Are you a first-time freelancer eager to kickstart your career? The digital world offers a plethora of opportunities, but finding the right platform to connect with clients can be a daunting task. Fear not! I've compiled a list of the top three websites that are perfect for beginners looking to dive into the freelance world headfirst.



1. Upwork: The Gig Hub

Upwork is a goldmine for freelancers of all levels, but it's especially welcoming to newcomers. This platform boasts a wide array of job categories, from writing and graphic design to programming and virtual assistance. The key to success on Upwork lies in creating a stellar profile that showcases your skills and expertise. Don't be afraid to take skill tests to validate your abilities—it adds credibility and helps you stand out from the crowd.


As a beginner, consider starting with smaller projects to build your reputation and gather positive reviews. Upwork's user-friendly interface and secure payment system provide peace of mind, making it an ideal starting point for your freelance journey.



2. Online Jobs PH: The Filipino Freelancer's Haven

If you're based in the Philippines, Online Jobs PH is a treasure trove of remote opportunities. This platform caters specifically to Filipino freelancers, offering a wide range of jobs from local and international clients. From virtual assistants to content writers, there's something for everyone.


What sets Online Jobs PH apart is its focus on long-term employment. Many clients are seeking dedicated freelancers for ongoing projects, providing a stable income stream. The key here is to craft a detailed profile highlighting your skills and experiences. Don't forget to browse the job listings regularly and submit compelling proposals to stand out from the competition.


3. LinkedIn: The Professional Network

LinkedIn isn't just for networking and connecting with professionals—it's also a powerful tool for freelancers. Building a strong LinkedIn profile is crucial for showcasing your expertise and attracting potential clients. Treat your profile like a digital resume, highlighting your skills, work experience, and achievements.


One of the biggest advantages of LinkedIn is its ability to connect you directly with decision-makers. Join relevant groups and participate in discussions to expand your network. Additionally, use the platform's job search feature to find freelance opportunities posted by companies directly.


To maximize your visibility on LinkedIn, regularly share industry-related content, engage with other users' posts, and request recommendations from former colleagues or clients. These endorsements add credibility to your profile and make you more appealing to potential clients.


In conclusion, these three websites—Upwork, Online Jobs PH, and LinkedIn—are invaluable resources for first-time freelancers. Whether you're a writer, designer, developer, or virtual assistant, there's a platform tailored to your skills and needs. Remember, success in freelancing requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to continuously improve your craft. So, dive in, create compelling profiles, and let these platforms be the launchpad for your flourishing freelance career! 🚀


Cheers to your freelance journey, 



Ate Clai💗




Dear younger self,

How are you doing? I hope you are still holding up well. I know life is tough but so it is 5 years later. I know you are still trying to figure out your strengths and your limitations. That is fine. You really need to take your time on that. I know that sometimes you are too clueless that you just want to forget everything and live - on. I just want to remind you of the realizations that I have now in the future and hopefully be able to guide you.

My beloved, please value work and work smart. Believe me on this one. You will fail in almost all aspects of this topic. You will procrastinate a lot and you will, most of the time, take things for granted. I wish you will realize earlier that you have great potentials that you need to unfold and embrace. Stop comparing yourself to others. You may fail in some things but believe me, you are amazing on all other stuff. Focus on improving yourself and develop a habit that will lead you to success. Stop giving excuses and start working out your plans. It’s never too late, never too late. Make your experiences your license to slay the future and what's ahead.

Value relationship. You don't really have to gain thousands of friends on Facebook nor Instagram. You don't need to impress anyone either. Just be kind to everybody and be wise in choosing your set of friends. Make sure to get in touch with them and make sure to be the friend that you want for yourself. You will meet a lot of them. You will meet good ones. The kind of friends who are always there to support you regardless of the situation. They will stick around regardless the distance, without judgment and without question. Cherish them, they will be vital for your success, emotional health and in your life in general.

