So they call me Mel

So they call me Mel

So here I am! I decided to make a blog. But before we get deeper into things, I’d like you to know more about me.

My name is Melissa Marie Ricks. I was named after my mom’s super idol Elvis Presley’s daughter, Lisa Marie Presley. Some people call me “Mel” and people close to me and relatives call me “Nini”, that’s short for “munini” which according to my late lola meant “little one.” Yessss!! I used to be small! I’m the youngest in the family, and I mean in the whole family tree ha! Sa lahat ng mag-pipinsan, ako youngest. (I used to be the smallest, too, but not anymore!)

I was born in Upland, California. We stayed there until I was six and we moved to the Philippines for my dad’s retirement. Well, what supposed to be his retirement. He ended up working for a company here that eventually brought us to several different countries. From the Philippines, we moved to Costa Rica, then the Dominican Republic, the Virgin Islands, Guam. then back sa Pinas where we stayed for good.

I have three cutie patootie doggies named Potchi, Chewy, and Toffee. Potchi is the eldest. I remember getting bashed during SCQ  because I was asked what I would spend my money on. All I really wanted during that time was a dog and a cellphone. Haha! So I ended up getting Potchi when I turned 18, three years after the competition (my parents never let me get things easy). But anyway, Potchi is now eight, Chewy is three and Toffee, the lil’ spoiled pup is one. I call them my loves and stress busters!

That little teddy in the picture is Coco, my now 25-year-old teddy bear. I can't sleep without him, even sa tapings I would bring him along. People try to hide him to make me cry. So mean, haha! He's my little security blanket and he doesn't look like that anymore haha!

I also faced the biggest challenge of my life recently. Being a mom! We have a beautiful baby we named Kiera Kelly. She’s my everything.

So this is where it begins! I look forward to writing more about motherhood, my ups and downs, broken hearts, picking myself up, being bullied, pressure about weight, living on my own, and of course being an actress in an oh so crazy world. Hope I can share with you things that have happened to me and somehow help you in my little way.

Love,

Mel

BE KIND