Taking a Plunge at Manila Ocean Park

Because my friends and I saw the Manila Ocean Park when we had our MV Logos Hope adventure, we decided to explore it next. Manila Ocean Park is located at Manila Bay, just behind Quirino Grandstand. It is said to be the first and largest aquarium facility in the Philippines. As marine lovers that we [...]

Pieces of Me

I used to know who I am. I used to be a go-getter. I used to know what I want and accomplish them with all my might. People, especially my friends, know and perceive me as that — someone who is strong, determined, calculating, and certain. I used to be a planner so my friends [...]

Not Another “Holden Caulfield Moment”

J.D. Salinger’s book “Catcher in the Rye” caught my attention by chance. I was looking for something to do — bored out of my wits at our freshman dormitory. So I went to my friend’s room and saw this book on her top shelf. I browsed the first few pages and then turned to the [...]

The Big Reveal

I didn’t expect that it would happen today. Today that I wasn’t there to talk to my little sister about it. Today that I wasn’t there to tell her it would be alright. Today that I wasn’t there to hug her and say “nothing really has changed.” I wish I was there. I wish I [...]

Beyond the Birds and the Bees (Part 2 of 2)

Let’s Talk About Sex… in Schools, Households, and in Malacañang We, teachers, can give them the proper and basic education using books and forms of mass media. In schools, we can teach them how to read, write, and count. But what teenagers really need are lessons on reproductive and sexual health, responsible relationships, family planning, [...]

Beyond the Birds and the Bees (Part 1 of 2)

Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone! According to Wikipedia (which I used for ease and indolence), Valentine’s Day is a holiday observed on February 14 to honor Saint Valentine. Since then, it became associated with romantic love. Valentine’s Day symbols include the heart-shaped figure, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid. During this occassion, lovers expressed [...]

Remembering MMK

The recent episode of Maalala Mo Kaya (MMK) of ABS-CBN has been a trending topic (at least among my friends) because a lot of people can relate. It’s love month already and people are smitten by the idea of it — falling in love. So there goes the TV shows (and other mass media), commercializing “love.” [...]

Amazing Grace

I can’t believe it has been three months. Only three months? It feels like forever.  I’ve been going to the shelter, exhausted from my 9-to-6 corporate job on Tuesdays and going home more renewed and inspired, for three months now.  I’ve been teaching English to the 14 pregnant mothers and playing with the 16 babies since October and [...]

Coming of Age

When I was younger, I could not wait to grow up and be an adult. I wanted to move out of my parents’ house. I dreamt of going to school away from home. I wished to have a kickass job. I hoped for a rocker boyfriend. And I thought I could lead my life by [...]

Untangled

Dear Berns, You were always the prince charming in Yani’s stories. You were the determined, the brave, and the funny one. As Yani’s roommate, I hear about you all the time. Yani told me about how persistent you were in pursuing her in back in high school, how you almost fought with Mark John, her [...]