cancer stage 4 and given 2 months to live! 6 months later, my mom was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and reunited with Tatay in heaven. 💔
It felt like the ground beneath me had cracked open. Suddenly, no amount of career success or financial stability could fill my longiness to be with them. My family needed me, especially my parents needed me. And there was no hesitation—I had to go home. As a caregiver in other country, I have to take care of my parents first!
Leaving behind my life in Norway was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but life we needed to makes difficult choices but my love to my parents make it easier to make a choice. I came back to be with my parents, to care for them, to fight alongside them. It was a tough, emotional journey—one filled with pain, fear, and uncertainty. But through it all, I held on to what my dad always taught me: Resilience. Strength. Faith. No matter what life throws at you, stand tall and keep growing.
Back to My Roots: Falling in Love with Farming Again!
Fast forward. Today the farm girl I swore I’d never be? SHE’S HERE! AND SHE’S THRIVING!- Now a Certified Organic Agriculture Trainor in TESDA and a mushroom businesswoman.
I’ve fully embraced my roots and my true calling. I am now a farmer,and a passionate enthusiast of promoting Food security and Sustainability.
Who would’ve thought that the life I once ran from would become the very thing I cherish the most?
Life is funny that way.
Now, instead of city lights and corporate dreams, I find joy in watching crops grow, teaching others about sustainable farming, and experimenting with mushrooms (seriously, mushrooms are magical!). Every day, I wake up with purpose, knowing that I’m not just growing food—I’m growing a legacy, just like my dad did.
Why I Started This Blog?
So, why am I here? Simple—to share my journey, my lessons, and my passion with YOU! Whether you’re a fellow farmer, an entrepreneur, or just someone looking for inspiration, I hope my stories bring you joy, laughter, and a little motivation to chase your dreams. As I always say to my students. Enjoy your youth, never rush, reach your dreams.
This blog will be a mix of everything—farming tips, business insights, life lessons, and personal stories. Some posts will make you laugh, some will make you think, and some might even inspire you to plant something (even if it’s just a tiny herb in your kitchen!).
No matter where life takes us, one thing I know that will be always be certain, with courage, faith, and resilience, we will always bloom!
So, welcome to my world! I'm your Sub- Saharan Disney Princess of the South! Saying hello, Hive community!
Grab a cup of coffee, and let’s grow together.