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...

                                                      Our recent food trip to Porest View in Davilan, Carmona, Cavite, was something we had been looking forward to for quite some time. We’d always pass by this spot on our way to Tagaytay, and thanks to Facebook Reels and TikTok, our curiosity was piqued. With stunning views of the city, Laguna Lake, and Mt. Makiling, it seemed like the perfect place to enjoy a meal with a view. Nestled along the newly opened Davilan Road—a convenient shortcut from Carmona to Tagaytay—Porest View offers a simple yet inviting  karinderya-style  setup with an overlooking dining experience. We arrived around 9 AM, fresh from Sunday mass and with empty stomachs that were eagerly anticipating a hearty breakfast. I suggested we finally give this place a try, hoping for a delicious meal to st...

  The Sorteo Festival is a unique triennial tradition in Carmona, Cavite, deeply rooted in the town's agricultural heritage. Established in 1861, just four years after Carmona—formerly known as Barrio Latag—became an independent municipality (formerly part of Silang, Cavite), the festival's name derives from the Spanish word " sorteo ," meaning raffle or lottery . Historically, this event served as a public lottery to allocate communal agricultural lands to deserving farmers, ensuring equitable land distribution among residents. Over the years, the Sorteo Festival has evolved to remain relevant to the community's needs. While the original practice focused on raffling agricultural lands, recent developments have expanded to include substantial cash prizes. For instance, the 2025 festival offered 450 prizes of ₱50,000 each, 50 prizes of ₱100,000 each, five prizes of ₱200,000 each, and five prizes of ₱300,000 each. This shift reflects the local government's comm...

Have you ever found yourself thinking: 🤔 "Pogi/maganda naman ako, pero bakit walang nagkakagusto sa akin?" 😩 "Mas gwapo/maganda naman ako sa kanya, pero siya may jowa na!" 💔 "Nasa akin na ang lahat—jowa na lang ang kulang! Where na u?" Kung relate ka, baka isa ka sa mga naghihintay pa rin ng the one . Pero bago ka mag-emote, here are five possible reasons why you're still single: 12 years old ka pa lang—aral muna bago jowa. Love can wait, but your grades can’t. Priorities first! Either you’re too good for them, or you’ve set your standards too high. It’s okay to aim high, but love isn’t a checklist—it's about connection. You’re too serious with work or too focused on family. Love won’t knock if your door is always closed—find balance in work, life, and romance. Pero kung married ka na, magtigil ka—keep your eyes locked on your family! Your eyes are fixated on your crush, pero masakl...

Only in the Philippines will you hear about couples going to the barangay to enter in an agreement terminating their marriage and allowing each other to live with someone else—allegedly without violating any law. This long-standing practice has been an informal way for estranged spouses to part ways without going through legal proceedings. But is such an agreement valid? Does it have any legal effect on marriage? Since it’s the love month, let’s clarify the legal consequences of this arrangement and why it holds no weight under Philippine law. Marriage, as defined under Article 1 of the Family Code of the Philippines , is a special contract of permanent union between a man and a woman entered into in accordance with the law for the establishment of a conjugal and family life. It is the foundation of a basic and inviolable social institution whose nature, consequences, and incidents are governed by law and not subject to stipulations , except that marriage settlements may fix the prope...

Valentine’s Day is here again, and while couples are stressed about fully booked restaurants, overpriced flowers, and cheesy Instagram posts , tayo namang mga single? CHILL LANG. 😎 But let’s be real—every February, titas, lolas, at random kapitbahays come in full force with their favorite questions: 💬 "May boyfriend/girlfriend ka na ba?" 💬 "Kailan ka magpapakasal?" 💬 "Sayang ka, ang ganda/gwapo mo pa naman!" Pero relax lang, mga besh! Being single isn’t a tragedy—it’s actually a blessing in disguise! Let’s break it down and celebrate why #SingleAndThriving is the way to go. 💃🕺 💖 1️⃣ More Savings, Less Gastos Miley Cyrus Style! 🎶 No more mandatory gifts, date night expenses, or surprise plans that break the bank. Instead, follow Miley Cyrus’s golden rule: 🎶 "I can buy myself flowers…" 🎶 "Write my name in the sand…" Dahil walang jowa, walang gastos ! Instead of spending for someone else, you can: ✔ Book a solo staycat...

After a week of prepping for our kids' quarterly exams ( nothing too hardcore—just enough to keep them ready! ), my husband and I decided it was time for a well-deserved break. So, we packed up and headed to Y&L’s Crib, Tagaytay for a relaxing weekend staycation. Pre-Staycation Errands & Quick Stopovers Before heading to Tagaytay, we had an early morning dental appointment for our annual check-up and cleaning. By the time we were done (around 11:45 AM), we were already starving —so of course, the kids had one place in mind: Jollibee! 🍗🍟 After a quick lunch, we finally hit the road to Tagaytay. Aside from some much-needed downtime, I also had a business  meeting . Plus, I got to catch up with our friends/ neighbors, Shirley and Mike.   Dinner at Paragos, Tagaytay – First-Time Visit For dinner, we decided to try Paragos , a restaurant located in Brgy. Maitim 2nd East, Tagaytay City, just five minutes away from our condo. We’ve seen a lot of great reels and revi...