Love and be loved. You will meet assholes. Plenty of them. I guess that is because you will be very anxious about getting one so you will not be tagged as the ugly duckling. Accept the fact that you are born different with unique talents and characteristics. Turn every heartbreaks and frustrations into lifelong lessons and be sure to learn from it. You are used to learning things the hard way and I want you to realize as early as now, that chasing after people who don't want to stay is like running on a treadmill for 5 hours; it's impossible and tiring. It will be rough but remember that no matter how promising the relationship is, accept the reality that some people you meet in life are in your timeline to prepare you for the one that will be with you forever. Be thankful for the experiences and the learnings both the good and bad. Those will make you wiser and tougher. Strive to always be a positive impact on someone's life so you will leave a memorable mark in their heart.

Above all, treasure your family. I can never stress this enough. You have failed them and they are still there for you no matter what. Make up for the times you missed and try to be present. Strive harder for your family and as the band goes, "Make your Mama Proud - MYMP"

Lastly, Just live. Live relentlessly with hopes and a great attitude towards people and yourself. Worry about being better. Drop your insecurities, they won't matter in the future. Learn to harness your skills in all areas and just enjoy life.

Live, Love and be loved. Let go of the past and be hopeful for the future. You have your future to conquer.

Love,

Your 20-ish self <3






COMPLETE LIST OF VISA-FREE COUNTRIES FOR PHILIPPINES PASSPORT HOLDER (AND VISA ON ARRIVALS)
ASEAN COUNTRIES (VISA FREE FOR FILIPINOS)
COUNTRY VISA STATUS VISA COST IMPORTANT REQUIREMENTS
Brunei Darussalam 14 Days free return/onward ticket
Cambodia 21 Days free
Indonesia 30 Days free
Laos 30 Days
Malaysia 30 Days return/onward ticket
Myanmar 14 Days return/onward ticket
Singapore 30 Days return/onward ticket
Thailand 30 Days return/onward ticket
Vietnam 21 Days return/onward ticket
REST OF ASIA (VISA FREE FOR FILIPINOS)
COUNTRY VISA STATUS VISA COST IMPORTANT REQUIREMENTS
Armenia VOA at Yerevan Airport maximum of 120 days or better yet, get an e-Visa Visa payable in local currency only
Hong Kong 14 Days  return/onward ticket
Iran 30 Days but 14 Days at Kish and Qeshm Airport  return/onward ticket
Israel 30 Days  return/onward ticket
Kyrgyzstan 30 Days VOA hotel vouchers, return/onward ticket
Macau 30 Days  return/onward ticket,
proof of sufficient funds (at least MOP 5000.-)
Maldives 30 Days VOA hotel vouchers or at least USD 100.-,
and also USD 50.- per person per day,
return/onward ticket
Mongolia 21 Days  return/onward ticket
Nepal 90 Days VOA
Sri Lanka 30 Days ETA on arrival return/onward ticket
Taiwan 30 Days return/onward ticket
AFRICA (VISA FREE & VISA ON ARRIVAL FOR FILIPINOS)
30 Days VOAFree
COUNTRY VISA STATUS VISA COST IMPORTANT REQUIREMENTS
Cape Verde Islands VOA
Comoros 45 Days VOA return/onward ticket
Djibouti VOA
Gambia 90 Days return/onward ticket,
entry clearance from the Gambian
Immigration prior to travel
Guinea-Bissau 90 Days VOA
Kenya 90 Days VOA  $50 for 30 days return/onward ticket, at least USD 500
Madagascar  90 Days VOA  $27 for 30 days return/onward ticket
Mauritius
Morocco 90 Days  free return/onward ticket
Mozambique 30 Days VOA at Beira, Nampula, Maputo, Pemba, Tete and Vilankulo Airports  $50 for 30 Days Single Entry return/onward ticket, sufficient
 funds to support their stay and proof of purpose of visit
Rwanda 90 Days  $50 for 30 days
Senegal 30 Days VOA official invitation letter, return/onward ticket
Seychelles 30 Days VOA return/onward ticket, sufficient funds (minimum of
USD 150.- or equivalent per day), proof of accommodation
during stay
Tanzania 30 Days VOA  $50 for 30 days return/onward ticket
Togo 7 Days VOA return/onward ticket, 3 passport photos
Uganda VOA $50 for 30 days return/onward ticket, contact details of a
