Blogger Spotlight: Jeane Louise of Viajera Cebuana

Herbert Kikoy

This is the kick-off post of our Blogger Spotlight wherein we ask bloggers a series of questions. Questions that would allow us to know what did these successful bloggers do to get to where they are now. To begin with, let’s meet Jeane Louise Mainit, the energetic and lively blogger behind the travel and lifestyle blog Lakambini Viajera.

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF AND HOW YOU GOT INTO BLOGGING?

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT BLOGGING?

The satisfaction of being able to chronicle my journey, my struggles, my learning and as well new friends found on the road are the mains why I love to blog. I have also proved to myself that thru blogging, it transcends race, domination, creed and beliefs.

WHAT IS THE NICHE OF YOUR BLOG AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE IT?

My blog falls into the Travel and Adventure Blogging Niche. Being a mountaineer and a well rounded outdoor enthusiast that have dynamic interests from reefs to ridges, I make it a point to chronicle my journeys so that I wont forget the experience. I specifically chose this since not all adventuristas like me will have the time to express their experiences. I am also guilty of not posting my adventures real time since I would make it a point to flash dibs on my adventures.

ARE YOU MONETIZING YOUR BLOG? HOW DO YOU MONETIZE YOUR BLOG’S TRAFFIC?

I dont really go for monetizing my blog yet since I dont know how to start honestly. Though I am thinking of banking on my traffic, I still would want to have my readers the organic way of doing stuff.

TOP 5 BLOGS/WEBSITES YOU VISIT(ALMOST) EVERYDAY

lakambiniviajera.com — my own
patagonia.com
nationalgeographic.com
traveltrilogy.com
rei.com

5 TOOLS YOU USE WITH YOUR BLOGGING.

internet
blog platform [wordpress]
cellphone cam for photos
pen and paper
talking to friends with the same interests

WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION FOR YOUR BLOG POSTS?

I usually draw strength on my blog posts outdoors. The calm breeze plus the sight of the waves, the bright sunshine…just anything to do with the outdoors. I am not contented to be confined in the four walls in a room. It makes me feel constricted. I am not claustrophobic though since I enjoy exploring caves, but the mere fact that I will be subjected to anything monotonous and boring, kills the enthusiasm and momentum in my blog posts. Bottom line, I do not want to stay in a room. Period.

BESIDES BLOGGING, WHAT OTHER INTERESTS DO YOU HAVE?

Aside from blogging, I am very much interested into exploring mountains, islands, falls, and other nooks and crannies and crevices Mother Nature has to offer. I take pride in conquering new heights and traversing difficult trails, and I also make it a point to hike up the mountains at least 2 times in a month to keep my backpacking and mountaineering skills in check.

GIVE US 5 OF YOUR BEST BLOG POSTS

HOW WAS YOUR BLOGGING SO FAR? HAVE YOU RECEIVED AWARDS AND RECOGNITION SINCE YOU STARTED?

Well apparently, the only recognition I got was the certificate University of San Carlos SBE gave me to recognize my contribution as a speaker for its Digital Marketing Symposium back in September. That is the only one I got. Then now I am nominated as one of the Best Cebu Blogs under the Lifestyle Catergory. Pretty much that’s it. Also I remember, I got a certificate for my mentoring stint for Information and as well as Tourism Officers for the Visayas Region during the 22nd RADIO Regional Convention in cooperation with Philippine Information Agency Region 7.

WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO JUST STARTED BLOGGING

Find your focus and find your strong. Do not get swayed by the trends. Do what you love and eventually, your interests will fall into place. Finding a niche is easy, maintaining the quality of your blog is the most important thing. Do not do PLAGIARISM of all sorts. NEVER EVER. Verify your sources. READ. READ. READ.

LASTLY, WHERE DO YOU SEE YOUR BLOG IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS?

I see myself as one of the authorities in my niche, building networks and also improving the content of my blog. I see this blog as a bridge to close the gap between the ordinary traveler and the social media world. I have a mission to somehow educate the travelers on the house rules as well as the 7 Leave No Trace Principles strictly adhered by us, mountaineers, who painstakingly do efforts to conserve and preserve our earth.