So this is all for 2024, folks! It's been quite a unique year. For me, this has been a period in which I've proven to myself that I can move forward, in which I have truly realized that my only limit is myself —my mind, my beliefs, my thoughts, my ambition. I've learned that only I can fight for myself, for the life I want to live, for my dreams and desires. Step by step, I'm discovering what is meant for me, what I truly want. It feels like a long journey, but at least I know it's just the beginning, and that nothing is set in stone yet. Another year of discoveries, surprises, challenges, and achievements. Another year of re-learning about myself and what I’m capable of. And you know what? I've always wanted not to be this way —or at least, not too much— but now, I’m really enjoying my own company because I’ve learned to appreciate the flow.
So for 2025, I’m not going to wish for health. This year, I just want to keep trusting myself, my competencies, my abilities, and my intuition. Sometimes it's difficult because there will always be people telling you what to do and how to behave, but this is where my story starts (or better said, where it continues).
I know I can. I just have to do it. And I assure you —I assure myself— I will.
Have a great start to the year! I hope you enjoy these days as much as you can. Keep wondering, keep growing, keep changing, keep believing, keep walking. Every day is a new day, a new opportunity (if we allow it for ourselves).
I used to think that people do not change. Maybe it was because I thought I never would. Maybe it was because of the typical phrase others tend to say: "people never change", and I believed it. But over the years, when I take the time to look back, I realize I have new illusions, new dreams, new objectives, new pursuits, new thoughts. A part of me is still there, but it keeps adapting to the circumstances, to my age, to the life I'm living.
Sometimes I don’t know what I want, even though I just had it in my mind moments earlier.
Sometimes I forget what home really means, doubting the role of blood, questioning my sufficiency, wondering what others truly mean to me.
Sometimes I find myself in lost songs, yet I can’t see myself in the mirror.
Sometimes I enjoy their company, but I don’t feel accompanied at all.
Sometimes I think I’m living, but the emptiness doesn’t go away.
Sometimes I dream big, but I stay in the same place anyway.
Sometimes I feel like a constant misunderstood contradiction, but also like a puzzle waiting to be solved.
Sometimes I think I understand life, but then I don’t know where it goes, where to start.
And yet, here I am. Scars remain, so do band-aids. I still don’t know what to do, but I’m walking forward. Trying to feel, not just think. Trying to live, not just survive. Trying to be myself in a world which kinda erase me.
If you're reading this post, you might be wondering: "Why is she writing in English when Spanish is such a beautiful language and the second most spoken in the world?". The truth is, I DO LOVE my mother tongue —that's why I studied Spanish Language and Literature— but I also have other interests, and I’m trying to meet those needs. So, let me tell you a little more about this project and about myself.
My name is Marta, and I’ve been writing since I was 14 or 15. In fact, I started blogging back then, and now I have two more blogs apart from this one. The first blog made me fall in love with writing, while the second one helped me take it more seriously. That’s when I realized I wanted to be a writer.
"Writer" still feels like a big word to me. Maybe because, since I was little, writing has been considered some kind of divine art. But honestly, I don’t think it is anymore. I believe everyone can write (and everyone should, because it can make you feel better, help you understand yourself, vent your emotions, or free your thoughts). Unfortunately, we often forget —or are made to forget— that we’re capable of trying or practicing things like this.
Back to the topic: those blogs are spaces for me to express myself through a kind of art. But I’ve always had another desire —one I didn’t even realize existed until recently: writing about everyday matters, personal interests, random thoughts, and so on.
At first, I wondered, "Isn’t a third blog too much? I already have two!" But then I realized: I’m free to do what I want, so why not go for it? (It made me think about how often we limit ourselves without even questioning it.)
On the other hand, I love English and need to practice it, so I thought mixing these two interests wouldn’t be a bad idea. Will this blog always be in English? Honestly, I don’t know. Maybe I’ll write some posts entirely in Spanish; maybe I won’t. Of course, I can express myself much better and beautifully in my native language, but let’s give this a chance, shall we?
Perhaps this project will help me develop better writing habits, spark creativity, or motivate me to finally write the stories I’ve been carrying in my mind.
Today’s blog post was supposed to be about something else —it was already scheduled, in fact. But then I realized: Rebecca’s solo concert, celebrating her birthday, had just happened. How could I NOT write about this incredible woman?
