Carissa Bongalosa’s Portfolio

Ever felt like boredom was a dead end? For me, it was more like a detour, one that led to something amazing. Back in 2013, my Dubai office job had become a monotonous loop. Sure, I had a great global team, but three years of schedules, emails, and meetings started to blur together. Something was missing.

Turning thirty made me realize I wasn’t living the life I wanted. That itch to be creative, to write – a passion I’d had forever – was getting stronger. So, instead of following the typical expat route, I took a leap. Instead of going back to the hustle of Manila, I started fresh in Cebu in 2013.

Here, my new adventure as a writer and marketer began.

It wasn’t just about a change of scenery, but about flexing those writing muscles and learning new skills.

I started by writing website content and product descriptions for different online platforms. It was a crash course in SEO and how to connect with people through my words.

While content creation was a great starting point, it wasn’t enough to fully satisfy my creative itch. My passion for travel and personal development fueled the launch of my travel blog, “Island Trotters.” Here, I collaborated with other travel writers, honing our storytelling abilities and exploring niche topics within the travel sphere. This platform allowed me to establish myself as a knowledgeable voice in this area.

Here are a few hotel brands I worked with:

• The Bellevue Resort in Bohol
• Quest Hotel Cebu
• The Maxwell Hotel Cebu
• Bunzie’s Cove

From Travel Narratives to Targeted Ads: My Content Creation Journey

One of my most unforgettable experiences was contributing to a travel magazine, Northbound Magazine. Immersing myself in the vibrant culture of La Union, I learned the art of weaving research and storytelling to create captivating travel narratives. I met editors, writers, and great friends like Gretchen Filart and Celine Murillo here.

This experience ignited a passion for content creation that I craved to explore further. Leveraging my newfound storytelling skills, I dove into Facebook advertising and social media marketing for authors.

Expanding My Skillset:

• Facebook Advertising & Social Media Marketing for Authors: My love for books collided with my marketing skills when I assisted authors in promoting their work. I crafted targeted Facebook Ads and managed social media campaigns to connect them with their ideal readers.
• Ghostwriting & English Tutoring: Ghostwriting projects for clients across diverse industries allowed me to adapt my writing style to various needs. This experience and my English tutoring background solidified my understanding of different writing styles and effective communication.
• IT Office Management & Recruitment: My experience managing and recruiting for an IT office may seem like a detour. However, it refined my project management and client communication skills – foundational for any successful writer-marketer.

Magazine Writing & Beyond:

Beyond crafting blog posts and travel articles, I’ve thrived in magazine writing. This adaptability demonstrates my ability to excel in various writing formats and cater to diverse audiences.

My journey as a writer and marketer is a testament to my passion for words and the power of storytelling. I am a chameleon, comfortable wielding my pen across content creation, marketing strategies, and various writing styles.

Are you looking for a versatile writer-marketer to elevate your brand or project? Let’s connect!