Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
My career path went from registered nurse at Sorsogon Provincial Hospital to content writing in 2019. My first content writing role was actually freelance work for a local healthcare clinic, creating patient education materials and website copy. They hired me specifically because of my nursing background, needing someone who could write about medical topics with clinical accuracy. That project taught me how valuable my healthcare expertise was in content creation and led to more healthcare writing opportunities. From there, I expanded into other industries, but healthcare content remains a specialty because of my clinical foundation.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
No. Lol!
How is social media changing news?
Social media has fundamentally shifted how news spreads and is consumed. Information now travels at lightning speed, often faster than traditional outlets can verify facts, leading to both rapid awareness and misinformation problems. The democratization of news sharing means anyone can break a story, but it also means less editorial oversight. People increasingly get news from their social feeds rather than going directly to news sources, creating echo chambers where algorithms show content that confirms existing beliefs. The attention economy rewards sensational headlines over nuanced reporting, and the pressure for immediate updates can compromise accuracy. From a content perspective, this has taught me the importance of thorough fact-checking and clear sourcing, especially when writing about trending topics or health information where misinformation can be dangerous.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Lois Lane from Superman. She represents the ideal of investigative journalism - fearless, ethical, and committed to uncovering the truth regardless of personal risk. What I admire most is how she balances being thorough and accurate while working under tight deadlines, something that translates well to content writing. Her determination to get the story right and her ability to ask the tough questions are qualities I try to bring to my content research process. Plus, she's portrayed as someone who genuinely cares about serving the public interest, which resonates with my approach to creating content that actually helps people rather than just filling space.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
I'm not a journalist - I'm a content writer - but I have deep respect for what journalism represents. Being a journalist means serving as a bridge between complex events and public understanding, with a responsibility to report accurately and fairly. It requires relentless curiosity, the ability to ask difficult questions, and the courage to pursue truth even when it's uncomfortable or unpopular. Journalists must balance speed with accuracy, skepticism with empathy, and objectivity with the human impact of their stories. They serve as democracy's watchdogs, holding power accountable and giving voice to those who might otherwise go unheard. It's a profession that demands both technical skills and moral courage, with the understanding that their work shapes public discourse and decision-making.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
During the 2021 Suez Canal blockage when the Ever Given ship got stuck, I saw #StuckStepShip trending alongside serious news coverage. People were making memes about everything being delayed while this massive container ship was literally sideways blocking one of the world's busiest shipping routes. The contrast between the genuine global economic impact and people joking about their Amazon deliveries being late because of one very stuck boat was pretty amusing. It perfectly captured how the internet processes major news events - equal parts genuine concern and absurd humor.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Be direct and specific. Tell me exactly what you need - the topic, target audience, word count, deadline, and budget upfront. I appreciate when potential clients share their brand voice guidelines or examples of content they like. Skip the generic "we need content" emails. Instead, explain your business goals and how this content fits into your larger strategy. If it's healthcare-related, mention any compliance requirements. I respond best to pitches that show you've actually looked at my portfolio and understand how my nursing background adds value to medical content. Also, realistic timelines work better than "we need this yesterday" requests.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
For SEO and research, I rely on Ahrefs for keyword analysis and competitor research, SurferSEO for content optimization, and Google Analytics plus Search Console for performance tracking. My writing workflow centers around Google Docs for collaboration and Grammarly for editing. For content management, I work primarily in WordPress and Shopify. Canva Pro handles all my design needs for social media and visual content. I use ClickUp for project management and client communication. For healthcare content specifically, I reference medical databases and use plagiarism checkers to ensure originality. Google Drive keeps everything organized and accessible for clients. These tools help me maintain quality while managing multiple projects efficiently.
What's your favorite social network?
LinkedIn, hands down. It's where I connect with clients, share industry insights, and build professional relationships that actually matter for my business. Unlike other platforms that focus on personal content or entertainment, LinkedIn lets me showcase my expertise and engage with people who value quality content writing. I've landed several major clients through connections made there, and it's become my primary platform for demonstrating thought leadership in content marketing and healthcare writing. The professional atmosphere means conversations tend to be more meaningful and business-focused, which aligns perfectly with my goals as a content strategist.
Who do you wish followed you?
Healthcare industry leaders and chief marketing officers at medical organizations. Having people like Mayo Clinic's content directors or heads of marketing at major healthcare systems following my work would validate my expertise and potentially open doors to larger projects. I'd also love to connect with established medical writers and content strategists who could become mentors or collaborators. On the business side, CMOs at companies that value quality content over quantity would be ideal followers - they understand that good writing requires investment and delivers real ROI. Ultimately, I want followers who appreciate the intersection of clinical expertise and strategic content marketing.
Why did you become a journalist?