Who Is Rebecca?
Becky Rebecca Patricia Armstrong, better known as Becky (or Beck, Becbec, Becca), is a young Thai-British woman who celebrated her 22nd birthday concert yesterday. As Taylor Swift famously sings, we can now say she’s "feeling 22", can’t we? Despite her young age, Rebecca has already won the hearts of millions of people worldwide. Together with her screen partner —and partner in crime—, Freen Sarocha, she has become a leading actress in Thai GL (Girls' Love) series.
Their first project together as protagonists, GAP The Series, catapulted them to fame, followed by the movie Uranus2324 (still to be released in Spanish cinemas) and their second series, The Loyal Pin, which I’ve discussed in a previous blog post.
A Versatile Artist
In addition to her iconic roles, Rebecca has appeared in other projects, including the film Long Live Love (LLL) and two more series: Secret Crush On You (alongside Freen) and TharnType 2: 7 Years Of Love. Beyond acting, Rebecca has become the face of major international brands such as Chanel, Vivo, Maybelline, and L'Oreal Paris. She has graced the covers of numerous Thai magazines and starred in music videos, collaborating with various artists.
Excitingly, she’s about to release a new song with Jamie Miller, showcasing her passion for singing once again —a craft she deeply loves.
Balancing Life and Ambitions
Currently, Rebecca is pursuing an online Law degree from the University of Sussex, with a double specialization in Criminology and Psychology. Her classes often take place in the early hours of the morning, leaving her with little time for rest. Despite her demanding academic schedule and her actrice side, she dedicates herself to numerous professional commitments, such as attending brand events, being the CEO or her own brand Cielor, modeling and working with magazines. She also takes on secret projects, travels internationally for work, and learns new languages like Chinese, Spanish, and perfectionate her Thai.
Moreover, Rebecca tries to save time for her personal life. She loves sports, cherishes moments with her family and friends, and adores her two dogs. She also values her privacy, having time to relax and recharge. How she manages all this with a smile is beyond me, but her dedication is truly inspiring.
Why She Inspires Me
I must admit, many women inspire me, but there’s something uniquely special about Becky. Rebecca’s smile radiates warmth and positivity, uplifting those around her. She inspires people to appreciate life’s small joys, embrace curiosity, and strive for self-improvement. While none of us are perfect, Rebecca’s authenticity and relentless drive place her in a league of her own. Even if I only know the side of her that she chooses to share (or is able to share), I feel deeply moved by her perseverance and authenticity. She faces challenges head-on, even when she’s unsure or scared. She pushes through doubts, works tirelessly to achieve her goals, and remains determined no matter the circumstances.
At just 22, Rebecca has gone through life experiences that have shaped her maturity, often making her feel older than her years. Despite moments of loneliness, uneasiness or self-doubt, she continues to grow and learn, reminding us all that it’s okay to make mistakes, embrace imperfection and trust the process. And I couldn't be more grateful to be able to admire someone like her.
PS: If you’re curious to discover more about Rebecca’s life and career, here’s a fan page filled with fascinating facts and insights.
One of her most acclaimed performances at her 21st birthday event: Daylight cover.
PS2: I'm about to write this in Spanish so that I can express totally what I feel: PEDAZO CONCIERTO SE MARCÓ AYER DOÑA REBECCA PATRICIA ARMSTRONG, DIOS MÍO, PEDAZO CONCIERTO. Empezó dándolo todo, sin descansar y con cambios de ropa conforme iba de una canción a otra. Cantó en inglés, en tailandés, en chino, en francés y... ¡en español! No paró para nada, menos cuando los invitados cantaron sus propias canciones y pudo tener así algo de respiro. No puedo estar más orgullosa de ella. ¡Menudo curro! Tras el concierto, mi corazón estaba a rebosar de lo mucho que lo llenó. Tan bonita, tan "pequeña" y tan trabajadora. Estoy muy contenta del exitazo de ayer y del regalazo que nos dio a todos los que la seguimos de cerca.
PS3: It seems I'm another person when I speak Spanish and about what touches my heart, hehe <3
Yesterday marked the final Sunday of The Loyal Pin. I'm crying, how quickly time has flown! It feels as though it was just yesterday that the first episode premiered. I was fortunate enough to watch the beginning with two of my closest friends on August 4th, and to watch the final as well with other friends, open-mouthed in awe, in a virtual gathering. Sixteen episodes filled with intricate details, outstanding performances, and beautiful glimpses into Thai culture have captivated my heart. Everything about this series feels meticulously crafted.
