When I got the email that I was nominated for the Best Cebu Blogs Awards 2025, I was honestly shocked. I didn’t expect it at all. But thinking about it now, it kind of makes sense. My blog and my content on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook have always revolved around my lifestyle which are travel, style, food, and everything in between. Basically, me.

So yes, I’m really happy. And I’m also genuinely honored to be nominated alongside my fellow Top 3 creators in this year’s Best Cebu Events & Lifestyle Blog category.

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My Perspective

Seeing my name in the Top 3 feels surreal. I’ve already been lucky enough to win twice before under the Best Cebu Style Blog category, which honestly shocked me back then too. That’s a lie. I wanted it so I got it and I definitely worked hard for each of it. This year, being recognized for Events & Lifestyle hits differently because it shows how much my content has grown and evolved through the years.

Plus, I did not really expect to be nominated.

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The Roots of LLOYD & BEHOLD . com

When I started LLOYD & BEHOLD, I just wanted an outlet to showcase my style. Growing up, I’ve always loved dressing up and taking photos. I’ve always had an eye for fashion, photography, and anything creative. My college course wasn’t anywhere near that, so I needed a space to express myself. Blogging became that space.

I didn’t know how to build a website, edit photos, or even write properly. I literally started from zero. I reached out to a high school classmate to help me make my first website, and that’s how it all began. I learned everything from scratch such as blogging, editing, writing, and eventually social media.

Looking back, that one decision to start changed everything. It opened opportunities I never thought I’d have, introduced me to amazing people, and taught me skills I never knew I’d learn.

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Content Creation Throughout the Years

When I began ten years ago, blogging was the main thing. If you had a blog, you were already in. Then came Instagram, Facebook Pages, and later TikTok. Now, short-form content rules everything.

Even if blogging isn’t as popular today, I still believe it’s important. A blog post is something you can always go back to. It doesn’t disappear after 24 hours or get buried in your feed. It’s timeless. I like blogging because it makes me think. It pushes me to be creative in a deeper way, even if it’s more time-consuming. (Honestly.)

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Clout Isn’t Everything

I’ve been doing this for a decade now, and I’ve seen how the content scene changed. These days, clout is everywhere. Back then, it wasn’t as bad, but now it’s like people are doing anything for attention. I honestly hate that part of it.

I’ve always believed that content creation should come from passion, not clout. If you start something because it’s your passion, the rest will follow. The opportunities, the collaborations, the perks: they’ll come. Trust me.

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Tips for Content Creators

• Don’t buy “Nguyen followers”. Nuff said.
• Don’t be afraid to learn something new. Even if you feel like you’re already good at something like editing photos or creating videos, there is always room to improve. You can always upgrade your skills and be better than you were yesterday.
• Focus on your passion. If you start creating for the perks or the hype, it won’t last. Do it because you love it and the rest will follow.
• Be consistent. Small steps every day matter more than occasional bursts of activity.
• Be authentic. People connect with real personalities, not just polished content.
• Friendship is everything. Be personable and build relationships. I had a hard time with this until now. I was really shy 10 years ago. Every collaboration, event, and opportunity comes from the people you know. If you don’t put yourself out there, you miss out on the “what ifs”. Treat networking as part of your craft.
• Enjoy the process. If you are not having fun, it will feel like work, and your audience can tell.

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Thank You, Cebu Bloggers Society

Cebu Bloggers Society has been a huge part of my journey. It became my support system through the years, and I learned so much from being part of it. I gained friends for life, and maybe a few enemies too, but that’s part of the story. Most importantly, I found my tribe. I met like-minded people who continue to inspire me, and I’m grateful for that. CBS opened so many doors for me, and I honestly can’t imagine my ten years without it.

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About the Best Cebu Blogs Awards

The Best Cebu Blogs Awards (BCBA) is the longest-running award-giving body for Cebu-based bloggers and content creators. It recognizes Cebuanos who continue to create impactful and creative digital content that represents the city and its community.

This year’s ceremony will be held at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino, the event’s Co-Presenter and Venue Sponsor.

A huge thanks as well to the Gold Sponsors:
Megaworld Corporation, BPI x BCBA (Bank of the Philippine Islands), Cebu Pacific Air, PLDT Home, Home Credit PH, 2GO, and Maya Philippines

And to the Silver Sponsor, Mi Philippines, as well as the Official Photographer Budots Media Philippines, the Official Designer, and the Blogger Partners including the Prime Blogging Organization in Cebu and Memoriter Writing Services.

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Final Thoughts

Being nominated again for BCBA makes me proud of how far I’ve come. From a naive guy who just wanted to post outfits online to now being part of the Top 3 in the Best Cebu Events & Lifestyle Blog category. It has been a really good journey.

To the BCBA team, thank you for the recognition and for keeping Cebu’s blogging community alive and strong. And to everyone who’s been supporting me and LLOYD & BEHOLD through the years, thank you.

See you at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino for #BCBA2025!