I'm actually a content writer, not a journalist, but I understand the connection since both involve storytelling and research. My transition into content writing happened in 2019 when I realized my nursing background gave me a unique advantage in healthcare communication. During the pandemic in 2021, I saw how crucial clear, accurate health information was and how much misinformation was spreading online. That solidified my decision to focus on content writing where I could use my clinical knowledge to create trustworthy, well-researched content across industries. I wanted to help businesses communicate more effectively while ensuring accuracy, especially in healthcare content where mistakes can have serious consequences. The strategic aspect of content marketing also appealed to my analytical mindset from nursing.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
No, I didn't work for my high school newspaper. My path to writing was quite different - I focused on science and health courses in high school since I was already planning to pursue nursing. I was more involved in health-related activities and volunteer work at local clinics. My writing skills developed later during my nursing career through patient documentation, care plans, and health education materials. It wasn't until I transitioned from nursing to content writing in 2019 that I discovered my passion for strategic communication and storytelling. Sometimes the best paths to a career aren't the obvious ones - my medical background gives me a unique perspective that traditional journalism training might not have provided.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
A comprehensive guide I wrote for new parents about postpartum warning signs that could indicate serious complications. Drawing on my nursing experience, I created content that explained when to seek immediate medical help versus normal recovery symptoms. The client, a maternal health organization, told me later that several families had contacted them saying the article helped them recognize early signs of postpartum hemorrhage and preeclampsia, potentially saving lives. What made me proudest was balancing medical accuracy with accessibility - making critical health information understandable without causing unnecessary panic. The piece ranked first for "postpartum complications" and generated thousands of shares from healthcare professionals and new parents alike.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Build your presence on LinkedIn consistently. Share your work, engage with industry professionals, and follow journalists whose careers you admire. LinkedIn has become the primary networking platform for media professionals - editors, publishers, and fellow journalists are all there. Post thoughtful commentary on current events, share behind-the-scenes insights from your reporting process, and connect with sources in your beat areas. Many of my content writing opportunities came through LinkedIn connections who saw my healthcare expertise and writing samples. Don't just broadcast your articles - engage meaningfully with others' content too. The platform rewards genuine interaction and helps you build relationships that often lead to freelance opportunities, staff positions, or valuable story sources.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Weekday mornings work best for me, typically between 9 AM and 11 AM Philippine time. I'm most focused then and can give your project the attention it deserves when reviewing pitches. I usually respond to emails within 24 hours during weekdays. Avoid Friday afternoons or weekends unless it's truly urgent - I prefer to give thoughtful responses rather than quick ones. If you're pitching a large project or ongoing work, earlier in the week is ideal so we can discuss details and timelines properly. For time-sensitive healthcare content, mention that upfront since I prioritize projects where accuracy and compliance are critical.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
A healthcare technology startup reached out with a detailed brief explaining their AI diagnostic tool, included their target audience research, shared competitor analysis, and clearly outlined their content goals. They mentioned they specifically sought me because of my nursing background and showed they'd read my healthcare content samples. The pitch included realistic timelines, fair compensation, and even compliance guidelines they needed to follow. They explained how the content would fit into their larger marketing strategy and what success looked like to them. Most importantly, they demonstrated genuine respect for medical expertise and understood why clinical accuracy mattered. It became a long-term partnership because they valued quality over quick turnaround.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
A potential client told me they didn't need someone with healthcare experience because "anyone can write about medical topics if they just Google it." They wanted me to write authoritative health articles but insisted my nursing background was irrelevant and actually made me "overqualified" for simple blog writing. They said they preferred writers without medical training because we "overthink things" and make content "too complicated." It was frustrating because they completely missed the point - my clinical experience ensures accuracy and credibility that you simply can't get from Google searches. They ended up hiring someone cheaper who had no healthcare knowledge whatsoever.
What's your favorite drink?
Tea, definitely. I'm a tea person through and through - there's something calming about the ritual of brewing a proper cup that helps me focus before diving into writing projects. I usually start my mornings with green tea for a gentle caffeine boost, then switch to herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint throughout the day to stay hydrated without the jitters. During my nursing days, tea was my go-to during those long hospital shifts since it was gentler on my stomach than coffee. The warmth and routine of tea drinking has become part of my creative process - it helps me slow down and think more clearly about whatever content I'm working on.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Split between my garden and exploring new places. Gardening keeps me grounded - there's something therapeutic about working with soil and watching plants grow that balances out all the screen time. It's where I do my best thinking and often get content ideas. But I'm equally likely to be planning my next trip or actually traveling. Whether it's discovering hidden local spots or exploring different countries, travel feeds my curiosity and gives me fresh perspectives that make my writing more diverse and authentic. Both activities help me recharge and bring new energy to my content creation.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Harvard Business Review for their strategic insights and case studies across industries. As someone who writes for diverse niches, I appreciate how they break down complex business concepts with real data and actionable frameworks. Their articles on digital transformation, marketing ROI, and industry trends help me understand different sectors and stay current with business strategy. I also regularly read Content Marketing Institute for tactical advice and benchmarks that apply across all industries. For staying informed about general trends, I follow Fast Company for innovation stories and TechCrunch for technology developments that impact how businesses communicate. Wired keeps me updated on emerging tech trends, while Inc. Magazine provides practical small business insights. These publications help me bring strategic thinking to content projects regardless of the industry.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That content writing is just "putting words on a page" or that anyone can do it well. People often think it's simply about good grammar and spelling, missing the strategic research, audience psychology, and technical SEO knowledge required. Another major misperception is that healthcare content writing is just "Googling medical terms" - they don't understand that my nursing background provides clinical accuracy and credibility that prevents dangerous misinformation. Many also assume content writing is quick work, not realizing the hours of research, planning, and optimization that go into each piece. Finally, there's this idea that AI tools have made human writers obsolete, when actually they've made strategic thinking and authentic expertise more valuable than ever.
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