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| During DBS Elegance in Tradition 2024 |
I still remember the very first time I hit “publish” on a blog post back in college. It wasn’t polished. It wasn’t perfect. In fact, if I reread it now, I’d probably laugh at my writing style and how unsure I was about what I wanted to say. But that small act—putting my thoughts out there for anyone to read—was the beginning of something that would later become a big part of who I am today.
Back then, I never really thought about “developing an online character.” I was just a student with a lot of stories to share, whether it was about school life, random thoughts, or experiences that felt meaningful in the moment. Blogging was my way of making sense of the world around me. Slowly, I found a rhythm. I realized I liked writing in a voice that was conversational, like I was talking to a friend over coffee. I wanted my readers to feel at ease, to feel seen, and maybe even smile while reading.
The real turning point came in 2018, when I joined the Davao Bloggers Society (DBS). If college was the time when I discovered blogging, DBS was where I truly learned how to nurture it. Being part of a premier blogging community opened doors I never thought possible. I remember attending my first DBS event, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. But as I met fellow bloggers—people who were as passionate as I was about storytelling—I realized I had found a family.
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| Circa: DBS Safari Night 2018 |
Through workshops, collaborative events, and countless conversations with my DBS peers, I started shaping my “online character” more intentionally. I've come to understand the importance of combining personal voice with purpose, and how true authenticity can leave a more powerful impression than any polished appearance. Little by little, I noticed how readers and followers began responding. Some would comment with encouragement, others would message me saying they could relate to my posts. Those small interactions built a bridge between my words and real people, and that’s something I will always treasure.
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| Circa: DBS Murder Mystery Yearend Party 2023 |
Fast forward to today, and my blogging journey is still ongoing. For the past year, I’ve been based in Manila, but I continue to remain an active DBS member. And honestly, it feels like such an honor to still be part of this community, even from afar. DBS has been instrumental in shaping me as a blogger, and I carry the lessons and friendships I gained there with me wherever I go.
Looking back, I realize that my online character isn’t something I consciously crafted in one go. It’s a reflection of years of writing, growing, and being surrounded by supportive communities like DBS. It’s imperfect, always evolving, and still learning to find the right words. But that’s what makes it beautiful—it’s authentic, and it’s mine.
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| During Together We Can - A DBS Community Drive 2024 |
To my readers and followers, thank you for staying with me through the years. Every click, every comment, and even every quiet read means more than I can say. Your support has shaped me just as much as my own efforts have.
As I continue this journey, I remain grateful, hopeful, and open—for more stories to tell, more lessons to learn, and more growth both as a blogger and as a person.
Thank you for reading. Catch you in the next one!
-BENCH
