1. Before you became an author, what did you imagine your life would look like? What surprised you about where you ended up?

Before becoming an author, I imagined continuing my journey as an online party supplier, helping families create beautiful celebrations and unforgettable memories for their children. What surprised me most was discovering that my passion for bringing happiness to children would lead me down an entirely different path—becoming a children’s book author!

In many ways, my purpose has never changed. I’ve always loved celebrating the joy, wonder, and excitement of childhood. Now, instead of creating happiness through party supplies and celebrations, I get to bring that same joy to life through storytelling, imagination, and the pages of my books.

It’s a beautiful and unexpected chapter of my life, and one that has made my passion even more meaningful.

2. What were you like as a child, and which part of that child is still very much with you today?

As a child, I was always the happy, playful, and entertaining one! I loved making people smile, bringing laughter into a room, and, yes, I enjoyed a little attention! But what made me happiest was giving that same attention, love, and joy right back to the people around me.

That little girl is still very much a part of who I am today. I’ve always believed that life is too precious to be consumed by drama or negativity. I naturally look for the good in people and try to find something positive in every situation, even during challenging times. I believe that when we choose to focus on the good, we give ourselves the strength to overcome the bad.

At heart, I’m still that same happy little girl who loves making others smile. The only difference is that I’ve grown older, but my love for spreading happiness has never changed!

3. Who made you feel that your ideas were worth listening to? Tell us about a moment with that person that stayed with you.

I have always been a daddy’s girl! Being the youngest child, my father was my hero, my strength, and the foundation of the positive person I am today. He always made me feel that my thoughts, feelings, and dreams mattered. Whenever I was sad, discouraged, or disappointed, he would patiently listen and somehow find a way to help me see the brighter side of things. He had this incredible gift of turning my worries into hope.

One moment I will cherish forever happened during my college years. I was overwhelmed, stressed, and struggling in a class I was close to failing. I felt so defeated that I wanted to give up. I remember turning to my father for comfort, and he told me something that has stayed in my heart ever since:

“When you go out into the real world, people aren’t going to care what grade you received in that class. What matters is that you gave it everything you had and did your very best.”

Those words changed my perspective. He reminded me that my worth wasn’t measured by a grade, a failure, or a difficult moment, but by my determination, effort, and willingness to keep going.

My father was absolutely right. To this day, whenever life becomes challenging, I carry his words with me. He taught me to believe in myself, to find strength in difficult moments, and to never allow a setback to define who I am.

If there is one thing I treasure most about my father, it is that he didn’t just listen to me—he made me feel heard, understood, and capable of overcoming anything. So much of the happiness and positivity I share with others today comes from the love and wisdom he gave me. And for that, I will forever be his little girl.

4. What is something about your everyday life that readers might be surprised to learn?

Something readers might be surprised to learn about me is how fascinated I am by people’s lives and the stories behind who they are. I’ve always been curious about why people do what they do, what shapes their decisions, and how their experiences influence the people they become.

I love immersing myself in biographies because I find so much inspiration in learning about other people’s journeys. I also enjoy watching true crime documentaries, not simply for the mystery, but because I believe understanding human behavior helps me become more aware of the world around me.

Lately, though, I’ve become completely captivated by stories of people who were adopted and are searching for their long-lost biological families. I cannot imagine what it must feel like to grow up with unanswered questions about your identity, your roots, or where you came from. Watching someone finally discover a missing piece of their life touches me deeply. I find myself crying through almost every episode, sharing in their heartbreak, hope, and joy.

Some might wonder why I choose to watch something that makes me cry so much, but for me, it’s a beautiful form of emotional cleansing. Those tears come from a place of compassion, gratitude, and a deep appreciation for human connection.

I think that’s what all these interests have in common. Whether I’m learning about someone’s accomplishments, struggles, or search for belonging, I’m constantly reminded that every person has a story worth understanding, and every story has the power to touch someone’s heart.

Perhaps that’s also why I love being an author. Stories connect us in ways we sometimes cannot put into words.

5. Was there a time you nearly gave up on writing? What helped you take the next step?

No, I can honestly say that I have never felt like giving up on writing! When I’m passionate about something, I always seem to find the time, energy, and determination to keep going. Writing brings me so much happiness, and I genuinely love the creative journey of bringing my stories to life.

However, there was one very special reason I put my writing on hold for three months—planning my mother’s 90th birthday celebration! This was a milestone that meant the world to me, and I wanted to give it all the love, attention, and effort it deserved.

When I began my journey as an author, I set an ambitious goal of publishing one book every month. But life has a beautiful way of reminding us that not everything needs to happen on a strict schedule. Sometimes, the most meaningful chapters of our lives are the ones we experience outside the pages of a book.

