8.2.12

An Interview with the Awesome


Meet Hoobert the Awesome, a 20 year old pure-blooded Filipino, unico hijo and blogger superstar. I recently caught up with the living legend as he celebrated the 3rd year blogversary of his baby, Chillspot.


In The Name of Jubert

It is essential that you pronounce his name right if you want to be his friend. It’s Jubert and pronounced as it is spelled. “One thing you should know about me is that some stupid people can’t get my name right. People just fucked it up!”, he blurted.

Is there any story behind the name?

“As much as I want to think that my name has some British connections but nah, waley. I think Mom had just a penchant for combining syllables in naming her offspring. My name came from them actually, JUDY + HERBERT. And my sister’s name is Herdy. Well, just figure that out.

(Not very imaginative, I must say, but at least it’s in honor of his parents, not after some movie characters or Hollywood starlets.)

You said that people can’t just get your name right. Can you explain this a little bit further?

“I heard a lot of variations of my name especially nung nasa college pa ako. A mate called me John Rupert one time. It was annoying and funny at the same time. Pero there’s this Chinese-themed grocery-slash-eatery that we always frequented na hindi talaga ma-gets ang name ko – Juvert, Jobs, Jobert. The worst? Juvy.”

If you have to do it over again, would you change your name today?

“I’ll admit that I’m not too fond of the name, it’s a tough one and I’m quite blaming mom for that. Hahaha. But I don’t think I would change it. I got used to it.”

So where does Hoobert the Awesome came from?

“I want to thank Jessa for that. Jessa started calling me that when I was in senior college then it stick to me like a bubblegum. I just added the word awesome ‘cos that how I describe myself. Hahaha!”

The Romantic Side of Him

He was 16 when he had her first serious relationship. “It didn’t last long. She had her priorities, I had mine. We don’t have any other choice but to end it. It was completely mutual, we’re both fine. We both knew it just didn’t work and no hard feelings at all.” Then Hoob adds this revelation: “The most hurtful one was my most recent break-up”. Late last year, his girlfriend of seven months broke up with him. “I was really, really hurt. I didn’t saw that coming. But oh well, that’s life. ”

How did you cope up with the break-up?

“At first, it’s really hard. I have to admit that I sulked in for days and there was a point that I cried. I don’t want to use the term suicidal but something close to that described what I was feeling. I was so afraid of the days that would come for I know they are moments without the love that made me complete. It was so tough but I had to bring myself back into consciousness and pick the pieces up.”

Do you still love her?

“To be honest, I still do. I’m really sad about the break-up. I’ve been keeping busy and all to take my mind off her but I’m having a hard time.”

Are you still friends?

“You know, sometimes people go through phases in their lives where they must be apart, I think we’re on such phase right now. Healing obviously takes time but I’m looking forward to the day that we’ll be good friends. ”

What did you learned from this break-up?

“This may sound so bitter of me but I realized that people are meant to fall in love but are not destined to be together.”

What’s your two cents on long-distance relationship?

“I had two long-distance relationships before and obviously I sucked big time on handling them. But that’s just me. If you really like each other, stay together. However, be prepared for ridiculous amount of stress ‘cos it is difficult no matter what the few couples who managed it say. Usually, one of you will stop trying to work on the relationship. When the work stops, the split starts.”

What do you think is the key to a happy relationship?

“Love and trust.”

Meet the Blogger

A blogger since 2009, Hoobert has covered everything from political rants and national election to his dirty little secrets, college-life and his undying love to the Philippine men’s national football team. Talking about blogging, he reminisced: “I never really thought that my blog would last this long.” For the record, Chillspot is his fourth blog. He described his first three blogs as amateurish. But I guess, most bloggers started just like that, right?

Hoobert, what or who inspired you to become a blogger?

“Writing will always be in my blood. It’s a personal relationship for me. I started doing essays when I was in grade school but I only started blogging after being inspired by a Thai-Belgian blogger whose feisty views I religiously followed. Mga 2008 yun e, but I only took this whole blogging thing seriously a year after that.”

What’s the best thing about blogging?

“Just the fact that I have the ability to to reach out and touch people through my blogs, be able to speak my mind and express myself is a gift.”

And the worst?

