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2025 - A Pivot

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I know this may sound like the same old “brand new,” but it’s been a while since I succumbed to depression.   I know, I know – “wellness journey” feels like a phrase we’ve all heard a million times. It’s everywhere: on Instagram feeds with matcha lattes, in self-help books, from friends who swear by 5 AM yoga. But this isn’t about that polished, picture-perfect version. This is about the messy, raw reality of what it was like when I succumbed to depression – and how I found my way back, one small step at a time.   Depression didn’t hit me like a thunderclap. It crept in slowly, wrapping its fingers around every part of my life. It came with difficulty sleeping – nights spent staring at the ceiling, my mind racing with “what ifs” until the sun came up. Then came anxiety – tightness in my chest, panic attacks in crowded places, a constant feeling that something terrible was about to happen. To cope, I chased that easy fix of dopamine any way I could: binge eating unt...
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2025 - A Recap

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2025: A Year of Resilience, Connection, and Growth   As 2025 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on a year that began in the most unexpected way—January 1 in the hospital. What started as a moment of vulnerability, with the sterile hum of monitors and the quiet concern of loved ones, quickly transformed into a catalyst for gratitude and intentionality. That hospital stay reminded me of life’s fragility, pushing me to embrace every opportunity that followed with renewed purpose.   Reconnecting and Bonding   In the months after leaving the hospital, catching up with friends and best friends became a priority. We met at our favorite café, laughing as we shared stories we’d saved, and took spontaneous weekend trips to nearby beaches, strengthening bonds that time and distance had only deepened. Equally meaningful was bonding with family: from regular dine-outs at the neighborhood restaurant where we’d celebrate small victories to a heartfelt family reunion ...
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2025 - Wellness Journey

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  Five months ago, I took a breath, laced up my shoes (well, maybe just sat up from the couch first), and made a choice that would change everything. Investing in my health has been the best decision I’ve made all year - and honestly, it’s the kind of investment that pays dividends I never saw coming.   When I look at where I am now compared to day one, I know some might say it’s “not much.” A little less weight on the scale, a little more energy in the morning, a goodnight sleep, a little easier to climb the stairs without catching my breath. But for me? It’s everything. I’m so, so proud that I found the courage to take that first step into wellness. That first step is always the scariest - it’s the one that breaks through the “maybe tomorrow” cycle and turns “someday” into “today.”   This journey isn’t just about me. Every time I choose a healthy meal over junk food, every time I push through a workout when I’d rather stay in bed, I’m doing it for the people...
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A Movie Review - Bar Boys: After School (Philippines - 2025)

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Bar Boys: After School – 5/5🌟 -  A Must Watch Gem That Feels Like a Warm Hug for the Soul   Let me start by saying this: I went in blind, having never seen Bar Boys 1 – and I’m so glad I did. This isn’t just a sequel; it’s a standalone experience that redefines what Pinoy drama can be, wrapping maturity, wisdom, and heart in a package that’s both calm and deeply resonant.   What strikes you first is how authentic everything feels. The cast delivers performances so natural you’d swear you’re peeking into real people’s lives – no over-the-top melodrama, no forced emotions. Even with the flood of law terms scattered throughout, the film is surprisingly considerate: it never talks down to viewers, instead finding clever ways to make complex ideas understandable. That balance alone is worth celebrating.   But the real magic lies in its idealism. In a world that often feels cynical and harsh, the movie dares to paint a picture of what could be – a vision of ju...
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The Price of Inflation: A Jollibee Hotdog's Tale

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The Price of Inflation: A Jollibee Hotdog's Tale   Ten years ago, fresh out of college and into my first banking job in the Philippines, a Jollibee hotdog was a small luxury I could afford. It wasn't just any hotdog; it was a culinary event. An almost eight-inch behemoth of a steamed hotdog nestled in a soft bun, generously laden with cheese, mayonnaise, and ketchup – ayos indeed! It was a delicious treat, a comforting familiarity in the bustling city. The sheer size, the generous toppings, it was a memorable experience, a far cry from the typical hotdog bun. I wasn't even a huge fan of hotdog buns, but Jollibee's somehow transcended my usual preference.   Yesterday, a wave of nostalgia prompted me to order the same Jollibee hotdog. The experience, however, was markedly different. The hotdog, once a king-sized delight, was noticeably smaller. The cheese and mayonnaise, once overflowing, were now more restrained. The overall feeling was one of…diminish...
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My Japan Trip Panic: A Visa-Obsessed Adventure