person or organization in Uganda and
an address and phone number of the place
of stay in Uganda, proof of the purpose of stay
and sufficient funds to cover the stay, d
ocuments required for  next destination
Zambia E-Visa – Preapproved $50 return/onward ticket
CENTRAL AMERICA (VISA FREE & VISA ON ARRIVAL FOR FILIPINOS)
I will update this list esp for those with a valid tourist visa from Western countries – if you do have it, all countries in Central America are visa-free for you!
COUNTRY VISA STATUS VISA COST IMPORTANT REQUIREMENTS
Costa Rica 90 Days  free return/onward ticket
Nicaragua  30 Days VOA $50 return/onward ticket, Tourist Card on arrival
CARIBBEAN  (VISA FREE & VISA ON ARRIVAL FOR FILIPINOS)
I will update this list for Valid Visa Holders of UK, USA, Canada or Schengen visa! Most of the countries in the
Caribbean will also allow you to stay for up to 48 hours visa free if you will be going on a Cruise ship!
COUNTRY VISA STATUS VISA COST IMPORTANT REQUIREMENTS
Haiti 90 Days return/onward ticket, an address (place of stay) in Haiti
EUROPE (VISA FREE & VISA ON ARRIVAL FOR FILIPINOS)
I will update this list for OFWs working in the Middle East/ GCC countries where you get perks to traveling to some countries visa-free because of your residency!
COUNTRY VISA STATUS VISA COST IMPORTANT REQUIREMENTS
Georgia E-Visa return/onward ticket, proof of health
insurance, sufficient funds to cover the stay
Kosovo 15 Days for Schengen Visa Holders
Turkey E-Visa for Schengen, Ireland, UK, and the US residence permit Holders return/onward ticket, proof of hotel reservation,
documents for next destination
OCEANIA/PACIFIC ISLANDS (VISA FREE & VISA ON ARRIVAL FOR FILIPINOS)
COUNTRY VISA STATUS VISA COST IMPORTANT REQUIREMENTS
Cook Islands 31 Days return/onward ticket
Fiji 120 Days return/onward ticket, visitors permit
Marshall Islands 90 Days VOA
Micronesia 30 Days
Nauru return/onward ticket, entry permit (visa letter)
Niue 30 Days return/onward ticket
Palau 30 Days VOA  proof of sufficient funds to cover the stay
 (USD 200.- per week), documents
required for their next destination
Papua New Guinea 60 Days VOA at Port Moresby and Rabaul Airports return/onward ticket
Samoa 60 Days Visitor’s Permit on arrival return/onward ticket
Tuvalu 30 Days VOA return/onward ticket
Vanuatu 30 Days return/onward ticket
SOUTH AMERICA (VISA FREE & VISA ON ARRIVAL FOR FILIPINOS)
COUNTRY VISA STATUS VISA COST IMPORTANT REQUIREMENTS
Bolivia 90 Days
Brazil 90 Days return/onward ticket
Colombia 90 Days return/onward ticket, proof of sufficient funds
to cover the stay, confirmed hotel reservation
Ecuador 90 Days
Peru 183 Days return/onward ticket
Suriname 90 Days return/onward ticket
REQUIREMENTS COMMON TO VISA APPLICATIONS
Each country that processes a visa for travelers has a unique set of requirements for application. However, there are common
documents that you must prepare wherever you are hoping to visit. Have these in advance to expedite your application: 
A passport valid for at least six months.
IMPORTANT: Check the expiry date of your passport and count six months backward. For example, if your passport expires 
on October 3, 2017, you can only use it for traveling until April 2017.
Previous visas
Filled out visa application form.
QUICK TIP: Check if you can download the form on the website of your destination country or if you can fill it out online.
Passport photos. See any particular specification from the embassy website.
Proof of sufficient financial means. Examples include bank statements, investments, assets, employment contract, or income tax return.
Roundtrip reservation or itinerary including exact dates and flight numbers specifying entry and exit from your destination country.
Proof of accommodation for the whole duration of intended stay.
A letter of invitation and support, if visiting friends or relatives, as well as contact information of said friends or relatives.
Medical or travel insurance
Payment/ Fees

I hope this helps!


