We recently connected with Bianca Panaligan and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Bianca thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

The biggest risk I’ve taken is jumping head first into poetry not knowing where it would take me. At the height of the pandemic, I decided the things I wanted didn’t align with the decisions I were making. I wasn’t happy nor did I feel fulfilled. The only way I found any type of happiness was when I was creating. Whether it was through music, words, or art, I always felt like I was meant to use my talents instead of hindering myself.

Bianca, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is BeeYonka and I’m a Bay Area based poet. I specialize in spoken word and topics that should be apart of everyday conversation – like how marginalized communities and the youth deserve more justice than we’re ever prepared to acknowledge.

Poetry saved my life in many ways and because of that, I decided to share my pieces with others in hopes it brings them peace. I take pride in my writing because I feel as though I never really had a chance to be my true authentic self. I always doubted my self worth because it never mirrored others or the world around me. I was always the black sheep, the odd ball, the “weird” one who always dreamt too big. Poetry allows me to be more than myself. It lets me be everything and anything I want to be in that moment with no judgement.

I only hope when people hear my words and read about my story, they too will feel the same way.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is to eventually create creative writing programs for the youth as well as communities that don’t have much art expression. I think people really forget how to express themselves in raw form outside of everyday nuances. Art changes the way we absorb life, how we perceive it, and how we react to it. By having more programs that help people express their mental health status and creativity I truly think communities can thrive more as a whole.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding thing I will NEVER get over is the networking! Many call it a “fan base” but I like to call it a tribe of wordsmiths. The best thing poetry ever gifted me aside from a new life is a life where I can intertwine with others thoughts, emotions, and auras on a deeper level! I will never get over that feeling of hearing a piece for the first time and just being in complete awe of those around me and vice versa! The amount of love I receive in every show blows my mind. It’s not only positive reinforcement that I’m exactly where I need to be, but that I’m helping create such a great community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://patreon.com/beeyonka
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/bee.yonkaaa

Image Credits

Pictures by JareLens Photography