My Story

     I'm a self-made English Tutor and IELTS Speaking Coach from Manila, Philippines.

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     My English journey started as early as my elementary days. I lived in a humble apartment with my Dad, Mom (Fil-Mex), and five siblings. Growing up in a big family, my Mom supported our studies by starting a boarding house where she accommodated foreigners (mostly Asian students) to live with us since our house is walking distance to University of the Philippines. Little did I know that the interaction I had with them would help me in my language journey.

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     My interest in the English language began when my middle-class playmates whose parents were working in USA would invite me to watch Disney movies, read American pocket books (Sweet Valley High/Archie etc), listen to American pop songs, and play with their Barbie dolls/board games (Monopoly/Scrabble/Pictionary etc) at their home.

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     Being exposed to the English reading materials, songs, toys, films (without any subtitle), as well as having an American Bible Teacher for more than five years had all contributed in what I call my "diy language immersion" that had helped me to 'think in English' in order to 'speak in English.' And the rest is history.

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​     So the takeaway from my childhood English journey is simple, language immersion. That means you have to expose yourself to the English language by using it, listening to it, and practicing it!