“In my case, it eats a lot of my time. I check my blog three times a day, more if I’m not doing something. I think you also know the feeling of how it is like to be stuck in the blogosphere, you know what I mean. I’ll tell myself one minuter but then the next blog I visit is too interesting to read and the next blog and the next. Before I know it, hours have passed.”

Do you like getting recognized?

“Of course, when people would drop some comments telling me that my articles help them in a way, it inspires me more to keep going. Sobrang sarap sa feeling. And it’s not because it gives a celebrity-like status but because it means I’m doing something right.”

Do you receive any hate mails/comments?

“Hahaha, yes. Prolly the worst was when an anonymous guy called me a dimwit.”

What do you feel about them?

“It’s hard because I get attached to my blog and I want people to like it as much as I do. But at the end of the day, I also understand it’s not going to be everyone’s cup of tea but as long as I’m happy with it, I think that’s all that matters.”

What advice would you give to people who want to be a blogger?

“Whatever you fall in love with, you can succeed at.”

Should you meet Hoobert the Awesome in the future and forget to properly pronounce his name, here’s a quick guide to get you started on facts, favorites or just to get the ball rolling.


33 comments:

glentot said...

Medyo matagal na nga ako nacucurious kung saan galing ang Hoobert the Awesome hehe. An anonymous guy called you a dimwit? At least you had the balls to login, sya anonymous lang hahaha.

Hoobert the Awesome said...

HAHAHA. Ambilis ni Kuya Glen. Naunahan ako sa pag-comment.

Tomoooo. It would be more credible sana kung nag-iwan siya ng link. Well, ganyan talaga. Haha. `Yaan na natin siya. :)

Batang Lakwatsero said...

wow. getting to know more about the author. gujab!

Hiyono said...

You're so awesome talaga, Hoob! Haha. I started my blog around 2004. It didn't get as big as this one - but that's because I didn't want to get it as "famous" as this one. Sabi mo nga, what matters is you enjoy what you're doing. :P

Wow naman. Nakakatuwa. I got to know more about you because of this post. Congratulations ulit. More power to Chill Spot! I'm so happy you found my humble site, and that I came to yours. ;)

liz said...

"Some people are meant to be in love with each other,but not meant to be together", natawa ako nung nabasa ko 'to. Eto rin kasi yung reason ko sa previous relationship ko. Haha.

Anyways, congrats awesome Hoobert! Your blog is very bold and interesting,just like you.:)

Pinay Travel Junkie said...

My name's a combination of my parents' names too. Not a nasty one but geekish. I like the name Herdy :) Nice to read your profile-ish post. A break from narratives.

June | Life and Spices said...

hello bert? hahaha pang asar lang? kamusta naman ako JUNE.. just because i was born under the sixth month of the year..arghhh..-.-.. lol sana steven lee na lamng ako..

Hoobert the Awesome said...

Thank you Ivan. I also want to know you more. :)

Mag-travel tayo together soon.

Hoobert the Awesome said...

At talagang famous Yono? Nyek. Pinapalaki mo naman tenga ko n`yan. Hahaha.

Grabe antagal mo na palang nagba-blog. Saludo ako sa`yo! Nung 2005, I remember gumawa din ako ng WP account pero di ko naman na-maintain. Hahaha. Epic fail!

Yay. That`s what you call, destiny.

Hahaha! :)

Hoobert the Awesome said...

Hahaha. I think it`s the common palusot of brokenhearted people Eprilis.

Aww. That`s so nice of you. Parang uminom na din ako ng energy drink. Hehe. Or spinach?

Hoobert the Awesome said...

Thank you PTJ. Alam ko kasi minsan nasasawa na rin readers ko sa kakabasa ng mga narratives. Hehehe! :)

At least mas nakilala niyo ako ng mabuti. :)

Hoobert the Awesome said...

At least June, di mo makakalimutan yung month ng kapanganakan mo. Hahaha.

I told you not to call me that. Bad! :P


Hahaha.

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kg said...

what a fun read jubert! galing!

i laughed when i read about the origin of your name....madaming ganyan na magulang. combining their nams. they don't realize ang pangit pala! haha!

John Marx Velasco said...

We have the same sentiment regarding name, mostly sa fastfood hirap nila i-ispell ang name ko... max, marks, the worst... john mary! haiz.

