I never loved ‘Wildflower’
We often compare women to flowers, a metaphor that says more about cultural expectations than actual people. Perhaps that is...
When did we lose our humanity?
Like most people, I use social media as a form of escape—scrolling through an endless stream of funny memes and...
A hint of nostalgia
They say the fastest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. This quote does not only apply to...
Childhood dream birthday
Children love birthdays, don’t they? It’s when they feel extra special, loved, appreciated, and celebrated. I’ve been to children’s birthday...
I grew up on a farm
I grew up spotting Papa’s back in the middle of the paddy as if he was diving into a sea...
Pride on the other side
Did I have a normal childhood? Did I live a conventional Filipino family life? Or did I just fail to...
‘Batang kalye’
On a late Sunday afternoon, I was walking down the streets of our quiet neighborhood holding a turon and various pieces of...
‘Dijay likud’
The Ilocano word likud, which means “at the back” in English, is not just the opposite of in front or...
‘Bisikleta’ dreams
There are times when it hits me hard. Like when people talk about relearning a skill, and then some know-it-all...
I believe in magic
Once upon a time, when I was a kid, I believed in magic. When I was 7, I believed in...