I wrote this piece four days before Valentine’s Day, when, once again, all eyes, ears, and heartbeats are riveted on the theme of love, romantic or otherwise. But for this piece, I’m veering away from the romantic or paltry thoughts and notions about love. I’m zeroing in on the transcendent character of love—that it exists...
Category: Life
Post
4 things to remember when depressed
Have you ever experienced “bottom-stuck” moments, or been pinned down by tragedy or misfortune, hopelessness and depression, pain and struggle? Here are some bottom-line truths to remember. 1. Nothing is permanent and there is no such thing as “bottomless” or “bottom-most.” Remember this: No matter how miserable or seemingly fateful your current situation, it is...
Post
How to set yourself up for success
For most people, there’s no arguing that success is a magnificent obsession. It’s a powerful psychological driver, not just because you find self-worth in your achievements but also because of the value society places on them. But it’s good to remind yourself that success isn’t a one-size-fits-all scenario. There’s no general formula of success for...
Post
Despite controversy, the appeal of beauty contests does not wane
Filipino American Miss USA R’Bonney Gabriel clinched the 2022 Miss Universe crown, but suspicions are being aired against the organization that made her the new queen of the universe in its 71st year. Critics are saying that the Miss Universe Organization, now owned by transgender businesswoman Anne Jakkapong Jakrajutatip, had a hand in Gabriel’s proclamation as...
Post
The Year of the Rabbit is ‘a year of recovery’
The Year of the Water Rabbit starts on Jan. 22 and ends on Feb. 9, 2024. And even with the traditional fireworks display, dragon and lion dance, red envelopes and family feasts, the celebration will not be complete without a glimpse of what the lunar new year will bring. According to Hanz Cua, one of...
Post
Do you see what I see?
For people around the world, Christmas is a season of anticipation, joy, gifts and celebration. For others, it represents a season of loss, loneliness, isolation and sadness. For many others, it’s both. How do you see it? “Do you see what I see?” is a question asked in a popular Christmas carol. It refers to...
Post
Breathing in the great outdoors
Cooped up in our Metro Manila home for three pandemic years, we finally ventured on a getaway trip southward for a much-needed dose of fresh air. Our “rescue” from “Kyusi,” the city, to the province of Quezon was facilitated by my husband Sonny’s Lucena-based sisters (among 13 siblings) spearheaded by Dr. Ceres Romano and Jojie...
Post
Yin-Yang: finding balance and harmony
Sages and philosophers say that having balance and harmony is one pervading aspiration, if not imperative, in life. And such a path is embodied in one of the world’s most famous symbols: the yin and yang. Yin-yang is a central tenet in Lao Tzu’s Daoism, the philosophy that there is a right way to live...
Post
Growing old and transitioning to retirement
“Tanda,” a Filipino term for “old,” can also mean “sign.” So one can easily ask: What is the sign of getting old (Ano ang tanda ng tumatanda)? The song “Kahit maputi na ang buhok ko” speaks of love that persists even as one’s hair turns grey—just one sign of ageing. Of course, the birthdate is...
Post
In the moment: ‘mon petit jardin’
AVERNES, France—Here in my garden, I sow, I grow, and I remember my mother. She didn’t have a garden. No one did in that part of Manila, but beside our house where the neighbors had the right of way, she planted hardy San Franciscos and greens with heart-shaped leaves (Homalomenas, I now think). Asparagus ferns...