Kuala Lumpur, The heart, and Capital of Malaysia is one of the liveliest places I have ever been. Tall buildings, food, people and the interesting historical sites are just a few of the many reasons why you need to visit the country. Many people are scared of getting into the country for some reasons. I tell you now that you should not because you will miss wonderful experiences that only this country can offer.

These are some of my budget travel guides with transportation, accommodation, food and places to visit around the city.

Many of its iconic attractions can be enjoyed without spending a dime. Join me as we navigate through this vibrant city and discover 10 incredible places that didn't cost me a penny.



TRANSPORTATION

Upon arrival, go directly to the express train on the underground level. IF you will be staying around the city center take the Express Train. It is called such because it doesn't have any stop over. It will take roughly 30 minutes to go to the city center. From the city center, it will already be very easy to make your way around. Once you reached the city center, I suggest that you use uber or grab. For some reason, Grab is more popular in this city than Uber so you know the drill.

Price: 13 USD  (55 RM)


ACCOMMODATION

There are so many options for accommodations in Malaysia. I suggest that you pre-book your accommodation since walk-in guests will be charged higher. I find booking.com very useful in this case because they have properties that doesn't need credit card to book. Plus they have recently offered guests some discounts for frequent flyers.

I have stayed in Hotel Chinatown 2 for only 12USD.

Again, the best way to book a ticket is to book online!


10 Free Must-Visit Places

1. KLCC Park

Distance from city center: Walking distance from the Petronas Towers
Ease of navigation: Easy, well-signposted
Nestled at the foot of the iconic Petronas Towers, KLCC Park offers a serene escape from the bustling city. Stroll along the beautifully landscaped gardens, enjoy the dancing fountain shows, and marvel at the city skyline.

2. Batu Caves

Distance from city center: 11 km (20-minute drive)
Ease of navigation: Easy via train or Grab (ride-hailing app)
A short distance from the city center lies the majestic Batu Caves. Climb the colorful steps to this Hindu temple nestled within limestone caves. The towering golden statue of Lord Murugan is a sight to behold.

3. Royal Selangor Visitor Centre

Distance from city center: 7 km (15-minute drive)
Ease of navigation: Easy via Grab or public transport
Discover the art of pewter at the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre. Take a free guided tour to learn about the history of pewter craftsmanship and even try your hand at crafting your own piece.

4. Pavilion KL

Distance from city center: In Bukit Bintang, easily accessible by public transport
Ease of navigation: Very easy, located in a central shopping district
For a dose of luxury and window shopping, head to Pavilion KL. This upscale shopping mall is a paradise for those who love to browse high-end stores and indulge in a bit of people-watching.

5. Jalan Alor

Distance from city center: Located in Bukit Bintang, easily accessible
Ease of navigation: Very easy, a famous street known to all locals
Foodies rejoice at Jalan Alor, Kuala Lumpur's famous food street. Sample an array of local delicacies and street food offerings. The vibrant atmosphere and delicious smells make this a must-visit spot.

6. Jonker Street

Distance from city center: Located in Melaka (about 1.5 hours by bus from KL)
Ease of navigation: Easy via bus or Grab for a day trip
While not in Kuala Lumpur itself, Jonker Street in Melaka is worth the journey. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, lined with antique shops, museums, and vibrant street art.

7. Suria KLCC Mall

Distance from city center: Adjacent to the Petronas Towers
Ease of navigation: Very easy, connected to public transport
Adjacent to the Petronas Towers, Suria KLCC Mall offers not just shopping but also a range of free activities. Catch the dancing fountains outside or visit the art galleries inside.

