Raenest Diaries Ep1 with Honey Mabelle: How to start your Content Creator career as a Filipino
Hello, this is Raenest Dairies.
For a while, we told stories through Geegpay Diaries, sharing the journeys of freelancers, creators, and everyday people making their mark. Now, with Raenest Diaries, we’re continuing that tradition just on a bigger, bolder scale. Because every growth deserves a witness, and ambition deserves a record.
Our first episode features Honey Mabelle Villarba, a young Filipino freelancer whose path from curiosity to career offers a glimpse into what it really takes to start as a content creator today.
It all began one late night, scrolling online, when Honey noticed people like her—young, ambitious, living in the Philippines—earning real money. Not just pocket change, but enough to pay bills, build skills, and open new opportunities. That curiosity sparked experimentation, which in turn led to her first steps on Upwork.
🔗ICYMI, here’s how to get started on Upwork.
Q: Can you introduce yourself to our readers, Honey?
Honey: Sure! My name is Mabelle Villarba, but I go by Honey. I’m currently 23 and will be turning 24 this April. I’ve been freelancing on Upwork for over two years now. My college course was accountancy, but I discovered freelancing and content creation and decided to pursue them seriously.
Q: How did you get into freelancing? What sparked your interest?
Honey: Honestly, it all started with curiosity. I was scrolling on TikTok and noticed that a lot of people were earning online. I thought, “How are they making money through online work?” The idea of working from home and connecting with international clients really appealed to me. So, I decided to give it a try. My journey started smoothly - I got my first client, built my profile, collected feedback, and gradually gained more opportunities.
Q: What niches do you focus on in your freelancing work?
Honey: I currently have three main niches. The first is translation—I translate and proofread in Filipino and English. The second is user-generated content (UGC), creating videos for brands and projects. And the third is research, where I conduct market surveys and manage research projects. Each niche allows me to diversify my work and connect with clients in different ways.
Q: Can you walk us through the actual process you took to start on Upwork?
Honey: Sure. First, I created my Upwork account and filled out my profile with my certifications, resume, education, awards, and previous employment. I also uploaded a portfolio showcasing work for each niche. When I started, I received 100 free connects (used to apply for jobs). Using Connects wisely, crafting effective cover letters, and learning how the platform works were key steps. Over time, I learned how to get noticed and secure more projects.
Q: What does a typical workday look like for you, and how do you manage the unpredictable income from freelancing?
Honey: Freelancing is very different from a 9-to-5, as income can be unpredictable. I’ve learned the importance of saving and planning. Whenever I get paid, I set aside money for savings and emergencies. This safety net helps me manage months when work might be slow, giving me confidence to continue freelancing without stress.
Q: What was it like receiving your first payment on Upwork?
Honey: That was a learning experience. At first, I didn’t really know how withdrawals worked. I had to watch tutorials online. I learned that there’s a five-day hold period before you can withdraw your earnings. I linked my Philippine bank account to Upwork and, after the hold period, received my first payment. It taught me a lot about the payment process and made me more confident in handling my freelance income.
Q: Have you tried Raenest Fast Track? It’ll help with that wait time.
Honey: Yes, I have. I studied it because I make content about freelancing, and I think it’s a really helpful feature for freelancers. It solves the waiting period problem; you can get your payments in less than an hour instead of waiting days. It’s a game-changer for anyone who wants fast access to their earnings.
🔗Want to receive your Upwork earnings in less than an hour? Try Raenest FastTrack today.
Q: What advice would you give someone just starting on Upwork?
Honey: First, never stop trying. You will face many rejections at the beginning, especially with a new profile. Clients might doubt your skills because you don’t yet have reviews. My advice is to refine your niche, focus on developing your skills, and be patient. It takes grit and persistence, but over time, your profile and credibility grow.
Q: Beyond a cover letter, how do you prove your skills to clients?
Honey: I make sure to include detailed experiences in my profile and CV. You can highlight years of experience, previous projects, and specific companies you’ve worked with. Providing this information builds credibility and reassures clients of your professionalism and capabilities.
Q: Have you ever worked with freelancing contracts?
Honey: Yes, some clients provide contracts detailing how the work should be done. I read these carefully to ensure nothing puts me at a disadvantage. If everything looks fair, I agree and proceed. Contracts help set expectations for both parties, which is especially important in freelancing.
Q: Any final thoughts for aspiring Filipino content creators?
Honey: Be patient, persistent, and proactive. Invest in your skills, build a credible profile, and don’t be afraid of rejections; they’re part of the journey. Freelancing is a path that allows you to connect globally and turn your passions into real income.
Thank you for joining us, Honey. And to you, our lovely reader, we hope Honey's journey has shown you that curiosity, persistence, and creativity can turn a simple idea into a thriving career, and that no matter where you start, there’s a path to making your mark. If you’re ready to start your own content creator journey, learn how to pitch yourself to brands, and receive international payments confidently as a Filipino, Raenest is here to make it possible, so you can turn your passion into a career without limits. Create a Raenest account today.
P.S: Raenest is always looking for creators. Turn your influence into rewards by becoming a member of our creator club!
