about this blog
Cup of Tyh is my baby. I started this blog years ago with no big strategy, just a need to write while I was adjusting to life in Canada as an immigrant. I poured my thoughts into this space as I learned, unlearned, and slowly figured things out about money, work, identity, motherhood, and myself.
As I grew, the blog grew with me. Over the years, Cup of Tyh has opened doors I never imagined. I’ve connected with people from all over the world who were dreaming of migrating to Canada, trying to understand life here, or simply looking for reassurance that they weren’t alone. I’ve been invited to speaking engagements, conversations, and collaborations, all because I kept showing up and writing honestly.
Today, Cup of Tyh is where I share life lessons that women everywhere can relate to, especially those of us in midlife wearing many hats. This space is also where I help Canadian families, especially immigrants, make sense of money, based on lived experience and professional knowledge.
And one day, I’m saying this out loud here…I hope this blog becomes the beginning of a book.
This space has taught me that stories matter, clarity matters, and sometimes the quiet things we build become the most meaningful.
about me
(THE HUMAN BEHIND THE BLOG)
Hi, I’m Cristina, but everyone here calls me Tyh.
I’ve always loved to write. Long before social media and algorithms, this blog became my quiet corner of the internet: a place where I could think out loud, make sense of change, and document life as it unfolded. Cup of Tyh has grown with me through different seasons, and in many ways, it is my life in writing.
I studied Psychology, which explains my lifelong curiosity about people, emotions, and why we make the choices we do, especially around money, work, and life. I’ve spent more than 2 decades working in Human Resources, both in Philippines and Canada, mostly focused on recruitment, employee relations, employee benefits and retirement.
Like many immigrants, I had to figure things out as I went, navigating a new country, a new system, and a new version of myself. This blog became a way to connect, to share lessons, and to say, you’re not alone in this.
Over time, my own life experiences naturally led me into finance. I became a financial advisor and mortgage broker simply because I enjoy helping people make sense of everyday money decisions. It’s one piece of my story.
Cup of Tyh isn’t a polished highlight reel or a corporate platform. It’s where I show up as a woman still becoming, sharing life lessons, money reflections, motherhood moments, midlife thoughts, and the beautiful, messy details in between.
If something here feels familiar, comforting, or useful, then I’m glad you found your way in.
a little more about me
(BECAUSE LIFE ISN’T ABOUT A RESUME)
Some fun facts, just so you know who you’re reading:
I’m a mom of three, my piglets are my greatest motivation
I was born and raised in the Philippines and later moved to Canada
I wear way too many hats and somehow keep adding more
I’m a lola’s girl through and through, she means so much to me
I’m a Scorpio (loyal, intuitive, and just a little intense)
I have a soft spot for charm bracelets and crystal bracelets, I love pieces that hold meaning
I once dreamed of becoming a lawyer
I love fashion and personal style, it’s my favorite form of self-expression
I love Japanese and Korean food, ramen and a good bowl of bibimbap make me happy
Pink is my forever favourite colour, it feels bold, feminine, and unapologetically me
I adore dogs, even if my allergies try to protest
I love to travel and collect experiences more than things
And yes… I’m still figuring things out. Always.
why i keep this space
I write because clarity changes lives. Because stories make transitions easier. Because midlife isn’t a slowdown, it’s a recalibration. And because sometimes, the thing you build quietly becomes the thing that helps others feel steady.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re juggling money, life, expectations, and dreams — welcome. You’re in the right place.
Personal immigrant stories, community features, and cultural reflections.
Practical, approachable tips to make sense of money and life.
Momhood, midlife musings, and personal life lessons.
Style, travel, food, and joyful lifestyle inspirations.