Anyways, I love my name! =)

Are you in Bicol on May?

Kura said...

hahaha! your entry made my day enchong. Iba ka talaga. hahaha! Jubert and Herdy? ang cute nila hihihi! natuwa ako promise. Ngayon ko lang nalaman ang history ng name nyo.

Anyway, I'm just thankful you included me on your favorite female bloggers list. Naiiyak ako.. sa tuwa. Parang gusto kita i-hug. hihihi!

Happy happy blogsary sa chillspot! I hope tumagal pa siya. Wag ka magsasawang magsulat coz every post is really worth the wait. Just like what you said, people like you inspires me to write so thank you so much. =) I'm back by the way. Whew! Tagal ko na naman nagbakasyon sa blog. I'll catch up on your prev entries don't worry. Have a great day!

The Nomadic Pinoy said...

A belated 3rd blogversary to you!
I promise not to mispronounce your name if and when I meet you in the future! Nurse ka pala, good to know.

Jhanz said...

Ang taray! :) Hihi. Sana may ganito din ako pag tanda ko. LOL.

Ryan Mach said...

Hahaha! I thoroughly enjoyed this post, Jubert. It's pretty weird but I associate your name with Junathan, don't ask me why... Lol.

Anyway, nice meeting you, Jubert.

RIZALENIO said...

Awesome!!! Standing loud claps. Now I know you more. :)

Hoobert the Awesome said...

Hoho nga Ate Grace. Pffft! Walang kalatuy-latuy. Hahaha. Pero I think today di na uso ang ganyan. Ginagamit na lang `to in naming love teams I think.

Hoobert the Awesome said...

Hello Marx! Di ako sure bro. I think I`ll be leaving for Manila next month. :) Bakit?

Hoobert the Awesome said...

Weh? Ikaw talaga Ate Kura-ching, lagi mo akong pinapa-blush. Hehehe. But I gotta agree, cute nga yung Herdy but not my name. :(

Nakakatuwa kasi mga blogs mo Ate. Ang light lang. Tawa ako ng tawa kapag nagbabasa ako ng blog mo. Walang biro. Punta ka dito, i-hug din kita :)))

Yay! Let`s inspire each other. Ansabe? Hahaha. I`m also back. Dami ko ng dapat i-post.

Hoobert the Awesome said...

Hahaha yay! I hope to meet you in future Kuya Nomad. Prolly in the States? Oh sweet.

Yep, I`m a nurse po. Diba ikaw din po?

Hoobert the Awesome said...

Make one too Umi para masaya. I really had fun doing this. Hehehe. Kunwa-kunwaring interview sa sarili.

Sana next time si Boy Abunda naman mag-interview sakin. Hahaha. Wishful thinking. :)

Hoobert the Awesome said...

That`s indeed funny Kuya Mach. Hmm, bakit kaya? Pero na yan kesa naman ma-associate moko sa name na Junniper. No offense meant to Junnipers out there. :)))

Nice meeting you din po. I`ll visit your blog later.

Hoobert the Awesome said...

It`s been awhile Kuya Rizalenio. Di ko kasi ma-open account kaya ganun. Hehehe. I miss your photos. :)

docgelo said...

jubert, sa pagbabasa ko ng post na ito, pakiramdam ko isa ka ng alamat sa edad mo! haha! made me think of my years when i was your age. congratz on your blogging! pag apat mo na pala itong blog na ito. ang husay!

sheng said...

Thanks for dropping by my blog. Your's is cool!

Nortehanon said...

Your post made me think what questions I would ask myself if I do a similar one. Baka di ko masagot ang mga tanong ko sa interview ko sa sarili ko hahaha!

Congrats on your blog and keep it up.

Hoobert the Awesome said...

Hello Doc Gelo. Thanks for the sweet remarks. Oo living legend na nga ako. Hahaha. Biro lang. :)

Yep, fourth na. I started blogging nung 3rd year high school ako. Pero pucho-pucho pa lang nun.

Hoobert the Awesome said...

Yay, thanks Sheng.

Hoobert the Awesome said...

It`s up to you Nortehanon kung what type of questions ang gusto mong itanong sa sarili mo. Lols. Oks lang kahit di too personal. Just be honest when answering them.

Thanks.