Waitlisted, wasted Filipino dreams
Every high school graduation season, I witness social media—and this year, my email inbox—become a brutal battlefield for the future,...
A lot can change in a year
When I left home with two suitcases and my acceptance letter in hand, I was stepping into uncharted territory, uncertain...
A privilege to carry
For many of us, education isn’t just a right—it’s a lifeline, a means to lift us out of poverty. Looking...
Graveyard of dreams
When I was a child, people told me I would reach places. A consistent honor student, a good intelligent kid...
The UP dream
Matatapang. Matatalino. Walang takot, kahit kanino. I was then 10 years old when I realized I wanted to study at...
The rusted teaspoon
Is this how it goes? Growing up, the saying about being born with a silver spoon or a wooden ladle...
Big dreamer
Last night I finally had the guts to re-open “Bobby.” You might think I am crazy, but yes that is...
As rich as it gets
A dear friend, who has long wanted me to join him in the United States, asked me what's keeping me...
Breaking generational traumas
In the backdrop of a barrio in Isabela, where the echoes of ambition often fade amidst the challenges of a...
A bicycle and a lie
Unlike others, I entered college without the dream of finishing it. I said to myself that I just wanted to...