Pockets of stillness and turning to nature to teach us about life
Tambobong Beach, Pangasinan, PhilippinesPhoto by the author. If you are also caught up in the whirlwind of post-elections anxiety, thinking of 'next steps', or finding your place in the world, then you are just like me.
Read full storyPhilippine politics: A son disowns his mother for her political affiliation
This is not an ordinary son-mother tandem. Let me introduce you to the letter writer, the son, Lorenzo Legarda Leviste, and his powerhouse mother Loren Legarda, a senatorial candidate for the Philippine elections, about to happen in 4 days.
Read full storyAn open letter to the loved one that’s far away
You and I are thousands of miles apart. With travel restrictions, requirements, and whatnots, the maze we are navigating seems to get more complex as months go by. We thought our circumstances would change soon. They didn’t. What makes things more difficult is no one seems to know how and where the maze ends.
Read full storyOpinion: Does he make love easy? He could be the keeper you've been looking for.
‘There’s something special about this. Let’s not hold back.’. This is what he said to me as we were chatting to get to know each other using Whatsapp. A couple of months later, I flew from Manila to Seattle to meet him. We sealed it and we became a couple.
Read full storyOpinion: Using the present moment to overcome suffering
There is no better moment than this. It isn't because I enjoy typing these words. It isn't because writing is my way to express myself. There is no better moment than this because this is all I have. The present is all we have.
Read full storyOpinion: Tears for the person you loved and lost
After a painful break-up, you cry, let the tears fall without a care. At first, it's hard to identify why. All you know is it hurts. Your heart, mind, and soul are going through a painful transition from being in a relationship to being by yourself once again.
Read full storyBooks on health and the importance of rereading
The last 2 years brought the world to its knees. We took comfort in food deliveries, Zoom calls, loungewear, and…old books. I didn’t understand how and why people reread books. There are millions of new materials waiting to get noticed. I used to wonder why people waste hours on a book they have read before.
Read full storyTo write a book, pull your heart out of your chest.
I had to write this book. That was my truth. Last year, I published my first book of poetry. I worked on it during the most trying time of my life, but it was worth stressing over. That was right after I had a major surgery which I candidly wrote about here.
Read full storyRelationships: Mantras from a Buddhist monk to help us love better
For Buddhists, love is not about gifts. It’s about compassion and kindness. In a relationship, a partner shows these through thoughts, words, and actions. Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh teaches the 6 Mantras in The Art of Communicating. In this book, you will learn how simple yet powerful thoughts, words, and actions can be.
Read full storyWriting: The last time you took a break
Not writing is an important part of writing. -Ann Patchett. The last two years have been extremely challenging for our family. We waded through serious health problems, COVID-19, the death of family members, and our messy relationships with each other.
Read full storyRelationships: Long-distance couples work for compatibility
A long-distance relationship is not a proper relationship. Exactly my thoughts. Now, I’ve been in one for almost 2 years. I won’t say it’s easy, but it’s doable in the right conditions, with the right person.
Read full storyRelationships: Talking about interests and mindset on your first date
This one is for the ladies. You’re meeting for the first time. You’re anxious that you won’t meet his expectations. Which one looks better between the olive green and black dress?
Read full storyDecluttering for a more organized home and life
I was halfway through Marie Kondo’s book The Life-Changing Magic Of Tidying Up when I saw this video of the author’s interview with Stephen Colbert. Kondo is charming and the concept is disarming.
Read full story'Mindset', 'Sapiens', and 'Principles': Books for thinkers and seekers
Stand guard to what goes in your head. Want to see what the future looks like? Listen to your self-talk. How you see yourself matters. Your actions, behavior, and habits are products of who you believe you are.
Read full storyDecluttering: Changing your life one item at a time
Stop when it gets overwhelming. Look at the stuff that surrounds you. Do you see one or two items that you can get rid of right now? Can you identify things that are important to your daily life? Are there useless gifts you are keeping out of sentimental value?
Read full storyPreparing for a major surgery
Keep those thoughts in check. On August 12, 2021, I was admitted to the hospital for the first time for major surgery. My OB-Gynecologist found a mass in my body that needs to be removed as soon as possible.
Read full storyA Stranger’s Gift: Stories of Friendship From Unexpected Places
It’s impossible to stay connected, but there are a few that stand out. I have wondered if it’s possible to find a genuine relationship while traveling despite the tight schedules, the constant coming and going, and plane rides that never end.
Read full storyA Short Story on Grieving
I was dumbfounded when I found out about your condition. They said you were having trouble breathing, and you needed to be intubated. My doctor friend said that’s painful; I wish I can ask you how that experience was.
Read full storyRecovering from myomectomy
It was an early morning in July 2021 when I visited my OB-Gynecologist. A bump has been growing in my belly for months. I’m a perfectly healthy 35-year-old working (at home) professional in Manila.
Read full storyHarmful habits found in long-distance relationships
Is this worth it? Am I better off dating my neighbor instead? How long do we have to wait?. Long-distance relationships are tough to navigate. Yes, we have Zoom, Telegram, Whatsapp and Skype but these online platforms can never make up for physical presence.
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