In one of Fr. Jerry M. Orbos, SVD’s books — Just a Moment — he asks a powerful question: “Was there a moment in your life when you experienced God in a very real and personal way?” My answer is a wholehearted yes — not just once, but many times.   I didn’t grow up religious. I wasn’t taught to rely on God’s grace. As a child, life felt messy, hopeless, and out of control. I wanted to grow up fast so I could fix the things I hated most — especially the way we were living. Back then I didn’t know it, but God was already working behind the scenes.   The first time I truly felt His presence was in 2008, when I passed the bar exam. That year, the passing rate was unexpectedly adjusted — something I saw as God’s perfect timing. Honestly, if that didn’t happen, I don’t know how I would have survived it. It was a turning point that made me believe God sees us, hears our whispered prayers, and knows how much we struggle. From that day, I promised myself to live ri...

Corruption doesn’t just appear out of nowhere. Nobody wakes up one morning already corrupt. Most of the time, it starts small—through little acts we don’t take seriously. Remember those small white lies as kids, or the way we fought over toys just to get our way? We laughed at them back then, parents brushed them off as harmless, but if those habits aren’t corrected, they grow into something else: greed. Not just for toys or attention, but eventually for money, power, and influence. Even on social media, we joke about “ghost projects.” As students, some of us asked our parents for extra money—pretending it was for school when really it was for hanging out with friends. It looked innocent, even funny. But think about it: when we normalize getting something through deception, it plants a seed. Small dishonesty can turn into bigger dishonesty, and bigger dishonesty eventually affects society. The Role of Parents and Families👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 I often remind couples during marriage ceremonies: pa...

  They say prayers move mountains—but only when matched with hard work and grit. God does miracles, yes—but often for those who show up with unwavering faith and quiet perseverance.   With the 2025 Bar exams drawing near, I want to share my journey—from knowing almost nothing about the legal profession to finally earning the hard-won title of “Attorney.” This isn’t a story of brilliance, but of endurance. And if you’re struggling with life while chasing your dream, maybe this is for you.   I’ve mentioned in previous blogs that becoming a lawyer wasn’t really my dream at first. Nobody in my family or circle was a lawyer. We were far from financially secure. My parents did what they could to make ends meet. I knew from the start that going to law school would be a stretch—for them and for me.   There were days I felt torn. Should I find a job to help support my family? Or should I study full-time to keep up with the demands of law school? I had no idea what...

Before the current school year for elementary and high school began, we decided to buy an e-bike that would serve as our kids’ daily ride to and from school. The goal was simple — make their commute more comfortable, safer, and hassle-free than squeezing into crowded trikes or jeeps, especially now that classes are in full swing.   Since today’s e-bikes come in 2-wheel, 3-wheel, and even 4-wheel options, we chose a 3-wheel unit after the dealer assured us that it could travel longer distances compared to a heavier 4-wheel model. Ours uses a 60V38AH battery (upgraded from the standard 25AH), fits 3 people comfortably — or 4 if everyone is petite — and came with freebies like a reverse cam, Bluetooth speaker, mini fan, wiper, rain cover, and spare tire. Many stores even throw in a “buy 1 e-bike, get 1 appliance” promo — no wonder e-bikes are the new “king of the road” in almost every barangay!   It’s easy to understand why more parents are shifting to e-bikes: they’re pr...

  June 14, 2025 was the last day to avail of the Estate Tax Amnesty under Republic Act No. 11569. Processing our estate tax payment with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) was by far the most difficult transaction I have ever experienced despite completing all the documentary requirements. Ironically, what was supposed to be a straightforward application facilitated by an acquaintance — for a fee — was only accomplished through the assistance of the kind and efficient employees of the Local Government of Uyugan, Batanes in securing the required supporting documents. I personally prepared the Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate during the pandemic, but securing the certified true copy of the tax declaration, certificate of no improvement, tax clearance, and death and birth certificates of the deceased and heirs took much longer. Special thanks are due to the Local Civil Registrar, Municipal Assessor and Bureau of Treasury Head in Uyugan, who accommodated my online requests profess...

    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...

Not everyone thrives in the spotlight. Some people feel more comfortable in solitude, preferring meaningful conversations with a select few rather than engaging in large social gatherings. These individuals are often described as introverts—those who recharge their energy through alone time and feel drained by excessive social interaction. Psychologist Carl Jung introduced the concepts of introversion and extroversion, explaining that introverts focus their energy inward, while extroverts draw energy from external stimuli and social engagement. Many introverts do not immediately recognize this trait in themselves. Often, it takes years of self-reflection to fully understand why they feel more at ease in familiar company or why social interactions sometimes feel exhausting. Some may grow up in environments where communication is limited, making them hesitant to express their emotions openly. Others might experience situations that shape their social behavior, such as navigating school...

In the digital age, social media has become a platform for communication, self-expression, and even heated arguments. However, some individuals cross the line by posting threats online, often without realizing the potential legal consequences. Under Philippine law, making threats—especially when communicated through electronic channels—can lead to criminal liability under the Revised Penal Code (RPC) and Republic Act No. 10175, also known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. One recent incident highlighting the dangers of online threats involved PBA player RJ Abarrientos, who received death threats on social media. The threats were reportedly linked to gambling, with disgruntled bettors blaming him for losing their wagers. The threats did not stop at Abarrientos; they also extended to his family, escalating the severity of the situation. A social media post that went viral included explicit threats against his life, stating that he should be careful as he and his family were be...