Hej, Hello, Hola and Hallow..!
I’m Jackie, your Podcast Host and American - Filipina Mom of two wonderful little kids, who’s been living in Denmark with her family for the past seven years - but that you know already, right? ;-)
In order for you to get to know me a bit better (and not to fall asleep while reading my bio) I’ve prepared 5 cool facts about myself and my life.
Are you Ready?
FACT 1
I was born in Manila, Philippines and I moved to California, US when I was five years old. Although today I treat US as my homeland, I remember until this day, what a cultural shock the whole “moving in to a new country” was for me. Especially that my mom was giving me rice meals for lunch to school, while all other kids where having peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. I couldn’t understand why are they eating so differently and they couldn’t understand my “rice thingy” neither.
FACT 2
When I was 27 years old, I decided to leave my job, friends and quite fantastic life behind and go on a long journey around the world - ALL BY MY SELF! At that point I was looking for something that would add a meaning to my rather conventional life.
Until now, I don’t know how I mustered the courage to pack myself in one backpack and travel Africa, Asia and Europe on my own. It was an amazing adventure and an eye-opening experience.
FACT 3
I love sports - especially when they are extreme - and everything that makes your heart pump harder!
I’ve been Shark diving, bungee jumping, snowboarding, rock climbing and water skiing, camping outdoors, hiking, and (as you already know) traveling the unknown world. I still try to do these things as often as I can and I take my kids along with me. I’m also a runner - I’ve ran three marathons and 20 half-marathons so far and I plan to complete Half- and Full Iron Man one day.
FACT 4
I followed the Viking!
Do you remember that Danish Guy I met while traveling? Well, long story short, I decided to move in with him… in Denmark :) Since then, we’ve got married and gradually managed to create a little family of our own. Moving to Denmark was quite a culture shock for me but today, after a seven years of living here, I can call Denmark my second home. If you are curious about my beginnings in Denmark and things that surprised me the most, tune in to listen to Episode 01: Who is Jackie and why her kids think she's cool?
FACT 5
My Kids Think I’m Cool, BUT is not the only project I’m working on right now!
When I was pregnant with my second child, I felt a sudden inspiration to create something that would make parents’ life easier (sometimes I think that it was my son, Valentin, who had the idea and channeled it to me ;)).
And that's how KIDDOLY was born - an online directory where you’ll be able to find proven and valuable information about kids-friendly places in the area you live in or travel to. If you’re interested, visit KIDDOLY here
You can also donate and support my project by buying me coffee.