I never considered those three months a setback. I considered them a blessing and a reminder of what truly matters. My books could wait, but celebrating 90 incredible years of my mother’s life was a once-in-a-lifetime moment I wanted to treasure forever.

I’ve learned that having a dream doesn’t mean sacrificing the people and moments that matter most. It means knowing when to push forward, when to pause, and how to find balance between passion and life’s priorities.

My dream of becoming a successful children’s book author hasn’t changed one bit. I’ve simply learned that sometimes, the most beautiful stories aren’t the ones we write—they’re the ones we get to live.

6. What’s a mistake you made along the way that you can appreciate—or even laugh about—now?

One mistake I can look back on now with a smile—and a huge sigh of relief—is learning the hard way that procrastination can be expensive!

Early in my publishing journey, I experienced an unexpected printing issue just before a book event. It forced me to scramble at the last minute to find an alternative publisher. After completing my third book, I knew I needed to establish a second publishing option, especially because I wanted to expand my series into beautiful hardcover editions. But with so many exciting things happening, I kept putting it off, thinking I had plenty of time.

Well, time had other plans! Another book event was quickly approaching, and suddenly, I found myself rushing through production to make sure my books would be ready. That last-minute scramble came with additional expenses, unnecessary stress, and a very valuable lesson!

I certainly wasn’t laughing while it was happening, but looking back, I can smile because everything worked out. More importantly, I now have that second publishing option in place, and my hardcover series has become a reality.

The lesson I learned is that preparation is just as important as passion. As a new author, I’ve discovered that writing the stories is only one part of the journey. Learning the business side of publishing, anticipating challenges, and having backup plans are equally important.

If I could offer one piece of advice to aspiring authors, it would be this: Don’t procrastinate on the things you know you’ll eventually need. A little preparation today can save you a lot of stress and money tomorrow!

And yes, I can laugh about it now—although my wallet probably still remembers!

7. Which books did you love as a child, and what made them memorable? Are there any children’s books you’d recommend to young readers today?

Growing up, some of my favorite books were Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, and The Cat in the Hat. I loved stories that were colorful, imaginative, a little silly, and full of unexpected adventures! These books had a magical way of transporting me into worlds where anything was possible. They sparked my curiosity, made me laugh, and allowed my imagination to run wild.

As I got older, I became fascinated with the Dungeons & Dragons adventure books, where readers could choose what happened next. I absolutely loved being able to make a decision, turn to a specific page, and discover where that choice would take me. It made me feel like I was actually part of the adventure rather than simply reading about it. Every decision opened a different door, and I could experience the same story in so many exciting ways!

For young readers today, I especially recommend pop-up books and beautifully illustrated stories that capture their attention and encourage their curiosity. I believe children should experience books with a sense of wonder and excitement. Sometimes, it’s the colorful illustrations, surprising details, or interactive elements that first inspire a child to fall in love with reading.

One of my dreams as an author is to eventually venture beyond my Jennalyn’s Mabuhay Adventures series and create interactive, choose-your-own-adventure books for older readers, particularly teenagers. I’ve even imagined writing a magical mermaid adventure where readers get to decide the direction of the story and discover different endings!

I also have a special place in my heart for stories about high school life. During my own high school years, people would often tell me, “You should write a book someday!” I had such a wonderful, positive high school experience, filled with friendships, laughter, memorable moments, and life lessons. Those years helped shape who I am today, and I would love to capture some of those experiences in stories that teenagers can relate to, enjoy, and perhaps even learn from.

Looking back, it’s amazing to realize that the little girl who loved imaginative adventures and the teenager who was encouraged to write a book have both become part of the author I am today.

I believe the best books don’t just tell stories. They invite readers to dream, explore, make choices, and discover something about themselves along the way. That’s the kind of magic I hope to continue creating, whether I’m writing for young children or teenagers discovering their own adventures in life.

8. When you’re not writing or thinking about books, what makes you feel most like yourself?

When I’m not writing or thinking about books, what makes me feel most like myself is spending quality time with my family and friends. I absolutely love good conversations, sharing laughter, catching up on what’s happening in their lives, and simply being present with the people I care about.

For me, those moments are a form of mental therapy. There’s something so refreshing about genuine human connection, whether we’re sharing happy memories, exchanging ideas, or simply enjoying each other’s company.

I also find so much joy in getting out and experiencing life! I love dining out, exploring museums, walking along the beach, and enjoying a great musical or theater production. Visiting festivals is another one of my favorite escapes. I love the excitement, the culture, the food, the entertainment, and especially the opportunity to discover and learn something new. Festivals allow me to step away from my everyday responsibilities and immerse myself in a completely different experience. I always seem to leave with a happy heart and a little more knowledge than when I arrived.

