Hi, I'm Marielle.
It's pronounced /mar-YELL/
Welcome to my blog, ellescapades!
I couldn't find a regular 9-5 that would allow me to combine my love for travel, food, and art, so I decided to take it into my own hands (literally) by blogging about it. I've been lucky enough to explore, eat, and engage with art from 4 different continents - but that's just the beginning!
Hopefully, by sharing my escapades, you will be inspired to also embark on your own unforgettable journeys, eat delicious bites, and explore artistic wonders! You don't even have to go far - you can start in your (metaphorical) backyard like I did.
I'm always ready for more delightful, delicious, and dazzling escapades. Are you?
My Story
I was the artistic kid doodling with my 90s glitter gel pens and folding paper stars in class. I've since graduated from gel pens to watercolors and dressing Barbies to dressing myself up in cute outfits.
Naturally, it was a given that I would be an art major, and then obviously find work in my field. Until I learned (the hard way) that creating for others... wasn't quite the dream job I had imagined for over 20 years. But by the time I learned, a traditional career path wasn't quite appealing either. I craved a challenge that indulged at least some of my passions: travel, food, or art. Sadly, I couldn't find a listing for such a job.
So I fell back on old childhood habits from growing up in the Philippines: If I couldn't find exactly what I was looking for, I would draw it out or make it myself, which is how you're now reading my blog!
Now, I have the privilege of building my dream life: exploring, eating, and engaging with art - most often with my favorite person, my husband! The one who gets to enjoy the still-warm food for both of us, while I'm taking endless photos! 
The world is our oyster, and I can't wait to bite (then blog) into it!
Why I started my blog
My biggest fear is to get stuck in a rut: checking off life milestones and accomplishments, technically experiencing life, but without engaging in life.
But if the global pandemic taught me anything, life is too uncertain to be a passenger. Once I realized that my life so far had been something that was happening to me, I decided that I needed to change that. For something to change, I had to step outside my comfort zone. So finally, in 2022, I started my blog.
As an introvert, I understand how terrifying it is to put yourself out there. But I knew it wouldn't be enough for me to just watch someone on my phone, living out my dream life. So I had to try, no matter how embarrassed I was to take photos and film in public. I know I'd rather look back on cheesy photos of a life lived to the fullest, than regret not having those photos when I'm older.
Previously, my life felt like a choose-your-own-adventure book, and I navigated each page that I landed on as best as I could. But turns out that a combination of bad circumstances + a supportive husband helped me see that we could change the trajectory of our stories.
Today, I'm the author picking up my pen (and keyboard) and writing my own travel, food, and art escapades.
Why travel, food, and art?
Travel
The best part about traveling is that there's always something new to learn. It's about exploring the unfamiliar.
The world is full of new escapades to experience, and I'm always excited to blog about them!
Food
Growing up in the Philippines, I consider food a love language. Every bite tells a story (or blog post) worth savoring.
From street food to Michelin-starred meals: Exploring the world through its flavors is my favorite way to experience the world!
Art
I've always been an artist and designer in some way. Art is my second favorite vehicle to explore the world.
But in this season of my life, my new focus is on photography - capturing the world through my lens!
Love the way I write about travel, food and art?
I would love to talk about writing opportunities you have for me. Contact me at ellescapades@gmail.com.Â