If you haven’t heard of it yet, let me introduce you to one of my all-time favorite series: The Loyal Pin, the second project of the on-screen couple "FreenBecky". Adapted from MonMaw's novel of the same name, directed by Kittisak Cheewasatjasakun, and produced by IdolFactory, this Thai historical drama masterfully blends romance, comedy, and melodrama. What truly sets it apart is its groundbreaking narrative: this is a Girls' Love (GL) series. The protagonists are two women deeply in love —Princess Anil (played by Rebecca Patricia Armstrong) and Khun Pin (played by Freen Sarocha Chankimha)—, and their story unfolds in the 1950s.
The series tells the poignant tale of two young women from different social classes who start as best friends but ultimately fall madly in love. It delves into their struggles to be together in a world that does not accept their love. Throughout the story, we witness not only the depth of their affection and their tender moments together but also the numerous obstacles they face in their pursuit of peace and happiness. But can their love survive the 1950s? Is it possible for a princess to love another woman openly? Will their majesties and the royal family accept their bond? Will they find any support? I urge you to watch and find out for yourself, as the entire series is now available with subtitles. I assure you, you won’t regret it.
As for me, I’ve fallen in love with every character in the series —some more than others (you will understand why if you watch it)— but especially with Anil and Pin. Their journey and their fight for love are deeply moving. The evolution of their characters is marvelous; you can truly see how their experiences shape them and the lengths they go to for each other. The performances by Becky and Freen are nothing short of extraordinary. Even native Thai speakers have noted how challenging old Thai is to master, yet these actresses worked diligently to perfect it, bringing a sublime authenticity to their roles and delivering every emotion with heartfelt precision. Their efforts shine through in every scene. Moreover, the love scenes, in my opinion, were depicted amazingly and realistically, showcasing chemistry and emotion that are beyond words.
I would like to give a special mention to Orntara Poolsak (better known as Looknam or Nam), who plays Prik, a loyal servant of the royal family and a special confidante of Anil. Her performance is simply spectacular and leaves me more and more amazed with each project she takes on. Her talent and depth in the role of Prik are unmatched and add a unique richness to the story. I also want to highlight Ohm, who portrays Prince Anan, the older brother of Anil. His performances have given me incredible moments that enhance the plot and add an emotional layer that is hard to miss. Additionally, a big shout-out to "Aunt Pat", played by Charm, and the actrice Songjet, whose brilliant performances have added significant nuances to the narrative.
The quality and attention to detail in this series are so remarkable that the Thailand Ministry of Trade has supported it from the very beginning. Beyond the central love story, The Loyal Pin beautifully showcases Thai culture, particularly through its food and traditions. Watching the series will not only make you appreciate the story but also inspire you to learn more about Thailand’s rich heritage.
This series will make you cry, laugh, and smile with pure joy, like a child opening presents on Christmas morning. Most importantly, it will leave a lasting impression and hold a special place in your heart forever.
I have so many ideas saved as drafts for this new blog that I didn’t know where to start! So, I decided to talk about something I’m currently enjoying: the Slowly app.
If you knew my age (almost 25, only two months left!), you’d know I’m not used to writing physical letters. The only letters I wrote were to the Three Wise Men when I was little —I'm Spanish, by the way— but never to anyone else. Writing letters felt like a lost art, and I kept wondering: How does it even work? Could I give it a try?
With today’s technological progress and social media, we’re used to instant communication, and honestly, I’ve grown tired of it. That’s when I stumbled upon Slowly while browsing the App Store (not sure how I ended up finding it, though).
Slowly is like a modern twist on pen pal letters —a slow version of WhatsApp, or even Tinder, since you can match with people. The coolest part? Your letters aren’t sent instantly; the delivery time depends on the distance between you and the recipient. That’s what really caught my attention. Plus, the profiles are anonymous, with no real pictures (though you can add a biography if you like).
At first, the app can feel a bit tricky until you get the hang of it or find people who share your interests, but trust me, it’s worth it.
Current logo of Slowly (25th of November, 2024)
P.S.: It also has a web version, which I personally find more comfortable to use.
P.S.2: I hope we read each other more often from now on :)
