Two years ago, I was a regular bookworm browsing through the Internet for new books to read when I came across a blog that features book reviews, author interviews, and other bookish stuff. I thought it was awesome and decided that I wanted to create something like that, too. However, I was in graduate school at the time, and it was a busy semester. I had a ton of homework and required readings, plus I was working on my Master’s Project, the final requirement of my MA Journalism program for graduation. So, blogging was completely out of the picture.

Then I stumbled upon Filipino book blogger Kate of The Bookaholic Blurbs on Twitter sometime in February 2013. I saw that she was into reading young adult novels, so I followed her right away! We’d have conversations about books we read, and she encouraged me to create a book blog.

After graduating from grad school in March of the same year, I began my own book blog, which I named The Lifelong Bookworm. I was so happy when my blog went live because I didn’t have to keep my bookish thoughts to myself anymore. I wrote book reviews frequently so my blog would be updated.

Eventually, I met more Filipino book bloggers, like Kai of Amaterasu Reads, Louisse of The Soul Sisters, and Sab of Sab The Book Eater among others. Like Kate, they have also become good friends of mine both online and in real life. We see each other whenever there are book signing events, and then we hangout afterward talking non-stop about our latest reads, our most anticipated titles, and our favorite authors. Sometimes we also plan for bookish events and promotional campaigns for books.

Aside from my Filipino book blogger friends, I have also met international book bloggers from countries such as the US, Canada, UK, and Australia. Everyone has been great! I enjoy sharing book recommendations, talking about YA, and fangirling over swoony book-boyfriends with them!

The book blogging community is indeed an amazing group to be a part of. The support is overwhelming! My blog will turn three in May, and I’m glad that I decided to become a book blogger two years ago. If I hadn’t, I would not have met the wonderful people whom I share the same passion with. I encourage you to think on what your passions are and to engage with them! You won’t regret it.