For a simple lady who used to daydream of youthful ambitions and longed for a lasting recognition she can leave her kids, this is a lasting legacy I can be proud of.  That I can dream of anything as long as I work hard for it.

On May 2011, my photo finally made it to the cover of Philippine Airline’s Mabuhay Magazine. Editor tells me I may be the first female photographer to have done so.  This photo was made possible because I rode in an open chopper to shoot Mount Mayon while still on an alert level at that time.  This is a feat for me considering that a decade ago I was terrified of heights (and water, enclosed spaces, commitment, and every paranoia I could conjure).

Once upon a time, I was stuck inside a box, never wanting to leave the comforts of four corners. The day I made a 360 degree turn,  broadened my horizon, and lived outside of the box, was a time I learned to appreciate the life I secretly longed to live. I hope this becomes an inspiring story for others who would want to step out of their boxes too.

I now have a legacy to leave my kids, so they will remember me as the “cool, butt-kicking mom.”

More of my images in Mabuhay Magazine’s May issue here.