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My Japan Trip Panic: A Visa-Obsessed Adventure   Last December 2024, I booked a family trip to Japan for March 2025. Japan requires a visa, and while I'd heard whispers that things were more relaxed for tourists, my December was a whirlwind of Christmas parties and family gatherings. Checking the Japan Immigration website? Not on my priority list!   January rolled around, and suddenly, securing visas became a top priority. On a Saturday morning, I headed to Relic, a popular agency handling Japanese visa applications. The counter had a stark reminder: due to the high volume of Filipino applications, submissions needed to be two months prior to departure. My heart sank – we were exactly two months out!   Panic mode engaged. I immediately texted my family. Over the next four days, we frantically gathered all the required documents. It was a stressful blur, but we somehow managed to complete everything. However, Relic couldn't accept our application beca...
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My Samgyup Adventure: A Run for Love (and a Lost Phone!)

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My Samgyup Adventure: A Run for Love (and a Lost Phone!)   So, there I was, in Mandaluyong, craving the new Korean Samgyup place in Imus, Cavite. My sister Badet was meeting me later, around 5 PM, so I decided to take the bus from PITX, enjoying the usual commute routine: Spotify playlist on, and of course, those inevitable chicken naps. I must have slept like a log because the next thing I knew, I woke up in Cavitex, then blinked and I was in SM Bacoor. Another blink, and BAM! – I was in Anabu, the bus conductor already yelling about the stop. I got off the bus in Anabu, Imus, and that's when I realized my spare phone was missing.   Panic mode engaged. I frantically checked my phone – only my main phone was there, still blasting my Spotify playlist. My spare phone? Gone. My backpack? Empty. Crossbody bag? Nada. Pants pockets? Zilch. In a split second, a primal instinct kicked in: CHASE THE BUS!   Picture this: me, sprinting after a moving bus lik...
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My ID's Unexpected Siquijor Adventure (and How It Found Its Way Home!)

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My ID's Unexpected Siquijor Adventure (and How It Found Its Way Home!)   Story time! So, today was a ridiculously awesome day. Why? Because I got my ID back, picking it up at LBC. My precious, irreplaceable, government-issued piece of identification, which I’d somehow managed to leave behind in Bucafe, Siquijor, during my recent vacation. Let's just say my ID clearly enjoys a good vacation more than I do! 😉   Now, Siquijor is known for its magic, right? I’m starting to think my ID decided to extend its stay, embracing the island vibes and soaking up the sun a little longer than planned. Maybe it was enjoying the crystal-clear waters, the laid-back atmosphere, or perhaps it was simply captivated by the legendary Siquijor magic. Whatever the reason, it definitely made me sweat!   The backstory is a bit embarrassing, to be honest. I left my ID at Bucafe, completely spaced out. I didn't realize it until I was already on the ferry, heading back to reality. Panic s...
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A Movie Review: Captain America: New Brave World 2025

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Captain America: New Brave World - A Simple Review   Last Wednesday night, I found myself slumped in a Glorietta 4 cinema seat, half-awake and facing the daunting prospect of Captain America: New Brave World. Now, to be completely upfront, I'm not exactly a die-hard MCU devotee. My knowledge of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is, shall we say, patchy. And let's just say my level of alertness wasn't exactly optimal – I was battling a serious case of the mid-week slump. So, take this review with a grain of salt (or maybe a whole shaker, given my sleep-deprived state).   Honestly, the movie was a bit of a mixed bag. Some parts were really exciting, with cool action scenes and interesting characters.   One thing that piqued my interest was the introduction of Adamantium. I'm not entirely sure how it fit into the broader MCU narrative, but as someone with a passing interest in the material science of fictional metals, I found this aspect quite engaging. The mo...
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STORY TIME: OMG, The Memory Gap Almost Killed Me! 😂 - 02/20/2025

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OMG, The Memory Gap Almost Killed Me! 😂   So, you know that super frustrating feeling when your brain just decides to forget something REALLY important? Yeah, the memory gap. It's the WORST. Like, seriously petrifying. You're stuck, paralyzed, unable to do ANYTHING until that missing piece of info magically reappears. It's happened to all of us, right?   Anyway, I was scrolling through TikTok (as one does) and I saw this singer who totally reminded me of Amy Winehouse. Immediately, I thought of another singer who sounded similar, but BAM! Memory gap. Poof! Gone. Two HOURS I spent searching the internet. I tried everything: "Amy Winehouse-ish singers," "soulful divas," even "singers who could be Amy's long-lost twin." Nothing. I was starting to think I was losing it. Was this the beginning of the end? Would I become a brain-dead zombie forever haunted by the ghost of a forgotten singer?   Then, finally, I saw her pi...
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