Mai
“I know your struggles are so real that sometimes, it makes you doubt your strengths, especially your self-worth. In spite of, I want you to know that things always get better in time. Remember that you’ve gone through worse and you’ve managed to survive every time. So don’t ever lose hope.”
Mai has been a content writer for over a decade who uses her platforms to amplify and empower others. She is a blogger who aims to make travel accessible by offering tips and tricks for how to explore on a budget; she co-founded an online community, supporting and connecting women abroad; she also runs the @tatakpilipinay Instagram, promoting Pinay-led small businesses. Mai is passionate about supporting other women while exploring the world around her. She is a innovative empath who is driven by community and drawn to adventure. Meet Mai. This is her story.
P: Please introduce yourself.
M: I’m Mai, a content writer for over 11 years. I’m also the Filipina blogger behind Budget Biyahera, co-founder of Ladies Who Online (UAE-based ladies community), and Tatak Pilipinay.
P: Describe or define yourself in your own words.
M: My wanderings in the Philippines and abroad made me see the goodness in cultural diversity and the power of community. As an introvert, these experiences encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone, and motivated me to create genuine connections and collaborations with people from all walks of life.
P: What is your favourite thing about yourself?
M: My sense of empathy.
P: Tell us a story. Have you had an experience that has defined you or made you stronger?
M: I went through tumultuous experiences year after year. So I wrote myself a love letter to remind myself that it’s still possible to bounce back despite my physical and mental struggles. I hope this letter can inspire anyone and everyone to rise up from adversity and to always stand up for what they believe in:
I know your struggles are so real that sometimes, it makes you doubt your strengths, especially your self-worth. In spite of, I want you to know that things always get better in time. Remember that you've gone through worse and you've managed to survive every time. So don't ever lose hope.
Remember that you may have given up a lot of things just to be where you are today, and that's ok. You will always have the opportunity to birth new and wild ideas again, and turn your dreams and passions into reality. Just keep the faith.
Remember that the people who left you and wronged you, particularly those who didn't appreciate your truths, are replaceable. You are worth it in every sense. You are loved. You are valued by those who matter.
Remember that everything in life evolves, as you do. So thank you for moving forward despite life's challenges. Thank you for fighting, trying and hoping. God loves you.
P: What is one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self?
M: “It’s ok to give yourself a break. You deserve it, truly!”
P: What does being a woman mean to you?
M: It means a lot of things for me like being compassionate and vulnerable towards those we love in our lives without feeling weak for doing so.
P: Who is one woman who inspires you? What would you say if they were here now?
M: My grandmother taught me how to be patient and kind. She also taught me how to love unconditionally. It was her purest and gentlest heart that made me see the good in others, even if they weren’t the kindest of people. As many as the people who’ve broken me, I’ve learned to get up and find forgiveness because it was a virtue she lived by. She lived an exemplary life. Despite going through a hard life growing up, she still led a life of service and love. She also focused on helping raise children even if she didn’t carry them in her womb. I am one of those grateful kids that she helped support.
If she was still walking this earth, I’d give her the tightest hug and say, “thank you for loving me.”