And here’s something that might surprise people—I also enjoy visiting casinos to unwind! It’s not about going crazy or spending a fortune. I can set aside $200 for entertainment and have a wonderful time simply enjoying the atmosphere, the colorful lights, and especially the sounds of the slot machines! There’s something oddly relaxing about being able to switch off my constantly thinking mind and enjoy a little lighthearted fun without having to plan, organize, or solve anything.

I work hard, and my mind is almost always busy with ideas, projects, and responsibilities. So I’ve learned to appreciate activities that allow me to disconnect, recharge, and simply enjoy the moment.

For me, happiness is about balance—meaningful connections, new experiences, moments of peaceful escape, and giving myself permission to have fun. Whether I’m surrounded by loved ones, discovering something new at a festival, or listening to the cheerful sounds of a casino, I’m happiest when I’m enjoying life and creating memories along the way.

9. What does success as an author mean to you, and what moments make you feel you’re on the right path?

To me, success as an author isn’t measured by how many books I sell or how much recognition I receive. Success is knowing that my story has touched even one person, brought them joy, or helped them connect with something meaningful in their own life. And if that person loves the book enough to share it or recommend it to someone else, that is one of the greatest compliments I could ever receive. It means my story made an impact beyond the pages.

Some of my most rewarding moments happen at festivals, when I have the opportunity to meet people, share my journey, and hear their stories. I often break the ice by telling people that Jennalyn is the daughter I never had. What started as a personal dream has become something incredibly healing for me. And when I meet others who understand that feeling or have experienced something similar, the connection is immediate. Those conversations remind me that storytelling can bring people together in ways we never expect.

I also love explaining that my books are not just for children. Although Jennalyn’s Mabuhay Adventures™ is a children’s book series, I created it for anyone who wants to discover, reconnect with, or celebrate Filipino culture. Each book introduces Filipino words, traditions, life lessons, food, and real places. In many ways, the series is part storybook, part cultural education, and part travel guide, inviting readers to experience the Philippines through Jennalyn’s adventures.

When I see someone’s eyes light up because they recognize a Filipino dish, remember a place from their childhood, learn a new word, or suddenly feel connected to their heritage, I know I’m on the right path.

As a new author, those moments mean everything to me. They remind me that I didn’t just create books to be read. I created them to spark conversations, preserve memories, celebrate our identity, and build connections across generations.

If even one person closes my book with a smile, a new appreciation for Filipino culture, or a desire to share that experience with someone else, then I have already succeeded.

And knowing that something I created from my own personal journey can bring joy or healing to another person is a reward no sales figure could ever measure. ❤️

10. What would you say to someone who dreams of becoming a children’s author? What advice or practical tips would you share to help them get started?

GO FOR IT NOW! There are children out there waiting for the stories only YOU can tell!

My biggest advice to anyone dreaming of becoming a children’s book author is simple: Stop talking about it and start doing it! Don’t wait for the perfect moment, the perfect idea, or until you think you know everything about publishing. That perfect moment may never come, but your story deserves a chance to come to life.

I say this because I’ve met so many people who tell me they’ve always wanted to write a book, yet they’re still stuck at the starting line. I understand that the process can seem overwhelming, especially when you start thinking about writing, illustrations, formatting, publishing, and marketing. But here’s something I want aspiring authors to know: You don’t have to figure everything out before you begin. You just have to begin!

And please, don’t be ashamed to use artificial intelligence (AI) to help you get started! I completed my very first children’s book in just two weeks with the help of AI. It was an incredible learning experience that opened my eyes to what’s possible when you combine your own creativity, passion, and imagination with today’s technology.

AI can be a wonderful tool to help organize your ideas, structure your chapters, brainstorm illustrations, explore publishing options, and guide you through unfamiliar processes. It doesn’t have to replace your creativity or your personal voice. Your experiences, your imagination, and the heart behind your story are what make your book uniquely yours. AI simply helps you turn those ideas into something tangible.

Of course, becoming an author takes work! There are revisions, illustrations, formatting challenges, publishing decisions, and plenty of lessons to learn along the way. And even with AI, you still need to carefully review your work, make creative decisions, and ensure your finished book reflects your vision. But I promise you, the feeling of holding your very first published book in your hands is incredibly rewarding.

If I could offer a few practical tips, they would be to start with one story you’re passionate about, identify the age group you want to reach, create a simple outline, use the tools available to you, research your publishing options, and set a realistic goal to finish. Most importantly, don’t let fear or perfectionism keep your story from ever being told.

What motivates me most is knowing that somewhere out there, a child might smile, laugh, learn something new, or discover a little piece of themselves through a story I’ve created. That possibility alone makes all the hard work worthwhile.

So my message to future children’s authors is this: Your story doesn’t need to be perfect to get started, but it will never reach a child if it stays only in your imagination. Start writing, keep learning, and make it happen!

You never know whose childhood you might brighten simply because you decided to take that first step.