8. Central Market, KL

Distance from city center: Walking distance from the Petaling Street area
Ease of navigation: Easy, located in a popular tourist district
Immerse yourself in Malaysian culture at Central Market. This historic market offers an array of local handicrafts, batik, and traditional snacks. Don't miss the chance to witness live cultural performances.

9. Petronas Towers

Distance from city center: Located in the heart of KL
Ease of navigation: Very easy, iconic landmark visible from many parts of the city
No visit to Kuala Lumpur is complete without a photo op at the Petronas Towers. While tickets to the Skybridge and observation deck come with a fee, simply marveling at these iconic towers from the ground is a breathtaking experience.

10. Visit Thean Hou Temple

Distance from city center: 7 km (15-minute drive)
Ease of navigation: Easy via Grab or public transport
Perched atop Robson Heights, Thean Hou Temple is a sight to behold. This impressive Chinese temple offers panoramic views of the city and a glimpse into the local Chinese-Malaysian culture.


Exploring Kuala Lumpur on a budget is not only possible but also incredibly rewarding. From iconic landmarks to cultural treasures, this city has something for every budgetarian traveler. So pack your walking shoes, grab your map (or smartphone), and set off on an adventure through the vibrant streets of KL!



I didn’t write anything about you because I never really thought that we will get to face this time of our lives. I am sorry for everything. Sorry for the things that I did that made you cry. I should have done better. Thank you for setting the standard on how women should be treated. You made me feel secured and loved in the best ways possible that you never complained about my weight gain. You never complained about my messy hair and my “I don’t care” attitude, instead, you showed me how to do things.

The time that I met you wasn’t perfect. I was recovering from an emotionally abusive relationship. I wasn’t ready to be in another one specially with another black guy (you know what this means). It was the worst days. Then I met you. You taught me how to believe in love again. The simple gesture of making my pictures your screen saver, parading me all over the town and introducing me to your family and friends. I felt so beautiful, I felt so loved and for the first time ever, I finally said, I think I found the man of my dreams. You are so smart, witty and full of wisdom that always left me speechless until now. I can’t win arguments with you right? ☺️ You love your mother and family, above anything else, you love God. You showed me that everything gets better if you have God with you. You are really a catch! A good catch! Made me think that I might have done something good in my past life to have you in my present.
 
You have become my provider, my shelter and my shield. Remember the day that I got lost in Hanoi? It was raining and I wasn’t able to get to where I should be because of language barrier between me and the taxi driver. He just drop me off in the middle of the street soaking wet without any access to transportation because no one understands English and it was a bit secluded. It was hopeless. I look so pathetic crying on the road thinking what have I got myself into. Then I just gave you a call and my battery is almost empty and wasn’t able to give you the complete address just the street yet you came minutes after and I was so surprised how did you able to find me. I was the happiest. You are like my knight in shining armour. I felt so protected.
 
We were so happy together. We conquered every scrutinizing stare of the Vietnamese grannies whenever we pass by them. We traveled together and made plans for the future. We were unstoppable. It felt like we have everything within our reach. I am bad at remembering small details but I promise I remember those times that you wait for me to come home for us to eat together, those times where you smirk on my jokes, when you dance in your weird dance moves, how you iron ur clothes in detail, how you carefully comb ur hair and how you hate pho. The food that you like and the food that you hate. Oh how can I forget the fact that your favorite singer is TAYLOR SWIFT. 😂😂😂.
 
You were the YIN to my YANG and you taught me almost everything. You taught me how to choose my battles, how to act accordingly, how to mature and how to be near to God. You were my bestfriend and older brother. You basically taught me everything that I needed to mature gracefully but still I didn’t.
 
