Another mission checked off our family’s list this year—we finally renewed our passports! It had been over a decade since we last had them updated, and this time, it was extra special because our youngest applied for his very first passport. Back when we were just a family of three, our first (and last) trip abroad was to Hong Kong. Our eldest was just a year old then. Since that trip, life got busy, and renewing our passports kept getting pushed back—year after year. Booking a passport appointment these days isn’t exactly a walk in the park. Everything has to be done online, and every time I checked the DFA website, the slots in the satellite office near us were always fully booked. Eventually, I gave up trying—until a colleague mentioned DFA San Pablo City in Laguna. It's about an hour and a half (or two, depending on traffic) from our place. Out of curiosity, I checked their schedule and, to my surprise, found several open slots. I didn’t waste a second—I booked o...

  The past few weeks have been heartbreaking. We’ve seen headlines filled with tragic accidents at SCTEX, NAIA, and other major roads—lives lost in an instant, families forever changed. It’s a painful reminder that no matter how careful we are behind the wheel, we’re never fully in control—not when there are reckless drivers, neglected vehicles, and a system that sometimes lets safety fall through the cracks. As the country mourns these senseless tragedies, we offer our deepest sympathy to the victims and the families they’ve left behind. It's impossible not to feel the weight of their grief. These were innocent people—parents, children, workers, travelers—whose lives were taken too soon. We grieve with them. And we ask the questions: How did this happen again? Could this have been prevented? These events have rightly prompted government agencies to take action. There are renewed discussions about stricter licensing policies, the need for better oversight in vehicle registratio...

This coming Sunday, May 11, 2025—just before the national elections—we'll be celebrating Mother’s Day. And in this simple blog, I dedicate my words to all parents, especially mothers, like my own. This is a tribute born out of experience—mine, and many others who grew up at the same time I did. Growing up in the '90s, I often questioned why our parents had to be so strict. Why couldn’t we join every school field trip? Why did they hesitate to let us hang out late with friends? And why were they so scared when we started having romantic relationships? Back then, I didn’t understand the fear behind their rules. Now I do. They weren’t just being controlling. They were guarding the futures they had sacrificed so much for. They worried that we might get pregnant too young, lose focus, or fail to finish college. But we didn’t. My siblings and I all graduated before starting our own families—something I now realize was a dream come true for our parents. Our parents were also str...

Last weekend, our office had its much-awaited annual team building, and this time, we escaped to the serene shores of Serenidad Beach Resort in Brgy. Malabrigo, Lobo, Batangas. What made it even more special? I brought my whole family along—and yes, they absolutely loved it! Just last December, we celebrated our Christmas party in Lobo too, but this time we stayed at a different resort. At Serenidad, we got the whole Orange Villa to ourselves for ₱23,200. The place comfortably fit 14 of us (kids aged 10 and below stay for free—yay for budget wins!). Here’s a quick villa tour: 🛏️ 3 double beds, 2 queen beds in the loft, and 1 queen bed in a cozy room with its own bathroom 🍽️ Mini kitchen, dining area, and living space 🚿 2 common shower rooms and 2 toilets 🌄 A balcony with a mountain view that’s perfect for your morning coffee They allow guests to bring and cook their own food, which was a big plus for us—we saved a lot that way! Inside, there’s a TV with YouTube and Netf...

Back in the day, when Holy Week was just around the corner, I’d always feel a bit uneasy. Not because of anything scary or religious — but because I knew it meant one thing: another long, “boring” week at home. As a 90s kid growing up in a typical Filipino household that wasn’t particularly religious or outgoing, Holy Week felt like being grounded for seven days straight.   There was no television. Stations would go off-air starting Maundy Thursday, and the only things you’d hear on the radio were mellow songs or church readings. Even the usual laughter and noise in the streets would quiet down. Kids like me weren’t allowed to play outside, and it felt like the entire neighborhood went on a strict “quiet mode.”   I still remember the eerie silence, only broken by the sound of the pabasa in a nearby house, or the occasional procession passing through our street. People in black sutanas (robes) would walk solemnly, and adults would warn us, "Ayan na ang mumu!" to mak...

After a short break from blogging due to health issues, I’ve come to realize just how much our mental and emotional well-being impact our physical health. What started as a simple muscle spasm and occasional palpitations—things I had often dismissed as normal after a long, tiring week—gradually became a wake-up call that I could no longer ignore. Before the end of 2024, my schedule was packed. Between preparing for a sports fest where our office was the host and physically training with my team, I felt a deep sense of fulfillment in strengthening our bond and working towards a common goal. But just as I was basking in that satisfaction, I received unexpected, difficult news. Wanting to protect the holiday spirit for my loved ones, I suppressed my emotions, focusing instead on supporting those who needed me. The exhaustion caught up with me, and by Christmas break, I was down with the flu. I usually schedule my annual physical exam after my birthday, but since I had just undergone o...