Yeonyang Hansik at Madison Commons+ How to Make a Simple Bibimbap
Madison Commons, the newest #kapitolyo #foodiehub is now open! Madison Commons, the newest #kapitolyofoodiehub is now open! Madison Commons is the newest Food
Read List
Random Picks from the Archive
The internet shifts like the tide. One moment I am steering through its vast expanse, the next, I am caught in a riptide of information. Here are some pieces I’ve pulled from the archive, insights, stories, and ideas that make me pause, rethink, and see things differently.
Why Picking Your Battles Is Important
As a mom, we all find ourselves giving tons of bad news to our kids. Somebody has to tell them
One Domain to Rule Them All: Simplifying Your Online Presence in the Age of AI
The digital world is crowded, but I have found ways to carve out space and make it work. Here’s how
Tortang Talong (Filipino Eggplant Omelet)
Growing up, tortang talong was a staple in my household. My father plants them and we sell the extra eggplants
About April
My name is April Pagaling, and I’m a writer, poet, and creative AI writing expert. For the last 20 years, I’ve made a living as a writer across different fields—journalism, copywriting, social media, ghostwriting, and creative writing. My work spans poetry, historical fiction, essays, and literary criticism, often exploring themes of memory, identity, and cultural inheritance.
This blog is my online journal—a space where everything comes together. From writing and creative insights to food, mom life, and everyday reflections, it’s a record of the stories I live and the ones I create.
Blog Posts Written
0
+
Collaborations
0
+
Latest Posts
NCMH. A Visit
A fragmented visit to the National Center for Mental Health. Forms, corridors, and forgotten names. This poem is a record of survival between boxes left unchecked.
The Artifice of Grief: When AI Mimics the Poetic
Explore the limitations of AI-generated creative writing through Sam Altman’s @sama “The Artifice of Grief,” examining how AI mimics emotional depth without true human experience. A critique rooted in storytelling authenticity and intentional human creativity.
Essays and Opinion
Why I Keep Writing Even When No One Is Reading
Every so often, I tell myself I’m done with writing, that I should focus on something more practical, like
April Bewell
March 16, 2025
Writing Life
I Didn’t Know I Was Writing About Trauma When I Wrote My Book
When Writing Knows More Than We Do: How Trauma Shapes Our Stories I thought I was writing about something
April Bewell
March 14, 2025
Out and About
Marinduque Is in the Heart Joins the Philippine Book Festival 2025
Join Marinduque Is in the Heart at the Philippine Book Festival 2025, happening March 13-16 at Megatrade Hall, SM
April Bewell
March 4, 2025
Book Reviews & Recommended Reads
Book Recommendation: Night Sky with Exit Wounds by Ocean Vuong
Reading:Night Sky with Exit Wounds by Ocean Vuong If you’ve ever wanted a poetry collection that punches you in
April Bewell
March 1, 2025
Recipes and other stories
Hidden Gem Alert! Năm Năm Tiêm Pho 20 in New Manila
May 6, 2024
Hey mamas! Juggling errands and feeling like you need a break? Same here! But listen up, I found this amazing Vietnamese restaurant called Năm Năm Tiêm Pho 20 that totally turned our chaotic day around. Tucked away in New Manila (at 53 14th St, Quezon City), it’s a hidden gem that deserves to be on every foodie mama’s radar! Escape
Filipino BBQ Chicken Air Fryer Version: A Classic Comfort Meal the Whole Fam Will Love
May 3, 2024
The Rich Tradition of Filipino BBQ: Banana Ketchup is Key! Nothing says relaxed Sunday Funday like the smells of sweetish soy, and chicken wafting through the casa. Filipino BBQ chicken Air Fryer Version is a simple crowd-pleaser that’s sure to have even the pickiest eaters lining up for seconds. As a busy mom, I’m always on the hunt for easy
How to Make a Classic Korean Soft Tofu Stew in Minutes -Quick and Easy Soondubu Jjigae
May 3, 2024
Satisfying My Korean Food Craving After Bingeing “Queen of Tears” Greetings family and fellow food fanatics! It’s your favorite food blogger April from relaxlangmom.com back with another easy and enjoyable recipe. This time around I’m sharing how to make Soondubu Jjigae, a classic Korean soft tofu stew. After devouring the latest K-drama sensation “Queen of Tears” over the past week,
A Tropical Veggie Stir Fry: Ampalaya with Black Beans (Tausi)
May 2, 2024
Ampalaya with Black Beans: The Perfect Blend of Flavors and Textures Well hey there friends and fellow parents! It’s April from relaxlangmom.com coming at ya with a new recipe that’s perfect as a side dish or on its own. I know a lot of us are feeling the heat wave and being stuck in the kitchen is about as appealing
An Authentic Taste of Taiwan in the Heart of Manila | Lao Taipei Restaurant Review
May 2, 2024
Lao Taipei: A Delicious Food Trip Couple Date to Taiwan Hey mamas! Need a couple break from the usual lunch or dinner routine, but short on time (or maybe cash for a plane ticket ;))? Then let me tell you about our recent trip to Taiwan… well, almost! We discovered Lao Taipei in Kapitolyo, Pasig, a Taiwanese Restaurant and it
The Crispiest, Most Addictive Fried Pork Belly / Lechon Kawali You’ll Ever Make – Guaranteed!
April 30, 2024
Crispy Crunchy Porky Goodness: How to Make the Ultimate Fried Pork Belly As a mom to two little piglets of my own, I’m no stranger to the siren song of crispy fried pork belly aka Lechon Kawali in the Philippines. This savory cut of meat is like comfort food crack – highly addictive with its glorious chew factor and decadent
Beating the Summer Heat with Mango Sago
April 28, 2024
Mmmmango Sago: A Tropical Treat to Feed the Whole Crew Whew, is it hot out there or what? This Philippine summer is no joke! As a mom, I’m always looking for ways to keep my family cool and refreshed during these scorching days. One of my go-to treats is the quintessential Filipino dessert drink, mango sago. Just the thought of
Beat the Heat: Safe Summer Workout Tips for Filipino Fitness Enthusiasts
April 28, 2024
Staying Safe and Fit in the Philippine Summer Heat Greetings fellow parents and guardians! It’s your favorite mom blogger April from relaxlangmom.com here with a a few summer workout tips on staying active outdoors when the temperature and humidity are cranked up to 51°C . As we ease into the dog days of summer here in the Philippines, getting your daily
Ampalaya Con Carne Recipe (Beef Ampalaya)
April 28, 2024
Turning Bitter into Better: How to Make Ampalaya Palatable Hey mommy friend! I wanted to share with you my go-to recipe for Ampalaya con Carne or also known as Beef Ampalaya. As a busy mom, I know how important it is to have quick and nutritious meals in our rotation, and this dish ticks all the boxes. You know how