Changing the World with Coffee
Henry & Sons launches new social enterprise -The Giving Cafe. This is series one of my #freshcoffeebeans series with @tgcsocialentrep. Series
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 Iβve 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. Hereβs 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 Iβm a writer, poet, and creative AI writing expert. For the last 20 years, Iβve made a living as a writer across different fieldsβjournalism, 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 journalβa space where everything comes together. From writing and creative insights to food, mom life, and everyday reflections, itβs a record of the stories I live and the ones I create.
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Latest Posts
The Unexpected Ways Blogging Changed My Brain
Years ago, I started blogging with the vague idea that it would sharpen my writing. Make me more disciplined. Maybe even build an audience. But I didnβt expect it to rewire my brain. Blogging, as it turned out, isn’t just an act of putting words on a page. It’s an ongoing mental workout, a slow restructuring of the way I
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.
Writing Life
Philippine Book Festival 2025: A Celebration of Literature and Connection
My first Philippine Book Festival as an author was a resounding success, with my book completely selling out and
April Bewell
March 17, 2025
Essays and Opinion
Why I Keep Writing Even When No One Is Reading
Every so often, I tell myself Iβm done with writing, that I should focus on something more practical, like
April Bewell
March 16, 2025
Writing Life
I Didnβt 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
Recipes and other stories
Easy Pinoy Style Cajun Shrimp
April 9, 2024
Kick Back and Kick Up Your Feet with Some Cajun Shrimp Tucked away on our island paradise, it’s easy to let the warm tropical breeze lull us into a state of perfect tranquility. But life with kids also means busy weekends and harried weeknights! As parents, we need ways to relax that are simple yet savory. Enter: delicious Cajun shrimp
Savor Savory Slow-Cooker Roast Beef With Mushroom Sauce on a Stress-Free Sunday
April 7, 2024
As the sun beats down mercilessly and temps soar to sweltering heights in the Philippines, curling up with a piping pot of hearty stew seems counterintuitive in this steamy season. But never fear – your trusty slow cooker comes to the rescue with an easy, hands-off solution for summer meal prep despite the heat! This lightened-up roast beef with mushroom
Kinilaw IS NOT Ceviche -Seafood / Fish Kinilaw Recipe
April 5, 2024
Hi there, food lovers! It’s your favorite blogger, the April of Relax Lang Mom, back with another mouth-watering adventure. Today, we’re diving into the vibrant and tantalizing world of Filipino kinilaw β the delightful cousin of ceviche that’s sure to make your taste buds do a happy dance! Here in the Philippines, we have very distinct kinilaw traditions -similar to
Easy Buko Pandan Jelly Dessert Recipe for Hot Summer Days
April 1, 2024
Aloha friends! It’s April from RelaxLangMom! I hope this finds you all well and managing to find moments of calm in your days. Parenting little ones during this time, when the summer hits the country and the heat index going as high as 60Β°C is no easy task, so I’m sending you all virtual hugs. Today I wanted to share
Filipino Style Air Fried Bangus Teriyaki Recipe
March 27, 2024
Hello, my little munchkins! Are you ready to kick your flippers up and cook something different for dinner tonight? Then look no further than this Air Fried Bangus Teriyaki – it’ll transport you right to the Philippine beaches without ever leaving the kitchen. The Filipino-style teriyaki sauce allows me to inject bold flavor into simple ingredients without much fuss. Bangus,
Chicken Shawarma Rice Recipe
March 21, 2024
Hello everyone! April here from RelaxLangMom.com sharing one of my favorite Middle Eastern cuisine, This is a delicious dish that’s perfect for busy moms and anyone who loves flavorful meals β the Pinoy Chicken Shawarma Rice! Shawarma has become all the rage a few decades back (when I was still in college) and it has become a mainstay on my
Cream Dory Red Fish Curry Recipe
March 20, 2024
Let’s make a splash with this flavorful fish curry recipe! As a mom constantly swimming against the current of endless to-do lists, I’m always on the lookout for quick yet crave-worthy meals. This creamy red fish curry starring the much-maligned but never put down – the humble cream dory – is sure to become a staple in your oceanic kitchen
Asian Style Cream Dory Fish Fillet with Tofu: A Delightful Fusion of Flavors
March 19, 2024
Hey everyone, April here! Today I’ve got a flavorful and satisfying Asian dish using ingredients that are grocery-friendly and easy to find. This is a dish that’s as easy on the palate as it is on the eyes. I spotted some nice-looking cream dory fish fillets and firm tofu on sale at the market the other day, so decided to
Easy Puto Pao Using Hotcake Mix: The Perfect Blend of Sweet and Savory in Filipino Snacking
March 18, 2024
Hello fellow parents and foodies! This gal April is back with another recipe to help make merienda time a breeze. As we all know, keeping everyone satisfied after a long day can be no picnic. But have no fear – I’m here with a twist on a Filipino street food favorite that’s sure to be a crowd pleaser. Now I