“Stories have to be told or they die, and when they die, we can’t remember who we are or why we’re here.”
― Sue Monk Kidd, The Secret Life of Bees

Here are the stories I want to tell—recalled, realized, or imagined. Many are inspired by nostalgia for my hometown in the Philippines, a city with a river running through its heart.

There’s an old Filipino saying: “She who does not know where she came from, will never reach her destination.” I hope the destination is the best version of me.

Blue del Rio is more than a name—it’s an alter ego, my creative voice. Del río (dehl rree-oh) means “of the river” in Spanish—symbolizing where life began, beside the Iloilo River. Blue is my favorite color—idealistic, expressive, moody.

Blue del Rio holds the stories of my journey—stories that celebrate Filipino heritage, nurture everyday creativity, and invite thoughtful living. Through poetry, essays, and reflections, Blue del Rio seeks to inspire others—especially families, young creators, and fellow educators—to rediscover their roots and cultivate imagination.

Here, creativity meets culture. Home is both where the river flows and where our stories are made.