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Showing posts from March, 2025

Another Mission Accomplished: Our DFA Passport Experience

    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...

Healing from Within: Recognizing Stress, Setting Boundaries, and Finding Strength

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...

Breaking Out of the Introvert’s Box: A Journey of Growth

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...

The Legal Risks of Posting Threats on Social Media

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...