If you are keen on traveling and discovering new eat places, you probably stumbled upon a blog site called Michael’s Hut. Maybe some interesting and helpful articles ring a bell? Well, let’s find out more about the man behind the blog and his blogging journey.
Michael Oyco runs Michael’s Hut. A blog site that he started in March 2013 as a way to use his spare time productively. After nine years and with a decent number of readers and followers, he writes about almost anything he experiences – from his travels in and outside his home country, the Philippines, new eat discoveries, new hotels, and resorts to products he promote.
He even shares helpful and informative articles such as his errands, completing transactions with government offices. Like, how he got a birth certificate from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) or renewing VISAS and passports.
In a nutshell, Michael is almost everything. When he isn’t traveling, he is with his friends climbing mountains, hitting dumbells in the gym, eating nice food in a newly-opened cafe, or lazing around on the beach.
Let us know more about the man and the story of Michael’s Hut in this interview I conducted recently.
Personal Note
The City Rat: Could you share a few words about yourself?
Michael: I am just an average guy who wants his spare time to be more productive. Well, I’m still an idealist who wants a better Philippines in the future!
I didn’t particularly appreciate writing back then, especially when I was still in school but look at me now, writing as a profession. Who would have thought? LOL!
Aside from watching entertaining YouTube and Facebook videos, I play badminton with friends, play musical instruments like the piano, and play all strategic board games in general.
I am doing a little bit of crypto because of Axie, but blogging takes most of my time now.
On Blogging
The City Rat: What made you set up your website?
Michael: I am basically in the field of business development from my past jobs, and yes, I had my website already back then. I like helping my friends and family promote their businesses, so it has been quite helpful for me even though the site is not yet monetized.
I also like taking pictures, so it was natural for me to transition to it when the digital age started because it was less expensive and easier to manage. Even though I wouldn’t say I like writing, I was forced to do it to add details to the pictures I wanted to store, and thus I was introduced to blogging.
The City Rat: What topics do you discuss and share with your audience? How do you select them?
Michael: As a lifestyle blogger, I will do it as long as I think it will benefit my readers in any way it can. Though there are many factors to consider in this category, the word “lifestyle” means my personal experiences.
So in this category, they are basically following us – the blogger. It comes with everything about us and how we execute, but to directly answer the question, as long as it’s beneficial or exciting, I’ll share.
Recently, one of my favorite categories in my blog is “adulthood,” where I record adult errands like renewing VISAS & passports, getting copies of birth certificates, and even doing blood donations and swabbing!
I find it productive since we have no choice but to go through those, so why not make content out of it, hitting two birds with a stone. =)
The City Rat: What do you enjoy most about blogging?
Michael: Aside from earning, I feel fulfilled when someone says that my articles helped them. Even the simplest things that they can relate to a particular post when they share with me make me feel happy. I feel very productive, and I like being productive.
The freebies and compliments are a bonus though. Hehe.
On Travel
The City Rat: What are your future travel plans now that the Philippines and other countries are open to foreign tourists?
Michael: It’s either Canada or Israel. These are my parent’s travel goals, and making another family trip would be nice. I always plan for the trip by drafting all the itineraries in place, and I won’t mind doing it again and again! Let’s go!
The city Rat: If there’s one place in the Philippines you could settle in, where would it be and why?
Michael: I find my hometown Marikina City a great place to settle because it is basically a balanced city with a provincial vibe.
It is in between some agricultural provinces and industrial cities, so it’s pretty easy to select which one to visit when you want to visit, conveniently.
But if I am to pick a different city aside from it, as long as it’s beach-side, I am G! Haha!
Last Words
The City Rat: What is your advice for newbie bloggers to succeed in the field?
Michael: Being committed (consistency) is key. Passion alone can’t do it, and working hard alone can’t do it. Both must be present, and continuous learning and development must happen.
Well, this one really depends on your target because you can be successful in your standard. If you want to express or earn, you are free to do so.
But suppose you are targeting to make this a profession. In that case, I think it’s a mix of everything above unless you are a celebrity. Hehe.
My Words
There you have it. It’s Michael Oyco giving a glimpse of what’s inside his hut, the Michael’s Hut. Michael is a travel enthusiast, a health buff, a good friend, and a loving son. But, more than anything else, Michael Oyco is a passionate blogger.
Michael is awesome…I love that he is so focused on being productive and successful. Amazing interview.
It was great getting to know Michael better! I’ve been frequenting his blog for a while but, other than his posts hadn’t known half this information!
Yes, beachside is always nice. The preference here though is in the middle of country and city too, that way you have the best of both worlds close at hand.
I have been through Michael’s blog and it is amazing. He has everything. I loved your interview here with him.
That was so nice reading about Michael. I have read his blogs and I really enjoyed reading them.
Nice to know Micheal. He sounds like a really cool guy.
What a great interview. I’m glad to know Micheal more!
Nice meeting and reading about you Michael! Always great to hear about someone’s blogging journey. As someone who is half Israeli I would say…Israel! Such an incredibly beautiful and varied land which should definitely be at the top of your travel bucket list!
Love learning about the blogger behind the blogs. Nice reading and getting to know Michael!
I can relate to Michael. What better way to live your life than to work doing something you love that will help others.
I really love finding new bloggers, so I appreciate this post. I just went to check out his blog, and it’s really great.
I love the interview here with Michael. Really cool guy
I’ve been visiting Michael’s blog for some time now. It’s great to find out a little more about him.
It is always cool to read new blogs in the Philippines! I will read further his blog and learn about his many travel updates.
I find this vantage point super interesting because I too was into photography and found that blogging became the natural outlet to freely share that joy. Loved this one!!
I love Michael’s blog and I’m a regular reader of his blog. I’m so glad you featured him here!
Aaaahhhh…it has been a nice warm visit to Michael’s hut! Consistency is key, is the takeaway I leave with!
This is interesting, good to know this much about him and he will be an amazing blogger.
I really enjoyed learning more about you, Michael! You will love Canada when you visit – it is so beautiful there and the people are so friendly!
Love this! Can’t wait to know more about Michael in his travels 🙂