Valerie Caulin

Hi!

My name is Valerie Caulin, a freelance writer from the Philippines. I have been into this business for almost three years now working with clients from around the world.

How did I become a freelance writer?

I used to work as an English teacher in Japan and moved back to the Philippines when I started my own family. When I had enough of my son’s nannies I decided to look for a job that will still let me stay home with my then 1 year-old baby.

I found it impossible but in the end, this is the best career move for me. I never thought that I would become a writer though looking back I can say I am destined to be one. And I can’t imagine working for another industry. I have found my niche and it is with writing.

I wrote my first poem in 5th Grade entitled “Friends”, inspired when my bestfriend told my classmates I had a crush with a boy named Ken. So childish! Yet it is now one of my fondest childhood memories. I also have the habit of reading what is printed on products from Nestle’s Nescafe to Young Town’s sardines.

When I was in high school, I told my dad that I aspire to do something related to paper and pens. And my dad just said, ” Oh, you want to be a secretary baby?”. I reminded my dad about it and he gave me his most sheepish smile. I love you so much dad that I forgive you for “belittling” my dreams. Love you Pa!

With magazines, I am a junkie. I guess my own mother influenced me. Every first week of the month, my mom would buy the latest editions of  MOD and Woman’s Magazine. Those magazines introduced me to the Onassis family and cooking tips. And my favorite magazine would evolve as I change my own lifestyle.

I was first into BOP just to have my own picture of Backstreet Boys and Devon Sawa. Cosmopolitan was my bible when it comes to becoming hot and stylish. After graduating from college, I wanted to be rich so bad that I kept buying issues of Entrepreneur. And motherhood turned my attention to Working Mom. Now, I have published some of my articles in travel magazines.

Highschool friends can attest that I am the “essay girl”. I love essays till I finished my degree in History from the University of the Philippines- Visayas. I always answer my essays first before the other tests. I never took up Journalism but I took courses in Anthropology and Literature. To become a writer was never part of my dreams. I dreamed of becoming a supermodel, a lawyer or Prince William’s wife but never to be a writer.

But I guess I am destined to be a writer. And I am now..