The Blogger

Nicole Rivera, 16. Philippines. College freshman majoring in Comparative Literature.

Past work:
2007 - 2008: Administrator and founder, http://popaddicted.blogspot.com
April 2008 - present: Founder and sole writer, Pop Reviews Now
July 2009 - present: Contributing news editor, Babelpop
October 2009 - April 2010: Permanent News editor, OMGKPOP
September 2009: Guest Writer/Judge, Pop Panel week 17
December 2009 - January 2010: Global Moderator, The Kpop Nation Network
February 2010 - December 2010: Administrator and Editor-In-Chief, The Kpop Nation Network
February 2010 - present: Virgin.com Music Editor, Top Music Blog - Pop Reviews Now
November 2010 - May 2011: Associate Editor, University of the Philippines Integrated Center Media Center/Sulyap 2011
December 2010: Media representative, KPOP NATION 2010
June 2011 - January 2012: News Writer, SOOMPI

I was born into a family of scholars, businessmen, doctors and musicians - a strange combination, but a plausible one nevertheless. I'm one of many mixed-race Filipinos - half of me is Filipino, and half of me is Chinese. Never for a second have I doubted my nationality though - the Philippines, and its people, has given me everything and asked for nothing in return. For me to not love my country would be sacrilege.

I had a very comfortable childhood, everything I needed, and maybe even wanted, was provided for me, but I was far from a spoiled brat. I was raised with values - with respect for others, courtesy, discipline, and the values my family upholds. Being the only daughter of university professors, I was surrounded by books from a very early age, and was expected to do well in school.

I entered the University of the Philippines at pre-school, when I was 3 years old. I'm turning 17 in September of this year - and I haven't left. For my entire life, I have been addressed as an "iskolar ng bayan", or a national scholar. The Filipino people paid for my education as a child, and even as I enter university - they are giving me the best education in the country.

My love for music began as a child - being the youngest grand daughter of one of the most prolific choir conductors and music scholars in the country exposed me to music at a very early age. Being the daughter of a legendary pop music producer and jazz drummer, however, gave variety to my exposure to music.

As a kid I heard everything from jazz, swing, to heavy metal, punk rock, to pop and even to baroque and renaissance music - I grew up calling famed composers "aunts" and "uncles", and treating pop stars like big brothers and sisters. I also watched them make music, which ultimately lead me to pursue something in music.

I started learning the piano at 6, but after years of learning and practicing I realized that the piano just wasn't for me. At 8 I joined the country's premiere children's choir, which my grandmother had founded in the 1970's, and stayed for almost 8 years - the average choir member only stays for 5-6 years. Towards the tail end though, I realized that performing as a whole wasn't for me either - that it gave me stress and nerves more than it did happiness.

However I am thankful for the background I got - without it I would never have been able to do what I do now.

To be continued.