I remember the first time that I made you cry. I felt guilty. God only knows how I felt tha time. You know exactly what I am talking about. It was even unforgivable but you choose to stay because you said your love is deeper and bigger than those challenges. That exact moment, I realized the kind of love that you have for me. I can’t explain it by words. It was fatherly, brotherly and just comforting. (God, can’t help crying as I write this, I guess I just missed you so much).
 
I guess I just shared too much about us, my point is. I want the world to know how good you are and there are still people like you. Sometimes, we are too focused on believing that everyone is the same. If you found that one person who can move mountains and who is willing to do everything for you, don’t take them for granted. Take care of that love and nurture it. I know that there will be differences but find common grounds and respect the person. You might only have one chance to meet such.
 
To you who is reading this, Thank you so much for the love that you have given. I am a better person because of you. I have live my life knowing that I can do all things that I put my heart and focus on because of you. Thank you for believing in me even at times that me myself can’t find enough courage to do things. Thank you for everything that you are. There will always be a piece of you wherever I go. You will always have that special part in my heart where no one can fill. Thank you for sacrificing a lot of you so I may have the best in life. That is the best feeling ever! Thank you for fighting for me and for just making me a better person.
 
I wish you all the best in life! I know you will eventually get there because u are the most hardworking and the most dedicated person that I have known! I will be the happiest if you will fulfill those dreams we set! I know that the road seems endless recently but I know it will only get better. If the universe would pull us back together in the future (which I pray), I hope you would still see me the way that you see me the first day. Don’t get me wrong. I wish you will find that person who will love you and will treat you way better than I did. You deserve that. You deserve all the love and goodness this world has to offer!

The time that we had together were the best that I ever had. Thank you for giving me memories that I can cherish forever. I just wished I could have done better. I am really sorry for the things that I did and for the things that I didn’t.
 
I will always love you. Please don’t forget that!





 

 



Here I am again in the middle of nowhere
Where my heart usually wander
When to my questions I can't find answer
To the reality that life had offered

Having too much, having too less
How can I measure success?
They say we have our own perfect timing,
but will I ever know when is it coming?

Got so much to say, got so much to do
Yet no one is willing to compromise for you.
You meet people who are nice on the surface
Yet you know that they do things full of malice

People come and go.
As you age you learn that this is how it flows
Many  will teach you life lessons
But only one will give you that one good reason.

Love as if it's your last,
Live and let go of the past
Pray that everything will work out as planned
Remember that your future will depend
on how you deal with your dilemmas til' the end.








So I have been working on something lately and things are not going somewhere I want it to be. I so wanted to leave because I know for a fact that I deserve better and I can definitely do better but then again, your workmates made it so difficult for you to leave. I don't exactly know why they are doing it but whatever the reason but I would like to think that they want me to stay but at this moment in life, I want to stick to whatever my life and my heart takes me. If something is not making me happy nor inspiring me, then I decide to leave. (Well, I wish!!)

Sometimes, the people you work with can sometimes inspire you, and at the same time can challenge the patience that you have. They will be the same people who will tell you to excel and sometimes are the exact people who will talk shit behind your back. You invested so much time and effort getting to know them and trying to please them but in the end, you end up the one feeling left alone. I thank God that I am not in any of these stages. As I grow older, I learn to let go of people who doesn't matter to me that much. Specially those people who are just trying to feed their ego.

If you have been working long enough in the industry, you will definitely understand and identify the instances when you can say that things have been fair and if things are not going well. I know this sounds absurd but there are times that no matter how hard you work, there will still be those times where you get caught by luck. Yes, pure luck. I want to believe that in Life, 80% is hardwork and 10% is luck but I guess I am wrong. hahahha. Akalain mo yun, how did she do that? lol
Anyaway, I guess that is it for last night.

Anyway, life and work may throw us lemons but let's just try to act like nothing's wrong and everything is ok. Not because you are dumb and numb but because you choose to have peace than argue with shallow people. No matter what happens, just fake it til you make it love. It will get better so don't worry - Note to self!

I am now off to somewhere where I can get inspirations and aspirations about life. (Char!)

Signing Off everyone!

Clarice