thehavenofadreamer

[thehavenofadreamer]

For Sunday reading: My latest short story, "Coping for Tomorrow" unravels the themes about awareness, acceptance, and strength in a circumstance challenged by the recent pandemic.

Read it now on the Flyover Country Literary Magazine. 📖😃

https://flyovercountryliterarymagazine.com/2021/03/09/coping-for-tomorrow/

#writing #mentalhealth #anxiety #depression #selfcare #psychology #mindfulness #wellness #resilience #shortstory #literature #life #health #healing

[thehavenofadreamer]

Albert Samaha and the Journalist's Advocacy

This week, my latest vlog on my YouTube channel features Philippine-American journalist Albert Samaha.

Albert Samaha is an investigative reporter for Buzzfeed and the author of a book adapted into a Netflix docuseries.

Watch our full interview here: https://youtu.be/kaCcPKoO7q4

[thehavenofadreamer]

You're Getting There

While we celebrate and recognize the vigor and vitality of youth, we often fail to realize that certain accomplishments go well with maturity.

Everyone has their own time and place in this world. Whatever you do, keep going. You're getting there.

[thehavenofadreamer]

Interview with TJ Martinell

Author TJ Martinell gives advice on how writers can hone their craft. Practice can help them reach a long way, but it's the experience that adds value to it.

Link to the full interview: https://youtu.be/80OTHsCJHsk

[thehavenofadreamer]

Author TJ Martinell explains why dystopian stories usually involve dark themes and concepts in contrast to a fictional world's bright and optimistic future.

Link to our full conversation: https://youtu.be/80OTHsCJHsk

[thehavenofadreamer]

TJ Martinell is a regular contributor for Terror House Magazine which also published his latest novel, The Pilgrim's Digress. Initially serialized last year, the novel was released in December and is now available on Amazon and Kindle.

Link to the full interview: https://youtu.be/80OTHsCJHsk

[thehavenofadreamer]

Yesterday, I received something special from the mail - another addition to my offspring. Though the annual Globe Media Excellence Awards took place virtually on Facebook last year, the trophy (along with the other monetary and digital prizes) is the tangible proof that constant hard work, consistency of passion, a keen approach towards authenticity and the pursuit for truth lead to promising and valuable results.

While awards and recognition may play their part in validating one's effort and contribution for a greater positive change in our community, they are an addition to the much larger picture. The endeavor to tell truthful stories in an age when disinformation tears communities apart can be anyone's responsibility. Anyone, in this context, refers to those who have direct access to platforms where information can easily be disseminated.

Truth, just like stories, is everywhere. Perhaps it may not appear as solid as an object of merit, may not often be as visible as an image, or may not often be as audible as a president's final concession, but it exists and we live it every day. Truth is the treasure of storytellers, and journalists navigate many parts of the world to seek it.

There will come a time when we'll look back at everything that happened these days, and we would know by then that despite the disinformation and lies and falsities that threatened our lives, the truth has always been there to combat them.

#success #journalism #truth #stories #writing #media

[thehavenofadreamer]

We owe our gratitude to the brave frontliners who  have risked so much in a time when our safety, health, and economy were under threat. The pandemic may have affected a lot of industries, but our frontliners have saved us all.

Here's my message to modern day heroes: https://youtu.be/iyVjJK53rKg

[thehavenofadreamer]

2021 is the second year of the new decade. By seeing things in new perspective, we learn to look forward to new moments that we have yet to live through and encounter.

In my latest vlog entry, I talked about how we can view this year in a new and hopeful light.

Full video: https://youtu.be/iyVjJK53rKg

#newyear #hope #2021

[thehavenofadreamer]

Looking forward to the year ahead encourages us to reflect on the past. We may have experienced tough challenges in the previous year, but that didn't mean that the good moments were entirely absent.

In my latest vlog entry, I talked about how we can appreciate the previous year despite all that happened.

Link to full video: https://youtu.be/iyVjJK53rKg

[thehavenofadreamer]

Two of @taylorswift 's most popular songs in her latest album have captivated the hearts of her fans. Swiftie Alve Aranton shares two songs in evermore that struck her the most.

Full video of our interview can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/aDszXkHVO_8

[thehavenofadreamer]

Today, I officially received my certificate from Globe Media Excellence Awards for my winning story in the Community Development Story of the Year Category.

My winning piece is available on the Philippine News Agency website.

Link: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1103745

[thehavenofadreamer]

This is a shortened version of the video that I made as tribute for my mother this Mothers' Day.

Happy Mothers' Day to all mothers out there!

[thehavenofadreamer]

In this moment when everyone is meant to worry, we found a reason to feel the exact opposite.

- Val

"Quarantine" (a short story now published on The Philippines Graphic)

https://philippinesgraphic.net/2020/04/20/quarantine/

[thehavenofadreamer]

"Don’t you think time is worth spending with the people you truly care about?"

- Rodney

"Quarantine" (a short story now published on The Philippines Graphic)

https://philippinesgraphic.net/2020/04/20/quarantine/

[thehavenofadreamer]

"I’m not one to be caged."

- Rodney

"Quarantine" (a short story now published on The Philippines Graphic)

https://philippinesgraphic.net/2020/04/20/quarantine/

[thehavenofadreamer]

"I remembered their advice, hearing Pa’s voice again: It’s best to stay safe."

- Val

"Quarantine" (a short story now published on The Philippines Graphic)

https://philippinesgraphic.net/2020/04/20/quarantine/