The Passionate Writing Lass
Spending her younger years trying to make a difference through the power of words, Charina Clarisse Echaluce followed her dreams of becoming a published author and a journalist in her early 20s; giving life her all, taking risks, constantly leaving her comfort zones, and consistently yearning for growth.
In 2013, working as an intern at Balita (Manila Bulletin’s tabloid), she took a shot and submitted the manuscript of her first novel, getting the nods of the editors and having it published in series from 2013 to 2014.
In 2014, she started working as a reporter at Manila Bulletin, which had been her home for nearly half a decade; covering government agencies, attending entertainment events, as well as pursuing in-depth reports and exclusives that are mainly focused on people and their extraordinary stories.
In 2015, she joined Definitely Filipino as a literary blogger and started writing entertainment and social news stories a few years later. Eventually, she moved up to being a senior writer.
In 2016, she started her literary Facebook blog Minsan Okay Lang Ma-traffic, and produced a self-published book with the same title a year later. In 2017, Mindmaster Publishing, Inc. mass-produced her first book and published the second volume. After several months of working and waiting, her books Minsan Okay Lang Ma-traffic and Muli Minsan Okay Lang Ma-traffic came out in bookstores nationwide. In December 2023, she released her third book, 12.31.23.
As her journey goes on, she continues to strive as a journalist, blogger, resource speaker for campus journalism, and co-owner of the news website Sipified.com. In 2021, she entered a new industry and is currently working as a Senior Content Strategist at The SVEN Group.
She also co-owns Takoyacheeks and Traffic Digest.
The Creative Tech Lad
Having a deep-rooted passion on computer and technology, Rexel-ian Reyes followed his heart in 2010 and started his journey in the field of computer and information technology even as he continue taking up a course that is quite far from where he believes his soul belongs.
Through the years, he acquired knowledge and learned from experiences that pushed him out of his comfort zones and inspired him to open different doors; from becoming a game administrator to owning several businesses relating to his field of expertise for years to embarking on new journeys as a graphic designer.
He currently works as an IT Officer and Graphic Artist at the Philippine College of Advanced Arts and Technology.
Just recently, he launched Takoyacheeks as its co-owner and head chef (yay!); and Traffic Digest as its co-founder and head web and graphic designer—and writer, sometimes.